Elbit Systems to supply components for Bradley tracked armored IFV of US Army.

According to a press release published by Elbit Systems on September 1, 2020, Elbit Systems of America was awarded a contract the Defense Logistics Agency Land based in Warren, Michigan to supply the U.S. Army with gunner hand stations, commander hand stations and circuit cards for the Bradley tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
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U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., drive to their objective inside an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during Decisive Action Rotation 20-04 at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 13, 2020. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The gunner hand stations allow Soldiers to target and fire accurately and work in collaboration with the commander hand stations, which are used to drive the vehicle's turret and initiate control signals to the turret fire control systems. The circuit cards provide processing and power supply to the hand station units, which will replace damaged equipment from active units.

The Bradley tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) is the backbone of the Infantry Mechanized units of the U.S. Army. The vehicle is in service with the U.S. army since 1983. The M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) consists of six main variants: the M2, M2A1, M2A2, M2A2 ODS (Operation Desert Storm improvements), M2A3 and M2A4.

The newest Bradleys feature the latest digitized electronics for optimum situational awareness, network connectivity, and communication within the ABCT. Over the life of the Bradley program, there have been several survivability upgrades, including installation of underbelly protection and the Bradley Urban Survivability Kits (BUSK), further enhancing the safety of one of the most survivable vehicles in the fleet.

The Bradley M2A3 is the current version in service with the U.S. Army, it is an improved version of the previous generation of Bradley IFVs. The Bradley M2A3 is armed with an ATK Gun Systems Company M242 25 mm Bushmaster Chain Gun with a 7.62 mm M240C machine gun mounted coaxially to the right of the main armament. The vehicle is also armed with two TOW anti-tank guided missile launchers mounted to the left side of the turret. The Bushmaster 25mm cannon fires both explosive and armor-piercing rounds, while TOW missiles defeat enemy armor. The 7.62mm coaxial machine gun provides high volume fires at close ranges.

The Bradley M2A3 features the latest digitized electronics for optimum situational awareness, network connectivity, and communication within the Armored Brigade Combat Team. The A3’s proven durability and commonality of design reduce the logistics burden while enhancing battlefield performance to meet a variety of mission requirements in close-combat, urban scenarios, and open-combat situations.

In October 2019, U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems to upgrade more Bradley IFV to standard A4 as a part of the U.S. Army’s combat vehicle modernization strategy and helps ensure force readiness of the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT). Previously awarded funding for the initial production of 164 Bradley A4 vehicles allowed BAE Systems to begin production. The award of this option brings the total production funding to $578 million. It includes upgrades and associated spares of two Bradley variants: the M2A4 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the M7A4 Fire Support Team Vehicle.

The Bradley M2A4 is equipped with an enhanced powertrain that maximizes mobility and increases engine horsepower, providing rapid movement in reaction to combat or other adverse situations. Wide angle Driver’s Vision Enhancer, improved Force XXI Battle Command Bridge and Below (FBCB2) software integration improve friendly and enemy vehicle identification, enhancing situational awareness. The addition of a High Speed Slip Ring, greater network connectivity and Smart Displays that simultaneously display classified and unclassified information also improve situational awareness.