According to Braintech, the company said it is developing automated assembly solutions based on its Vision Guided Robotics (VGR) technology in Phase II of the Automated Weapons Assembly (AWA) project for the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The project is headed by BAE Systems and includes participation with PaR Systems and the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. The four companies partnered to earn the AWA contract over two other groups in Phase I of the project.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

"Our history of support for the MRAP program ranges from designing and developing three MRAP variants, to supplying critical components on every MRAP platform, including-with the Plasan contract-the M-ATV," said Tony Russell, president of BAE Systems' Security & Survivability business.

As a subcontractor, BAE Systems will be working directly with Plasan which is providing M-ATV armoring kits to the Oshkosh to fulfill its contract with the U.S. Army TACOM LCMC.

Work on the contract will begin this month at BAE Systems' production facilities in Fairfield, Ohio.

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

"With our ICP cab technology and sharing many of the same components as our combat proven Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV), these up-armored HIMARS chassis demonstrate BAE Systems' unique ability to support the entire FMTV-based fleet." said Dennis Morris, president of Global Tactical Systems, BAE Systems. "Our Texas employees are proud to continue their history of meeting the needs of our soldiers and Marines by providing this new level of protection and capability for the HIMARS system."

The launcher chassis vehicles and ICP cabs will be produced in Sealy, Texas and delivered to the Army and Marine Corps by December 2010. A unique design to BAE Systems, the HIMARS ICP cab is armored and has more than 40 enhancements from previous cab designs to make it the safest, most reliable chassis available. The ICP is designed to protect its crew from ballistic attack, mine blast, foreign object debris, and the fumes associated with rocket launch. Key enhancements include: improved crew survivability, hatch and door ergonomics, cab entry and exit, pressurization and water entry sealing. Composite materials were used to meet mission essential transportability requirements.

BAE Systems has produced the HIMARS platform since its introduction in 2003. HIMARS is a rocket and missile carrier that accommodates the entire family of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) munitions, including all variants of the Guided MLRS rocket and Army Tactical Missile System missiles. To achieve maximum commonality, HIMARS shares the same chassis as BAE Systems' FMTVs. However, the HIMARS variant was not included in the recent FMTV competitive rebuy.

BAE Systems employs more than 3,000 people at its production facility in Sealy. The facility has more than 900,000 square feet of manufacturing, storage and office space on approximately 200 acres. The Sealy facility has established itself as a world-class designer, volume manufacturer and through-life supporter of high-quality, best value, military tactical vehicles, including more than 56,000 FMTVs and trailers in 29 variants.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded GBP 18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

SOURCE: BAE Systems

BAE Systems 
Mike Teegardin, +1 281 616 6112 
Mobile: +1 281 450 9652 
michael.teegardin@baesystems.com 
or 
Shannon Smith, +1 703 907 8257 
Mobile: +1 703 967 3854 
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com 
www.baesystems.com

Its group business development director Alan Garwood said LIMA has always been an important part of the company's calendar after having been a regular participant for the past nine years.

"It not only provides an excellent stimulus for BAE Systems to forge stronger bonds with the Malaysian government but is also an excellent platform for us to exhibit our capabilities," he said in a statement Wednesday.

The company's products and services range from communications, electronic warfare systems, military air support, air defence, mission support systems to intelligence and surveillance, Garwood said.

Its premier services and products include replicas of naval guns, unmanned autonomous air systems, the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer and an offshore patrol vessel, he said.

Besides defence and aerospace products, BAE Systems is also known for its security products and services and it is rapidly becoming a single-source provider of security solutions for the global market.

"The growing risks in today's world call for products that help protect the lives of citizens, law-enforcement officers and military personnel," the company said.

In Malaysia, BAE Systems continuously delivers a high level of support to the Royal Malaysian Air Force for its Hawk fleet.

(BERNAMA-OANA) bl