Saab to provide more equipment for U.S. Army combat vehicles

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. defense officials approved the fourth and fifth options of their contract with Saab to provide laser-based training systems for U.S. Army combat vehicles.

The order, valued at approximately $32 million, provides Saab's Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System, also known as CVTESS. Further options in the contract may be exercised, with the potential total value of $90 million.

The U.S. Army ordered CVTESS in 2012 to provide a digital platform for training soldiers to operate the combat vehicles. The system gives soldiers an accurate simulation of weapons used on a variety of vehicles, including all M-1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and even enemy vehicles.

"Saab's CVTESS is on the cutting edge of force-on-force training technology," Saab Defense and Security USA Training and Simulation division general manager Cyndi Turner said in a statement. "With more than 3,000 vehicle systems fielded to the U.S. Army, we are proud to continue supplying our military with a proven solution for their training needs."

Features of the system include a Target Interface Module, which distributes power within the system and controls player and simulator status, in addition to laser transmitters to simulate weapon fire. A short-range radio system known as the Player Area Network is also installed to connect various wireless devices fitted to the vehicle.

Saab has delivered over 9,000 of the vehicle systems since 1988.