BAE SYSTEMS Team to Develop Traction Drive Subsystems for Future Combat Systems Manned Ground Vehicles.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- A BAE Systems-led team has been selected by the Future Combat Systems (FCS) One Team to develop the common Traction Drive Subsystem (TDS) for FCS Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs).

The FCS Lead System Integrator (LSI) -- The Boeing Company and SAIC -- recognized the source selection team for its detailed analysis of all TDS proposals. The analysis was conducted by integrated MGV One Team partner evaluation panels led by LSI personnel. Following the analysis, a team led by BAE Systems, along with QinetiQ and Honeywell, was recommended and selected to develop the TDS system. The selection was announced by BAE Systems' firewalled FCS MGV program, which issued the TDS request for proposal in January.

The TDS is a series-hybrid drive system that will provide vehicle propulsion, steering and braking, and regenerate electrical power from braking and downhill grades for use in vehicle electrical systems. Initial deliveries of the objective TDS design are due in October 2006, with deliveries for 45 total TDS units and follow-on support running to 2011.

"We are pleased the FCS One Team selected our approach as the best-value solution for the Manned Ground Vehicles," said Matt Riddle, BAE Systems' director of Advanced Development at Santa Clara, Calif. "Our development and integration experience with hybrid systems, combined with QinetiQ's compact E-X-Drive tracked vehicle transmission and Honeywell's expertise in power electronics, motor manufacture and controls, will advance this key technology for FCS and other vehicle systems."

Under the award, the TDS Team will join the MGV Propulsion Integrated Product Team to work in conjunction with BAE Systems and General Dynamics to develop and fully integrate the propulsion system for the common chassis.

BAE Systems, as part of the firewalled FCS One Team, teamed with General Dynamics, is already working to develop and field a family of highly deployable Manned Ground Vehicles that will be key supporting systems linked through the overarching network that will enable the FCS-equipped Units of Action to effectively complete their missions.

The two companies have formed integrated design teams to develop and demonstrate the family of eight manned ground vehicles featuring a common platform design with common components and subsystems, such as TDS, with unique mission modules and all the variants linked together by networked battle command.

Under the FCS MGV contract, BAE Systems has responsibility for five MGV variants: Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon (NLOS-C); Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV); Medical Vehicle (MV); Non-Line of Sight Mortar (NLOS-M), and FCS Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle (FRMV).

BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defense and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems.