The next-generation howitzer is an upgraded Paladin Integrated Management vehicle in the M-109 Paladin family of vehicles, a combat-proven weapon system manufactured by BAE Systems in York, Pa.

It was not immediately clear when the weapon would be marketed outside the United States, currently its major user. Previous PIM models are known to be operational with the Israeli army, and usage has been reported in Kuwait and Taiwan.

Congressional representatives, community leaders and BAE employees attended a ceremony at the manufacturer's York facility.

BAE Systems said the modernization of the Paladin howitzer was considered a critical step in providing the U.S. Army with a sustainable and supportable fleet of upgraded vehicles.

Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager of the Heavy Brigade Combat Team systems for BAE Systems, said the rollout of the PIM system will ensure that the HBCT continues to have the premier Fire Support Platform needed to support the warfighter.

With current fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, the introduction of the new weapon has raised speculation in the defense industry about the timetable for the howitzer's deployment.

BAE Systems received a $63.9 million contract in August 2009 to produce seven PIM vehicles. Five of the seven are self-propelled howitzers and two are field artillery ammunition support vehicles.

The first of the seven vehicles covered by the contract was presented at the ceremony.

The next-generation howitzer uses the existing main armament and cab structure of a Paladin M109A6 and replaces the out-of-date chassis components with up-to-date components from Bradley Combat Systems.

PIM incorporates a state-of the-art "digital backbone" and robust power generation capability and integrates electric elevation and traverse drives, electric rammer and digital fire control system, BAE Systems said.

The upgrade means the new unit will have much in common with the Heavy Brigade Combat Team and reduce its logistical footprint and operational sustainability costs by replacing obsolete components within the mobility chassis.

The Paladin is the first production vehicle equipped with the company's enhanced on-board power management capability, representing the first implementation of the U.S. Army's Common Modular Power System equipment for handling challenging conditions and the demands of warfare.

The enhanced on-board power management solution doubles the electrical power of most military vehicles, thus exponentially increasing the mission effectiveness of ground forces in theater.

Design and engineering analysis work for the vehicle structure, automotive systems and electric and vehicle electronics will be performed at the BAE Systems facilities in Pennsylvania, California, New York, Minnesota and Michigan as well as U.S. government facilities at the Army Research and Development Center in Picatinny, N.J., officials said.

The Paladin fleet is scheduled to be remanufactured with the upgrades in partnership with the Anniston Army Depot in Alabama and at BAE Systems facilities in York, Pa., and Elgin, Okla.

BAE Systems has about 105,000 employees worldwide and had sales of $34.4 billion in 2008.

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