General Dynamics wins $36m for 30mm M789 cartridges
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has been awarded a $35.6 million contract for the production and delivery of 30mm M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) ammunition cartridges by the US Army Contracting Command. Work will be performed at the company's Marion, Ill., operations.
The 30mm M789 HEDP is the primary tactical round of the Apache AH-64 helicopter, widely used in current combat operations. The Apache's ability to provide accurate air support with minimal collateral damage led to increased use and volume demands for M789 ammunition.
In 2010, the Army awarded General Dynamics a contract to establish a new, fully independent manufacturing capability for the M789 ammunition to meet the growing needs for the Apache combat round. This state-of-the-art production line was successfully completed ahead of schedule and completed First Article testing earlier in 2011. The new production line, and its independent supplier base, eliminates the potential of a single-point of production failure and provides the Army with sufficient production resources to deliver ammunition to the warfighter quickly and efficiently.
"This new M789 line provides our customer with a vital resource at a critical time of growing operational demands. Standing up this production line in concert with our supplier base was a significant challenge that we are extremely proud to have successfully accomplished ahead of schedule," said Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium caliber ammunition for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.
General Dynamics was also recently awarded a $13 million contract by the same customer for the production and delivery of the 30mm M788 Training Practice (TP) cartridge. The 30mm M788 is the low- cost target practice cartridge, ballistically matched to the 30mm M789 combat round. Both rounds are used in the M230 chain gun. Work on this contract will also be performed at the Marion, Ill., operations.
"Production of the M788, combined with the new addition of the M789, enables General Dynamics to offer the most comprehensive family of lightweight 30mm tactical and training ammunition for the Apache worldwide," said McAuliffe.
Source: General Dynamics
More from Land Warfare
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
-
![DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask]()
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
![DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements]()
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
