November 12, 2010
The Ocelot, one of three vehicles shortlisted for the Australian Government’s light protected mobility vehicle program, has been driven in Australia for the first time ahead of its appearance at next week’s Land Warfare Conference in Brisbane.
Developed by Force Protection, the next-generation Ocelot has today been put through its paces in front of defence and motoring media at the Scenic Rim 4-Wheel Drive Park, south of Brisbane.
The vehicle has already proven its worth when Force Protection was recently selected by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) as preferred bidder to supply its Ocelot for the MoD’s urgent operational requirement for the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle program (LPPV).
Last month, Force Protection announced it had reached agreement with the South Australian Government to manufacture and support its Ocelot vehicle in Adelaide, if it is successful in securing the contract to manufacture up to 1300 protected mobility vehicles under the ‘Land 121 Phase 4’ program.Force Protection Inc.
Chief Executive Officer, Michael Moody, says the Ocelot is small and agile, yet highly protected, and its capabilities have already been proven by a sustained program of blast, ballistic, automotive and manoeuvrability tests.
“We’re very pleased the Ocelot now has a first class endorsement from the United Kingdom and that we have reached an agreement for a potential Australian manufacturing base.
”Force Protection is one of three companies selected for consideration to undertake the next phase of the Land 121 Phase 4 Manufactured and Supported in Australia (MSA) program, with the future production contract valued at more than $A1 billion by the Australian Government.
The Ocelot will also be on display at the Land Warfare Conference in Brisbane, November 15-19.
Visit Force Protection at ‘Area 37’ in the main exhibition hall.
High resolution images and video of Ocelot are available.
Media contacts: Mark Williams at Hughes PR on +61 (08) 8412 4102 or +61 (0)401 147 558
Tommy Pruitt at Force Protection on +1 (843) 574 3866
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. Force Protection’s specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, Force Protection is designing, developing and marketing new vehicle platforms (including the Ocelot and JAMMA) that provide increased modularity, speed, mobility and concealment with enhanced levels of blast- and ballistic-protection. Force Protection also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, Force Protection provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of highly-skilled field service representatives, and advanced on and off-road driver and maintenance training programs. More information on Force Protection and its products and services.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. These forward looking statements include, among other things: the growth, demand and interest for Force Protection’s services and vehicles, including the Ocelot; expectations for future contracts for the Ocelot; the benefits and suitability of the Ocelot, including its survivability; the ability to meet current and future requirements, including expected work commencement and completion dates; and, the expectation that there could be significant demand for the Ocelot in the future. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; the ability to develop new technologies and products and the acceptance of these technologies and products; and, the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
