ST. LOUIS, 11 June 2007.LaBarge Inc. won a $2.4 million dollar contract from BAE Systems to continue to produce the ethernet switch unit (ESU) for its A3 Bradley combat systems vehicles. The ESU functions as a router and a switch, making local forwarding decisions to devices operated in the vehicle's local area network (LAN). LaBarge has manufactured the ESU since 2001.
The Bradley A3 is an advanced, mobile, digital fighting system that increases the Bradley's lethality and survivability in battle. Bradley A3 communications enable digital information displays for the commander, driver, and squad leader.
The Bradley combat systems played a centerpiece role in Operation Iraqi Freedom and continue to provide survivability, mobility, and lethality to U.S. soldiers in all types of close-combat urban scenarios or in open-combat terrain. The Bradley fulfills critical infantry, cavalry, fire support, battle command, and engineer roles for the Army's heavy brigades.
LaBarge anticipates production on this contract to begin September 2007 and continue through January 2009 at its Huntsville, Ark., facility.
