BRP secures $US10 million military contract for Evinrude multi-fuel engines

STURTEVANT, WI, Nov. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - BRP has been awarded a $US10 million contract from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for its Evinrude multi-fuel engines (MFE). The Evinrude 55 MFE engines with an impeller equipped jet model pump will repower their fleet of F470 Zodiac boats / Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) used during small craft operations.

The strict procurement requirements of the USMC to secure non-gasoline burning outboard engines led directly to BRP. In accordance with the Department of Defense mandates, these engines must be able to operate using available battlefield fuels and to operate from naval shipping without the need for gasoline.

According to the USMC, the Evinrude MFE outboards are at the forefront of multi-fuel technology and BRP is the only manufacturer providing all the technical specifications required by the Department of Defense. The procurement for the Evinrude MFE was awarded as a commercial product directly from the existing Federal schedule (General Services Administration). Since the MFE technology is commercially available through BRP, the Marine Corps is able to utilize the outboards for their small craft operations.

"We're proud to be able to provide a U.S. military branch the innovative technology that Evinrude E-TEC engines deliver," stated Scott Weber , vice president Sales, Marketing and After-sales service, Evinrude, North American division. "Our multi-fuel engines are designed to meet the stringent requirements of the U.S. armed forces. The USMC has placed its trust in Evinrude MFE engines to power their most critical fleet of boats. Their confidence in the Evinrude E-TEC technology is a true validation of our efforts to provide the needed flexibility and best quality for this type of application," he added.

Evinrude MFE engines, built on the Evinrude E-TEC technology, are designed for flexible use of multiple fuels in harsh demanding mission applications and are capable of running on kerosene, aviation fuels (JP-4, JP-5, JP-8, Jet-A and Jet-B) and standard gasoline. The engine's fuel selection can be changed with the simple flip of a switch, without compromising performance. In addition to the impeller equipped pump jet model, it is also available in a conventional propeller ready gearcase.

The pump jet version provides propulsion without a propeller, affording additional safety and performance targets for a wider variety of applications. Built to specific military specifications, the pump jet is a large impeller unit attached to a full gearcase that provides superior thrust and performance when compared to conventional jet pumps.

"This military contract represents a great opportunity for our Evinrude MFE products worldwide," said Chris Dawson , vice president - general manager, International division. "The state-of-the-art technology that our multi-fuel engines bring to the U.S. Marine Corps will certainly reinforce our ability to bring this technology to additional military operations around the world," he concluded.

The delivery of engines began early October, 2009 and will be completed by the end of January, 2010.

BRP's Evinrude E-TEC engine line-up now includes 110 engine models from 25- to 300-horsepower. All engines, including the MFE models, are available at Evinrude dealerships worldwide. Visit www.evinrude.com or www.repowerwithevinrude.com for more information.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), a privately-held company, is a world leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of motorised recreational vehicles. Its portfolio of brands and products includes: Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and sport boats, Evinrude and Johnson outboard engines, direct injection technologies such as E-TEC, Can-Am all-terrain vehicles and roadsters, as well as Rotax engines and karts. With manufacturing facilities on three continents, BRP products are distributed in more than 80 countries.

www.brp.com

Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Lynx, Evinrude, Johnson, Can-Am, Rotax, Spyder, E-TEC and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For further information: For corporate information: Johanne Denault, Manager, Corporate Communications, [phone], [email protected]; For product information: North America: Julie Johnson, Evinrude Public Relations, [phone], [email protected]; International: Francois Tremblay, Marketing Director, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Evinrude and Lynx, International Division, +41.21.318.78.80, [email protected]