STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection Europe has finalized a contract for an additional 100 Foxhound light tactical blast-protected vehicles for delivery to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The order expands the number of vehicles under contract from 200 to 300.General Dynamics Land Systems, parent company of General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection Europe, is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

Production of the first 200 Foxhounds commenced in 2011, and the first vehicles have been deployed to Afghanistan. Production now will be extended to include the additional vehicles, helping to preserve the jobs created across the UK in fabrication, manufacture and support.

Foxhound vehicles provide enhanced mobility and blast survivability to troops operating in urban environments.

“This award allows us to continue to provide the life-saving blast protection provided by the Foxhound vehicle to UK troops on deployment, following in the long line of proven protection provided by our Mastiff, Ridgback and Wolfhound vehicles,” said David Hind, General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection Europe’s managing director. “Foxhound is the product of a successful partnership between General Dynamics and key suppliers such as Ricardo, Formaplex, QinetiQ and the Defence Support Group, which has delivered this life-saving technology in less than 24 months since contract award.”

“We look forward to continuing the excellent relationship we have with the UK MoD to deliver high-quality capabilities and services to meet their needs and the needs of soldiers,” he said.

The Foxhound is a new design for a light tactical (4×4) highly mine- and blast-protected vehicle, integrating V-hull blast-protection technology with a modular demountable protected crew pod. The vehicle’s low weight and tight turning circle enable it to operate effectively in urban environments where the infrastructure cannot support heavier, larger vehicles. The V-hull runs the length of the vehicle, providing mine and blast protection for the engine and driveline components packaged within its protective envelope. The crew pod rests on the V-hull and is designed to be able to tilt, enabling routine repair and maintenance, or to be removed and replaced quickly by an alternative mission module. This modularity allows multiple configurations and capabilities although the UK MoD is currently only procuring a patrol variant of Foxhound.

More information about General Dynamics Land Systems is available at www.gdls.com. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Land Systems