OTTAWA, CANADA, Jun 27, 2011 -- Textron Systems Canada Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Rheinmetall Canada Inc. today announced a teaming arrangement in pursuit of the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Forces Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program. The DND is expected to award a contract to procure up to 500 vehicles with an option for up to 100 more.
Textron’s proposed TAPV, specifically engineered to meet Canadian Forces requirements, draws on the company’s more than 45 years of experience in the design and production of armoured vehicles. Building from the very successful Armoured Security Vehicle platform, Textron’s TAPV is designed to deliver the best blend of survivability, mobility, versatility and lethality for a broad spectrum of operations in the world’s most challenging environments.
The comprehensive, modern design of Textron’s TAPV is aimed at shielding troops from roadside bombs and blasts while providing large power reserves for future electronics enhancements, with an ergonomically-designed interior for optimum comfort and payload. The vehicle has been tested extensively to confirm ballistic, blast, mobility and reliability levels that meet or exceed Canadian Forces requirements.
If awarded the TAPV project, Textron Systems Canada, as prime contractor, would provide overall program and configuration management, act as the design authority for change management, coordinate vehicle integration activities by Canadian subcontractors, provide long term product support, and implement the Industrial Regional Benefits program.
“Textron plans to engage Canadian companies for the manufacture and integration of various components, vehicle assembly and life-cycle support,” said Neil Rutter, general manager of Textron Systems Canada. “These essential activities will deliver a TAPV that helps Canadian soldiers achieve their missions safely and effectively.”
Under the teaming agreement, Rheinmetall Canada would perform multiple integration functions and final vehicle assembly to include the remote weapons station and government furnished equipment, and play a large role in the program’s long term system support.
“We are very pleased to be part of the Textron TAPV Team,” said Rheinmetall Canada President and CEO, Dr. Andreas Knackstedt. “Our partnership promises to create high-quality employment at our Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec facility during the acquisition phase of TAPV, and into the future as Rheinmetall Canada assists with the fleet’s through-life support.”
“Rheinmetall Canada is an excellent fit for the Textron TAPV Team, complementing our strengths to provide the best possible vehicle and support for Canada’s soldiers for the next 25 years,” added Rutter.
About Rheinmetall Defence
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, Rheinmetall Defence has subsidiaries in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, including approximately 250 employees at Rheinmetall Canada’s facilities in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec and Ottawa, Ontario. Rheinmetall Defence is a leading supplier of systems and equipment to the armed forces of Germany, its allies and other likeminded nations around the world. Last year, the Group’s 10,000 employees generated annual sales of approximately €2 billion. Reflecting its core competencies, Rheinmetall Defence consists of six divisions: Land Systems, Weapon and Munitions, Propellants, Air Defence, Simulation and Training, and Defence Electronics. One of the most trusted names in the global defence industry, Rheinmetall Defence is a true technology leader, building on a tradition of excellence dating back to 1889.
About Textron Marine & Land Systems
Textron Marine & Land Systems specializes in the design, production and support of advanced marine craft, armored combat vehicles, turrets and related subsystems. Through its MillenWorks strategic business, Textron Marine & Land Systems designs and develops advanced mobility solutions for demanding on- and off-road applications. Textron Marine & Land Systems serves military and commercial customers domestically and internationally, and is an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company. More information is available at www.textronmarineandland.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. 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 services, Textron Systems includes the following businesses: 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. To serve Canadian customer requirements, the company established Ottawa-based Textron Systems Canada. More information is available at 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 www.textron.com.
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements which may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following:
- The risk that Textron’s proposal will not win the contract award;
- Performance issues with key suppliers, subcontractors or business partners;
- Changes in worldwide economic or political conditions that impact demand for our products, interest rates or foreign exchange rates; and
- Changes in foreign military funding priorities or budget constraints and determinations, or changes in government regulations or policies on the export and import of military and commercial products.
Media Contacts
Sharon Corona
Textron Systems Corporation
(410) 628-3184
[email protected]
Duncan Hills
Rheinmetall Canada
(613) 233-3223
[email protected]