U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has long dreamed of fielding an Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) for their CV-22 Ospreys. With SOCOM’s awarding of the ITV contract to the General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems’ Flyer ITV offering, they’ve taken another step closer to making that dream a reality. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems touted the award by displaying the Flyer at the 2013 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, held Oct. 21-23 in Washington, D.C.

The three-year contract, worth $5.8 million if all options are exercised, is for 10 vehicles. The ITV contract also includes integration and logistical support and training. The Flyer was chosen over other offerings, such as Boeing’s Phantom Badger. “This award positions General Dynamics as a key provider to USSOCOM for internally transportable vehicles,” said Tim Neaves, senior director of lightweight tactical vehicles for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

“This award positions General Dynamics as a key provider to USSOCOM for internally transportable vehicles.”

The modular and mobile Flyer ITV is designed to traverse rugged terrain. The off-road, cross-country mobility provided by the Flyer means that it could be used to perform a variety of missions. Missions that General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems envisions the Flyer as being capable of performing include light assault, search and rescue, command and control, and reconnaissance missions. The Flyer is armored to protect against an array of threat levels.

General Dynamics developed the Flyer in partnership with Flyer Defense LLC., which has 15 years of experience in the field of high-mobility off-road tactical systems. “The combined knowledge and manufacturing expertise of General Dynamics and Flyer Defense will enable us to meet USSOCOM’s demanding requirements, along with those of other U.S. and foreign customers seeking affordable internally transportable light-strike vehicles,” said Neaves.