29 Jul 2008 | Ref. 218/2008
ARLINGTON, Virginia - BAE Systems was recognized for its contributions to the Objective Gunner Protection Kit (O-GPK) and its role on the Raytheon / BAE Systems Excalibur team at the 6th Annual U.S. Army Top Ten Greatest Inventions Awards. The winners are selected by soldiers from active U.S. Army divisions and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
“This recognition shows our strong relationship with the U.S. Army and BAE Systems’ ongoing commitment to innovation”, said Scott Leitch, vice president for U.S. business development for BAE Systems Land and Armaments. “We will continue to offer new products to our Soldiers and Marines, ensuring that those who protect us are protected with the newest and latest technologies.”
The O-GPK provides a common force protection system, designed to integrate with the M1114 turret, mounted onto multiple tactical and armored vehicle platforms for increased protection from explosive device fragmentation and enemy small arms fire. The 360° ballistic protection allows visibility for situational awareness without compromising system effectiveness, reliability, and lethality. The unique asymmetric geometry enables proper engagement of the primary weapon.
The U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal developed the O-GPK through a partnership with BAE Systems. The company integrates and manufactures both the Battery Powered Motorized Traversing Unit (BPMTU) and an adapter kit that allows the battery unit to attach to the M1114 turret. The BPMTU is an integral part of the O-GPK system by allowing soldiers to rotate the turret without excessive effort.
BAE Systems has built over 26,000 BPMTU and O-GPK adapter kits. The company expects to deliver another 5,600 by September 2008, from its Cincinnati, Ohio plant.
Excalibur is a 155 mm artillery projectile guided by a GPS/Inertial Navigation System developed through a partnership between BAE Systems Bofors’ team in Karlskoga, Sweden and Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. It gives soldiers an artillery round with precision guidance and extended range.
Since 2002, the annual Army awards program has identified and recognized the U.S. Army laboratory community’s best new technologies with military application and utility. The program’s unique selection process reflects the voice of the Soldier and provides insight into the future of Army equipment. Soldiers from active U.S. Army divisions and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command evaluate the nominations based on three criteria: impact on Army capabilities; potential benefit outside the Army; and inventiveness. The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command consolidates the results into a final “Top Ten” Soldier selected list. The U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff serves as final selection approval authority.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
For further information, please contact:
Jessica Pantages, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 312 6157 Mobile: +1 703 439 0345
jessica.pantages@baesystems.com
Susan Lenover, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8259 Mobile: +1 703 850 1621
susan.lenover@baesystems.com
