AxleTech International Independent Suspension Wins Again with General Dynamics RG-31 MRAP Vehicle

Defense News ~ TROY, Mich., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AxleTech International, a General Dynamics (NYSE:GD - News) company, announced today that it has won a significant award to supply 250 new RG-31 MRAP vehicles with its proprietary 4500 Series ISAS® product. The independent suspension systems will be delivered to BAE Systems' Land Systems South Africa division in South Africa for integration into vehicles being manufactured under a contract awarded by the U.S. Marine Corps on February 16 to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada, the prime contractor for the award.

AxleTech's Independent Suspension Axle System (ISAS®) will enhance the RG-31s' capabilities in the rough terrain of Afghanistan. Work is expected to begin immediately.

The company's ISAS technology is an industry standard and widely deployed with proven performance on thousands of vehicles including Textron armored personnel carriers, Thales Bushmasters and the upgraded Navistar Defense MaxxPro. Major components are common to the current RG-31, RG-33 and Husky vehicles, heavy equipment transporters (HETs) and the Palletized Load System (PLS).

Mary Petrovich, general manager of AxleTech International, said, "We are proud to be the world's largest independent supplier of high-performance ISAS systems. This award, on the heels of our MaxxPro win last week, reaffirms AxleTech's position as a leader in mission-critical military drivetrain solutions. With best-in-class turning radius, maneuverability, and ride and handling, we offer unsurpassed off-road mobility. These upgraded RG-31s will give U.S. soldiers improved mobility and ride comfort with similar protection levels."

AxleTech International is a global manufacturer and supplier of axles, axle components, planetary axles, brakes and aftermarket parts for commercial specialty trucks, military vehicles and off-highway machines used in the construction, material handling, forestry, mining and agricultural markets.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,700 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 General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.