BAE Systems Receives $45 Million U.S. Army Contract for Vehicle Emergency Escape Window Kits

MINNEAPOLIS - Feb 26 2009 - BAE Systems received an order to provide 5,685 Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) Window kits from the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM). The kits are a featured component in the Army’s Fragmentation Kit Seven (FRAG 7) being fielded this year to enhance the safety and performance of the up-armored M1151 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV). The estimated total value of this contract is $45 million.

The patent-pending VEE Window technology enables soldiers to quickly exit the vehicle in the event of an emergency, such as a rollover or accident, by releasing and pushing out the front window.

"Simple, life-saving technology is essential in the unpredictable working environment of a soldier," said Mark Signorelli, vice president of Army Programs at BAE Systems. "The VEE Window’s simplicity helps ensure the FRAG 7 kit requires no additional training from soldiers in theater. It enables soldiers to evacuate from a vehicle emergency in seconds and is a proven, valuable safeguard for our troops."

This latest contract raises the total Army orders for VEE Window kits to over 12,000, with more than 4,000 kits already shipped for the up-armored M1114 and M1151 HMMWVs. The VEE Window technology is adaptable to many tactical up-armored combat vehicles, including Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles or Marine Medium Tactical Vehicle replacements.

With few moving parts, the VEE Window requires minimum maintenance, a very low life-cycle cost and can be installed in the field by trained Army and Marine maintenance crews.

Work on the VEE Window order will be performed at BAE Systems and industrial partner facilities in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Butler, Pennsylvania.

Find downloadable photos, videos and more information at www.veewindow.com.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense, 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.

Contacts:
BAE Systems
Mary Nhotsavang, +1 763-572-7376
Mobile: +1 612-219-9774
mary.nhotsavang@baesystems.com
or
Shannon Smith, +1 703-907-8257
Mobile: +1 703-967-3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com

www.baesystems.com

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