Article Posted on : - Feb 11, 2010

M113 armoured vehicle. A US Army Photo.

ALABAMA (BNS): US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management command has awarded the BAE Systems $32 million contract modification to reset 417 M113 vehicles, one of the most widely used combat vehicles in the world.

According to a news release by the BAE Systems, the refurbishment of the M113 vehicles will include replacing old and damaged equipment with updated components, restoring the vehicles to pre-combat condition.

"Replacing war torn equipment and providing our customers with the modern systems they need to work on the battlefield is absolutely crucial to the militaries worldwide that use this vehicle," said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of Heavy Brigade Combat Team Systems for BAE Systems, as reported in the release.

M113 is a significant armoured tracked vehicle. It can transport 12 troops plus a driver and is capable of amphibious operation, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain and high-speed operation on improved roads and highways.

The refurbishment of the M113 vehicles is expected to complete by December 2010.