BAE Systems to modernize Bradley vehicles through $47m contract

BAE Systems recently received a $47 million contract modification to enhance 95 of its most survivable vehicle - Bradley - by replacing old and damaged components with updated equipment and technology.

"As the mission and combat environments for our soldiers are changing, we are working to provide a modernized Bradley Fighting Vehicle that continues to perform at an optimal level, providing increased survivability and enhanced situational awareness components," said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of the Heavy Brigade Combat Team Systems for BAE Systems.

Under this contract, the Bradley vehicles will be reset and converted from the Bradley Operation Desert Storm (ODS) model to the Bradley Operation Desert Storm Situational Awareness (ODS SA) configuration. The Bradley ODS SA vehicle features the latest digitized electronics for optimum situational awareness, network connectivity and communication within the Heavy Brigade Combat Team. The vehicle's proven durability and commonality of design reduces logistic burden, while enhancing battlefield performance to meet a variety of mission requirements in various combat situations.

The modernization process includes replacing obsolete equipment with updated components, restoring the vehicle to pre-combat condition. Work provided through this contract is supported by the company's robust readiness and sustainment business.

The award amount of $47 million is the first tasking under a not-to-exceed total contract amount of $94 million. Additional orders for the balance of the contract value may be awarded in the future. The contract was awarded by the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management.

Work will be performed by the company's existing workforce at its facilities in Fayette and York, Pennsylvania, as well as the Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas. Vehicle deliveries will begin in March 2012 and will end in June 2012.

Bradley Fighting Vehicles continue to provide outstanding survivability, mobility and lethality to US soldiers in various combat situations. The Bradley fulfills five critical mission roles - infantry fighting vehicle, cavalry fighting vehicle, fire support vehicle, command vehicle and engineer squad vehicle - for the US Army's Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports Bradley Fighting Vehicles through its US Combat Systems business. US Combat Systems is a modern, efficient, full-spectrum developer, integrator and supplier of survivable, lethal ground and naval combat platforms. US Combat Systems is also a main supplier of the US Army's Heavy Brigade Combat Team, an integral developer of mine protected and future combat vehicles and top producer of naval guns and missile launchers.

Source: BAE Systems

Follow Shephard News on Twitter