BAE Systems has been awarded a $5 million order to produce T-11 Personnel Parachute Systems for the U.S. Army. BAE Systems' T-11 Personnel Parachute System provides optimal safety for paratroopers through an improved harness system and large canopy.

Replacing the predecessor U.S. Army T-10 parachute, the T-11 Parachute allows jumpers to carry heavier payloads critical to their mission while the large, ventilated canopy provides a more stable, lower-rate of descent.

"Our airborne troops using the T-11 Parachute are equipped with a system that provides superior safety and reliability while improving mission readiness," said Greg Kraak, Director of Warfighter Equipment Programs for BAE Systems' Individual Protection Systems.

"The improved harness system and slower rate of descent reduces the risk of injury, and the redesigned canopy provides the advantage of carrying more combat equipment."

This $5 million order is part of a multi-year contract awarded to BAE Systems in October 2009. The most recent award brings the total, cumulative contract to approximately $13.7 million. Production is being performed at BAE Systems' Phoenix, Arizona facility, with deliveries scheduled through November of 2011.

BAE Systems is a leading provider of Soldier protective and load carriage equipment in the United States, producing a significant portion of the nation's body armor, tactical vests, combat helmets and load carrying systems.

Not only is the company focused on the design, development and production of leading edge survivability products, its integration of advanced materials into manufacturing, rigorous product testing, and field trials support the company's focus on the men and women who serve in the armed forces.