BAE Systems will provide 2,354 Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) window kits and 2,000 spare window panels under an estimated $25 million contract from the Army.
The contract from the Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) is for use on up-armored M1151 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV).
If a soldier is trapped, it will take less than five seconds to remove the VEE ballistic windshields and be able to get out of the vehicle.
“Rollovers and accidents are a significant threat to soldiers on the battlefield,” Dennis Morris, president of BAE Systems Armament Systems, said. “The VEE window is an easy to use, easy to install system that has proven to be a valuable safeguard for troops operating in dangerous situations.”
The contract builds on the initial order BAE Systems received from TACOM in August 2007 for 1,000 VEE window kits and 2,000 spare panels for use on the M1114 up-armored HMMWV.
The latest order is projected to start the pipeline of follow-on orders to fit the thousands of M1151 vehicles in combat. VEE windows will be delivered to the Army from June until the end of the year, the company said in a statement.
Developed by BAE Systems, the VEE window can be adapted to virtually any tactical up-armored combat vehicle, such as HMMWVs, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles, Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles or Marine Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements. With only two moving parts, the VEE window requires minimum maintenance, has a very low life-cycle cost and can be installed in the field by trained Army and Marine maintenance crews.