U.S. Army to Test DRS Technologies' On-Board Vehicle Power System for Consistent Equipment Power on the Battlefield

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DRS Technologies, Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, announced today that its On-Board Vehicle Power system, a high-powered DRS/Allison Transmission Integral Generator installed on combat vehicles, will be included in the U.S. Army's critical field testing for network technology. 

The On-Board Vehicle Power (OBVP) system generates power to operate a host of command, control, communications, computers and other sensors on battlefield vehicles by transforming the vehicle's powertrain into an electrical power plant and reducing the reliance on heavy generators to power numerous electrical systems.  

"All fielded C4ISR equipment needs power, from soldier radios to brigade servers.  The constant access to power is vital to maintain connectivity," said Mike Sarrica, president of DRS Network and Imaging Systems group.  "The DRS and Allison OBVP offering demonstrates multiple proven technologies that deliver improved capabilities to meet the requirements of Army Network and Mission Command modernization efforts," he continued.

The field testing at the Army's Network Integration Evaluation is designed to keep pace with rapid advances in communications technologies and deliver proven and integrated network capabilities to soldiers. In addition to the usual network and communication systems that are typically put to the test in this bi-annual assessment, DRS's OBVP system will be employed and evaluated on two separate, DRS-sponsored concept vehicles, the Mobile Integrated Command Post (MICP) vehicle and the Mission Command On The Move (MCOTM) vehicle – both repurposed Navistar MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Proof (MRAP) vehicles.

"Today's network and mission command systems require access to reliable, efficient and mobile power solutions," Sarrica said. "Towed generators limit cross-country mobility, take up valuable space when deploying, and add to the logistics sustainment burden of our forces."

The OBVP system, manufactured by DRS's Network and Imaging Systems group, reduces the logistical footprint, increases battlefield mobility and enhances expeditionary mission capability for deployment.  The technology works with combat vehicle platforms such as Stryker, MRAP, and the family of medium tactical vehicles that use the Allison 3000 series transmission.  The technology does not alter the vehicle's drive line and reduces the logistical burden that is typically associated with generator systems. Moreover, the OBVP system operation does not require a new military operational specialty; it is simply operated by the vehicle driver.

The MICP and MCOTM vehicle modernization concepts directly address multiple operational gaps facing today's Army. These concepts deliver persistent battlefield power while reducing their respective prime mover requirements while simultaneously increasing battlefield mobility.

About DRS Technologies

DRS Technologies is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide and is the 2013 recipient of the Defense Security Service Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence as well as three James S. Cogswell Awards for Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica SpA (FNC.MI), which employs approximately 70,000 people worldwide. Within DRS, the Network and Imaging Systems (NIS) group manufactures and supports advanced electro-optical sensor systems, and develops innovative networking capabilities that integrate these sensors in a broader tactical C4 environment. NIS is based in Dallas, Texas; Melbourne, Fla.; Cypress, Calif.; Huntsville, Ala.; and the UK. For more information about DRS Technologies, please visit the company's website at www.drs.com.

For additional information please contact:

Michael Mount
Director, Public Affairs
571-447-4624
[email protected]

SOURCE DRS Technologies, Inc.