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Force Dynamics, LLC Selected To Continue in M-ATV Competition

Last update: 8:15 a.m. EDT May 1, 2009
LADSON, S.C., May 01, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Force Dynamics, LLC, a joint venture between Force Protection, Inc. (FRPT:
Force Protection Inc
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FRPT 7.62, -0.26, -3.3%) and General Dynamics Land Systems, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for the M-ATV Cheetah, a lightweight, high-mobility vehicle, by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command's (TACOM) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) program. The IDIQ contract includes an initial order for three vehicles for testing and evaluation and it enables Force Dynamics to compete for future M-ATV vehicle orders.
Previously, Force Dynamics delivered two Production Representative Vehicles (PRVs) to undergo initial survivability and mobility screening as part of the M-ATV solicitation. During this new phase of the evaluation, Force Dynamics will deliver additional PRVs for continued testing.
TACOM has indicated that if an M-ATV vehicle submission can meet all of the inspection requirements, survivability threshold and mobility tests that the vehicle will be given a "fair opportunity" for selection for a production delivery order.
Damon Walsh, executive vice president and managing director of Force Dynamics, commented "We are very pleased that the Cheetah has been selected to continue to compete for this important and urgently needed program. This is a strong validation of the M-ATV Cheetah's high level of mobility, combined with MRAP-I level protection. We believe that the M-ATV Cheetah provides the war fighter with the highest level of performance. In order to be as prepared as possible, Force Dynamics has already initiated production of the M-ATV Cheetah. We are fully ready to respond to the customer's demand for these critical vehicles."
Mike Cannon, chairman of the board of Force Dynamics and vice president, Ground Combat Systems, at General Dynamics Land Systems, commented "This is an important milestone for Force Dynamics in the M-ATV competition. Our submission offers superior mobility and survivability, and the complementary strengths of this partnership offer the best in production capability, service and support, and research and development."
"Our M-ATV effort is backed by world-class manufacturing abilities and logistical support that will allow us to successfully deliver on the aggressive procurement schedule outlined by TACOM and to provide total lifecycle support for the vehicle," Cannon said.
The Force Dynamics joint venture is supplemented by a cohesive partnership of world-class OEMs and an award under this program would create and sustain thousands of skilled employment opportunities in several states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Michigan.
Force Protection and General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (GD:
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GD 51.67, -1.67, -3.1%) , have successfully delivered more than 3,000 Cougar MRAP vehicles to the customer.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading American designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, predominantly ballistic- and blast-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, the Cougar, the Buffalo and the Cheetah, 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). Force Protection also is the developer and manufacturer of ForceArmor(TM), an armor package providing superior protection against explosively formed projectiles (EFPs), now available for a wide range of tactical-wheeled vehicles. Force Protection is one of the original developers and primary providers of vehicles for the U.S. military's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle program. For more information about Force Protection and its vehicles, visit www.forceprotection.net.
About General Dynamics Corp.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,900 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.
Force Protection, Inc. Safe Harbor Language
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. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake 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, the ultimate selection of Force Dynamics under the M-ATV Program, our ability to fulfill any order for the M-ATV Cheetah on a timely basis, our ability to effectively manage the risks in our business, the reaction of the marketplace to the foregoing and 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 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
SOURCE: Force Protection, Inc.

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