The U.S. Army has given BAE Systems a $55 million, Phase II contract for engineering changes to Bradley Fighting Vehicles.

Under the award, the company will continue Engineering Change Proposal research and development efforts to enhance vehicle performance it began last year under a $16 million award.

"By implementing these engineering changes, we will be able to provide soldiers with new technologies and improved vehicle performance to counter existing and future threats," said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of Vehicle Systems at BAE Systems.

"This contract allows us to develop and implement improvements that best meet our current warfighter needs and ensure that the Bradley remains one of the most effective vehicles in the Army's arsenal."

The research development test and evaluation effort aims at improving the engine, transmission, and power distribution systems without altering current space, weight, and power-cooling functions.

BAE Systems said it expects to begin work under the new contract from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command this month, with final delivery in July 2017.