YORK, Pa. -- BAE Systems has been awarded a $21.8 million contract modification from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command for the design and development of M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) self-propelled howitzer vehicles.

The M109A6-PIM uses the existing Paladin main armament and cab structure, replacing hydraulics with electric gun drives that share commonality with the Future Combat Systems Non-Line-Of-Sight Cannon. Outmoded chassis components are replaced with up-to-date components from the Bradley Combat Systems and integrated into a highly producible, new-design chassis structure to increase sustainability and commonality across the Heavy Brigade Combat Teams (HBCT).

“The M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management vehicle leverages available technology and stresses commonality with fielded platforms,” said Andy Hove, vice president of Combat Systems Programs for BAE Systems. “This award represents the initial phase of the long term PIM program efforts to sustain the Paladin fleet into 2050.”

This modification, when combined with the previous PIM contract worth $5 million, brings the total value to $26.8 million.

Under the contract, design and engineering analysis work for the vehicle structure, automotive systems and electric and vehicle electronics will be performed at BAE Systems facilities in Pennsylvania, California and Michigan as well as U.S. government facilities at the Army Research and Development Center in Picatinny, New Jersey. This development work will ultimately lead to a remanufacture program for the Paladin fleet. The remanufacture program itself will be performed in partnership with the Anniston Army Depot and at BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania and Elgin, Oklahoma.

The M109A6-PIM is supported by the Army as a vital technology enhancement program to sustain the M109 Family of Vehicles well into the future, and maintain the combat capability of the HBCT.

BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.

BAE Systems
16.05.2008