BREAKING NEWS
Sealy-based BAE Systems has gotten a new lease on life after being awarded a $629 million government contract from the Army’s U.S. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Joint Program Office to upgrade 1,700 military vehicles.
The upgrades and modifications will be made to a multi-terrain vehicle called the Caiman.
The modifications involve integrating a refurbished and improved armored capsule from an existing Caiman with a new high-power automotive power train, chassis and independent suspension. The enhancements are designed to provide greater levels of mobility and survivability necessary for varied environments and significant enemy threats.
“The Caiman MTV meets the urgent and enduring needs of our troops for greater mobility and survivability,” said Dennis Morris, president, BAE Systems Global Tactical Systems. “The Caiman MTV is a very adaptable configuration that can be customized to meet a variety of missions, and we look forward to getting these to the field.”
BAE officials also said the Caiman MTV achieves greater survivability through an enhanced monolithic floor, a strengthened chassis frame and blast absorbing seats.
The vehicle’s improved mobility is achieved with a greater vehicle track width, a strong independent suspension and an upgraded power train.
The upgraded interior includes an enhanced HVAC temperature control system to protect soldiers and critical computer equipment from hot and cold extremes.
Under the contract, the drivable rolling chassis will be produced in Sealy and delivered to the Army starting in November, with final integration being completed jointly by BAE Systems’ and U.S. Government personnel.
BAE officials said the new contract would not, however, affect any employees laid-off as a result of the loss of an earlier military contract.
“BAE Systems will proceed with its announced layoffs. Our reduction in force decision was factored in this new work,” spokesperson Davy Kong said in an e-mail.
Last month, BAE announced the layoffs of more than 2,000 of its Sealy-based employees after the company lost its bid to retain a $3 billion contract to continue producing the Army’s Family of Military Tactical Vehicles.
The FMTVs had been produced at the Sealy facility for 18 years before BAE lost the contract to Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corporation.
An estimated 1,000 of BAE employees, including plant executives, live in the Katy area.
