Ocelot Aims for World Markets at Eurosatory

Publisher: Force Protection, Inc.
Date: 06/11/2010

Following a contract from the UK MOD for the supply of two vehicles for test purposes, Ocelot, the advanced new light protected patrol vehicle, will be the focus of the Force Protection display at Eurosatory (Stand K441).

An all-new concept, Ocelot has been developed by Force Protection Europe Ltd and Ricardo plc to provide levels of survivability comparable with the Cougar family of vehicles, together with exceptional cross country mobility, flexibility and value for money. Accordingly, Ocelot is equally effective in a range of diverse environments, including mountains, deserts and urban areas.
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.

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 is supported by a strong supply chain that includes QinetiQ, Sula Systems and Thales.

Force Protection Europe Ltd’s Managing Director, David Hind, said: ‘Ever since we launched Ocelot at last year’s DSEi (Defence Systems & Equipment International) the vehicle has been attracting serious interest from around the world resulting in being down-selected for two key programmes, including Australia’s Land 121 Phase 4 project. We firmly believe that Ocelot has defined the future for light protected patrol vehicles.’

Graeme Rumbol, Ricardo plc global vehicle product group director added: ‘Ocelot has proven itself though the extensive programme of development testing carried out since the first prototype was unveiled less than a year ago. It is a uniquely adaptable and innovative defence vehicle platform with unparalleled potential across a range of roles. We are extremely pleased to be working with Force Protection Europe to develop further opportunities for this truly class-leading vehicle on a global basis.’

Eurosatory 2010 takes place at Parc des Expositions, Paris, from June 14 – 18.


High resolution images and video footage are available
Force Protection Europe Ltd: Nick Johnstone or Victoria Bailey at CMS Strategic
on +44 (0)208 748 9797 or victoria.bailey@cmsstrategic.com
Onsite contact number at Eurosatory: +44 (0)7733 264401

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


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.