Equipment
BAE Systems will be showcasing a full range of solutions at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 21-23, 2013.
Vigilance learnt that its latest artillery system is ready for production. The M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) howitzer is a 39-caliber, 155-mm artillery system designed to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams. The PIM program includes both a self-propelled howitzer, and its companion armored ammunition resupply vehicle. Both incorporate state-of-the art digital backbone and architecture, with a first-of-its-kind 70 KW, 600 volt power generation and distribution system. The mobility platforms leverage significant commonality with the Bradley Family of Vehicles, and the mission systems utilize technology and hardware designs from the Non-Line of Sight cannon program. The systems provide soldiers with increased force protection and survivability, and a strong foundation for future growth. The system is wrapping successful Developmental Testing and poised to enter Low Rate Initial Production.
Also to be exhibited are its protecting helicopter fleets from existing and evolving infrared-guided threats. On today’s battlefields, helicopters are essential to modern warfare and defense, but the aircrews and troops they carry must contend with a growing array of evolving threats — infrared-guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. BAE Systems is showcasing the capabilities of its Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) solution, which is designed as the next-generation integrated aircraft survivability and protection solution for the U.S. Army. Since receiving the 2012 award to compete in the CIRCM technology demonstration phase, BAE Systems has met or surpassed every program milestone, including the early delivery of initial units and successful contractor-led testing.
Other products billed for AUSA 2013 include:
Laser-guided rocket on target from newest platform. BAE Systems is highlighting a new platform milestone for its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) laser-guided rocket, which was created to bridge the gap between unguided rockets and larger, more expensive anti-armor munitions. With its latest milestone, the APKWS laser-guided rocket — a precise, lethal, affordable, and versatile weapon — has now been successfully tested on almost a dozen fixed and rotary wing platforms.
Mature AMPV solution. BAE Systems is showcasing its proposed solution to the Army’s Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle(AMPV) program, which will replace the M113 personnel carrier. Our non-developmental proven solution uses proven Bradley hardware and leverages the platform’s modernization investments to meet the U.S. Army’s mobility, survivability, and commonality needs. The maturity of our offering provides a low-risk solution for the Army and is ready for production.
In another development, BAE Systems’ training school has received an £800,000 boost to train its current apprentices
Innovative munitions technology. BAE Systems is working with the U.S. Army to develop a new family of innovative explosives called insensitive munitions. Once fielded, these technologies will revolutionize the industry and save lives on and off the battlefield. Insensitive munitions (IM) are much safer to handle and store than legacy explosive products, like TNT and Composition B. One, called IMX-101 is now in full production and is on track to completely phase out
TNT from U.S. artillery in the coming years. Beyond IMX-101, various other IM formulations are being developed and qualified for an array of munitions applications, including bombs, grenades, and mortar systems.
In another development, BAE Systems’ training school has received £800,000 boosts to train its current apprentices
We have installed new machines and equipment at our Preston Training Centre to equip first year craft and technical apprentices with basic skills before they continue on to the shop floor of our sites at Warton and Samlesbury.
We began our recruitment drive for our 2014 intake of apprentices with an open day at Blackpool Football Club stadium on 9 October with consequent roadshows at Blackburn Football Club and Preston North End stadium.
Bill Southam, BAE Systems workshop manager at the training centre on Marsh Lane, Preston, said the equipment would allow it to “raise the bar” further on its training.
He said: “When the apprentices have completed their first 12 months using this machinery, they will be better equipped than ever to move in to different parts of the business. We always strive to deliver the best training we can and this equipment will allow us to ensure the people we are sending into BAE Systems are the very best they can be. Apprentices have always been the lifeblood of our company which is why we continue to invest in them.”
The equipment includes new software which apprentices will be trained on to put the new state-of-the-art lathes and milling machinery to work, along with new welding equipment and materials.
The company has invested a £600,000 contribution for the new kit which was supported by a £200,000 Government grant due to our support for the Employee Ownership Pilot, which will see it offer its apprenticeship to youngsters who will go on to work for 11 of its supply chain companies.
The 2013 intake of apprentices got their training underway in September.
The window for applications for apprenticeship places at our sites in Warton and Samlesbury, Lancashire and Brough, East Yorkshire, opens on Friday 1 November - check our webpage.
Nigel Austin, apprentice manager for our Military Air and Information (MAI) business, said: “Apprenticeships are part of our DNA at BAE Systems and you will find apprentices right to the very top of our business.
“Our MAI managing director, Chris Boardman, is a former apprentice and one of the biggest advocates of how apprenticeships give young people the right skills to do the job and a great foundation in life.
“These open days are a great opportunity for young people, with their parents, to see exactly what apprenticeship opportunities the company has to offer.”
This September, our MAI business has welcomed 83 apprentices who will train up as the engineers, project managers and business leaders of the future and were chosen from nearly 1,500 applicants.