BAE to Improve Soldier Protection Through Vehicle Armor Contract

(Austin, Texas, November 16, 2009) -- BAE Systems has received a $42 million U.S. Army contract to produce bar armor kits that protect soldiers in ground vehicles from rocket-propelled grenade attacks. The company will produce L-ROD(r) bar armor kits for the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command's RG-31 and Cougar mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles.

L-ROD bar armor is a lightweight, modular bar armor system made of an aluminium alloy that provides protection against rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs, without compromising the operational capabilities of the vehicle or adding significant weight.

"These RPG defense systems represent BAE Systems' commitment to the soldier and our guiding principle - "We Protect Those Who Protect US(r)," said Neil Piscitelli, L-ROD director for BAE Systems. "L-ROD bar armor saves lives. There is a genuine need for this product, and we will continue to deliver."

Weighing less than half of comparable steel designs, the low-cost L-ROD system bolts onto the vehicle without welding or cutting and can be repaired easily in the field due to its modular design. BAE Systems manufactures the L-ROD bar armor kits on an automated production line in Austin that opened earlier this year.

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)