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
-
![Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars]()
Malaysia signs for two additional GM400α air surveillance radars
The order is in addition to two systems ordered in 2023. It forms part of a family of systems which is becoming widely used and part of a growing demand for the capability, both in deliveries and requirements.
-
![British Army considers purchasing the NEMO 120mm mortar turret for the Patria 6×6]()
British Army considers purchasing the NEMO 120mm mortar turret for the Patria 6×6
Babcock is offering the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 for one of the elements of the UK Land Mobility Programme (LMP). It would be a replacement for some of the UK’s existing armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) fleets including the FV432 which is now some 70 years old.
-
![Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy]()
Australia invests $1.4 billion in additional AMRAAM buy
Some of the missiles ordered can be used on the F/A-18F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and the F35-A Lightning.
-
![Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline]()
Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?
-
![German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year]()
German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year
More than 1,200 Dingo 1 and Dingo 2 models have been built and deployed by some 10 countries. The latest Dingo 3 pulls through from user inputs and, like earlier versions, is also based on a UNIMOG chassis.
