BAE to support semi-truck reinforcement

CINCINNATI, May 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted BAE Systems for the company to supply its cab field kits for M915A3 military semi-trucks.

Officials say the $12 million add-on contract is an effort to reinforce the M915A3 semi-truck's cab to handle the previously installed add-on armor kits. The M915A3 is deployed by the Army largely in Southwest Asia for the transportation of fuel and supplies. The cab field kit is needed to reinforce the cab structure to better handle the weight of the new armor.

"These kits will enable the M915A3 trucks to better perform their mission in the demanding terrain experienced by the Army," Tony Russell, BAE Systems vehicle armor vice president, said in a statement. "It will also reduce the operational and maintenance costs for the Army."

The new cab field kits deal brings the total number of kits ordered by the U.S. military to approximately 2,000.