The US Army has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth up to $376 million for the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) phase of the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) program and rapid prototyping effort with low-rate initial production options.
BAE Systems’ solution combines new technology with proven capability to provide the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) with an agile, armour-protected platform that delivers overwhelming and precise firepower for use across the spectrum of terrains and operations.
Under the contract, one of two awarded ahead of the Government’s down-select to a final contractor, BAE Systems will produce 12 prototype vehicles during the EMD phase.
The BAE Systems MPF is the result of more than 30 years of research and development for an optimised, rapidly deployable, light combat vehicle designed specifically to support light infantry.
The vehicle leverages investments the Army made in the M8 Armoured Gun System, including its low-profile design, and proven technologies like the M35 105mm cannon, and an auto-loading ammunition system that allows the gun to fire at a rate of 12 rounds per minute. The innovative roll-out powerpack design allows for easy access to the engine and transmission without the aid of heavy equipment.
It also integrates scalable armour and innovative survivability subsystems to protect the vehicle and crew from threats on the future battlefield. The vehicle employs situational awareness systems adding to the highest levels of survivability and crew protection. The compact design allows for multiple vehicle deployment on a C-17 and exceeds the Army’s transport requirement and it is sustainable within the IBCT.
Deepak Bazaz, Director of combat vehicles programs at BAE Systems, said: “Our offering integrates innovative technology that reduces the burden on the crew into a compact design deployable in areas that are hard to reach.
“We’re confident our design meets the requirements and the unique capabilities the IBCT needs.”
image © 2018 BAE Systems
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