US Army orders M781E1 training cartridges
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) has received a $17 million contract from the US Army for production of the 40mm M781E1 Low Velocity Day/Night/Thermal training cartridge, the company announced on 3 October.
This award is the first option of the company's engineering, manufacturing and development contract for low rate initial production.
The 40mm M781E1 provides training capability for the army's M203 and M320 low-velocity grenade launchers. The M781E1 signature material, upon impact, provides a signature that is easily visible, day or night, with the naked eye and thermal and night vision weapon sights providing a realistic simulation of a tactical scenario. The cartridge also provides safety during training as it does not contain a fuze or explosives.
Steve Torma, VP and general manager for munition systems, GD-OTS, said: ‘This cartridge is the next evolution in 40mm grenade launcher training. Its unique signature and expanded training capability prepares the warfighter for combat by allowing them to train in a realistic battlefield environment.
‘This capture in the 40mm low velocity grenade munitions market represents our continued investment and commitment to expand our customer base and develop the best solutions for their requirements.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence]()
Hanwha contracted to develop radar for South Korean missile defence
Hanwha will develop the multi-function radar of the Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD), work which is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2028.
-
![Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system]()
Anduril Industries unveils improved electromagnetic warfare system
Pulsar-L has already entered service and weighs about 12kg with range of 5km. It was only in May last year that the company disclosed that earlier versions were already in service.
-
![British Army details Ajax plans]()
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
