BAE Systems to Upgrade M113 Family of Vehicles

, ANNISTON: BAE Systems has received a contract option for $87.9 million to upgrade and convert 335 M113 Family of Vehicles (FOV). The work includes: 288 M1068A3 Standard Integrated Command Post (SICPS) Carriers, 15 M1064A3 Mortar Carriers and 32 M577A3 Command Post Carriers. 
 
BAE Systems received a $228 million contract from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command in March 1006. When the new option is completed, BAE Systems will have converted 871 M113 FOVs. 
 
The BAE Systems vehicle upgrade facility, in Anniston, Alabama has been upgrading the M113 FOV since 1994 and has completed 3,000 vehicle conversions during that time. The upgrade converts the carriers from an A2 configuration to the A3 configuration with the installation of an improved transmission and engine, automotive type driver controls, T-150 track and external fuel cells. External armor and a nuclear, biological, and chemical protection system are also part of the upgrade. 
 
As an integral component of the Army's Heavy Brigade Combat Team, the M113 FOVs will remain in the active fleet until 2051. The Army projects that an additional 300-500 vehicles will be converted to the A3 configuration in order to meet the Army's modularity requirements.