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.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme]()
Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
-
![Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements]()
Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
-
![September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight]()
September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
-
![FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands]()
FNSS advances Indonesian Kaplan APC programme as local production expands
FNSS and PT Pindad are progressing the Indonesian tracked armoured personnel carrier programme as local production gets under way.
