WILMINGTON, Mass., Sep 15, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Textron Defense Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today that it has submitted a three-year proposal to the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) for the Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) Active Protection, or RAP, program.
Teamed with BRTRC of Fairfax, Va., prime contractor on TARDEC's omnibus contracting vehicle, Textron Defense Systems' offering is based on the company's highly mature Tactical RPG Airbag Protection System (TRAPS). TRAPS is an active vehicle protection system incorporating Textron Defense Systems' sensors, which are configured to identify incoming RPGs. Once the sensors confirm an RPG threat, a TRAPS countermeasure is deployed to defeat the RPG and prevent vehicle penetration. Lightweight and constructed of commercial, off-the-shelf components, TRAPS is integrated easily onto any ground vehicle, wheeled or tracked, within the vehicle's existing profile.
The RAP program consists of three, 12-month phases. Phase I is intended to span October 2011 through September 2012, and to consist of design work leading to a TARDEC technology readiness level, or TRL, 4 assessment.
"Our TRAPS system showcased its maturity during a six-week test event by the Office of the Secretary of Defense in 2010, including live RPG threats against both stationary and moving vehicles from several angles and ranges," says Textron Defense Systems Vice President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Protection Systems Thomas McNamara. "We also recently completed successful testing of our TRAPSNet passive variant with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. In both cases, TRAPS exhibited exceptional performance, as well as the flexibility to provide that level of protection to any vehicle -- making it the mature, low-risk solution for TARDEC's requirements."
BRTRC is an award-winning, mid-size firm that has achieved Capability Maturity Model® Integration, or CMMI®, Level 3 certification for its Information Technology solutions. The company has provided professional services to the government's research and development and science and technology communities since 1985. Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., BRTRC specializes in acquisition lifecycle management, technology transition, engineering and technical services, mission support, fielding and training support, strategy and communication, business intelligence and data management. Its senior program managers are Project Management Professional® certified and 33 percent of the company's employees are veterans. More information is available at http://www.brtrc.com.
About Textron Defense Systems
Textron Defense Systems employs advanced technology and industry-leading expertise to develop and manufacture innovative product solutions including air-and ground-based smart weapons; directed energy weapons; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, systems; and vehicle protection systems. Its distinctive solutions for U.S. and allied militaries, aerospace and homeland security communities provide precision effects, intelligence-gathering capabilities and force protection. Textron Defense Systems is an operating unit of Textron Systems. More information is available at http://www.textrondefense.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company is known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Advanced Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, MillenWorks, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. More information is available at http://www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at http://www.textron.com.
Capability Maturity Model and CMMI are registered trademarks of Carnegie Mellon University.
Project Management Professional is a registered trademark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
SOURCE: Textron
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