BAE Systems has been awarded a second phase engineering change proposal (ECP 2) contract to support the upgrade programme of the US Army’s Bradley infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) fleet.
Awarded by the US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC), the $55m cost-plus-incentive-fee deal involves the company continuing research, development, test and evaluation (T&E) activities to help enhance the vehicle’s performance.
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BAE Systems vice president and Vehicle Systems general manager Mark Signorelli said the engineering changes would provide troops with advanced technologies and enhanced vehicle performance to defeat an array of current and emerging threats.
"This contract allows us to develop and implement improvements that best meet our current warfighter needs and ensure that the Bradley remains one of the most effective vehicles in the army’s arsenal," Signorelli said.
The company will also deliver engineering design, logistics, and T&E services to boost the vehicle’s engine, transmission and power distribution.
Advanced systems will be inserted into the Bradley vehicles to better maintain space, weight, and power-cooling (SWaP-C) functions across the entire fleet.
In 2011, BAE secured a $16m funding for the ECP contract, which has a maximum value of $234m.
The M-2/M-3 Bradley fighting vehicle is designed to transport infantry on the battlefield with armour protection, while providing covering fire to suppress enemy troops and armoured vehicles.
It is used by the US Army’s heavy brigade combat team (HBT) as an IFV, cavalry fighting, fire support, command and engineer squad vehicle.
Work under the contract is expected to start at the company’s facilities in Pennsylvania, Michigan and California, US, and final delivery is scheduled to take place in July 2017.
Image: The Bradley fighting vehicle represents one of the most survivable and reliable vehicles of the US Army. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
