DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems Gets $1.5 Billion Orders For Advanced M777 Howitzer

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: BAE Systems Gets $1.5 Billion Orders For Advanced M777 Howitzer

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources BAE Systems

(NSI News Source Info) ABU DHABI - February 26, 2011:

The orderbook of UK-based BAE Systems, a global defence, security and aerospace company, for lightweight 155mm howitzers is about $1.5 billion (Dh5.5 billion), Bob Preedy, head of the company's Artillery Business Development, told Gulf News yesterday.

"We deliver 10 guns every month. We conduct foreign military sales through the US government. So far, we have delivered 760 guns," Preedy said on the sidelines of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex-2011).

Preedy also said the price of one howitzer is approximately $3 million and its customers are primarily the US Army, US Marine Corps, Canada and Australia.

BAE Systems' sales rose 1.8 per cent on year in 2010 to £22.4 billion.

Later at a news conference, BAE Systems announced that a US order for 46 M777 howitzers takes the number of guns ordered to 1,001. "The order comes as BAE Systems continues deliveries of M777 to Canada and Australia, in addition to the US," the company said.

Weighing less than 4,200 kilograms, the revolutionary M777 is the world's first artillery piece to make widespread use of titanium and aluminium alloys, resulting in a howitzer that is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems. As a result, it can be deployed by medium-lift helicopters quickly and beyond the reach of roadside bombs to otherwise inaccessible areas, extending its reach over the theatre of operations.

Mike Smith, managing director of BAE Systems' Global Combat Systems Weapons business, said in a statement that the M777 has passed every development and operational test in vital areas such as accuracy, consistency, operational flexibility and mobility.

BAE Systems said the success of the M777 in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan is reflected in the global interest in the howitzer.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources

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DTN News: BAE Systems At DefExpo - A Towering Display Of Artillery Power

DTN News: BAE Systems At DefExpo - A Towering Display Of Artillery Power *Source: DTN News / BAE Systems (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - February 15, 2010: Two of the world's most powerful howitzers will dominate the BAE Systems' presence at DefExpo in Delhi starting Feb 15th. The BAE Systems FH77 B05 towed howitzer, and M777, the ultra light howitzer, will both be part of BAE Systems' biggest ever presence at DefExpo. BAE Systems will be co-located with Defence Land Systems India, the Mahindra and BAE Systems joint venture company which will soon be up and running. Andrew Gallagher, President BAE Systems India said:"BAE Systems' commitment to the development of a long term domestic business in India, with a full range of skills and capabilities, is unmatched. We firmly support the Indian Government's aim of procuring 70% of defence equipment domestically and see the establishment of Defence Land Systems India as a major contribution towards this objective." M777, the world's lightest 155mm howitzer, will grace the BAE Systems stand. Next to the M777, on the Defence Land Systems India stand, will be the FH77 B05. This is the significantly upgraded and more powerful big brother of the FH77 B02 in service with the Indian Army, which performed so admirably during the Kargil conflict. The BAE Systems FH77 B05 is bidding for the Indian Army requirement for towed 52cal 155mm howitzers. Trials with the India Army are due to start after DefExpo. The new upgraded howitzer, FH77 B05, has all round greater performance including increased range over the 39cal FH77 B02. It is intended that Defence Land Systems India would have a significant and increasing role in the production of FH77 B05, toward the intended goal of Defence Land Systems India becoming an artillery centre of excellence in India. The M777 ultra light weight howitzer is now in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process for a possible FMS purchase between the US and Indian Governments. M777 is, by some considerable margin, the lightest 155mm howitzer in the world, and the only one proven in battle. BAE Systems stands ready to support both governments in a possible FMS purchase. DefExpo will also see the launch of the MPVI (Mine Protected Vehicle India). A mine protected vehicle specifically designed for Indian conditions - the vehicle will make its first public appearance at the show on Defence Land Systems India's stand. The result of collaboration between Mahindra and BAE Systems, MPVI brings battle proven life saving vehicle protection technology to India in an affordable package, based on an indigenously assembled chassis and drive train. MPVI will be built at Defence Land Systems India's Faridabad manufacturing facility. The UK's new tactical communications system, Falcon, will also be on display. Falcon will enter service with the British Army and Royal Air Force this year and is the world's first tactical comms system based on an all IP (Internet Protocol) open architecture. FALCON provides secure deployable broadband voice, data and video, delivering the core of Network Enabled Capability. FALCON interoperates with all NATO systems, enabling better information sharing and exploitation, improving military commanders' awareness and decision-making, and ultimately mission success. BAE Systems intends to use elements of what has been produced for Falcon in the bid for the Indian Army's Tactical Communications System programme. Anjani and BAE Systems recently announced a new partnership that will see the two companies collaborate to produce survivability and protection equipment for soldiers and vehicles in India. Anjani and BAE Systems will be displaying these capabilities on their stands. Anjani is bidding for the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) requirement for 59,000 bullet proof vests. If successful the vests will be produced by Anjani in India using BAE Systems' Tensylon technology. The Tensylon ballistic material, made from high performance polyethylene fibre, provides superior performance and a lighter-weight, cost-effective solution. DefExpo also sees the India launch of BAE Systems' on-board power management system, which more than doubles the electrical power output of military vehicles to increase mission effectiveness. The system also provides power that can be exported from the vehicle during natural disasters and to support facilities and equipment such as field hospitals, command centres, and water purification systems. BAE Systems will also be showcasing a whole range of products, including infantry fighting vehicles, high mobility vehicles, unmanned autonomous systems, protection equipment, and helmet mounted display technology. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

DTN News: US May Sell 145 M777 Howitzers To India For $647 Million

DTN News: US May Sell 145 M777 Howitzers To India For $647 Million *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - January 31, 2010: The Pentagon has notified the US Congress of a possible sale of 145 state-of-the-art M777 155mm light-weight towed Howitzers to India worth $647 million. Describing India as an important force for "political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia", the Defence Security Cooperation Agency told the Congress: "India intends to use the Howitzers to modernize its armed forces and enhance its ability to operate in hazardous conditions." "The Howitzers will assist the Indian Army to develop and enhance standardisation and to improve interoperability with US soldiers and marines who use the M777 as their primary means of indirect fire," it said. The sale of Howitzers will also contribute to the US's foreign policy and national security by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship, it said. India will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces, the agency said adding the sale will not alter basic military balance in the region. Besides the US Marine with 380 such systems and US National Guard with 273 of them, Australia (57 guns) and Canada (12) are the only other two foreign countries who have been supplied this state of the art military equipment by the US.

DTN News: Australia To Buy BAE M777A2 Howitzers

DTN News: Australia To Buy BAE M777A2 Howitzers *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) LONDON, UK - October 24, 2009: The Australian government will purchase 35 lightweight towed 155mm howitzers as the first element of a program to re-equip the Army with new artillery.The M777A2 lightweight 155-mm howitzer is a critical fire support component of U.S. Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams and U.S. Marine Corps Air Ground Task Forces, and is in full-rate production under a contract awarded in March 2005. It is the first ground combat system to make extensive use of titanium and titanium castings, reducing the howitzer’s weight by 7,000 pounds to offer improved transportability and mobility over the M198 howitzer it replaces. The M777A2 can be transported by the Marine Corps’ MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and airdropped by C-130 aircraft. A launch platform for the Excalibur precision guided projectile gives the M777A2 better than 10-meter accuracy at ranges out to 40 kilometers. The M777 is deployed with the Army and Marine Corps in both Iraq and Afghanistan. To date, more than 550 guns have been delivered, with 37 additional M777A2s procured by Canada. Since February 2006, M777 howitzers served in Afghanistan with the Canadian Army. A foreign military sales case has been approved in 2008 for Australia to procure M777s. Defence Minister John Faulkner said in a statement that the Army will acquire four batteries of BAE System's M777A2 howitzers as part of a $493 million artillery replacement project known as Land 17. Purchase of an associated digital terminal control system for the howitzer will be considered by the Australian government in the second half of next year, he said. The M777 is used by U.S. and Canadian forces. To date, BAE has received orders for 862 of the Chinook helicopter-transportable weapons. Six hundred have been delivered. Faulkner said the second phase of the artillery enhancement package will include procurement of a self-propelled artillery system that will be capable of providing fire support to highly mobile mechanized forces.

DTN News: U.S Buys 62 More BAE Systems M777 Guns

DTN News: U.S Buys 62 More BAE Systems M777 Guns

*Source: DTN News / BAE Systems

(NSI News Source Info) BARROW, UK - July 23, 2009: The U.S, Department of Defense has ordered 62 more M777 howitzers from BAE Systems in a deal worth $117 million (£71m).

A system solution combining the world leading M777 lightweight howitzer with a Portee vehicle to deliver enhanced operational capability and flexibility. The M777 Portee System is capable of operating in all climatic conditions and potential theatres of conflict in a variety of rapid reaction roles, offensive/defensive warfare and combined peace-keeping operations. This highly deployable system provides maximum flexibility in terms of mobility and transportability. The M777 Portee System is a system with compatible and fully developed ammunition, command and control, logistic support and training. The Portee is a newly designed Supacat 8x6 vehicle from the high mobility truck family of vehicles. The M777 Portee brings a new dimension in military capability, which is lightweight with flexible deployment options; giving enhanced lethality and survivability. The system is interoperable with Allied forces, having NATO standardisation and commonality. This reduces costs and gives value for money in logistic support and training. Mike Smith, managing director at the company’s Global Combat Systems business, comments: “The purchase of additional howitzers is further endorsement of the M777 and its performance in support of current coalition operations. It means another six month’s work for our production facilities in Barrow and Hattiesburg, Mississippi taking manufacture on current sales well into 2012.” The order, signed on July 16, follows one placed by the DoD in May for 63 guns and a related small support contract for Hattiesburg. BAE Systems’ facility in Hattiesburg is responsible for final integration and test of the weapon system. The prime contract management of the M777 programme and manufacture and assembly of the complex titanium structures and associated recoil components are undertaken at Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom. Weighing in at less than 10,000 lbs. (4200kg), the revolutionary M777 is the world’s first artillery weapon to make widespread use of titanium and aluminum alloys, resulting in a howitzer which is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems. Both the U.S. and Canada operate M777s in Afghanistan, providing fire support to coalition forces. Its ability to be airlifted to remote positions by helicopter gives the system enormous operational flexibility and makes it ideal for a challenging environment like Afghanistan. The M777 can fire the “smart” Excalibur round, co-developed by BAE Systems accurately enough to target individual rooms within a building, reducing the chance of innocent casualties and allowing supporting fire to be brought down much closer to friendly troops. The M777 effort is managed by the Light Weight 155mm Joint Program Management Office at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. About BAE Systems: BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.

DTN News: BAE's Lightweight Howitzer Wins $118 Million In Further Orders

DTN News: BAE's Lightweight Howitzer Wins $118 Million In Further Orders

(NSI News Source Info) Hattiesburg, MS – May 29, 2009: The U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Canadian Forces have ordered additional BAE Systems M777 155mm lightweight howitzers, taking the company's order book for the type to 800 guns, BAE announced May 28. The three orders' total value is about $118 million, and the program is now worth in excess of $1.6 billion to the company. The United States is buying 38 more weapons, while Canada is ordering another 25 to add to the 12 already in service. U.S. and Canadian forces both operate the type in Afghanistan, where its ability to be transported by tactical helicopter makes it particularly useful in the difficult terrain faced by coalition forces. M777s are manufactured in BAE's Global Combat Systems plant at Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom, and final integration and testing takes place at the company's Hattiesburg, Miss., facility. The weapon can fire the M982 Excalibur smart munition, jointly developed by Raytheon Missile Systems and BAE, to a range of up to 40 kilometers with a high degree of accuracy. The circular error probability requirement is for less than 10 meters, and "the system has consistently demonstrated an ability to meet and exceed that requirement," said James Shields, program manager for the weapon at Picatinny Arsenal, speaking on the occasion of the delivery of the 500th M777 to U.S. forces in April. Even firing conventional ammunition, however, the M777's accuracy has met and exceeded expectations. Feedback from U.S. forces employing the weapon during operations in Afghanistan has revealed "shifts of only 50-60 meters after the first round - and that's just awesome," according to Col. James Matthies, TRADOC capabilities manager at Fort Sill, Okla. Ease of use and the efficacy of the digitization package were areas cited, Matthies said. The M777 is the first such weapon to make extensive use of titanium and aluminum alloys, resulting in an air-transportable weapon that, at 4,200 kilograms, weighs about half that of conventional 155mm systems. The total of 63 howitzers in the new orders comes shortly after the company forecast up to 150 additional orders by the end of 2009. Among potential purchasers are Australia, which is asking for 35 systems but could eventually procure up to 57, Denmark, India, Oman and Thailand. An order from Australia is anticipated before the end of the year, according to the company. In addition to the new order, BAE Global Combat Systems has received a contract for $3 million to reset 33 howitzers returning from deployment in Afghanistan with U.S. forces. This work will be carried out at the Hattiesburg facility.

BAE Systems Delivers 500th M777 Howitzer To US Forces

BAE Systems Delivers 500th M777 Howitzer To US Forces

(NSI News Source Info) BARROW, UK - April 17, 2009: BAE Systems workers today celebrated delivery of the 500th M777 howitzer to the US military. Weighing in at less than 4200kg, the revolutionary M777 is the world's first artillery weapon to make widespread use of titanium and aluminum alloys, resulting in a howitzer which is half the weight of conventional 155mm systems. In May 2005, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, based at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, became the first Marine unit to begin fielding the new M777. 380 systems will be supplied to the Marines, and 273 to the U.S. Army and National Guard. In December 2005, The 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery conducted an inaugural firing of its first 155 mm M777 towed howitzers, for of a total of six guns. The six guns delivered were supplied by the United States Marine Corps under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract between the U.S. and Canada. The guns were deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Archer, and were put into service in the Canadian theatre of operations around Kandahar in early 2006. In the summer they made a significant contribution during the Battle of Panjwaii when a small number of rounds were used to huge effect on Taliban elements retreating from the battle area. Many of the 72 reported killed during the heaviest period of fighting were due to artillery fire from only two of these guns. In late fall of 2006, the Canadian M777 Howitzers were equipped with the Digital Gun Management System, which greatly improved accuracy and lead to these guns being used for Short Range Close Support of Canadian and US ground forces. However, until early 2007, ammunition supplies were constrained and led to reduced firing. They proved so successful that an order for an additional six guns was placed with BAE. A recent press release states that the Canadian government has requested a further sale of up to 37 M777s. An Australian government request to the US DSCA for 57 M777A2s has recently been made, worth $248m. Gun Section 2, 2nd Platoon (5th Section) B/2-11 FA was the first US Army unit to fire the M777A2 in combat at 0823 (Baghdad Time) on 2 January 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 2-11 FA deployed December 2007 with 2nd BDE 25th Infantry Division out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. In June 2007, the M777 in its A2 configuration was assigned to the U.S. Army's 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment. 3-321 FA deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December 2007 and has become mission capable since January 2008 making 3-321 FA the first U.S. Army unit to utilize the M777 in combat in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In April 2008, the M777 was deployed for testing with the 2nd battalion, 8th Field Artillery of the U.S. Army at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. On July 20, 2008 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, the 1st Battalion, 108th Field Artillery, 28th Infantry Division, PA National Guard became the first Field Artillery unit of the National Guard to field and fire the M777. BAE Systems Global Combat Systems' facility at Barrow-in- Furness is responsible for the prime contract management of the M777 programme, including direct customer liaison and acceptance of the weapon system in the US, control of the UK and US supply chain, engineering design authority and manufacturing and assembly of the complex titanium structures and associated recoil components. Final integration and test of the weapon system is undertaken at its Hattiesburg plant in Mississippi. US Army officer Colonel James Matties congratulated workers on building a "superb" gun and told them it was doing a "magnificent job" in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The total number of orders for the gun currently stands at 737 in a programme worth over £1bn since it began in the mid-90s. "This is a landmark day for a transatlantic programme which has hit every milestone along the way," said BAE Systems' Artillery Programmes Director Ian McMillan. "M777 follows two other Anglo-U.S. weapon success stories - the 105mm Light Gun and the 81mm mortar are both British BAE Systems designs which have been adopted by the U.S." Canada has a potential requirement for an additional 25 howitzers. Australia has also registered official interest in a purchase and other nations are assessing the weapon system. Most of the 500 M777s have been delivered to the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. Canada also has 12 M777 howitzers in service with the Royal Horse Artillery. Both nations' services operate M777s in Afghanistan, providing fire support to coalition forces. The gun is known by local insurgents as the 'Desert Dragon'. Its ability to be airlifted to remote positions by helicopter gives the system enormous operational flexibility and makes it ideal for a challenging environment like Afghanistan. BAE Systems also provides support, training, maintenance and spares for the guns currently in service. The M777 effort is managed by the Light Weight 155mm Joint Program office at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Some M777 facts: The M777 can fire the "smart" Excalibur round, co-developed by Global Combat Systems up to 40 km (25m) accurately enough to target individual rooms within a building, reducing the chance of innocent casualties and allowing supporting fire to be brought down much closer to friendly troops. It can hurl a standard 43.5 kg shell almost 30 km (21 miles) at 2.5 times the speed of sound. The projectile takes just over a minute to fly this distance and reaches a maximum height of 12km. The shell reaches its maximum speed of 2900 kph (1800mph) by the time it exits the muzzle of the gun. The energy released firing at maximum range is 40 MJ which is the equivalent of accelerating 55 family cars to 45mph in just 12 thousandths of a second. The internal cannon peak pressure during firing reach 60,000 pounds per square inch. The wind speed, metereological conditions and even the earth's rotation all have to be taken into account for accurate targeting. The gun remains stable when firing, despite its light weight, by being "out of balance" - the barrel is mounted low and forward to prevent the gun overturning when it is fired. About BAE Systems: BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.