Force Protection Gears Up New Factory in NC

Cougar assembly(click to view full) The estimated $8.4 billion MRAP program for 7,774 mine-resistant vehicles has seen almost 63% of its orders issued, with new orders emerging as vehicles complete testing and production capacity opens up. Force Protection of Ladson, SC was a recent beneficiary of an “additional production” order, and they currently lead the MRAP competition with 36.5% of vehicles ordered. Beyond MRAP, however, the US Army may be looking for another 17,000 vehicles – and whatever replaces the 1980s-era flat-bottomed Hummers will also need an acceptable level of mine protection. On July 12/07, the firm announced that it had purchased a new 430,000 square foot facility in Roxboro, Person County, NC, ownership effective immediately. The Roxboro facility will produce Cougar vehicles for the USA’s MRAP competition under the Force Dynamics partnership with General Dynamics. It is also slated to produce the Cheetah, a smaller mine-resistant vehicle whose listed 14,000 pound curb weight is less than half of the MRAP CAT I Cougar 4×4’s 31,000 pounds… Cheetah(click to view full) The Cheetah’s lower curb weight allows CH-53 helicopter lift from ship to shore, and its slightly lower profile (89″ tall x 88″ wide x 212″ long) than the Cougar […]