WASHINGTON — BAE Systems and General Dynamics have been chosen by the U.S. Army to build prototype tanks.<br /><br />Both companies have been given a contract of US$376 million to build 12 medium-armor prototype vehicles that are compatible with Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, or IBCTs.<br /><br />The company will create a light combat vehicle called the BAE Systems Mobile Protected Firepower that will have scaled armor, survivability subsystems, and a M35 105mm cannon, along with other features, according to a BAE Systems press release.<br /><br />Its cannon will include an auto-loading ammunition system, capable of firing 12 rounds per minute.<br /><br />According to a General Dynamics news release, the company said it looks forward to providing a large-caliber, mobile combat vehicle to support the troops.<br /><br />The winning vehicle is expected to have the ability defeat heavy machine guns and armored vehicles, as well as maintain defensive operations.<br /><br />These light armored vehicles will be designed to travel fast on missions to areas that are harder to reach for heavier vehicles.