SOLE welcome back as a corporate member...United Defense--providing design, technology development and world-wide logistics support

Logistics Spectrum, Jul-Sep 2001

Providing Design, Technology Development and World-Wide Logistics Support

United Defense, LP is a leading developer of armored combat vehicles and weapons delivery systems for the United States military and allied nations, providing innovative engineering development and world-class system integration skills, flexible manufacturing, proven world-wide logistics support capability and global experience.

United Defense's 5,100 employees are recognized for outstanding research and development in key technologies, the design and integration of combat system operating software and hardware, the cost-efficient flexible manufacturing and upgrade of combat vehicles and naval gun and missile launching systems, and world-wide logistics support for a variety of systems.

The company is focused on providing full-spectrum customer service in six major markets: combat vehicles, combat support vehicles, combat support services, weapons delivery systems, amphibious assault vehicles and fire support systems.

United Defense became a private company in October 1997, when The Carlyle Group acquired the limited partnership interests of FMC Corporation and Harsco Corporation. Headquarters is located in Arlington, Virginia, near the Pentagon, with five operating divisions - Ground Systems Division, Armament Systems Division, Steel Products Division, International Division and Marine Corps Systems Division - focused on working together to provide Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines with the world's most advanced systems. These divisions, in turn, encompass more than a dozen sites worldwide.

United Defense specializes in developing advanced materials and new technology, engineering and integrating complex software and electronic systems, creating complementary training systems, providing cost-effective flexible manufacturing, and delivering support and services for products during initial fielding and while in service.

These key capabilities are being used in developing systems such as the revolutionary Crusader self-propelled howitzer system, the technologically advanced M2/M3A3 Bradley (Figure 1), the Grizzly counter-obstacle instride breaching system and the Advanced Gun System for future Navy surface ships. The company continues to upgrade and improve vehicle systems currently in service, such as the significantly upgraded M88A2 HERCULES recovery vehicle (Figure 2), the Assault Amphibious Vehicle and the affordable, configurable M113A3/ Mobile Tactical Vehicle Light family of vehicles.

United Defense is designing advanced solutions on next-generation programs such as the Future Combat System, developing new technologies like hybrid electric drive propulsion for current and future systems, and future electromagnetic and electrothermal chemical weapons propulsion systems. The company continues to research advanced materials, new technologies and innovative design concepts in composite materials, advanced armor and crew survivability to provide its customers with superbly executed programs and superior combat systems. This advanced technology commitment is evident in the Company's simulation and system integration laboratories, where engineers also develop new training and diagnostic hardware and software, and virtual design capabilities speed the integration of new capabilities into systems. These laboratories allow for rapid prototype development containing the latest technologies.

Products are supported throughout the life cycle, from initial concept development though fielding and beyond. The company's customer commitment is regularly demonstrated by field service employees who travel to combat areas to support vehicles in the field.

As a respected leader in the industry, United Defense continues to build on its 60-year tradition of development, innovation and commitment to the customer through its superior engineering and systems integration, technology development, flexible manufacturing capabilities, outstanding program management and proven global logistics support.

Visit United Defense on the web at www.uniteddefense.com.

United Defense is the designer, integrator and manufacturer of the U.S. Army's M2A3 Bradley fighting vehicle.