|
WARREN, Mich., June 13, 2004. The U.S. Army's National Automotive Center (NAC) will present three M113 armored personnel carriers to the sheriffs of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties for use in local homeland security activities on Monday, June 14.
Sheriffs Mark Hackel, Michael Bouchard and Wayne Evans will take the keys to the specially modified carriers from Dennis J. Wend, director of the NAC, during an 11:00 a.m. ceremony at the Detroit Arsenal.
"These M113s will be taking on a new role as 'first responders' during a disaster or in support of Homeland Security throughout the area," Wend said. "Working through our Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO), we have been able to adapt these effective combat units to meet a variety of challenges our local sheriffs need to be ready to handle in future emergencies."
The three M113s have been modified with rubber band track in place of the standard steel, giving the vehicles better traction and wear on current roadways.
"These M113s will also function as test beds for future technologies through our Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the NAC and the Automation Alley Consortium," Wend added. "This particular project will allow us to demonstrate and validate dual-use technology developments in an urban environment, with cost-saving benefits for both military and Homeland Security vehicles."
Future projects could include the installation of fuel cells, LED spotlights and advanced communication technologies.
The M113 series has been one of the most versatile armored vehicles in the Army's inventory since 1960, with more than 80,000 vehicles produced and in use in over 50 countries.
The vehicles are "battle taxis" designed to carry personnel and cargo in amphibious operations in streams and lakes, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain, and high speed operation on improved roads and highways. Considered lightweight at a mere ten tons, the vehicles are capable of speeds topping 37 miles per hour.
The NAC is the Army's official link to working with commercial and academic partners to generate vehicles that will provide the Army with the mobility, survivability and agility it needs to operate efficiently and effectively in today's new threat environment. Headquartered in Warren, MI, the NAC is part of the U. S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).
For more information, see www.tacom.army.mil/tardec/nac/.
| 
Community 
| View all PennWell sites | View all PennWell events
Add RSS Feed