Lockheed Martin/Rod Millen Team Selected For FCS 'MULE development

The U.S. Armys Future Combat System (FCS) Multifunction Utility Logistics and Equipment (MULE) unmanned ground vehicle enters the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif (PRWEB) October 11, 2003 -- The U.S. Armys Future Combat System (FCS) Lead System Integrator (LSI) team of Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has selected a team lead by Lockheed Martin (LMT) to enter into negotiations for the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the Multifunction Utility Logistics and Equipment (MULE) vehicle. Up to 22 discrete MULE systems will be produced and rigorously tested in three different variants (Transport, Air Assault and Countermine).

The MULE is a mission configurable unmanned semi-autonomous 2.5 ton class platform. The Transport variant provides transport of equipment and/or supplies in support of dismounted infantry. The Air Assault variant provides lethality effects to support infantry with air assault capabilities. The Countermine variant supports the Unit of Action by detecting mines to assure the mobility of the force.

The MULE will be controlled via the C4ISR Network from a mounted crew station and a dismounted Objective Force Warrior (OFW). The MULE must enable the Unit of Action to conduct full spectrum operations globally, with minimal preparation time, from alert-to-deployment and from deployment-to-employment.

ROD MILLEN SPECIAL VEHICLES (RMSV) of Huntington Beach, California, will leverage its three years of design and development experience with the DARPA Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicle (UGCV) program to provide the MULE with unprecedented mobility. Leap-ahead technologies, including six independently articulating, advanced composite construction suspension arms and in-hub mounted electric drive motors, provide the MULE with the capability to surmount obstacles up to 1.5 meters in height, cross 1.5 meter gaps, traverse side slopes greater than 40 percent, ford water to depths greater than 1.25 and overpass obstacles as high as 0.5 meters while compensating for varying payload.

RMSV will perform detailed design and analysis of suspension systems, vehicle dynamics control, drive system integration, mobility platform packaging and frame design.

"The MULE will be a key component in the network-centric battlefield of the Objective Force Warrior," said Brian Miller, RMSV Project Manager for FCS. The MULEs unique mobility capabilities to go where the soldier goes and common, mission adaptable platform will increase the combat force effectiveness, tactical mobility and survivability of tomorrows Army."

Rod Millen Special Vehicles designs and develops vehicles and advanced mobility solutions for the U.S. armed forces and commercial customers. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California the Rod Millen Group is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology solutions for manned and unmanned military vehicles, high performance concept cars, race vehicles and rides for major theme parks.

# # #

CONTACTS:

Rod Millen Special Vehicles:

R. Brian Miller
(714) 594-2312

7575 Reynolds Circle
Huntington Beach, CA 92647-6787
(714) 594-2222 Fax
www.rodmillen.com