General Dynamics’ [GD] AxleTech International said the company’s St. Etienne, France, facility has delivered the first drivetrain and suspension components to Force Protection Europe Ltd
. (FPE) for the United Kingdom’s new Light Protected Patrol Vehicle (LPPV) program.
AxleTech is a supply partner to FPE, which produces the Ocelot vehicle for the LPPV program.
FPE initially will build 200 vehicles for the British Army, which calls the vehicle Foxhound. The vehicle is British designed and is being built in the United Kingdom.
AxleTech will equip the Ocelot vehicle with its modular 3000 Series planetary Independent Suspension Axle System (ISAS) and T232 transfer case. AxleTech’s utilization of new light-weight materials significantly reduces weight in the drivetrain and suspension system without compromising durability, reliability and mobility. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed in spring 2012.
The Ocelot is a four-by-four armored vehicle designed by FPE and Ricardo plc, and can carry six troops and their equipment.
“AxleTech’s drivetrain and suspension systems are renowned for their off-road capability and will help the Ocelot vehicle achieve the mobility requirements of U.K. troops in all terrains,” said Gerry Giudici, vice president and general manager of AxleTech International. “We are pleased to be working with FPE and look forward to providing high-quality readiness and sustainment products for which we are known.”
Production of Ocelot axles and transfer cases is taking place at AxleTech’s St. Etienne facility, near Lyon, France. The facility has a workforce of approximately 315 employees. FPE was awarded the contract for the LPPV program by the U.K. Ministry of Defence in November 2010.