BAE Systems to provide new track systems for Australia's M113 vehicles

BAE Systems was awarded a $14 million contract to provide T150F track link assemblies and sprockets that will be used on upgraded M113 vehicles in Australia.

The T150F track is a part of BAE Systems robust Readiness and Sustainment spares capabilities. The T150F is a double pin track system that improves vehicle performance and durability for the M113 and other lightweight vehicles.

"The new track system provides our customer with lower life cycle cost, greater reliability and improved performance," said Robert Houston, vice president and general manager of Readiness & Sustainment at BAE Systems. "It is our goal to supply products and equipment that help save lives and also provide great value."

Work on the track shoes will take place at the BAE Systems' Anniston, Alabama facility by the existing workforce and is expected to be complete in July 2011. The contract was awarded by Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation office based in Washington, DC.

The M113 is part of the largest family of armored tracked vehicles in the world and includes more than 80,000 vehicles worldwide with 40 variants. It can transport 12 troops plus a driver and is capable of amphibious operation, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain and high-speed operation on improved roads and highways.

BAE Systems manufactures the T150F track and M113 vehicle 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 to the US Army's Heavy Brigade Combat Teams, an integral developer of mine-protected and future combat vehicles and a top producer of naval guns and missile launchers.

Source: BAE Systems

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