Konsberg wins CROWS contract
Filed under: Contract Awards, Norway, U.S. Army, production program
The US Army awarded Konsberg a contract to provide Crew Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS) II turrets. See an article here. Konsberg is a Norwegian company that is involved in the oil industry, commercial shipping and defense. There website is here. The contract is worth $117 M and will provide weapon mounts that fit within the CROWS turret. The CROWS is mounted on US Army vehicles and allows the gunner to stay inside it and operate whatever weapon is installed - usually machine guns or automatic grenade launchers.
Company to expand in Michigan
Ace Electronics, a maker of wiring for military vehicles, plans to expand it facilities in Michigan. See a story here. This is due to an increase in the orders they are getting from the US military. The company made automotive wiring products but now are doing a substantial expansion to support their military contracts. Military vehicles, even the humble HUMVEE, are getting more and more complicated electronics to include remote control turrets that are requiring more sophisticated wiring harnesses and installations. These are much like those for aircraft and since most of them are almost handmade they require skilled labor. Ace feels that this is available in Michigan due to the downturn in the auto business.
BAE wins contract for turret moters
Filed under: BAE Systems, Contract Awards, U.S. Army, production program
BAE Systems was awarded a $71 M contract for 12000 turret motors for US Army light tactical vehicles. The story is here. The motors will be used to move the turrets on HUMVEEs and MRAP vehicles. Obviously the part will be provided to whomever outfits the vehicles with the turrets, either at an Army depot or the factory. It again shows that little things cost a lot and the price of something can add up quickly.





