|
News from Army-Guide.com Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
| << May28, 2005 - News from Army-Guide.com |
June01, 2005 - News from Army-Guide.com >> |
|
CBS Evening News Features Force Protection, Inc.'s Buffalo Armored Vehicle Force Protection, Inc. Ladson, SC - Force Protection, Inc. and its Buffalo mine clearance vehicle were featured on CBS Evening News Wednesday night. In a major news report, which included a pre-broadcast promo of the story on Force Protection, Inc. and the Buffalo, CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer called the Buffalo a ???humvee on steroids??? and a ???lifesaver??? for soldiers tasked with detecting and removing threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), land mines and roadside bombs from the streets of Iraq. CBS noted that while IEDs are the cause of 70% of all U.S. combat deaths, Army units actually seek them out while riding in the 26-ton ???armored cocoon on wheels.??? Mine detection teams can examine and remove potential threats using a 30-foot robotic arm without leaving the safety of the vehicle's steel hull. ???This vehicle is designed to take the punch,??? said Michael Aldrich, Force Protection Vice President, stating that the vehicle is built to absorb the explosive attacks so that troops don't have to. CBS reported that IEDs have become more sophisticated, triggered by cell phones or electronics with complicated frequencies, and that troops should stay back and let the Buffalo take the risk. Staff Sergeant Ryan Grandstaff of the Ohio National Guard said the Buffalo makes him feel ???100 percent safe.??? ???I've been through countless explosions and I'm still here to tell about it,??? he added. The Buffalo has been in active operations for more than a year, and has been used to clear thousands of kilometers of dangerous road in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thirty-seven vehicles are in active operations, with thirteen more in production or en route to the field. Located near Charleston, South Carolina, Force Protection has become the nation's leading center for blast protection technology and state-of-the-art research and development to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Oshkosh Truck Closes Deal for New Facility; Plans to Invest $4 Million to Upgrade for Remanufacturing of Defense Trucks Oshkosh Truck Corporation www.oshkoshtruckcorporation.com OSHKOSH, -- Oshkosh Truck Corporation, a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies, announced today that it has completed the purchase of additional manufacturing facilities near its headquarters in Oshkosh, Wis. The company has begun upgrading the 300,000 square foot production facility and plans to invest approximately $4 million to optimize it for remanufacturing defense trucks, many of which are returning from extensive service in Iraq. The facility upgrades include installation of an automated line for blast and paint operations, new cells for component disassembly and refurbishing, new overhead cranes and a dedicated line for vehicle teardown. "This investment will help us meet the long-term needs of our defense customers. They continue to reset the U.S. military fleet to full readiness, and we're here to support them in every way possible. This facility will be optimized in line with our "lean" manufacturing initiative, and we expect it will more than double Oshkosh's remanufacturing capacity for our defense customers. Beyond that, we're very pleased to be making an investment in the future of our customers, our company and our community," said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh's chairman, president and chief executive officer. Oshkosh anticipates that the production facility will be ready for full-scale operations by September 1. Rheinmetall takes up a stake in high-tech AIM Infrarot-Module and buys Austrian medium-calibre specialist Arges Rheinmetall DeTec AG The Rheinmetall Group continues to pursue its strategy of profitable growth through carefully targeted acquisitions. By taking up a share in AIM Infrarot-Module GmbH of Heilbronn, Germany, which will in future be run as a joint venture with previous part-owner Diehl, as well as by taking over medium-calibre specialist Arges m.b.H. of Schwanenstadt, Austria, Rheinmetall has taken a further step in its strategy of internationalization and rounding out its portfolio of products, bolstering its status as one of the world's leading suppliers of systems for ground forces. Both acquisitions still require approval from the competition authorities. Bremen-based Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH's purchase of a 50% stake in AIM Infrarot-Module GmbH, which was previously held by EHG Elektroholding GmbH (a component of DaimlerChrysler AG), expands Rheinmetall's spectrum of expertise in this highly specialized high-tech segment. The Diehl Group's BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG (a unit of Diehl Stiftung & Co.) will continue to hold a 50% interest in the company. AIM is one of the world's most important manufacturers of infrared sensors. In the field of high-performance infrared sensors, the company enjoys a leading position in the global market, supplying (among other customers) both Rheinmetall and Diehl. With a steadily growing market volume, AIM's 300-strong workforce generated sales in 2004 of approximately Euros 47 million. The company has also successfully marketed its products in the United States, a difficult market for European companies to penetrate. Diehl and Rheinmetall, who cooperate successfully in several fields, see this venture as another important contribution to consolidating Germany's defence technology industry. In this way, high-value defence sector resources will continue in future to remain in German hands. The takeover of Arges m.b.H. places Rheinmetall on the cutting edge of the accelerating global market for medium-calibre products. The manufacturer of a highly advanced family of 40mm ammunition, Arges is excellently placed to meet the future needs of NATO armed forces. Owing to ongoing military procurement programmes, the market for medium-calibre ammunition and accessories is very robust. Especially in the United States, the company sees strong potential for increased sales. |
|
| << May28, 2005 - News from Army-Guide.com |
June01, 2005 - News from Army-Guide.com >> |
|
News from Army-Guide.com Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
|
Archives powered by Zinester's Mailing List Service
Details on News from Army-Guide.com |
Browse for more newsletters at Zinester's Ezine Directory
Managed by Zinester's Mailing List Management |