BAE SYSTEMS Awarded An Option For $126.3 Million To Upgrade M113 Family Of Vehicles

anniston, AL - BAE Systems received a $126.3 million Option from the U.S. Army to upgrade up to 500 M113 Family of Vehicles (FOVs) to the latest A3 configuration. The option is added to BAE Systems' current contract to produce 356 upgraded vehicles and increases that potential total by an additional 73 M577A3 Command Post Carriers, 66 M1064A3 Mortar Carriers and 361 M1068A3 Standard Integrated Command Post (SICPS) Carriers.

Upon award, an option for 68 M1068A3 vehicles for $18.5 million was exercised. According to Tim Balliett, the M113 program manager, the M113 will remain in the Army inventory for quite a long time. "This award confirms the Army's intent to maintain the fleet in top condition," said Balliett. "The upgrade will include additional armor protection and improved night vision equipment in addition to the upgraded engine, transmission and steering mechanism."

"We have invested some $12 million and doubled our upgrade/overhaul capacity in Anniston, demonstrating our commitment to the Army in its effort to maintain the current fleet," said Robert Houston, vice president and general manager of the Anniston facility. "We anticipate our workforce will grow by 200 plus employees as we perform the work under this contract and our M88A1 Recovery Vehicle contract."

BAE Systems' facility in Anniston, Ala. has been upgrading the M113 FOVs since 1994 and produces them in partnership with the Anniston Army Depot. In 2005, Anniston Army Depot awarded BAE Systems various requirements contracts to overhaul other combat systems to include the recovery vehicle.

SOURCE: BAE Systems