YORK, Pennsylvania -- BAE Systems has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive & Armaments Command for the procurement and fabrication of five prototype M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) self-propelled howitzer vehicles and two prototype M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles (FAASV).

The total contract value is $63.9 million.

"The Paladin provides critical fire support for soldiers in the Heavy Brigade Combat Team," said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager, Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) Systems for BAE Systems. "The PIM program will ensure that this essential fire support system remains sustainable through its projected life beyond the year 2050."

The Paladin PIM uses the existing M109A6 main armament and cab structure while replacing outmoded chassis components with up-to-date components from the Bradley Combat Systems to increase sustainability and commonality across the HBCTs. Paladin PIM incorporates a state-of-the-art “digital backbone” and robust power generation capability. PIM also integrates electric elevation and traverse drives, electric rammer and a digital fire control system. The M992A2 FAASV provides armor protected ammunition delivery for the M109A6 Paladin.

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, New York, Minnesota and Michigan as well as U.S government facilities at the Army Research and Development Center in Picatinny, New Jersey. The remanufacture program for the Paladin fleet 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
06.10.2009