In a nondescript west side industrial park, Battelle’s Tactical Systems business is transforming standard pick up trucks into armored vehicles for Special Operations Forces as part of a $2 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.
Battelle’s advanced manufacturing capabilities have been deployed in the past to solve complex aerospace, maritime and automotive challenges. The latest assignment calls for the company to essentially reengineer existing vehicles with protective armor while adding additional features such as stronger suspension systems to withstand the additional weight and to handle the rugged terrain.
Battelle’s relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces dates back to its work on tank armor during World War II. More recently it armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and trained military personnel and contractors to install more than 500 protective armor kits on existing vehicles. Read more at www.battelle.org.
