General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has secured a multi-million dollar contract to convert additional US Army flat-bottom Stryker infantry-combat vehicles (IFV) to the latest double-V hull (DVH) design.
Awarded by the army’s tank-automotive and armaments command (TACOM) and lifecycle management command (LCMC), the $163m agreement covers the conversion of 93 vehicles.
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Manufactured by GDLS Canada, the Stryker is an eight-wheel drive armoured vehicle, designed to provide infantry with enhanced protection and survivability from artillery fragments, roadside mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The army and GDLS had launched the Stryker DVH-exchange pilot programme in 2012 to evaluate whether components from the legacy Stryker flat-bottom hull (FBH) variants could be rapidly refurbished and installed on DVH.
Specifically, the process involved refurbishment and reuse of common parts from FBHs in the new DVH exchange vehicles, which are expected to possess all of the same capabilities as new DVH production vehicles.
In addition to mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) survivability, the DVH configuration also features a more rugged suspension system with improved mobility and lower operating costs.
Jointly executed by GDLS and the Anniston Army Depot, the pilot programme was successfully completed on time and under budget in April 2013. Some 52 Stryker vehicles were delivered to the army.
The majority of the work under the contract is scheduled to be carried out by the US Government and GDLS employees at the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama, while the remainder will be performed at the company’s facilities in Ohio, and Pennsylvania, US.
Meanwhile, deliveries of Stryker DVH vehicles are expected to start in March 2016.
Image: The new double-V hull Stryker combat vehicles are reportedly saving lives in Afghanistan. Photo: courtesy of the US Army.
