BAE Systems Awarded $8.7 Million Contract for T-11 Parachutes

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.

“The T-11 Personnel Parachute System provides airborne troops with critical survivability advantages”

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 missions.”

With operations in Arizona, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, BAE Systems employs more than 1,500 workers at its Personnel Protection Systems business. The Phoenix facility—where the T-11 parachute system will be produced—has more than 185,000 square feet of manufacturing, storage and office space.

Security & Survivability is a leader in protection, security and survivability systems for land, air and naval applications. It is a technology leader in lightweight materials, including composites, ceramic and transparent armor technologies; integrated vehicle armor systems; vehicle and aircraft survivability components and accessories; and Soldier protection equipment, sold primarily to the US Government and other defense contractors.

About BAE Systems

BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.