“The
PIM
program will ensure that the self-propelled howitzer fleet
is sustainable in the long term and provides significant growth potential
for our customer,” said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general
manger of Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems. “Since we built and delivered
the seven PIM prototype vehicles last year, we have completed all contractor
tests, as well as Phase One of the Army’s Developmental Test. The
additional funding that we are receiving through this contract will allow
us to support the remainder of the Army’s rigorous test program
and complete the production planning efforts in support of the low-rate
initial production decision.”
BAE
Systems was awarded a $63.9 million research and development contract
in August 2009 to produce five Self Propelled Howitzers and two Carrier,
Ammunition, Tracked vehicles. The seven prototypes were delivered to the
U.S. Army, on schedule, in May 2011.
Work
under this contract will be performed at various BAE Systems facilities,
including: York Pennsylvania; Johnson City, New York; Minneapolis, Minnesota;
Santa Clara, California and Sterling Heights, Michigan. The contract was
awarded by U.S. Army TACOM and is expected to begin in February 2012 with
anticipated completion in January 2015.
The
Paladin Integrated Management howitzer uses the existing main armament
and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces unique vehicle chassis
components with modern components common to the Bradley family of vehicles
incorporated in an improved and more survivable chassis structure. PIM
incorporates a state-of the-art "digital backbone" and power
generation capability and integrates electric elevation and traverse drives,
electric rammer and digital fire control system. The upgrade of the PIM
ensures commonality with existing systems in the Heavy Brigade Combat
Team, and reduces its logistical footprint and operational sustainability
costs by replacing obsolete components.
PIM
is equipped with the company's enhanced on-board power management capability,
representing the first implementation of the U.S. Army's On Board Power
Management requirement. BAE Systems’ enhanced on-board power management
solution will double the electrical power of most military vehicles, producing
70KW, significantly increasing the mission effectiveness of ground forces
in theatre.
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