SAIC Press Release.
(McLean, Va.) May 15, 2013-- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] completed preliminary amphibious tests of the marine personnel carrier (MPC) TERREX 8x8, a wheeled armored, amphibious vehicle, in preparation for an upcoming appraisal to be performed by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). SAIC leads a team, along with ST Kinetics and Armatec Survivability Corporation, which modified TERREX in order to expand the maneuver space of infantry battalions for military operations across land, littoral and inland water environments.
TERREX, derived from ST Kinetics, achieved positive results during an ocean swim and maneuvering rehearsal event held in Camp Pendleton, Calif. During the trials, TERREX demonstrated its surf transit, ocean swim maneuverability, and return-to-shore capabilities at fully loaded combat weight configurations determined by the USMC. Surf entry was successfully demonstrated at 5 and 20 mph under challenging conditions.
“Team SAIC’s MPC faced tough challenges during its swim test rehearsal, but its cutting-edge design held strong and completed the Marine Corps’ mission safely, and effectively,” said Tom Watson, SAIC customer group senior vice president. “We have a long history with the Marine Corps and hope to continue to support them on land and sea.”
The TERREX, modified for the USMC MPC program, is one of the forerunners of network-centric, highly mobile, survivable wheeled amphibious vehicles ready to deliver enhanced mobility and protection for the USMC.
On May 6, TERREX survivability demonstrator began ballistic and blast tests operated by the USMC. In June, USMC will continue its evaluation of TERREX by testing its human factors and stowage capabilities along with ocean swim testing to be conducted at Camp Pendleton.
