| Bae has got an order from the US for new artillery.
"MAR. 24 8:59 A.M. ET Defense contractor BAE Systems PLC said Thursday that it received a $834 million full production contract to supply the Army and Marines with more lightweight howitzer cannons.
Under the contract, BAE will manufacture 495 M777A1 howitzers, a more lightweight version of the present M198 towed howitzer, over the next four years.
The 155 millimeter artillery piece is used by Marine Air Ground Task Forces and Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. The M777A1 is about 7,000 pounds lighter than the M198 due to titanium components, making it easier to transport, the company said.
BAE received a low rate initial production contract in November 2002 to manufacture 94 of the lightweight howitzers. These artillery pieces will get upgraded digital fire control systems as part of the full production contract.
Additionally, BAE expects to integrate its Excalibur precision-guided projectile with the M777A1 by 2006. The Excalibur makes the M777A1 accurate to within 10 meters from as far away as 40 kilometers."
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