(Mount Airy, N.C.) Textron Marine & Land Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, and Granite Tactical Vehicles Inc. of Mount Airy, NC today announced an exclusive teaming relationship. Textron Marine & Land Systems has teamed with Granite Tactical Vehicles on the development of affordable, lightweight, crew survivability solutions for light tactical vehicles. Founded by former U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Berman, Granite Tactical Vehicles has been developing innovative designs in armored vehicles since 2004.

“We see Granite’s innovations in survivable and mobile light armored vehicles to be an excellent match with our engineering and manufacturing expertise, especially in armored vehicles,” said Textron Marine & Land Systems Vice President of Strategy and Business Development Mark Savarese. “Textron Marine & Land Systems brings a highly successful legacy of engineering expertise, lean process manufacturing and efficient production to the team. Our experience on the Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) program combined with the innovations generated at Granite Tactical Vehicles will provide a valuable near-term solution for warfighters.”

Textron Marine & Land Systems has been producing the M1117 ASV for the U.S. Army since 2004, and has delivered more that 2,300 units, most of which are in use in combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. A total of approximately 48 vehicles per month are manufactured at Textron Marine & Land Systems’ facilities in Louisiana with 51 consecutive months of on time delivery.

The ASV has maintained exceptional operational readiness and combat availability rates over the life of the U.S. Army program as vehicles log more than 30,000 miles per year in combat operations. ASV missions currently include operations with the Military Police, convoy protection, combat patrols, perimeter security, as well as Field Artillery Combat Observation and Lasing Teams (COLT) with the M1200 ASV configuration.

Granite Tactical Vehicles Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and delivers armored vehicles for a broad spectrum of clients including private security contractors, law enforcement and various government agencies. Granite Tactical Vehicles’ products have been field tested with great success on missions including convoy protection, personnel movement & relocation, rescue operations and cargo delivery. Granite Tactical Vehicles is committed to providing best-in-class armored vehicles and protecting the lives of those who face the day-to-day challenges of rapidly increasing threat levels. More information is available at www.granitetacticalvehicles.com. 

Textron Systems Corporation has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment services, Textron Systems includes AAI Corporation, Lycoming Engines, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. Textron Systems Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.