Aug 11 2006
Ceradyne, Inc. has received a purchase order from Mack Trucks, Inc. for a prototype lightweight ceramic armored truck cab incorporating technology specifically designed to meet the requirements of the U.S. Army's recently announced Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS). Ceradyne expects to deliver the armored cab to Mack in August 2006.
The cab is a Mack(R) Granite(TM) typically used in severe service applications. Ceradyne will incorporate its FlexKit(TM) ceramic armor system which is adjustable and interchangeable and consistent with LTAS requirements for ballistic and blast protection. The build will be performed at Ceradyne's Wixom, Michigan, facility, with the lightweight armor design allowing the use of Mack's standard drive train components. Mack is actively working with engineering firms to optimize the overall cab design, with a focus on crew situational awareness and ease of operations.
Marc King, Ceradyne vice president of armor operations, commented: "We are pleased to be teaming with Mack to develop this new truck armor concept for the U.S. Army's long term armor strategy. The primary objective of using Ceradyne's lightweight armor as part of the overall design is to protect the crew from high levels of ballistic threats, including blast protection, and achieve a significant reduction in weight, compared to traditional all-metal armor.
"It is our understanding that Mack plans to feature this cab in live-action demonstrations for the U.S. Army, and other agencies, as a production solution for future armored truck requirements," King added.
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