Sponsored by TEK Military Seating Limited
http://www.tekmilitaryseating.co.uk/
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24 April 26. ProTEK Seating Selected to Equip Dutch Military’s IDV “Manticore” Fleet.
TEK Military Seating is proud to announce that its advanced ProTEK seating systems have been selected for a major new contract supporting the Dutch Armed Forces. The agreement will see ProTEK supply over 4,000 military-grade seats for approximately 1,200 IDV 12kN vehicles, marking a significant milestone for the company in the European defence sector.
The IDV 12kN vehicle named “Manticore” by the Dutch Armed Forces—is a next-generation Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) designed to deliver exceptional mobility, protection, and modularity. Built on a 4×4 platform, the Manticore is engineered for high-performance operations across diverse and demanding terrains.
IDV’s Multirole Tactical Vehicle platform combines advanced off-road capability with outstanding payload capacity, modular configurations, and integrated protection systems. Available in multiple variants—including Hard Top, Pick-up, Casualty Transport, Personnel Transport, and Command Post—the vehicle is designed to meet the operational needs of a wide range of military users, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Military Police units.
ProTEK seating systems are engineered to enhance occupant safety and comfort in high-threat environments, providing critical blast attenuation and ergonomic support for personnel operating in challenging conditions. This contract underscores TEK Military Seating’s commitment to delivering innovative survivability solutions tailored to modern military requirements.
IDV, continues to lead in the development of specialist logistics, protected, and armoured vehicles for defence applications worldwide. More information about IDV and its product portfolio is available at www.idvgroup.com.
About TEK Military Seating
TEK Military Seating is a leading provider of advanced seating solutions designed for military, commercial and security applications. With a focus on safety, performance, and innovation, TEK delivers cutting-edge systems that protect personnel and enhance mission effectiveness in the most demanding environments.
24 Apr 26. Babcock brings together UK SMEs to support their approach for replacing the British Army’s legacy Land Rover fleet
Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day as it proposes to replace the British Army’s outgoing Land Rover fleet with a new generation of modern off‑road vehicles.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recently announced it was retiring its longstanding workhorse after 70 years of service as part of the upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle programme.
In anticipation of the requirement, Babcock, in strategic collaboration with Toyota, has developed the Babcock General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) – a robust family of vehicles based on the globally renowned Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux platforms.
The vehicles will undergo significant military‑specific modifications by Babcock in the West Midlands to prepare them for the demands of operational service.
Central to the GLV family is a network of UK leading Small-Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) which will play a vital role in supplying the specialist components which make the family of vehicles such a compelling product.
The engagement event, held at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, brought together around 30 suppliers to discuss upcoming requirements for the vehicle platforms. It also outlined expectations for delivering a sovereign solution which will be a cornerstone of military operations for years to come.
The day builds on the recent launch of Babcock’s SME Engagement Charter which has been designed to foster a more accessible, fair and collaborative defence ecosystem. The Charter provides a vital bridge between policy ambition and practical delivery across the defence enterprise, driving national capability and local growth.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director for Babcock’s Engineering and Systems Integration business, said: “The Army’s Land Rover has earned its retirement – and with the General Logistics Vehicle, we’re building on its legacy with a product which will provide soldiers with a tough, reliable and practical platform to support a wide range of mission-critical tasks.
“We’re ensuring soldiers have a vehicle suited to modern operational requirements and by working with the UK’s brightest SMEs, we’re creating and sustaining high quality jobs within our supply chain and contributing to the UK’s defence dividend.”
30 Apr 26. INKAS® has introduced the INKAS® M1 MRAP, a next-generation mine-resistant armored vehicle developed through a strategic Canadian–French defense collaboration with KNDS Mobility. Integrating a proven French mobility architecture with Canadian armored vehicle engineering and systems integration, the M1 represents a first-of-its-kind NATO-aligned MRAP platform designed to strengthen interoperability across allied forces.
Purpose-built for high-threat conditions, the M1 provides comprehensive 360-degree ballistic and blast protection in accordance with NATO STANAG standards, while maintaining the high mobility required for operations across complex terrain. The vehicle balances survivability, maneuverability, and mission adaptability, enabling forces to operate with confidence in contested environments.
Designed as a modular multi-role platform, the M1 can be configured for a range of mission profiles, including troop transport, command and control, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and specialized operational support. This adaptability allows defense forces to deploy a single platform capable of supporting evolving operational requirements across multiple mission sets.
“The M1 reflects how allied partners can combine their industrial expertise to deliver meaningful operational capability,” said David Khazanski, CEO of INKAS®. “By integrating Canadian armored vehicle engineering with a proven French mobility system, we have developed a platform designed for full NATO compatibility while strengthening defense cooperation between our countries.”
The introduction of the M1 also reflects INKAS®’s growing role as a systems integrator within the allied defense ecosystem, bringing together international engineering expertise, NATO-aligned components, and mission-driven design into a deployable armored Platform.
As NATO partners continue to modernize their land forces, the INKAS® M1 MRAP offers a new interoperable solution built through trusted allied collaboration and engineered to meet the operational demands of modern defense forces.
28 Apr 26. Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, and its subsidiary Howe & Howe Inc., today debuted the RIPSAWTM M1 uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) technology demonstrator at the 2026 Modern Day Marine exposition. The M1 UGV is designed to support U.S. Marine Corps missions of littoral mobility and uncrewed teaming concept of operations (CONOPS).
The M1 technology demonstrator is the next iteration in the company’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)-designed UGVs, demonstrating the capacity and capability to scale our family of UGVs. The technology demonstrator is the first variant in the M1 line of vehicles, designed as a robotic force multiplier for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) and Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) to support Force Design 2030.
The UGV can support target missions including hard kill counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA). It can also serve as a loitering munition launch platform. The vehicle is envisioned to extend the reach and lethality of the Marines’ existing systems to keep personnel out of harm’s way and protect heavier, and more expensive, ground vehicles.
“The M1 technology demonstrator shows the art of the possible for how UGVs can support the Marine Corps’ missions,” said Vice President of Programs, Sara Willett. “Along with Howe & Howe, we took our experience in autonomous robotic systems across land, air and sea – the same domains the Marine Corps’ missions live – to develop this system that demonstrates our ability to scale the SWAP up or down, all while maintaining the common robotic core that enables our UGVs to provide exceptional transportability and battlefield agility.”
With decades of uncrewed systems leadership and millions of operational hours across domains, Textron Systems continues to draw on its deep experience to deliver reliable, mission‑ready innovation. With a commitment to advancing modular, autonomous technologies that strengthen warfighter effectiveness, Textron Systems continues to shape the future of uncrewed ground operations.
ABOUT HOWE & HOWE
Howe & Howe is a leader in advanced robotic land vehicles, built and proven for extreme conditions. With a portfolio that includes leading advanced robotic land vehicles, such as the RIPSAW® M5 and the Thermite® robotic firefighter, the company is ready and able to support customers wherever they need it most. For more information, visit www.howeandhowe.com.
About Textron Systems
Textron Systems is a world leader in uncrewed air, surface and land products, services and support founded on the combined expertise in our family of brands that includes Textron Systems, Howe & Howe, Lycoming, and ATAC. We harness the unlimited power of teamwork to solve incredible problems across seven specialized domains: air, land, sea, propulsion, weapon systems, electronic systems and test, training & simulation. From product development and manufacturing to training, operations and support, we integrate and offer ingenious and advanced solutions to support defense, aerospace, and other customer missions. For more information, visit www.textronsystems.com.
24 April 26. ELVO and RHEINMETALL MAN MILITARY VEHICLES GmbH announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen defense manufacturing in Greece
Hellenic Vehicles Industries S.A. (ELVO) and RHEINMETALL MAN MILITARY VEHICLES GmbH (RMMV) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing Greece’s defense manufacturing capabilities and supporting the operational needs of the Hellenic Armed Forces.
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in the integration of logistic and even advanced superstructures, such as air defense systems, and the assembly of military trucks tailored for the Hellenic Army, Navy, and Air Force. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-performance, mission-ready solutions while strengthening Greece’s defense autonomy.
A key pillar of the partnership is the further reinforcement and expansion of ELVO’s production line. This development is expected to generate new skilled employment opportunities and stimulate the broader regional business ecosystem, fostering long-term industrial growth and innovation.
ELVO’s facilities in Thessaloniki represent a cornerstone of Greece’s defense industrial base, with a long-standing history in vehicle manufacturing, modernization, and support. ELVO, a member of SK Group, a leading holding company known for driving innovation across multiple strategic industries, aspires to play a vital role in serving both domestic and international customers. The plant is equipped with extensive production, assembly, and maintenance capabilities, positioning it as a strategic hub for future defense programs
RHEINMETALL MAN MILITARY VEHICLES GmbH strengthens the partnership with its extensive portfolio of logistical and tactical vehicles, ranging from militarized commercial platforms to high-mobility pure military trucks. Available in configurations from 4×4 to 10×10, these vehicles are engineered for the most demanding off-road environments and adaptable to any mission profile. Globally recognized for their robustness and modularity, they provide unparalleled operational reliability in diverse environments.
Through this collaboration, ELVO and RMMV aim to combine local expertise with international experience, creating a strong industrial foundation to support Greece’s defense needs while contributing to economic development.
“The collaboration with RHEINMETALL MAN MILITARY VEHICLES GmbH marks an important milestone for ELVO and for Greece’s defense industrial future,” said ELVO’s General Manager Antonis Vitetzakis. “By combining ELVO’s established manufacturing base and local expertise with Rheinmetall’s global experience and advanced vehicle technologies, we are creating a powerful platform to deliver mission-ready solutions for the Hellenic Armed Forces. Just as importantly, this collaboration reinforces Greece’s national industrial capabilities, creates economic development opportunities for the country and positions Thessaloniki as a strategic center for defense manufacturing and innovation.”
.22 April 2026: KNDS has opened a production line for the successful, highly protected 8×8 wheeled vehicle BOXER* at its Munich/Allach site and entered into a strategic partnership with the Vilsbiburg-based DRÄXLMAIER GROUP for the production of these vehicles.
In the presence of Bavarian Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder, Florian Hohenwarter, CEO of KNDS Deutschland, presented the new series production concept. As part of industrial scaling measures, ten BOXER drive modules per month will be produced in a line series production at the Munich/Allach site alone. Further production facilities at KNDS and our partners, operating in similar settings, will take BOXER production volumes to a new level. The new production line is part of a comprehensive package of measures aimed at producing six times as many BOXER systems by 2030 as before, in order to meet, among other things, the requirements of the German Army.
Jan Reblin, Dr. Markus Söder and Florian Hohenwarter BOXER production line ribbon-cutting [© KNDS]
“Many armed forces and governments clearly expect us to increase production to boost Europe’s defence capabilities. Bavaria plays a special role for KNDS in this. We will continue to invest in our locations in Bavaria and we will expand our activities. I thank Minister-President Söder for the support we receive here,” said Florian Hohenwarter. “I am pleased that we have found a partner in DRÄXLMAIER with whom we can work together in a trusting and collaborative manner on the necessary scaling of our production. We are expanding our production capacities through a player from the non-defence sector, entirely in line with the requirements for the timely scaling of our production.”
In addition to increasing BOXER drive module production, KNDS is entering into a strategic partnership for the production of BOXER mission modules. DRÄXLMAIER plans to produce a significant number of mission modules at its Bavarian site in Landau an der Isar. To this end, Managing Director Florian Hohenwarter and Jan Reblin, CEO of DRÄXLMAIER, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a visit by Bavarian Minister-President Söder.
“With over 65 years of experience in the development, validation, and industrialisation of series production products for the automotive industry, we are specifically contributing our process and technological expertise to the manufacturing of complex subsystems. The partnership with KNDS is a significant milestone for us and unites two high-performing Bavarian companies in a stable industrial collaboration,” said Jan Reblin, CEO of DRÄXLMAIER.
Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder said: “The collaboration between KNDS and DRÄXLMAIER is a perfect match. Bavarian industrial expertise is growing together. We need a strong defence industry with our own technologies from Germany to be able to defend ourselves. Ideally, these devices should never be used – but they must deter others from attacking us. Bavaria is number one in Germany in the field of defence tech: One-third of all German companies in this sector operate in the Free State, employing 50,000 people and generating € 9.5 billion in added value. Bavaria serves as a strong partner: We are expanding universities specialising in defence tech, supporting the German Armed Forces, and facilitating business development with our own Armed Forces Act and Armaments Act. Thank you to everyone who works for the security and freedom of our country.”
The BOXER is one of the world’s best-protected 8×8 vehicles. Its modular design, consisting of a drive and mission module, offers a high degree of flexibility and a wide range of variants, from ambulances to the world’s most advanced wheeled howitzer and armoured personnel carrier systems. In all variants, it provides the crew with maximum protection against mines, improvised explosive devices, and gunfire, and is characterised by high mobility both on roads and in the most challenging terrain. With over 2,000 systems in service, the BOXER is under contract in Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Australia, and Ukraine.
*ARTEC, a joint venture of KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall Landsysteme, and Rheinmetall Defence Nederland B.V., is the prime contractor for the BOXER development program in Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ARTEC also coordinates series production and is the central point of contact for all BOXER export matters.
(Source: www.joint-forces.com)
23 Apr 26. Supacat and KNDS, plus partners, are holding an ‘Invitation Only’ Capability Day at a military trials and test facility in Southern England.
Today’s event will bring together defence stakeholders, industry partners, and military users to showcase how Supacat, KNDS, and other defence partners are working collaboratively to support the Defence Industrial Strategy. This includes maintaining and growing the UK’s Firm Base of skilled people supporting innovation, and maximising UK content wherever possible to meet defence requirements and pursue export opportunities.
The day will highlight the collaborative work undertaken across industry to ensure partners are well positioned to deliver capability at pace, and to scale production when required in support of the Land Industrial Strategy. The event also aims to highlight the positive progress surrounding Supacat’s High Mobility Programme, including export successes and future opportunities, as well as celebrating the defence partnership between KNDS & Supacat and progress of the Dingo 3 vehicle. The event will help reinforce confidence in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan and demonstrate that UK industry is ready to deliver against the priorities set out within the segmented plan.
Supacat’s Toyota-based LMV potential replacement for the Land Rover WMIK [© Bob Morrison]
The day will include Capability Demonstrations, Industry Exhibits, and opportunities to engage with programme teams and partners. Featured technologies will include Heads-Up Display goggles, uncrewed and optionally-crewed platforms, remotely operated systems, and the latest HMT now in service. The event will also showcase Ukraine-proven GBAD capabilities and next generation mobility solutions offering both high protection and light mobility vehicle options. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
24 Apr 26: Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day as it proposes to replace the British Army’s outgoing Land Rover fleet with a new generation of modern off-road vehicles.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently announced it was retiring its longstanding workhorse after 70 years of service as part of the upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle programme. In anticipation of the requirement, Babcock, in strategic collaboration with Toyota, has developed the Babcock General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) – a robust family of vehicles based on the globally renowned Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux platforms. The vehicles will undergo significant military-specific modifications by Babcock in the West Midlands to prepare them for the demands of operational service.
Central to the GLV family is a network of UK leading Small-Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) which will play a vital role in supplying the specialist components which make the family of vehicles such a compelling product. The engagement event, held at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, brought together around 30 suppliers to discuss upcoming requirements for the vehicle platforms. It also outlined expectations for delivering a sovereign solution which will be a cornerstone of military operations for years to come.
The day builds on the recent launch of Babcock’s SME Engagement Charter which has been designed to foster a more accessible, fair and collaborative defence ecosystem. The Charter provides a vital bridge between policy ambition and practical delivery across the defence enterprise, driving national capability and local growth.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director for Babcock’s Engineering and Systems Integration business, said: “The Army’s Land Rover has earned its retirement – and with the General Logistics Vehicle, we’re building on its legacy with a product which will provide soldiers with a tough, reliable and practical platform to support a wide range of mission-critical tasks.
“We’re ensuring soldiers have a vehicle suited to modern operational requirements and by working with the UK’s brightest SMEs, we’re creating and sustaining high quality jobs within our supply chain and contributing to the UK’s defence dividend.”
(Source: www.joint-forces.com)
24 April 2026: Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day as it proposes to replace the British Army’s outgoing Land Rover fleet with a new generation of modern off-road vehicles.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently announced it was retiring its longstanding workhorse after 70 years of service as part of the upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle programme. In anticipation of the requirement, Babcock, in strategic collaboration with Toyota, has developed the Babcock General Logistics Vehicle (GLV) – a robust family of vehicles based on the globally renowned Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux platforms. The vehicles will undergo significant military-specific modifications by Babcock in the West Midlands to prepare them for the demands of operational service.
Babcock GLV Suppliers Engagement Day [© Babcock]
Central to the GLV family is a network of UK leading Small-Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) which will play a vital role in supplying the specialist components which make the family of vehicles such a compelling product. The engagement event, held at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, brought together around 30 suppliers to discuss upcoming requirements for the vehicle platforms. It also outlined expectations for delivering a sovereign solution which will be a cornerstone of military operations for years to come.
The day builds on the recent launch of Babcock’s SME Engagement Charter which has been designed to foster a more accessible, fair and collaborative defence ecosystem. The Charter provides a vital bridge between policy ambition and practical delivery across the defence enterprise, driving national capability and local growth.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director for Babcock’s Engineering and Systems Integration business, said: “The Army’s Land Rover has earned its retirement – and with the General Logistics Vehicle, we’re building on its legacy with a product which will provide soldiers with a tough, reliable and practical platform to support a wide range of mission-critical tasks.
“We’re ensuring soldiers have a vehicle suited to modern operational requirements and by working with the UK’s brightest SMEs, we’re creating and sustaining high quality jobs within our supply chain and contributing to the UK’s defence dividend.” (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
23 Apr 26.Thales will deliver hundreds of next generation protected vehicles Bushmasters to the Australian armed forces
- Thales Australia today welcomed a new Australian Government commitment of AU$750 million to deliver 268 additional next generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) to be built at its Bendigo, Victoria facility.
- This investment will support the evolution of this trusted troop carrier into a next-generation agile vehicle capable of carrying troops, sensing and striking at range, while efficiently defending against battlespace threats.
- This investment expands the production of the Bushmaster, supports jobs, boosts sovereign capacity and enhances Australian manufacturing capabilities, standing ready to efficiently meet international demand.
Thales Australia has welcomed an investment of AU$750 million from the Australian Government in sovereign defence capability and will work hand in glove with the Australian Government to deliver an additional 268 next generation Bushmaster PMVs.
This announcement supports over 290 jobs and provides continuity for the Thales Bendigo workforce, reinforcing the long-term future of regional advanced manufacturing.
This investment will enable Thales Australia to develop the next generation Bushmaster with the Australian Defence Force, strengthening the Australian Army’s capability to deal with battlefield threats.
Capability enhancements include improved protection and mobility, advanced digital systems, and increased adaptability to meet the evolving needs of defence operations including:
- Increased capacity for carrying personnel and increased tow capacity
- Stronger additional armour
- Ability to carry more powerful weapons systems, including roof mounted effectors
- Opportunity to integrate a wide range of sensors and effectors to efficiently defeat threats
- A fully modular crew cabin allowing for versatile configurations based on user needs
- Designed for export with left-hand drive capability and next-gen comms interfaces.
This announcement bolsters Australia’s industrial capacity, to design, build and sustain key defence assets, while ensuring a robust supply chain. Production of the next generation Bushmaster will start in 2027.
More than 1300 Bushmasters have been manufactured at Thales’ Bendigo facility, with the vehicle being exported to eight nations including the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Japan.
Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales declared: “Thales is honoured by the trust placed by the Australian government on our world-class multirole vehicle, Bushmaster. This major contract for the delivery of hundreds of combat-proven vehicles demonstrates how government and industry can work together to deliver what this country needs.”
22 Apr 26. Hanwha Aerospace and Cendana Auto, from South Korea and Malaysia respectively, have unveiled a proof-of-concept vehicle demonstrating a pathway for the Malaysian Army to upgrade its K200A1 armoured personnel carriers (APC).
The partners exhibited the tracked vehicle at DSA 2026, held from 20-23 April, in Kuala Lumpur.
It has been labelled the MIFV-CH25, with the C and H representing the two companies involved in the project.
The K200A1, which is referred to locally as the Malaysian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (MIFV), entered Malaysian Army service in the 1990s. A fleet of 111 vehicles was acquired some 30 years ago.
The two companies explained “the MIFV has now been modernised with the integration of a remote-controlled weapon station and a suite of enhanced systems tailored to Malaysia’s unique operational environment”. The RWS is a Hanwha product and it is armed with a 12.7mm machine gun.
Saeyoon Kwon, Assistant Manager, MRO Strategy team at Hanwha Aerospace’s MRO Business Group, explained that the Malaysian Army provided one K200 to the two companies after a contract was awarded in August 2024.
The vehicle was duly upgraded, and Kwon said it passed army trials in August 2025. While the Malaysian Army would like to upgrade its MIFV fleet, this depends on the availability of funds.
Armour protection remains unchanged on the MIFV-CH25, but other modifications include air-conditioning and electrical rear ramp actuators so that the vehicle engine does not have to be running in order to lower or raise the ramp.
There is a mission thermal camera system and rear-facing infrared LED camera that gives greater situational awareness and helps the driver manoeuvre the vehicle. A Pilar V acoustic gunshot detection system is also fitted, and it is planned to integrate this with the RWS to speed up response to hostile threats.
Inside the 13-tonne MIFV-CH25, the power distribution and monitoring systems have been updated in a new rugged unit. It offers diagnostic alerts, more efficient electrical management and greater stability.
Cendana Auto and Hanwha Aerospace unveiled the MIFV-CH25 at DSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. (Gordon Arthur)
The seats are replaced with lighter ones too to reduce weight, plus the vehicle lights are now LEDs. Data on display at DSA 2026 said the vehicle’s amphibious capabilities are restored.
The Republic of Korea Army is the biggest user of the K200 APC, but it has shown little inclination to upgrade its fleet of vehicles.
(Source: ADJ)
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TEK Military Seating Limited
TEK Military Seating Limited is a UK based designer and manufacturer of ProTEK military vehicle seating which offer the highest standards of safety and protection. The ProTEK brand is well respected across the globe for its robust construction, innovative design, built in modularity and cost effectiveness. Our superior products are supported by our experienced team who endeavor to offer unrivalled service to our customers from enquiry, through design and acceptance, to through life support.
From its inception ProTEK seats have been designed around a family of innovative seat frames onto which tested and certified modules can be fitted to create a bespoke solution for the user. These include Blast protection to Stanag 4569 standards, vibration reduction, head and body protection, seat risers and turntables, fore & aft adjustment, and seat back rake along with viable seat dimensions without the need for additional tooling costs.
Contact: Paul Fleming
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