Photo: Battelle
Battelle is an American company that describes itself as an applier of “science and technology to solving what matters most.” The word "most", as it happens, also includes building armored trucks and SUVs for the U.S. Special Operations Forces.
As per a release published by the Ohio-based company, “Battelle has been awarded a second contract worth $170 million.” The truth is, Battelle goes a long way back with the armed forces of the U.S. From tank armor in WW II to armoring trucks for the SOF, the peeps at Battelle have lots of experience.
Are you curious what vehicles Battelle will be working on? Prepare to be surprised: Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser, and the Ford Ranger. Indeed, ladies and gentlemen, two of those models are not on sale in the United States of America. Under the terms of the $170 million contract, Battelle will armor these vehicles yet retain the original appearance. More than that, the vehicles will be “re-engineered with crew protection, enhanced suspension for improved off-road mobility, and a reinforced chassis for durability.”
The contract has been awarded for a period of five years, during which Battelle will build the U.S. Special Operations Forces-spec vehicles at its manufacturing facility in West Columbus. If all goes well, the contract can be extended for two more years through an option worth $60 million.
“Battelle has a proven track record of performing sophisticated systems integration for military and commercial applications,” declared Fred Byus, vice president of Battelle Mission and Defense Technologies. “Under this contract, our vehicle systems team will execute on its custom designs and integrate complex systems to meet mission requirements—at a competitive cost.”
In numbers is what you’re most interested in, the contract is for 556 vehicles, of which 396 armored. Most of these heavy-duty, action-ready machines will come in the form of the Toyota Land Cruiser 76 and 79 Series.
Are you curious what vehicles Battelle will be working on? Prepare to be surprised: Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser, and the Ford Ranger. Indeed, ladies and gentlemen, two of those models are not on sale in the United States of America. Under the terms of the $170 million contract, Battelle will armor these vehicles yet retain the original appearance. More than that, the vehicles will be “re-engineered with crew protection, enhanced suspension for improved off-road mobility, and a reinforced chassis for durability.”
The contract has been awarded for a period of five years, during which Battelle will build the U.S. Special Operations Forces-spec vehicles at its manufacturing facility in West Columbus. If all goes well, the contract can be extended for two more years through an option worth $60 million.
“Battelle has a proven track record of performing sophisticated systems integration for military and commercial applications,” declared Fred Byus, vice president of Battelle Mission and Defense Technologies. “Under this contract, our vehicle systems team will execute on its custom designs and integrate complex systems to meet mission requirements—at a competitive cost.”
In numbers is what you’re most interested in, the contract is for 556 vehicles, of which 396 armored. Most of these heavy-duty, action-ready machines will come in the form of the Toyota Land Cruiser 76 and 79 Series.
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