BAE supplying Army with gunner kits

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SEALY, Texas, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Kits and shields to provide gunners on Humvees with better vision and improved protection have been ordered from BAE Systems by the U.S. Army.

The gunner protective kits and shields will be fitted on M1151 and M1114 models of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and carry a combined value of $11.4 million.

BAE systems said that under the order from the Army's TACOM Life Cycle Management Command 3,602 protective kits and 799 shields will be provided. Deliveries will begin in November.

"Providing products that keep our men and women in uniform safe while in combat is a key priority," said Robert Houston, vice president of Support and Technical Services at BAE Systems.

"The Gunner Protection Kit and Shield allows the soldier to maintain a protected posture while performing mission objectives with full visibility through the vehicle's armored turret."

The protection kits increase the protection of the gunner with higher armoring and transparent shields. The system includes a combination of steel, transparent armor windows and rear-view mirrors configured to provide protection against rifle fire and roadside bomb blasts, BAE said.