BAE Systems Develops Modernized Howitzer Vehicle for U.S. Army

BAE Systems announced it has unveiled its upgraded Paladin Integrated Management vehicle to military customers, Congressional representatives, community leaders and employees at a ceremony held at its York facility.

PIM is the latest version of the 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, VP 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 said it 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.

The PIM uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces the out-of-date chassis components with up-to-date components from Bradley Combat Systems.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 "digital backbone" and 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.

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 U.S. 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.

BAE Systems is a supplier of products for the defense, security and aerospace markets.

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