The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has provisionally selected General Dynamics United Kingdom for utility vehicle design for the future rapid effect system (FRES).
The contract award for the development of General Dynamics’ Piranha V as a FRES utility vehicle is subject to satisfactory completion of risk reduction work and confirmation of preferred bidder status.
Dr Sandy Wilson, president and managing director at General Dynamics UK, said: ‘With over 9,000 Piranhas already in service, the family's pedigree speaks for itself. We have continued development work at our own initiative, and we will work closely with the Ministry of Defence to de-risk the programme.
‘At the same time, we will be continuing our strong bids for the Utility Vehicle Integrator (UVI) role and for the follow on FRES Specialist Vehicles (SV).’
The Piranha V weighs 26 tonnes, which General Dynamics said would enable an additional four tonnes payload without the need for increased power or structural modifications.
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