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Prototype of Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle unveiled in Sterling Heights

New military might, made in Michigan
Posted at 7:24 PM, Oct 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-27 19:38:39-04

The public got its first look at some new military might Thursday, made right here in Michigan.

U.S. Army officials rolled out the first Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle at General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights on Thursday. Called the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle - Dragoon (ICVD), the combat vehicle is outfitted with a 50 caliber machine gun and a 30 mm cannon.

Officials say the vehicle designed fill an urgent need in the European theater of operations for increased firepower.

"This cannon fires a much greater distance, with much more effective munitions, and that allows our soldiers to approach their objective more protected, with less return fire from the enemy," said Col. Glenn Dean, Program Manager for the Stryker Brigade Combat Team. "They're able to move more quickly at less risk, because they're supported by a much more effective weapons system."

It only took 19 months to roll out the prototype, and seven more will be manufactured at the facility. The entire vehicle was built in Michigan, by Michigan workers.