BAE Systems Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) Window

The U.S. Army-tested and approved Vehicle Emergency Escape (VEE) Window from BAE Systems is a low-cost, life-saving enhancement for up-armored combat vehicles.

Rollovers and accidents are a significant threat to U.S. troops operating in dangerous combat situations. BAE Systems developed the VEE Window to increase the survivability of Soldiers and Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan in the event they encounter vehicle entrapment situations. The innovative system allows crews of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) to remove the ballistic windshields in less than five seconds and quickly (less than one minute) exit the vehicle during an emergency, such as a rollover or accident.

The VEE Window meets current M1114 ballistic properties and is easily installed by unit maintenance personnel in theater. VEE Windows are applicable for other tactical and armored vehicles, including M1151/1152 HMMWVs, the Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle programs.

Since being awarded the first initial contract in August, 2007, BAE Systems has delivered over 1,000 VEE Window kits plus 2,000 spare VEE Window panels to the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) for use on the up-armored M1114 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV).

In March, 2008, BAE Systems was contracted to provide an additional 2,354 VEE Window kits and 2,000 spare window panels to the U.S. Army TACOM for use on up-armored M1151 HMMWV. The latest order is projected to start the pipeline of follow-on orders to fit the thousands of M1151 vehicles in combat.