Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) for the Canadian Forces

Textron Systems Canada Inc. a Textron Inc. company, announced today that the company has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ontario Drive Gear Limited (ODG) of New Hamburg, ontario for possible work on the Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) for the Canadian Forces. Textron has submitted a proposal to supply 500 vehicles to the Canadian Army with an option for up to 100 additional TAPVs, all to be outfitted with gearing, shafts and collars for the transmission transfer cases from ontario Drive Gear.

Founded in 1962, ontario Drive Gear is currently part of the Textron global supply chain as a supplier of transfer case components to Textron Marine Land Systems on an armoured vehicle program for the Afghanistan National Army. ODG is a Canadian supplier to Textron because of its solid reputation for customer service, and meticulous design and manufacture of quality gears, collars and drive shafts at the company’s New Hamburg facility. The MoU represents a substantial opportunity for ODG that would create or maintain employment and have a positive effect on the local economy.

“The Government of Canada has stated it wants to procure the best possible equipment for the Canadian Army. We have engaged great partners like ontario Drive Gear to ensure that the Textron TAPV we propose to deliver will be the best option to protect Canadian soldiers.” said Neil Rutter, general manager of Textron Systems Canada.

The Textron TAPV is the most reliable and technologically advanced vehicle of its kind, and it draws on the company’s more than 45 years of experience in the design and production of armoured vehicles. A technology readiness level 8, the Textron TAPV will provide the Canadian Forces with the optimal balance of survivability, mobility, versatility, while delivering outstanding performance in the world’s most challenging environments. Extensively tested to confirm ballistic, blast, mobility and reliability levels, the Textron TAPV has been engineered to meet and exceed Canada’s requirements.

If awarded the TAPV contact, Textron Systems Canada will become the prime contractor for the program; and through its Industrial and Regional Benefits obligations to Canada Textron expects to bring new opportunities to other companies throughout Canada.

Textron currently employs more than 1,800 Canadians at its Textron Systems Canada, Bell Helicopter and Kautex facilities in Canada. Textron companies have procured more than $3.5 billion of materials manufactured by Canadian supplier companies in the past three years.

For additional Textron information, visit textrontapv.ca and textronmarineandland.com

about Textron Systems
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., the company serves Canadian customer requirements through Ottawa-based Textron Systems Canada. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

about Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.

about ontario Drive Gear Limited
ODG has developed a world-class reputation for engineering design, gear technology, transmission assembly and testing with a focus towards quiet gears. In addition ODG has established the ARGO as a global leader in amphibious extreme terrain vehicles, and designs innovative rover concepts for possible lunar exploration. ODG was founded in 1962, operates from a 121,900 sq ft facility and employs 230 people in its New Hamburg, ON facility. More information is available at www.ODG.com and www.ARGOutv.com