General Dynamics announces ammunition contracts
General Dynamics has announced that it has been awarded three contracts worth $97 million by the US Army Contracting Commands, Picatinny Arsenal and Rock Island, for the manufacture and delivery of 120mm M865 and M1002 tank training ammunition, 105mm M1130 high-explosive (HE) pre-formed fragmentation (PFF) cartridges and 155mm M795 HE projectile metal parts. The company announced the contracts 4 June, 2012.
The M865 Target Practice, Cone Stabilised, Discarding Sabot-Tracer (TPCSDS-T) ammunition is used in the 120mm smooth-bore M256 cannon of Army and US Marine Corps Abrams main battle tanks. The M865 is designed to simulate the characteristics of live ammunition at reduced maximum ranges, to allow practice firings on short-range training areas.
The M1002 Target Practice Multi-Purpose Tracer (TPMP-T) training cartridge provides matched exterior ballistics and time-of-flight parameters to the M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose Tracer (HEAT-MP-T) tactical cartridge when fired from the Abrams tank.
The 105mm M1130 HE PFF ammunition is fired from the M119 towed howitzer and is the newest member of the Army's 105mm ammunition family. This modern munition recently achieved full material release and has entered service in Afghanistan.
The 155mm M795 is a high-explosive/high-fragmentation artillery projectile that is used in conjunction with the M777 and M198 towed howitzers and the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer. The round has been widely used in combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
General Dynamics said work is expected to be complete in February 2013 for the 155mm artillery ammunition, April 2014 for the 105mm artillery ammunition and September 2016 for the 120 tank ammunition.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Milkor tweaks 4x4 APC design]()
Milkor tweaks 4x4 APC design
Feedback from a potential customer has prompted South African firm Milkor to alter the design of its privately funded 4x4 APC.
-
![Brazil disqualifies three contenders from the VBC Cav-MSR competition]()
Brazil disqualifies three contenders from the VBC Cav-MSR competition
The Brazilian Army rejected medium wheeled armoured vehicle proposals from CLS Automotive Technologies, Elbit Systems Land and Tata Advanced Systems on the grounds that they did not meet the requirements of the bidding notice.
-
![How industry is helping the US Army and allies counter the drone threat (Studio)]()
How industry is helping the US Army and allies counter the drone threat (Studio)
Counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology is now a key priority for militaries worldwide. For Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a holistic approach is crucial, with a need to incorporate the systems into a wider air defence architecture.
-
![Ratel IFV benefits from upgrade while Badger remains delayed]()
Ratel IFV benefits from upgrade while Badger remains delayed
The first service life extension upgrade of the Ratel 6x6 IFV contrasts with the continued failure of Denel to deliver the Badger ICV for the South African Army.
-
![British Army’s Icarus programme reaches new phase]()
British Army’s Icarus programme reaches new phase
With an investment boost of £15 million, the British Army will continue to develop future capabilities for a modular, flexible active protection system (APS).
