General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has been awarded two contracts from the Project Manager for Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS) at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., for production of 30mm M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) ammunition and Phase III development of 25mm scalable fuze technology. The total value of the two contracts is more than $14 million.

      The 30mm M789 HEDP is the primary tactical round of the Apache AH-64 helicopter, widely used in Iraq and Afghanistan operations. The Apache's ability to provide accurate air support with minimal collateral damage has led to increased use and volume demands for M789 ammunition. In response to the increased demand, the U.S. Army has contracted General Dynamics to establish a full-production capability for the M789 cartridge.

      "Establishing a second, independent production line for the M789 eliminates potential single-point production failure and gives the Army more resources to meet the growing ammunition needs of the warfighter, quickly and efficiently," said Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium caliber ammunition for General Dynamics.

      In addition, General Dynamics was awarded the Phase III development effort of the Scalable Medium Cannon Caliber Airburst Fuze Development Study. General Dynamics has successfully completed Phase I and II of the study. An essential overall objective of this development effort is to create scalable fuze technology that provides a plug-and-play capability for munitions ranging from 25mm to 50mm calibers.

      The successful development of the 25mm fuze technology will provide the U.S. Army Bradley Fighting Vehicle and U.S. Marine Corps LAV-25 with the capability to reach targets in defilade via an airburst projectile. The technology also provides the ability to detonate a projectile within a hard target by using a selectable or delayed point detonation feature. The scalable technology has already been successfully demonstrated across a variety of weapon platforms from 25mm to 40mm and has the ability to be inserted in future platforms such as the Army's Ground Combat Vehicle.

      "The advancement of scalable technology will allow the military to upgrade the capability of their legacy systems while easily integrating onto future weapon platforms," said Mr. McAuliffe.