General Dynamics UK [GD] has submitted the latest version of its Austrian Spanish Cooperation Development (ASCOD) vehicle for the U.K. Future Rapid Effect System Specialist Vehicle (FRES-SV) program in competition with the BAE Systems’ CV90 vehicle.
Also, General Dynamics UK selected Lockheed Martin [LMT] UK INSYS as its turret provider for the scout vehicle.
The MoD is expected to award the contract in the first quarter of 2010.
President and Managing Director of General Dynamics UK Sandy Wilson said: “General Dynamics’ ASCOD SV has leap-frogged its rival for FRES. Based on a proven European design, ASCOD SV is the latest-generation vehicle developed specifically for FRES SV by a team of GD’s British and European engineers. It is a low-risk choice for FRES SV, with excellent weight and growth potential. Our UK engineering talent and experience means that General Dynamics UK is now the country’s leading integrator of Armored Fighting Vehicles. We’re offering a new solution with best-of-class technology and the confidence that comes from our track record of being trusted to deliver.”
In accordance with the Defence Industrial Strategy and the AFV Sector Strategy, the bid makes full use of General Dynamics UK’s indigenous Armoured Fighting Vehicle integration capability, based in South Wales and Gloucestershire, with experience of pioneering Electronic Architectures and integrating over 13,000 of the entire British Army vehicle fleet as the UK’s Bowman prime contractor.
Lockheed Martin UK was selected as one of the only U.K.-based companies with the knowledge, skills and experience to integrate the 40mm Case Telescopic Weapon System, mandated as the cannon system for FRES SV and the Warrior Lethality uplift programs, the company said.