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Gunner shield
Through 2007, BAE Systems built and delivered over 20,000 Up-Armored HMMWVs (UAH). Though currently out of UAH production, many of the components created for UAH are standard items on a variety of light, medium, and heavy tactical vehicles as well as MRAP vehicles. These armor components and accessories include turret rings and weapon stations, turret drive systems (manual and motorized), and armored gunner protection kits (GPK). BAE Systems provides these components to a variety of OEMs and is the exclusive supplier of turret drive components for the U.S. Army Objective Gunner Protection Kit (over 35,000 vehicles through 2008). Most recently, BAE Systems anticipated the requirement for safe vehicle ingress, egress, and rescue from vehicles with heavily armored doors. To meet this need, BAE Systems developed Door Assist Systems (DAS) for both UAH and MRAP.
Improved Gunner Shield (I-GS)
The Improved Gunner Shield with integrated transparent armor (I-GS) combines the increased protection of a taller and wider gunner shield with enhanced visibility of the gunner’s sector of fire through the use of transparent armor. I-GS utilizes existing interface points, making it easily retrofittable in the field. It accommodates a larger range of weapon barrels and scope sizes than the standard gunner shield.
Improved Gunner Protection Kit (I-GPK)
The Improved Gunner Protection Kit with integrated transparent armor (I-GPK) provides increased protection for nearly 360° visibility to the gunner. I-GPK is retrofitable on any M1114-style turret, and uses existing mounting locations in the standard GPK.
BPMTU (Battery Powered Motorized Traversing Unit)
The Battery Powered Motorized Traversing Unit (BPMTU) provides powered traversing capability for the M1114-style turret assembly, which is also utilized on other vehicles, such as M1151 UAH family, FMTV family, LSACs, Cougars, ASVs and MRAP vehicles. Powered traversing capability has become more important as considerable weight has been added to the turret system, such as increased ammo, larger Gunner Shields (GS), Gunner Protection Kits (GPK), and PSYOPS FOL systems. This increased weight can lead to more soldier fatigue, especially in urban areas where the gunner is continually required to traverse the turret. Without this system, the gunner cannot manually traverse the turret while on inclines above 10°.
Improved Air Conditioner
BAE Systems is well equipped to perform design integration of critical vehicle systems. This includes NBC (nuclear, chemical and biological) filtration and cab over pressurization systems as well as air conditioning, electronic equipment racks, fire and safety systems as well as the components needed to operate a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle in today's environment.
The Improved Air Conditioner with Cooling Vests provides improved vehicle cabin cooling and personnel cooling via air conditioner component improvements, increased air velocity, and an integrated vest cooling system for five personnel. It offers improved crew performance while operating in hot climates by increasing the soldiers’ ability to perform assigned missions with less heat stress. The system provides exceptional cooling to the entire crew, including the gunner, even with the turret hatch open. Parts that are normally consumed during service are more readily accessible and are fitted with quick-disconnects for easy replacement.
DAS (Door Assist System)
We have developed and fielded two different DAS approaches. The Light DAS is designed for light applications, consists of an electric gear motor, spur gear, and a single arc gear rack that is engaged using a gear follower. The unit is typically externally mounted to the door, and actuates between the roof line clevis and gear follower. It can be used on level ground or up to 17° slope (30% grade), operates up to 50 cycles on a full battery charge, opens or closes the door in less than 5 seconds and can operate in either a powered automatic mode or manually. Each door operates and is powered independently via a 24 volt power pack, which is charged by the vehicle’s charging system when running. The safety tape switches automatically stop the door if something (or someone) prevents the door from closing. It can be disengaged in an emergency by pulling the roof clevis pin from the gear rack.
The second system, for heavy applications, consists of a self-contained module within each door. Each module contains a hydraulic pump, reservoir, controller, and battery, allowing full operation independent of any other vehicle system. The modular approach simplifies installation and maintenance while increasing flexibility for both internal and external mounting locations. The Heavy DAS can be used to power very heavy doors up to 3,000 lbs or 1,360 kg. The performance parameters are similar to the light applications DAS. This system is in service on Caiman MRAPs that incorporate the heavy door protection needed to defeat EFP threats.
