BAE Systems reaches milestone with modernized Howitzer vehicles
BAE Systems has delivered seven Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) prototype vehicles to the US Army on schedule. PIM is the latest howitzer in the M109 Paladin family of vehicles.
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 first prototype vehicle was unveiled earlier this year in January.
"This landmark is really a testament of the great team we have assembled to work on this combat proven system," said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) systems for BAE Systems. "With every job we strive to meet and exceed our customers' requirements and expectations and thanks to the hard work and commitment of our employees we were able to meet that goal and even exceed it by producing some of the vehicles ahead of schedule."
The initial PIM vehicles are conducting contractor testing in Yuma, Arizona and Aberdeen, Maryland before they are delivered to the customer beginning in January 2011.
The PIM uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces the out-of-date chassis components with up-to-date components from Bradley Combat Systems. 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 (HBCT), and reduces its logistical footprint and operational sustainability costs by replacing obsolete components within the mobility chassis.
The Paladin Integrated Management vehicle is the first production vehicle equipped with the company's enhanced on-board power management capability, representing the first implementation of the US Army's On Board Power Management requirement. BAE Systems' enhanced on-board power management solution will double the electrical power of most military vehicles, exponentially increasing the mission effectiveness of ground forces in theatre.
Source: BAE Systems
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