Article Posted on : - Nov 16, 2010

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Photo: US Army.

HOUSTON, TEXAS (BNS): The US Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) has awarded $16 million contract to BAE Systems for the production of 44 additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicles.

The company will be involved in the manufacturing of these vehicles for the US Army that incorporate technologies to increase protection for soldiers from artillery attack.

BAE Systems will produce appliqué kits and provide programme support for the HIMARS under the contract that follows a June 2010 award of $24 million for 63 HIMARS vehicles and appliqué kits.

The vehicles will be equipped with BAE Systems' Increased Crew Protection (ICP) cab, derived from a BAE Systems' patented design, which provides reliable protection for crews.

"With our specialised ability to support the growing HIMARS fleet with greater mobility and survivability, BAE Systems continues to demonstrate a commitment to consistently provide our warfighters with enhanced protection on the most reliable medium tactical vehicles at the best value," Chris Chambers, line lead for BAE Systems, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

The vehicles with ICP cabs will be produced in Sealy, Texas and delivered to the Army by December 2011.

The HIMARS cab has nearly 40 major enhancements designed to protect occupants against missile blast and Foreign Object Debris (FOD), as well as toxic fumes associated with rocket launch. This product has been in production since 2001 and remains a popular vehicle with the artillery users.