ARLINGTON, Va., 2 May 2009. BAE Systems won contracts to provide the military with two versions of a new armored all-terrain vehicle for use by U.S. forces in Afghanistan's rugged terrain. The company will produce three test vehicles of each version to undergo additional survivability and mobility testing.

The vehicles, called MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATVs), are lighter, more mobile versions of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles currently used in Iraq. MRAPs have been protecting troops from roadside bombs, explosively formed projectiles, and rocket-propelled grenades when using appliqué armor, says a company representative.

One version of the vehicle is produced by the company's Global Tactical Systems (GTS) business and the other from its U.S. Combat Systems (USCS) business.

"We combined the industry's best in a vehicle that is survivable, mobile and dependable for use in Afghanistan," says Regis Luther, vice president of Light Tactical Vehicles for the GTS line of business.

The GTS M-ATV will be produced at BAE Systems facilities in Sealy, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as other partner facilities.