BAE SYSTEMS READIES M777E1 HOWITZER FOR TECHNICAL TEST

BAE SYSTEMS M777E1 Howitzers, complete with integrated Digital Fire Control System, are in final preparation for joint U.S. Army - U.S. Marine Corps technical evaluation. This critical stage in validating the M777E1 technical performance is seen as the next significant step forward to the Howitzer's production.

During September 2003, M777E1 Howitzers were sent for simultaneous testing at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, for safety trials; White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, for electromagnetic interference/compatibility trials; and the Joint Program Management Office Lightweight 155, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey; for formal software qualification testing.

In addition, a four-month performance evaluation will be conducted in the Arctic during winter 2004, and an extensive firing, mobility and navigation test will be performed during July 2004.

The Digital Fire Control System provides a range of enhanced capabilities - position navigation and location, gun pointing, information display, and digital integration with the AFATDS artillery fire control system. This enables the M777E1 to provide joint-networked fires for the Army and Marine Corps.

Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the Howitzer is underway in Hattiesburg, Miss., for the Marine Corps. A multi-service operational test and evaluation (MOT&E) will be conducted with LRIP M777E1 Howitzers starting in August 2004. The MOT&E will be a key requirement for full-rate production, scheduled to begin in 2005.