Article Posted on : - Sep 02, 2010

Caiman MTV (Multi-Theater Vehicle). Photo: BAE

HOUSTON (BNS): US Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Joint Programme Office (JPO) has awarded a $629 million contract to BAE system to upgrade 1,700 Caiman MRAP vehicles.

The upgraded vehicle, called the Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle (MTV), integrates a refurbished and improved armored capsule from an existing Caiman with a new high-power automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension. These enhancements will provide greater levels of mobility and survivability necessary for challenging and varied environments and enemy threats.

"The Caiman MTV meets the urgent and enduring needs of our troops for greater mobility and survivability," Dennis Morris, president, BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems, said in an official news release.

"The Caiman MTV is a very adaptable configuration that can be customised to meet a variety of missions, and we look forward to getting these to the field,” he added.

Under the contract, the vehicle will provide an effective combination of interior capacity, tactical mobility, operator comfort and survivability. The upgraded interior includes an upgraded HVAC temperature control system to protect soldiers and critical computer equipment from hot and cold extremes.

BAE Systems and US Government personnel will jointly complete the final integration of the vehicle after November 2010.