BAE Awarded $8.7 M for T-11 Parachutes

(Phoenix, Arizona, November 4, 2009) -- In the not so distant future, when paratroopers deploy their parachutes, the canopy that'll unfurl overhead may well be one of the new T-11 Personnel Parachute Systems manufactured by BAE Systems.

BAE Systems' Security & Survivability business received the contract in connection with a $220 million program the US Army established to phase out existing T-10 parachutes, replacing them with new T-11 Personnel Parachute Systems. BAE Systems is one of three companies which qualified for and received an initial contract to produce the T-11 parachutes. The five year contract allows for future orders, which will be awarded based on performance.


"The T-11 Personnel Parachute System provides airborne troops with critical survivability advantages," said Joe Coltman, vice president for BAE Systems' Personnel Protection Systems. "Not only does the T-11 feature a completely redesigned main and reserve parachute, as well as an integrated harness system, but its design allows for a more stable, slower rate of descent, both of which reduce the possibility of landing injuries and afford paratroopers with the option of carrying a heavier load-more combat equipment-onto the battlefield."

Once production is underway, BAE Systems expects to manufacture more than 60 T-11 Personnel Parachute Systems per week at its Phoenix, Arizona production facility. "We look forward to producing this superior parachute system through 2015 and beyond," added Coltman. "From our perspective, the T-11 gives our paratroopers the equipment, advantage and confidence required to successfully complete their airborne mission."

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)