DRS ESTABLISHES KEY ARMOR SEGMENT
By Julian Nettlefold, Editor, BATTLESPACE
In October 2006 DRS Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: DRS) created a new operating organization, which realigns all of its businesses into four operating segments Communications, Engineering & Logistics, Integrated Security Systems, and
Navy Systems. Dr Mitchell B. Rambler, president of the former Support Services business, leads the new Technical Services Segment, DRS Technical Services Inc. .
“The DRS Technical Services Segment contributes a significant base of systems, products and services focused on military force sustainment, technical and logistics support, integrated military electronics and field support equipment. Our expanded capabilities position the company as a major supplier in armed forces modernization, personnel mobility and operations and maintenance (O&M) support, while providing new opportunities for growth in intelligence and homeland security markets.” said Dr Rambler.
DRS designs manufactures, and supplies integrated military electronics, support equipment, and technical and logistics services for all branches of America’s armed forces and certain foreign militaries, homeland security forces and selected government and intelligence agencies. The company also produces specialized equipment and systems for commercial and industrial applications, including armor applications.
DRS Technical Services provides provided the core capabilities for armoring and forms the basis of the DRS capabilities. The segment allows DRS to provide a full-service engineering and technical support services provider with four divisions: Engineering, Advanced Technology, Asset Protection Systems, and Systems Integration Services. The Engineering Division has a long history of providing comprehensive support to Department of Defense (DoD) weapon system managers. The Advanced Technology Division applies leading edge technology by combining traditional engineering practices with state-of-the-art automation tools. The Asset Protection Systems Division provides government and commercial clients the full spectrum of protection to human, physical plant, and information resources assets. The Systems Integration Services Division combines singular components, operable modules and subassemblies, and/or systems and equipment in such fashion as to provide a unique product or outcome. DRS Radian Inc. was acquired by the ESSI in 2002.
Key Projects being undertaken by DRS include:
CPK – CREW PROTECTION KITS designed for use on:
* FMTV series vehicles
* M915 series vehicles
* Commercial cab variants of Mercedes and Volvo
FMTV – US Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles
DRS Technical Services Inc. (formerly DRS Radian Inc.), in association with the US Army Program Executive Office Combat Support and Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS), developed a Crew Protection Kit (CPK) for all deployed variants of the US Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).
In April 2003 – The CPK effort began, when the company was asked to further develop and integrate a concept initially designed by the government. In August 2003 the company completed the prototype kits and developmental testing. Following finalizing the design and provide operational test kits, operational performance and live ordnance testing were completed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, at which time the CPK design received a US Army safety certification. In March 2004 the company announced a $16.3m contract to provide 272 CPKs for the FMTV from the US Army PEO CS&CSS, awarding the contract through the Tank Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). This was followed by a further contract in March 2004 when the company announced a letter contract to procure up to $7.5m in long-lead items for 501 additional FMTV CPKs. A further $28.8m contract followed in January 2005 to provide 1,049 CPKs for the FMTV
The US Army procured a total of 1,857 FMTV CPKs and spare kits for total awards