General Dynamics builds FRES Supply Chain in the North

Sheffield event builds on existing Bowman supply chain and current FRES programme in support of Defence Industrial Strategy

25th October 2007

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited (GDUK), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is continuing to build its supply chain for the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) programme. Delegates from over 120 companies are due to attend a supply chain conference on 25 October at Sheffield’s Innovation Technology Centre. The event is being staged in partnership with NDI, the Northern Defence Industries body, and will give delegates the opportunity to learn more about PIRANHA. The vehicle itself, fresh from the British Army’s FRES Utility Vehicle trials at Bovington, will be on display outside the Technology Centre, while GDUK will be displaying its Crew Station Demonstrator inside the hall.

General Dynamics UK is exploring the opportunity to work with the full range of British manufacturers and suppliers on FRES. Building on previous FRES supply chain conferences, the day is designed to strengthen and develop the supply chain for the British Army’s next generation of medium-weight Armoured Fighting Vehicles. More than 225 representatives from over 180 companies have already attended these events, which combine FRES briefing sessions with one-on-one discussions for potential suppliers.

Dr Sandy Wilson, President and Managing Director of General Dynamics UK, is a member of the Council of the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA) with a particular role in nurturing and developing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Dr Wilson said: “General Dynamics UK is committed to building the SME supply chain, supporting key initiatives such as the Defence Industrial Strategy and Supply Chain 21 (SC21) to grow key capabilities and skills in the UK. Our FRES supplier conferences draw on our experience of building the supply chain for Bowman, and our commitment to supporting small and medium-sized business in the UK defence industry.”

The General Dynamics team was down-selected in June as one of three contenders to provide the FRES Utility Vehicle variant. GD’s PIRANHA will deliver an extremely reliable platform with superb protection and mobility to meet the Army’s FRES Utility Vehicle needs, together with the necessary growth potential to meet future challenges. GD’s comprehensive experience of delivering wheeled AFV programmes to tight timelines reduces any risk considerably and will be invaluable in achieving the 2012 timeline called for by the UK MoD. As well as providing the leading export potential for the benefit of the UK’s industrial base, the vehicle offers a cost-effective and robust solution that complies fully with the Defence Industrial Strategy, and is designed and manufactured in the UK.

General Dynamics has already delivered a successful FRES Technology Demonstrator Programme (TDP) using its Advanced Hybrid Electric Drive (AHED) vehicle. The team offers a unique British capability in the integration of Armoured Fighting Vehicles at specialist in-country facilities, and a proven track record in levering overseas technology for the benefit of the UK.