BAE to upgrade PIM howitzer vehicles

YORK, Pa., May 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command has modified a contract with BAE Systems for upgrades on Paladin Integrated Management howitzer vehicles.

The TACOM Life Cycle Management Command awarded a $21.8 million contract modification to BAE to develop improvements for the M109A6 PIM self-propelled howitzer. The modified contract adds to the initial $5 million PIM deal in a TACOM initiative to extend the life of the Paladin fleet into 2050.

Officials say BAE will replace hydraulics on the M109A6 cab with electric gun drives incorporating future combat systems' non-line-of-sight cannon technologies along with other upgrades to the M109A6 chassis.

"The M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management vehicle leverages available technology and stresses commonality with fielded platforms," Andy Hove, BAE Systems combat systems programs vice president, said in a statement. "This award represents the initial phase of the long-term PIM program efforts to sustain the Paladin fleet into 2050."