GDLS TO CONVERT ADDITIONAL US ARMY STRYKERS TO DVH STANDARD

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) has secured a multimillion-dollar contract to convert additional US Army flat-bottom Stryker infantry-combat vehicles (IFV) to the latest double-V hull (DVH) design. Awarded by the army’s tank-automotive and armaments command (TACOM) and life-cycle management command (LCMC), the $163m agreement covers the conversion of 93 vehicles. Manufactured by GDLS Canada, the Stryker is an eight-wheel drive armoured vehicle, designed to provide infantry with enhanced protection and survivability from artillery fragments, roadside mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The army and GDLS had launched the Stryker DVH-exchange pilot programme in 2012 to evaluate whether components from the legacy Stryker flat-bottom hull (FBH) variants could be rapidly refurbished and installed on DVH. Specifically, the process involved refurbishment and reuse of common parts from FBHs in the new DVH exchange vehicles, which are expected to possess all of the same capabilities as new DVH production vehicles. In addition to mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) survivability, the DVH configuration also features a more rugged suspension system with improved mobility and lower operating costs. Jointly executed by GDLS and the Anniston Army Depot, the pilot programme was successfully completed on time and under budget in April 2013. Some 52 Stryker vehicles were delivered to the army.