BAE Systems has received a $42 million US Army contract to produce bar armour kits that protect soldiers in ground vehicles from rocket-propelled grenade attacks.

L-ROD bar armour is a lightweight, modular bar armour system made of an aluminium alloy that provides protection against rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs, without compromising the operational capabilities of the vehicle or adding significant weight.

"These RPG defence systems represent BAE Systems' commitment to the soldier... said Neil Piscitelli, L-ROD director for BAE Systems. "L-ROD bar armour saves lives. There is a genuine need for this product, and we will continue to deliver."

Weighing less than half of comparable steel designs, the low-cost L-ROD system bolts onto the vehicle without welding or cutting and can be repaired easily in the field due to its modular design. BAE Systems manufactures the L-ROD bar armour kits on an automated production line in Austin that opened earlier this year.