General Dynamics Land Systems plants in Anniston, Ala., Lima, Ohio, and London, Ont., are in line for new work orders following a $367-million contract placement from the U.S. Army’s TACOM Lifecycle Management Command. The General Dynamics units will produce and deliver 177 Stryker combat vehicles equipped with double-V hulls (DVHs). The award extends a July 2010 contract placed for 450 Stryker DVHs, which are one version of a family of eight-wheeled, four-wheel-drive armored fighting vehicles that travels at speeds topping 60 mph.
Combined with previous orders for the double-V-hulled Stryker vehicles, this contract will ensure the Army has the equivalent of two Stryker DVH brigade combat teams. To date, more than 320 double-V-hulled Stryker vehicles have been produced.
The double-V hull version of the Stryker was developed on an accelerated schedule in order to increase passengers’ protection against roadside mines and improvised explosive devices, according to General Dynamics Land Systems. It emphasized that the U.S. Army reports the new double-V-hull design are increasing protection and survivability for soldiers.
Seven variants of the DVH design will be delivered, for specific functions. These include the Infantry Carrier, Medical Evacuation Vehicle, Engineers Squad Vehicle, Fire Support Vehicle, Commanders Vehicle, Mortar Carrier Vehicle and Anti-tank Guided Missile Vehicle. Other configurations of the Stryker include: Reconnaissance Vehicle, Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle, and Mobile Gun System.
Engineers and production workers at General Dynamics Land Systems conceived, engineered, manufactured and delivered the first operational versions of the Stryker DVH in May 2011. Deliveries will be completed by July 2013.
