Team Ocelot Receives ITT for Light Protected Patrol Vehicle

Publisher: Force Protection, Inc.
Date: 05/25/2010

Force Protection Europe has been invited by the UK MoD to tender for the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Programme – Demonstration, Production and Support Phases.

The ITT follows a recently awarded contract placed with Force Protection Europe by the UK MoD for the supply of two Ocelot light protected patrol vehicles.

An all-new concept, Ocelot has been developed by Force Protection Europe and Ricardo to provide levels of survivability comparable with the Cougar family of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, together with exceptional cross country mobility, flexibility and value for money.

Ocelot’s capabilities have been proven by a sustained programme of blast, ballistic, automotive and manoeuvrability tests conducted since the summer of 2009. The vehicle successfully completed another series of tests last week.

Ocelot can be maintained and repaired quickly out in the field to ensure maximum availability, while its unique modular design enables the vehicle to be reconfigured in theatre within two hours to meet a variety of different roles, such as patrol, fire support and protected logistics.

Force Protection Europe Managing Director, David Hind, said, “We firmly believe that Ocelot has defined the future for light protected patrol vehicles and are delighted to have received this invitation to tender from the MoD.”



Background information:

Force Protection Europe Ltd (FPE) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Force Protection Industries, Inc. (FPII) - the world's leading provider of survivability solutions. FPII’s Cougar MPRAP vehicles (in service with the British Army as Mastiff, Ridgback and Wolfhound) are acknowledged globally as providing the highest levels of blast protection. FPE has been established to create a UK leader in the provision and sustainment of survivability solutions based on tactical wheeled vehicles. www.forceprotection.net


Ricardo plc: With technical centres and offices in the UK, USA, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Russia, China, Japan, India and Korea, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world's transportation sector and clean energy industries. The company's engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies, as well as wind energy and tidal power systems. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 percent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of £178.8 million in financial year 2009 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index - a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com


Force Protection, Inc. Safe Harbor Language

This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection Inc.’s management, and on information currently available to management. These forward looking statements include, among other things: the growth and demand for Force Protection Inc.’s vehicles, including the Ocelot vehicle; the benefits and suitability of the Ocelot; the rate at which the Company will be able to produce these vehicles; its expected work completion dates for the vehicles and the ability to meet current and future requirements; and the Company’s expected financial and operating results, including its revenues and cash flow, for future periods. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, the ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; the ability to develop new technologies and products and the acceptance of these technologies and products; the ability to obtain and complete new orders for its vehicles and products; and other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.



Force Protection Europe Ltd: Victoria Bailey or Nick Johnstone at CMS Strategic on +44 (0)208 748 9797 or info@cmsstrategic.com

Ricardo UK Ltd: Anthony Smith in the Ricardo Media Office on +44 (0)1273 382710 or media@ricardo.com