Senator Graham's Office Announces Sale of Force Protection's Buffalo Vehicle to U.S. Military

CHARLESTON, S.C.--May 1, 20047, 2004--Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP) stated today that Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has announced that the U.S. military has signed a contract to purchase 21 Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicles (MPCVs) from the company's Technical Solutions Group (TSG) subsidiary. A copy of Senator Graham's statement is below.

    U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced an
    order for 21 Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicles will be
    filled by Technical Solutions Group of Ladson.

    The estimate value of the contract, targeted for completion by
    years end, is $15.3 million with an initial release of $7.6
    million.

    "Our men and women in uniform deserve the best equipment and
    training available," said Graham. "The Buffalo will help protect
    our soldiers from landmines and roadside bombs as they carry out
    their duties in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's an important vehicle
    helping our soldiers fulfill critical missions.

    "As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, it's also
    particularly satisfying to know that a company with South Carolina
    ties is playing a big role in helping win the war on terror."

    Graham has been an advocate for additional armed vehicle
    protection for U.S. soldiers and Marines in the global war on
    terror.

Technical Solutions Group, a subsidiary of Force Protection, Inc., manufactures and markets vehicles designed to both protect troops and equipment as well as to detonate and remove mines. The company combines a proprietary capsule design with American automotive technology to produce vehicles with a high level of protection, visibility, load carrying capacity, interior space and parts availability- all critical qualities in military vehicles.

About Force Protection, Inc.

Force Protection, Inc. manufactures and distributes vehicles that protect and save lives and property. Its subsidiary, Technical Solutions Group, Inc., (TSG) manufactures and markets military vehicles that are protected against landmines, hostile fire, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). The vehicles are manufactured outside Charleston, S.C. For more information visit http://www.forceprotection.net.

Buffalo Specs:

Mass:
Empty approximate: 38,000 lbs
GVM approximate: 70,000
Carrying capacity: 20,000

Load Distribution:
(6x6): 50% front 50% rear

Dimensions:
Length: 8200 mm 323 in
Height: 2850 mm 117 in
Width: 2470 mm 97 in
Wheel base: 1820 mm 72 in and 3640 mm 143 in
Angle of Approach: 40
Angle of Departure: 45 Mine clearance Vehicle, 80 Starndard BUFFALO

Engine Spacifications:
Perterbilt Caterpillar C12 Diesel
Horsepower: 395 hp @ 1800 RPM
Torque: 1450 ft lbs @ 1200 RPM
Range: 500-700 miles

Transmission:
Allison MD 4560P 5 Speed Automatic or Twin Disc
Transfer Case: MVG-1200-2 Speed

Axles (Hub Reduction Type):
Rear: M-H Tandem 46,000 pounds
Front: MT-22 23,000 pounds

Steering:
Full power

Wheels and Tires:
Type: Steel split rim
Tire Size: 1600 R20 Michelin XZL

Suspension:
Front and Rear: Semi-elliptic, leaf spring

Electrical:
Vehicle System: 14V-300 amp
Supplementary System: 28V-300 amp
Niehoff Military Grade Shielded Alternator
Air conditioned - ICE 31CFM Compressor