L-3 Awarded Army Technology Contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicles

L-3 Communications announced this past week that its Combat Propulsion Systems and Magnet Motors divisions have been awarded a development contract by the U.S. Army to provide high power electrical generation for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The first phase for the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) is underway, and L-3 will provide 10 system prototypes in the next two years.

Under this program, L-3 will integrate a permanent magnet starter generator and the associated power electronics with its 800 horsepower transmission. The L-3 ISG will be an integral component of the hydro-mechanical power transmission (HMPT), providing all needed vehicle electrical power, as well as the transmission disconnect clutch and auxiliary pump drive system.

“Our unique system will enable the Army to increase the power levels for its combat vehicle electrical systems, which will enhance the capability of the Bradley Fighting Vehicles,” said Charles J. Schafer, senior vice president and president of L-3’s Products Group. “We are very pleased to have successfully applied this technology for use on military vehicles.”

The L-3 HMPT-800-EG system will provide substantial electrical power generation for increasing mission loads and additional integration options for high capacity auxiliary loads for the Bradley Family of Fighting Vehicles. The Bradley G40 ISG is sized for power output of 70 to 160kW between 800 and 2800 rpm.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 66,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2008 sales of $14.9 billion.