USA
LAND
07 Sep 17. General Dynamics Receives Contracts to Upgrade Abrams Main Battle Tanks. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recently received two contract awards from the U.S. Army for Abrams main battle tank upgrades, which will boost the platform’s capabilities and help the Army lead the way into the future. The company will design, develop and integrate multiple engineering changes into the Abrams M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3), creating a SEPv4 and further modernizing the tanks. Abrams main battle tanks are produced at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio. The first contract is for SEPv4 upgrades, which include the Commander’s Primary Sight (formerly known as the Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer), an improved Gunner’s Primary Sight and enhancements to sensors, lethality and survivability. General Dynamics Land Systems will deliver seven prototype M1A2 SEPv4 tanks to the Army. The contract has an initial value of $311m. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich.; Lima; Scranton, Pa.; and Tallahassee, Fla. The second award was a $270m contract from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command to produce 45 Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 tanks. The first pilot vehicles, which feature technological advancements in communications, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency and upgraded armor, are expected to roll off the production line in fall 2017. Work will be performed in Lima, Scranton, Tallahassee and Anniston, Ala. (Source: ASD Network)
05 Sep 17. USMC selects Optics 1’s I-CUGR. Safran company Optics 1’s Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-mounted Rangefinder (I-CUGR) has been selected by the US Marine Corps (USMC) for its Sniper Range Finder (SRF) programme, the company announced on 31 August.
The I-CUGR is a small, lightweight and rugged weapon-mounted laser rangefinder with integrated illumination and aiming lasers. It is designed to give the user the capability to quickly range targets without taking their hand off the rifle, providing more accurate first round hits. The initial order is for 315 units with deliveries starting this year. (Source: Shephard)
07 Sep 17. Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has been awarded a $19,286,100 modification (0023) to contract W56HZV-15-D-0031 for 50 recapitalized M1120A4 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 17, 2020. Fiscal 2016 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $19,286,100 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
SEA
05 Sep 17. The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a 22-month, $76m contract to help develop vital communications and electronics. The company will support the rapid design, development, fabrication, customization, and life-cycle maintenance of new and existing communication and electronic platforms for the Naval Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). BAE Systems will also support the testing, evaluation, installation, integration, and certification of mission equipment and systems for NAWCAD’s Special Communications Mission Solutions Division. This cutting-edge equipment is designed and developed by NAWCAD and allows customers to communicate securely. It is widely used by the Navy, as well as the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Joint Special Operations Forces, and other U.S. Department of Defense and federal government agencies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 Sep 17. GE’s Marine Solutions’ family of LM2500 aeroderivative marine gas turbines have been selected to power two vessels being built for US Navy and Coast Guard programmes, the company announced on 30 August. Two LM2500+ gas turbines will power multi-purpose amphibious assault ship Bougainville for the US Navy. The vessel is set to enter construction with Huntington Ingalls Industries shortly. GE LM2500+ gas turbines are also poweri