General Dynamics awarded $116 Million for Abrams tank-related work

General Dynamics Land Systems has been awarded a contract worth $116 million for the purchase of long-lead materials for work associated with the Abrams main battle tank.

The contract adds funds to the existing material contract for reset of 204 M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management (AIM) main battle tanks. The reset process restores used equipment to combat-level capability.

The reset tanks will feature improved technology to bolster crew situational awareness. The upgrades include second-generation Forward-Looking Infrared, Far Target Locate, a tank-infantry phone and driver's vision enhancement. The improvements increase the M1A1's fighting capability by providing soldiers with an electronic graphic of the battlefield with icons for friendly and enemy forces, and a tank commander's thermal sight for the .50 calibre machine gun.

The work on the tank will be performed by existing General Dynamics employees in Eynon, Pennsylvania; Lima, Ohio; Sterling Heights, Michigan and Tallahassee, Florida. The project is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.

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