Global armour manufacturer, NP Aerospace, has been awarded a new development contract by Volvo Defense for the design, manufacture, and supply of composite armoured cabs for militarised versions of their Volvo FMX Series trucks. As part of the contract which was won via competitive bid in October 2022, NP Aerospace has developed a unique solution for fully armoured truck cabs which meets specific NATO STANAG 4569 and AEP-55 requirements for blast, ballistic and artillery shell splinter protection. STANAG Level 2 (KE & FSP) as a minimum with standard armour, with an option to upgrade to STANAG Level 3 (KE & FSP) with appliqué armour packs. Truck cabs will be fully integrated by NP Aerospace in its armour manufacturing and engineering headquarters in Coventry, UK, before being delivered to Volvo Defense in Gothenburg, Sweden, for final integration. NP Aerospace will conduct ballistic testing of the solution later this calendar year, before commencing with prototype developments for Volvo Defense to trial during 2024.
Roger Brorsson, Volvo Defense Product Director, said: “We selected NP Aerospace due to their vehicle armour design and manufacturing capability gained across numerous complex vehicle programmes working with large defence organisations. We are excited to be able to showcase our first armoured truck cab prototype at DSEI – the result of hard work and dedication of both teams over the last ten months to meet an aggressive timescale.”
Peter Hardisty, NP Aerospace Managing Director & Senior Vice President, comments: “The ability to offer STANAG Level 3 protection on a single front axle truck is a sector leading innovation. We believe this delivers modularity and flexibility which will benefit end customer requirements; whilst offering space to cater for CBRN ventilation systems, radio equipment, and WRM systems. We are pleased to be working with Volvo Defense as survivability partner. It is a significant step for both companies as we extend our capabilities into armoured truck cab programmes.”
The Volvo FMX (FMX meaning “Forward control Medium Xtreme”) is a heavy duty truck produced by Volvo Truck Corporation. It was introduced in 2010. Based on the standard Volvo FM which is related, the FMX range is a multipurpose truck range for distribution, construction and on highway/off highway transport duties. Volvo Defense offer the Volvo Group portfolio to defense and governmental customers. The range contains products from Volvo Trucks, Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Buses and Volvo Penta – all of which are Volvo group entities that include everything from trucks, buses and construction machinery to systems for power generation and marine propulsion. Volvo Defense FMX Series provides a solution to meet these specific expectations – a truck that is available in many configurations and versions, but which is built on one core platform.
NP Aerospace is a world leading armour technology manufacturer and vehicle integrator. Its products protect the lives of servicemen and women across the world, enhancing security and resilience in the highest threat environments. NP Aerospace is a major exporter of survivability systems developed using ultra-lightweight, high performance materials including Ballistic Helmets and Shields, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Suits, Body Armour Plates and Composite Vehicle Armour Systems. The company has extensive experience of leading complex military vehicle integrations, having integrated and supported over 2,000 UK MoD military vehicles used in operations all over the world.
