The new RG31 Mk5E version utilises the same driveline as the RG31 Mk5EM, 100 of which were sold during the previous MRAP contract completed in May 2009. A further enhancement includes an independent suspension system, which improves vehicle mobility and ride comfort. Combined with ease of handling, improved crew comfort, V-shaped hull for excellent mine and IED protection, the RG31 is one of the best vehicles for the harsh off-road conditions of Afghanistan, where the vehicles will be deployed.

All vehicles will be manufactured in South Africa and delivery of the vehicles to GDLS-C will take place in 2010.

Johan Steyn, Managing Director of BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa, said: "This follow-on order testifies both to the reliability of the RG31 design and its build quality, but more importantly, the capability this battle proven vehicle with its superior protection levels gives to the men and women in uniform. It proves once again the integrity of BAE Systems' engineering and manufacturing excellence."

BAE Receives $90.6 M for MRAP Special Operations Vehicles
BAE Systems has received a delivery order from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command worth up to $90.6 million to provide 58 U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The U.S. SOCOM vehicle is one of several MRAP variants based on the RG33 family of vehicles.

"These vehicles have been in service with our forces in Iraq providing survivability against improvised explosive devices (IEDs), medium machine gun or small arms fire and mine blast protection," said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of New Vehicles and Amphibious Systems for BAE Systems.

"The entire RG33 team is proud to be able to provide these highly survivable vehicles to support our troops."

Work on the delivery order will be performed by the existing workforce and will begin immediately at BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania and Aiken, South Carolina; with assistance from Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) and Spartan Motors Chassis' facility in Charlotte, Michigan.

Under a Public/Private Partnership Agreement, BAE Systems will work with LEAD to deliver the vehicles. Vehicle hull production will occur at BAE Systems' York, Pennsylvania facility while final assembly, integration, and test will occur at the depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in September 2010 and run through December 2010.

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