OREANDA-NEWS. The U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va., has competitively awarded General Dynamics Land Systems - Force Protection a contract valued at USD 26 million for survivability upgrades for Cougar combat vehicles previously delivered under the Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) program.

The company will develop, design and produce 468 Seat Survivability Upgrade (SSU) kits for the MRAP vehicles. The kits will include energy absorbing seats, five-point seatbelts and blast mats to enhance the survivability and operation of the Cougar. Additional improvements include a reconfiguration of the internal crew Automatic Fire Extinguisher System, upgrades to the driver and co-driver compartments, and other improvements to the interior layout and stowage.

General Dynamics will complete delivery of the kits by July 2015.

General Dynamics Land Systems - Force Protection is part of General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).