CHARLESTON, S.C., Nov. 5, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Force Protection, Inc (OTCBB:FRCP) announced today that its subsidiary, Technical Solutions Group, has successfully demonstrated a prototype of its new combat vehicle , the Iguana. The Iguana demonstration occurred at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland for the benefit of the U.S. Marine Corps as part of their survey of vehicles that can fit in the V-22 Osprey.
The Iguana is an amphibious, all-terrain vehicle with a top speed of 65 miles per hour. The Iguana can mount one heavy machine gun and two light machine guns. The vehicle is designed for a crew of two to four. One of the most unique features of the Iguana is its extremely light footprint, which allows the vehicle to pass over anti-tank mines without detonating them. This unique vehicle has numerous uses including fast patrol, light combat, security, unmanned mine detection, reconnaissance, and search and rescue. TSG intends to propose the Iguana as the vehicle of the future for the V-22 ITTV Program. TSG also intends to propose the Iguana as the preferred platform for unmanned mine detection. For more information about the Iguana, including pictures, please visit http://ir.forceprotectioninc.com.
Fast Patrol/Light Combat vehicles are traditionally standard 4x4 military-grade vehicles. While most of these vehicles have good cross-country capability, they are often defeated by marshy ground and obstacles such as ditches and rivers. The Iguana, with its articulated body, is capable of over-passing vertical obstacles, which would defeat a normal 4x4. Its five axles and rubber track system give the Iguana an extremely light footprint. This low ground pressure and its ability to swim mean that marshy ground, streams, and small rivers pose no problem. Its light footprint also allows the vehicle to pass over anti-tank mines with setting them off. An anti-personnel (AP) mine detonation under its rubber track system will damage the track but the track remains viable and the vehicle continues to run. Ballistic protection and additional AP mine protection (limited) are optional. The Iguana also handles drifting snow extremely well, making it perfect for mountain operations.
"TSG believes that the eventual market for this vehicle, between both military and commercial applications, will be very large." Mr. Barrett remarked. "We're thrilled with the performance of the prototype, and we're looking forward to production."
About Garth Barrett
TSG President Garth Barrett is a military Staff College graduate and retired Special Air Service (SAS) colonel with extensive special warfare experience in numerous special operations. In addition to his counter-terrorism expertise, Mr. Barrett is a recognized authority worldwide in the fields of explosives, intelligence, and security. Mr. Barrett graduated from the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, England in 1965. He commanded the 1st Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) in Rhodesia until 1980, and was commander of the South African 6th Reconnaissance Commando unit. He is the inventor of the revolutionary Barrett Bomb Bag, a patented bomb suppression device, and founded the company that manufactured the bag He has established a reputation as an authority in the field of mine countermeasures and has been contracted by the United Nations and several individual countries for mine detection and clearing operations.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. manufactures and distributes vehicles that protect and save lives and property. Its subsidiary, Technical Solutions Group, Inc., (TSG) manufactures and markets military vehicles that are protected against landmines and hostile fire. These vehicles are typically used to transport personnel safely in areas infested with landmines and for the actual removal of landmines. The vehicles are manufactured in Charleston, SC, where TSG is based. For more information visit www.forceprotection.net. Recently, Technical Solutions Group was highlighted on CNBC's Business Center. A video clip of the segment is available at: http://ir.forceprotectioninc.com. Contact: Investor Relations, Force Protection, Inc., 714-903-0025, investorrelations@forceprotectioninc.com or visit http://ir.forceprotectioninc.com.
Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications that may arise could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to those, set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov). The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.