Arotech Corporation (NASDAQ: ARTX) announced that its Armor Division has signed an agreement with Israel Military Industries Ltd (IMI) to jointly market the MDT David in markets worldwide. IMI's Land Systems Division has been specializing in development, integration and production of combat proven systems for Main Battle Tanks (MBT) and Armored Personnel Carriers to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and selected customers around the world.
David
Light Armored Combat Vehicle
Land Rover-UK / MDT - US/Israel
The IDF selected the British Land-Rover Defender, up-armored by the Arotech subsidiary MDT for a replacement of the Israeli based Automotive Industries Storm (Sufa) vehicles.
Promising to be a more flexible 'Urban Combat Vehicle', "David" uses a large chassis based on the LandRover Defender, designed in Israel by Arotech's MDT Protective Industries in collaboration with the IDF.
The 'David' will be built in MDT Armor's Alabama facility. With a small footprint, considerably shorter, lighter and narrower than the up-armored HMMWV, the 3.7 ton armored defender is well suited for operating in urban and other densely populated areas. The vehicle offers full 360 deg. Protection against assault rifles at point blank velocities, limited protection against IEDs, roof protection designed to defeat typical threats fired at very short range and augmented floor protection. The vehicle is fitted with run-flat inserts to maintain mobility even with deflated or damaged tires. The 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine develops maximum power of 122 bhp, coupled via manual 5 gear transmission to the 4x4 propulsion system. MDT followed a modular design allowing for several armor options, seating arrangements and equipment installations carrying 4, 5 or 6 soldiers in full battle gear. Gun ports in all 4 directions allow for accurate return fire as soldiers have full view of gun sites and surrounding area through the armored windows.
Robert S. Ehrlich, Chairman and CEO of Arotech Corporation said in an interview, "We are proud that the IDF has decided to equip its soldiers with our armored vehicles. We believe the “David” can be appropriate to many urban warfare situations, and we are planning on presentations of the David to other militaries facing similar urban warfare situations.”
If anyone in Alabama can send me some pictures of MDT Armor's facility, I'll post them here.
MDT's site is here
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Not nearly as good as the Plasan Sandcat.
ReplyDeleteThe question that needs to be asked is, when can I buy one?
ReplyDeleteHey guys,
ReplyDeleteI currently am working at MDT Armor Corp. in Alabama.
In response to Jon, the Sandcat is based of the much more pricey Ford 550. The David is based off the much cheaper Defender. The David is a viable option because to can deal with the majority of the treats present in the region. I have personally seen pictures of Davids where claymores have had no effect on the crew while in a David. The armor held up. Hence why the David is a great option for the armor protection and the price.
The Sandcat is based off the much bigger Ford 550, which has a stronger and larger chassis and engine.
We currently use the Dodge 5500, competition for the Ford 550, for our Tiger Mk II APC. FYI the Dodges Cummings diesel engine is much stronger and reliable than the Ford 550's Power Stroke.
If pictures are wanted i will see what i can do after talking to the upper guys in the business.