BAE SYSTEMS Receives Order From US Marine Corps For Expeditionary Assault Launch Mechanism
05 May 2005
BAE Systems today announced the creation of a new world-class systems integration and C4ISR business, BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies (Insyte), through bringing together AMS UK and BAE Systems C4ISR Networked Systems and Solutions businesses. The creation of the new business has enabled BAE Systems to bring its systems integration activities into one significant, wholly owned business. The new company operates in the areas of joint, naval, land and air systems and Homeland Security.
The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has placed a contract with BAE Systems Land Systems to supply a modified TITAN launch mechanism for integration into the M1A1 Main Battle Tank chassis. It will launch and recover the in-service US MLC60/70 steel scissor bridge.
The USMC Expeditionary Force crossed British Army tactical bridges into Iraq at the start of hostilities, and subsequently undertook a global prospective search to upgrade their own armoured bridging capability for the M1A1. They selected the Land Systems TITAN mechanism. The USMC target is to have the demonstrator set installed and working on the M1 by the end of September 2005.
The speed of the programme will be possible due to the proven Armoured Engineering capability and systems integration skills at Land Systems, working with the U.S. Armys Tank Depot at Anniston, Ala. Land Systems will also support the proving trials at Aberdeen Testing Center. It is anticipated that two additional TITAN launchers will be ordered in late 2005 with a follow-on order for up to 20 systems.
Trevor Harrison, Managing Director for Land Systems (Weapons & Vehicles) says, We are delighted with this contract from the US Marines Corps. This is an important development in our growing transatlantic relationship with the US.
The TITAN bridge layer is the latest version of tank bridge layer, designed, built and supplied to the British Army. It was selected by the UK Ministry of Defence in 2001 and production deliveries begin later this year. It is the fastest launch system in the world, deploying a 26-meter bridge in less than two minutes. Versions of the launch mechanism have been installed on several main battle tank chassis, and supplied to countries worldwide.
Land Systems supplies the current modular tactical bridging system to the British Army, where it is known as BR90. Bridges can be launched from both tanks and wheeled vehicles, including the longest single-span bridge at 52 meters, built ready for traffic in 75 minutes. The system also includes pontoons, trestles deployed during launch to enable multiple tank bridges to be built in minutes over wet or dry gaps, and devices to enable over-bridging of obstacles such as oil pipelines.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, fighting vehicles, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of over 13 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
About BAE Systems Land Systems:
BAE Systems Land Systems is part of the CS&S and Land Systems group. It has some 5,100 employees across four business streams: Land Systems Hgglunds, Land Systems Weapons & Vehicles, Land Systems Munitions & Ordnance and Land Systems OMC.
Land Systems' product portfolio includes military vehicles, main battle tanks, munitions, artillery, armoured personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, turreted weapon systems, engineering vehicles and bridging equipment that can be fully integrated and supported to meet a range of customer requirements.
Our aim is to enhance customers military capability by delivering the most efficient systems and solutions - always.
For further information, please contact:
Greg Trew, Communications Manager, BAE Systems Land Systems
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384029 Mobile: +44 (0) 7736 810269
Kate Roberts, Communications Manager, BAE Systems Land Systems Weapons & Vehicles
Tel: +44 (0) 191 226 7026 Mobile: +44 (0) 7771 767385
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