BAE Systems has secured a $13.97m (£8.78m) contract to manufacture 64 Increased Crew Protection (ICP) cab upgrades for the US Army’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
The contract, awarded by the US Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command (AMCOM), also includes the provision of 65 cab up-armour applique kits and spares.
The equipment will be based on the combat Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) built by BAE Systems and will replace existing unarmoured cabs for the US Army and Marine Corps.
The HIMARS ICP cab will have more than 40 enhancements from previous cab designs. Additional features are expected to protect crew from ballistic attack, mine blast, foreign-object debris and the fumes associated with rocket launch.
Further enhancements include improved hatch and door ergonomics, cab entry and exit, pressurisation and water-entry sealing. The contract will see production undertaken in Sealy, Texas, with equipment ready by October 2010.
Dennis Morris, president of Global Tactical Systems, BAE Systems, said: ‘This cab provides a new level of crew protection for soldiers and Marines and ensures they maintain a high level of tactical mobility. This upgrade represents BAE Systems' support of the HIMARS programme and our ability to modernise and upgrade the existing HIMARS fleet.’
HIMARS is a rocket and missile carrier for use with the entire family of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) munitions. BAE Systems has been involved in the production of the HIMARS platform since it was introduced in 2003.
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