General Dynamics [GD] Land Systems, received $9.8 million from the Army to buy materials to support production of the double-V-shaped hulls for Stryker armored combat vehicles.
Preliminary testing of the new hull has proven that the design increases the level of protection and survivability provided to soldiers. The increased blast protection provided by the double-V-shaped hull will make it one of the most versatile, mobile and survivable vehicles on the battlefield.
Deliveries under the contract from the Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command will begin in January to allow vehicles to be available for use by the Stryker brigade that will rotate into Afghanistan in 2011; deliveries will be completed by February 2012.
The Stryker family of vehicles stresses performance and commonality that reduces the logistics footprint and minimize costs. The 21-ton Stryker can reach speeds in excess of 60 mph with a range exceeding 300 miles on 53 gallons of fuel.
The eight-wheeled combat Stryker is lighter, smaller and more readily deployable than other Army combat vehicles. The Stryker Family of Vehicles consists of 10 variants.