Good catch. I think UA and BI may work together down the road on these vehicles. The 15% vulnerability is still problematic. The data supports the idea that appropriate measures have very effective results. If Kryron reduces that 15% then UA and BI have a joint opportunity to retrofit not only the MRAPs but certainly other vehicles. That's why I consider the initial "contract" with UA as critical to BI's success. SOF will be the initial requirement followed by the regular troops.
Also, keep in mind that ceramic appears to have a lifetime associated with it. If the lifetime for vehicle protection is anywhere close to body armor then decisions will have to be made as to purchasing more ceramic from Ceradyne or replacing the ceramic with Kryron plates. If they are not going to replace the vehicles then it comes down to replacement of plates. BI wins this decision in my opinion as long as BI is cost/benefit competitive. It will take a spreadsheet with a lot more detail than what I have to call that one. All I can say is that any vehicles held in reserve will have to meet initial requirements. If the calendar makes them obsolete then they will do a cost/benefit study to determine how to make them compliant with requirements. It is all about "form, fit, function and requirements". If BI can learn what the requirements are and offer something that is an easy choice then BI (and us) win! This is again dependent on how well BI can work with UA. This as a potential win/win for both companies.
The history of such items in military situations is that if the USG can get a better vehicle with Kryron then they will sell these vehicles through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to second world countries depending on how much they can get for them. They may be able to get enough money for them through FMS to pay for replacement with Kryron equipped vehicles. The answer from the Pentagon is always subject to change. This is an opportunity for UA to put together a proposal that makes it a win/win/win/win for USG, UA, BI, and us. It might be a little early to assume that UA and BI are working together today on this situation. But, I would think it will happen in the near term as UA gets more confidence with BI and Kryron.
Flatcat
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