Watervliet Arsenal to develop next-gen bipods
The US Army-owned Watervliet Arsenal has been awarded a $4.6 million contract to start a new product line for the 81mm mortar system to reduce fatigue and movement time of infantryman during cross-country routes, it announced on 23 February.
The contract for the next-generation 81mm mortar bipod forms a part of the army's effort to reduce the weight of small indirect fire systems that are carried by soldiers. A lightweight mortar baseplate and tube is already manufactured by the arsenal.
The 81mm mortar system is used primarily by infantry as an indirect fire weapon when a high-angle trajectory is required to hit enemy troops, equipment, and positions.
The arsenal is expected to deliver the first shipment of the mortar bipods in March 2018, with the order to be completed by November 2018. Each bipod features around 25 close-tolerance, machined parts; and will weigh approximately 22lbs, as compared to the 27lbs of the legacy system.
Laura Pisculli, supervisor, production planning and control, Watervliet Arsenal, said: ‘This multimillion dollar order will add to the arsenal's current workload more than 13,000 hours of direct labour. Because this new product line will require a significant amount of preparation in regards to training and new tooling, our first delivery will not be until 2018.’
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