BAE Systems Unveils new modernised Howitzer vehicle for US Army

BAE Systems today unveiled its upgraded PIM (Paladin Integrated Management) vehicle to military customers, Congressional representatives, community leaders and employees at a ceremony held at its York facility. PIM is the next generation howitzer in the M-109 Paladin family of vehicles, a combat proven weapon system manufactured by BAE Systems at York.

"The modernization of the Paladin is a critical step in providing the Army with a sustainable and supportable fleet of upgraded vehicles," said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of the Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) systems for BAE Systems. "The roll-out of our PIM system will ensure that the HBCT continues to have the premier Fire Support Platform needed to support the warfighter."

BAE Systems was awarded a $63.9 million contract in August 2009 to produce seven PIM vehicles: five Self Propelled Howitzers and two Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles. Today's roll-out introduces the first of the seven vehicles awarded in that contract.

The PIM uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces the out-of-date chassis components with up-to-date components from Bradley Combat Systems.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 robust power generation capability and integrates electric elevation and traverse drives, electric rammer and digital fire control system. The upgrade of the PIM ensures maximum 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 BAE Systems 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 Common Modular Power System (CMPS) 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.

Design and engineering analysis work for the vehicle structure, automotive systems and electric and vehicle electronics will be performed at the BAE Systems facilities in Pennsylvania, California, New York, Minnesota and Michigan as well as US Government facilities at the Army Research and Development Center in Picatinny, New Jersey. The remanufacture for the Paladin fleet will be performed in partnership with the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama and at BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania and Elgin, Oklahoma.

Source: BAE Systems