General Dynamics Announces World-class Team to Integrate FRES Utility Vehicle
UK-based team harnesses broad industry expertise for British soldiers, jobs and industry
30th November 2007
General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced that it has assembled a world-class team to bid to integrate the next generation of Armoured Fighting Vehicles for the British Army. The General Dynamics UK-led team, which submitted the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire to the Ministry of Defence on 30 November, brings together expertise from across the defence, information technology (IT) and automotive industries in a best-of-class alliance for British jobs, knowledge and capability.
The team harnesses the significant experience of one of the world’s leading Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) providers and the successful deliverer of the British Army’s flagship Bowman system. In addition, the cutting-edge expertise of automotive industry and motorsport leader Ricardo, and IT giant CSC Computer Sciences Limited, will complement the UK defence capabilities of ABRO, AgustaWestland, Thales UK, Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd and Marshall Specialist Vehicles Ltd.
With a proven track record of successfully transferring major AFV designs across national boundaries, General Dynamics enjoys significant experience in managing supply chains and capability through-life, and meeting aggressive timescales with minimal risk. Its programme successes include the US Army’s Stryker and Canada’s LAV III vehicles. The core expertise of General Dynamics UK is AFV systems integration, demonstrated by its success in integrating 12,000 British Army vehicles from analogue to digital in the complex Bowman programme.
In addition, General Dynamics UK has harnessed unique AFV and automotive skills from Telford and the Midlands, building up the country’s most up-to-date AFV integration capability, a core element of the Defence Industrial Strategy, at its specialist facilities.
The General Dynamics approach will help ensure that vital Defence Industrial Strategy objectives are met, while delivering the Army’s needs reliably and on time. Over 500 UK companies have already engaged with General Dynamics in developing the UK FRES Supply Chain through participation in supplier days and active dialogue.
The team’s collective expertise, including the transfer of vital technology to the UK, can be brought to bear on FRES by integrating any of the three 8x8 vehicle designs now being considered by the UK MoD. At the same time the General Dynamics PIRANHA vehicle is a leading contender for the Utility Vehicle Design (UVD).
Dr Sandy Wilson, President and Managing Director of General Dynamics UK, said: “Our team offers a unique blend of world-class expertise and experience. We can deliver the FRES UV rapidly, with minimal risk and in the best interests of British jobs and industry. Our bid is based on our proven, open partnering approach, harnessing together British and international industry leaders while keeping the UK’s FRES supply chain open and inclusive for every company and facility. This enables us to bring all strengths together, providing excellent value and world-class performance in the interests of delivering the best possible FRES vehicles to the British Army.”
