BAE Systems recieves $313 million to continue research and development of PIM

ARLINGTON, Va. Jan 18, 2012. BAE Systems received a $313 million contract modification for additional engineering design, logistics development and test evaluation support to complete the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the U.S. Army’s Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program. PIM is the latest howitzer in the M109 family of vehicles.

Work under this contract will be performed at various BAE Systems facilities, including: York Pennsylvania; Johnson City, New York; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Santa Clara, California and Sterling Heights, Michigan. The contract was awarded by U.S. Army TACOM and is expected to begin in February 2012 with anticipated completion in January 2015.

The Paladin Integrated Management howitzer uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces unique vehicle chassis components with modern components common to the Bradley family of vehicles incorporated in an improved and more survivable chassis structure. PIM incorporates a "digital backbone" and power generation capability and integrates electric elevation and traverse drives, electric rammer and digital fire control system. The upgrade of the PIM ensures commonality with existing systems in the Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and reduces its logistical footprint and operational sustainability costs by replacing obsolete components.

PIM is equipped with the company's on-board power management capability, representing the first implementation of the U.S. Army's On Board Power Management requirement. BAE Systems’ on-board power management solution will double the electrical power of most military vehicles, producing 70KW, significantly increasing the mission effectiveness of ground forces in theatre.