US Army Awards General Dynamics $40 Million Tank Training Ammunition Contract

, ST. PETERSBURG: The US Army Sustainment Command in Rock Island, Ill., has awarded General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, a $39.5 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M865 Target Practice Cone Stabilized Discarding Sabot-Tracer 120mm cartridges. 
 
The M865 cartridge kinetic energy, target practice round is used in the 120mm, smooth bore M256 cannon of Army and Marine Corps Abrams main battle tanks. The M865 is designed to simulate the service round characteristics at reduced maximum ranges, to allow practice firings on short-range training areas. 
 
Work on this contract will be performed at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems locations in St. Petersburg; Red Lion, Pa.; and Valleyfield, Quebec; and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2008.  
 
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a world leader in the manufacture of large- and medium-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, bomb bodies and Ball Powder propellant. The company also manufactures precision metal components; provides explosive load, assemble and pack services for a variety of munitions, tactical missile and rocket programs; and designs and produces shaped charge warheads and control actuator systems. 
 
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 81,100 people worldwide, and expects 2006 revenues of approximately $24 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation.