General Dynamics, ST Kinetics target US military market
General Dynamics and Singapore Technologies Kinetics (ST Kinetics) subsidiary Advanced Material Engineering (AME) have teamed to manufacture 40mm air burst ammunition for the US military market, with the companies announcing a strategic agreement on 19 November.
The 40mm airburst ammunition can be fired from existing US Army grenade launchers such as the Mk19 and MK47. It uses a programmable, time-based fuse technology that computes and programmes the detonation time into the fuze. Once fired, the fuze counts down to zero detonating at the intended target point.
Designed to be effective against concealed and defilade targets, the ammunition gives users the capability to programme ammunition to detonate at a specific distance, to increase the effectiveness, flexibility and lethality of their weapon systems.
Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium caliber ammunition and weapons, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, said: ‘With this partnership, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems continues to build on its capabilities as a system integrator. By integrating programmable ammunition with innovative products, such as our Next Generation Fire Control System, we can provide the warfighter with versatility and overmatch capability that is fully interoperable with our weapon systems currently in service.
‘This expansion of our manufacturing operations ensures we continue to provide our US Army customer with greater value and integrated solutions.’
Sew Chee Jhuen, president, ST Kinetics, added: ‘We are proud to have the opportunity to provide 40mm high velocity Air Burst Ammunition for the US military markets in partnership with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. We look forward to bringing our experience in the design and manufacturing of 40mm ammunition and weapons to enrich the partnership.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
