BAE Systems wins $629 million contract to upgrade Caiman MRAP, protect electronics from temperature extremes

BAE Systems won a $629 million contract from the U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Joint Program Office (JPO) to upgrade 1,700 Caiman MRAP vehicles. The upgraded vehicle, called the Caiman Multi-Terrain Vehicle (MTV), integrates a refurbished and improved armored capsule from an existing Caiman with a new high-power automotive power train, chassis, and independent suspension.

These enhancements will provide greater levels of mobility and survivability necessary for challenging and varied environments and enemy threats. The enhanced interior includes an upgraded HVAC temperature control system to protect soldiers and critical computer equipment from hot and cold extremes.

“The Caiman MTV meets the urgent and enduring needs of our troops for greater mobility and survivability,” says Dennis Morris, president, BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems. “The Caiman MTV is a very adaptable configuration that can be customized to meet a variety of missions, and we look forward to getting these to the field.”

BAE Systems introduced the Caiman MTV earlier this year, following a rapid design and development program to respond to user needs. Caiman MTV provides a combination of interior capacity, tactical mobility, operator comfort, and survivability. Caiman MTV achieves greater survivability through an enhanced monolithic floor, a strengthened chassis frame, and highly effective blast absorbing seats. Improved mobility is achieved with a greater vehicle track width, a strong independent suspension, and an upgraded powertrain. Caiman MTV provides stability, agility, payload, and power-to-weight for a tactical vehicle of its size, delivering to the user a high level of performance in multiple environments and terrain, according to a company representative.

Under the contract, the rolling chassis will be produced in Sealy, Texas, and delivered to the JPO starting in November 2010 with final integration being completed jointly by BAE Systems’ and U.S. Government personnel.

BAE Systems is supporting the sustainment of MRAP vehicles in theater with field service representatives serving directly alongside service members. This award demonstrates how BAE Systems’ Readiness and Sustainment capabilities are supporting the customer’s current and future requirements by rapidly improving product performance to protect troops during combat missions, according to a company spokesperson.