$834 Million for Ultra-Lightweight M777A1 Howitzers

BAE Systems has been awarded an $834 million dollar contract for full-rate production of the M777A1 155mm howitzer. The M777A1 is a joint program between the Army and Marine Corps to replace the M198 towed howitzer, and saved 7,000 pounds by making extensive use of titanium and titanium castings. The 8,250 pound howitzer is designed to be transportable by Marine Corps MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and airdropped by C-130 aircraft, providing critical fire support for U.S. Marine Air Ground Task Forces and U.S. Army Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. The weapon will have integrated digital fire control systems, and can fire all existing 155mm projectiles. Under the production contract, issued by the Joint Program Office, Picatinny, New Jersey, BAE Systems will manufacture 495 howitzers between 2005-2009. The howitzer is assembled at BAE Systems' integration facility in Hattiesburg, MS, and incorporates components manufactured in 10 states and the U.K.