BAE Systems received a freelance worth as much as $688 million from the U.S. Army to start Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program.
The PIM is an important upgrade of the M109A6 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer, restoring space, weight, and tool-cooling, while providing growth potential for emerging technologies.
“The award is a serious milestone for both BAE Systems and the U.S. Army,” said Mark Signorelli, vp and general manager of Combat Vehicles at BAE Systems. “The PIM team, this system office, BAE Systems, and our suppliers were working cooperatively within the engineering, manufacturing, and development phase of this system with the intention that the military will field a highly capable howitzer on time and below budget.”
The initial contract was awarded for the bottom term, worth approximately $195 million. In this period, BAE Systems will produce 18.5 vehicle sets — 19 PIM howitzers and 18 PIM Carrier Ammunition, Tracked vehicles. Through future options, the military intends to buy a complete of 66.5 vehicle sets plus spares, kits and technical documentation for a complete contract value of $688 million.
The PIM design features a new chassis, engine, transmission, suspension, steering system, and improved survivability, while the vehicle’s cannon remains similar to that of the Paladin. These upgrades leverage common mobility components of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, reducing life-cycle and obsolescence costs and enabling the PIM to move with the Armored Brigade Combat Team.
The PIM uses a 600 volt on-board power system, leveraging technologies developed in the course of the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C) program. The state-of the-art “digital backbone” and tool generation capability integrates electric elevation and traverse drives, an electrical rammer, and a digital fire control system. This technology provides significant growth potential for future payloads in addition to accommodating existing battlefield network requirements.
“PIM would be an important breakthrough for the sector Artillery with regards to tactical mobility and force protection,” said Adam Zarfoss, director of artillery programs at BAE Systems. “Additionally, by incorporating the most recent technology for power generation and management, and leveraging gun driver and rammer designs from the NLOS-C program, PIM positions the military for the long term with a platform best suited for growth.”
Work at the contract is anticipated to start immediately, with delivery of the 1st vehicle in mid-2015. Vehicle production will ensue in York, Pennsylvania and Elgin, Oklahoma.
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