General Dynamics wins US Army M2A1 contract
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command to convert more than 3,500 M2 heavy barrel (M2HB) machine guns to the M2A1 configuration. The $6.9 million contract was announced 26 April, 2012.
The M2A1 offers the proven performance of the existing M2HB heavy barrel (HB) machine gun, along with new features and design improvements that are adaptable to existing M2HB weapons. These innovative improvements help eliminate operator error, decrease muzzle flash and streamline barrel changes.
General Dynamics developed the M2A1 .50 calibre weapon upgrade after more than 30 years of experience manufacturing the M2HB for the US Department of Defence. According to the company, the M2 machine gun is one of the world's most effective crew-served weapons.
Conversion of the M2 guns under this contract will be completed in 2013, and production work will be completed at the General Dynamics facility in Saco, Maine.
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