HOUSTON, Texas - BAE Systems announced November 15, 2010, it will manufacture an additional 44 HIMARS vehicles for the U.S. Army that incorporate technologies to increase protection for soldiers from artillery attack under a $16.3 million contract award from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). BAE Systems will produce appliqué kits and provide program support for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) under the contract that follows a June 2010 award of $24 million for 63 HIMARS vehicles and appliqué kits. The vehicles will be equipped with BAE Systems' Increased Crew Protection (ICP) cab, derived from a BAE Systems' patented design, which provides reliable protection for crews.

"With our specialized ability to support the growing HIMARS fleet with greater mobility and survivability, BAE Systems continues to demonstrate a commitment to consistently provide our warfighters with enhanced protection on the most reliable medium tactical vehicles at the best value," said Chris Chambers, line lead for BAE Systems.

The vehicles with ICP cabs will be produced in Sealy, Texas and delivered to the Army by December 2011.

A unique design by BAE Systems, the HIMARS ICP armored cab incorporates more than 40 enhancements from previous cab designs. The ICP is designed to provide increased crew protection from ballistic attacks, mine blasts, foreign object debris and toxic fumes associated with rocket launches. The cabs feature improved crew survivability, hatch and door ergonomics, cab entry and exit, pressurization and water entry sealing. Composite materials will be used to meet mission success requirements.

BAE Systems' Sealy facility is a world-class designer, volume manufacturer and through-life supporter of high-quality, best value military tactical vehicles.