According to reports, the U. S. Army selected Textron Marine and Land Systems to manufacture additional wheel armored vehicles to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It will begin delivering a new order of 327 of its M1117 Armored Security Vehicles designed with four-wheel independent suspension technologies and next-generation armor, Textron Systems' New Orleans-based Textron Marine and Land Systems unit said in October.

Officials further revealed that the contract, which adds to a previous order of 191 tactical vehicles, includes delivery of 96 of its M1200 Armored Knight vehicle variants. The newly announced contract from the Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command also includes options for more than 270 additional vehicles.

Textron Marine and Land Systems General Manager Tom Walmsley said in a statement, "The Armored Security Vehicles, which effectively addresses the U. S. Army's current requirements overseas and has significant upgrade potential to mitigate emerging threats, is seeing ever-expanding combat mission roles for the U. S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The approximately $461 million contract, with $239 million in options, has provisions for Textron to provide its engineering and technical personnel for life-cycle sustainment and other vehicle support requirements. (With Inputs from Agencies)