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BAE SYSTEMS receives U.S. Army contract for multi-platform mine detection and neutralisation system

15 May 2001

Ref.: 070/2001

The U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM) has, on behalf of the Programme Manager for Mines, Countermines and Demolitions, awarded BAE Systems an 18 month, $3.3 million contract for the Programme Definition and Risk Reduction phase of the GSTAMIDS (Ground Stand-off Minefield Detection System) Block I system.

GSTAMIDS integrates mine detection and neutralisation into a multi-platform system. One platform is a remotely operated vehicle, capable of mine-overpass, hosting a sophisticated detection suite of ground penetration radar, metal detection and infrared sensors, along with the neutralisation mechanism. The second platform is an armoured crew vehicle, which remotely controls the countermine detection and neutralisation operation from a safe stand-off distance.

Under this contract, BAE Systems will develop a tactical engagement model of GSTAMIDS Block I, allowing the customer to vary the performance parameters of several system elements, determining the appropriate set of system requirements and optimum mix of system elements. BAE Systems will then develop a virtual prototype of the recommended SDD (System Development and Demonstration) baseline. The competitive SDD contract for GSTAMIDS Block I will be awarded in the first quarter of 2003.

According to Bob Swanson, president of BAE Systems' Integrated Defense Solutions, "This is a major win for us, and maintains our leadership position in the development of integrated countermine systems. With the Mongoose minefield breaching system, and the RATTLER (Rapid Terrain Limiter) work we are developing, we have clearly become a leader in the countermine technology marketplace."

"BAE Systems recently completed the Mine Hunter/Killer Advanced Technology Demonstration," said Mine Hunter/Killer and GSTAMIDS Block I programme manager Dan Harris, "Producing a working prototype of a system very similar to GSTAMIDS, we will be leveraging the integration skills, as well as the system specific knowledge we developed in the Mine Hunter/Killer program to the challenges of GSTAMIDS Block I."

Integrated Defense Solutions, whose headquarters is in Austin, Texas, employs more than 1,200 people at three major facilities in three states and in Israel. In addition to mine countermeasures, Integrated Defense Solutions designs, develops and manufactures a wide range of tactical products and services including chemical detection, camouflage, expendable countermeasures and dispenser systems, combat systems, and systems integration for air, space, land, and seagoing platforms and systems.

BAE Systems North America employs 22,000 people in the design, development, integration, manufacture and support of a wide range of advanced aerospace products and intelligent electronic systems for government and commercial customers.