GE to support tank upgrade program

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 16 (UPI) -- General Electric's Michigan-based aviation business has been contracted to support the U.S. Army's M1A2 main battle tank upgrade program.

The $20 million contract from General Dynamics Land Systems is for GE to provide its M1A2 position navigation systems that officials say enable real-time vehicle position, heading and attitude. The M1A2 order adds to GE's land navigation systems delivery program that has more than 2,000 units on order for installation before 2013.

The M1A2 navigation technology provides the vehicle operators reference information on the "station display panels (with) position/navigation location accuracy through inertial sensor technology without external reference or outside data links," the release said.

GE officials say the M1A2 systems will be manufactured at their Michigan production facility.