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The 2006 AUSA convention provided the showcase for armored vehicles
manufacturers to discuss upgrades and modernizations proposed
for current armored vehicles, and provide a glimpse into the
future direction of AFV, particularly in relation to robotics,
unmanned ground vehicles systems (UGV) and the Future Combat
Systems (FCS) related programs.
One of the largest exhibitors was BAE Systems, displaying
a new version of the modernized
Bradley Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle, fitted with remotely
controlled turret, appliqué ceramic armor, peripheral
vision, and new vetronics. BAE Systems also unveiled the future
Infantry Combat Vehicle, which will become the tracked troop
carrier of the FCS unit of action. General Dynamics Land Systems
(GDLS) brought the latest Stryker model -
Mobile Gun System (MGS), currently being supplied to the
US Army Stryker Brigades. Other topics from GDLS were the latest
improvements for the M-1A2
tanks. A modernized command version of the Light Armored Vehicle
(LAV C2) developed by Lockheed Martin for the USMC. The vehicle
is designed wit reduced visual signature, and integrates nine
radios (including HF, VHF, UHF, Satcom and EPLRS) using only
five antennas. 
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platforms were displayed by Textron Systems Marine and Land,
which brought two of its vehicles - the M-1117
armored security vehicle, shown in a new scout configuration,
and Dingo II all armored vehicle, a US version of the German
Dingo armored vehicle,
developed by Krauss Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Other armored wheeled
vehicles included the new RG-33L
protected vehicle, positioned to compete with the Buffalo and
Cougars currently operated by the US Army and Marines. BAE systems
also displayed the RG-32
light protected vehicle. Both vehicles are riding on the success
of BAE's RG-31,
which has won the trust and confidence of warfighters in Afghanistan
and Iraq, where they are operated by Canadian and U.S. forces.
Force Protection Company is also beefing up its product line,
with the addition of the Cheetah
lightweight 4x4 protected vehicle, which is positioned to
compete with BAE's RG-31. However, at AUSA the company preferred
to present their most popular platform, the Cougar
6x6, equipped with remotely controlled weapon station.
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