General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has been awarded a contract for
the design and development of a new revolutionary Expeditionary Fire Support
System (EFSS) to be carried within the US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor
aircraft.
The contract worth $18 million has a potential value of approximately $300
million if initial production and fielding options are exercised. The US Marine
Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is the contracting activity. When fielded,
EFSS will provide expeditionary forces with quick-response, highly lethal,
indirect fire support at short ranges from 7 to 20 kilometers.
The EFSS weapon will support both of the Marine Corps' fighting doctrines, the
Ship-to-Objective Maneuver and the Operational Maneuver from the Sea. In
addition, the new weapon system along with HIMARS MLRS and M777 howitzer will
complete the indirect fire weapon systems spectrum being procured for the Marine
Corps future expeditionary forces. HIMARS can engage targets at 45 kilometers or
even more utilizing ATACMS missile system. M777 howitzer provides fire support
coverage between 10 and 30 kilometers.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of
General Dynamics, will perform as EFSS system integrator teaming up with TDA
Armaments SAS (Thales + EADS) for the RT 120 rifled mortar system,
and American Growler Inc. of Ocala, Florida for all EFSS vehicles. General
Dynamics Canada will provide the ballistic fire control computers; and
Tec-Masters Inc. of Huntsville, Alabama, for integrated and contractor logistics
support.
The EFSS weapon system will consist of a prime mover vehicle, the 120mm RT 120
rifled towed mortar system, an ammunition supply vehicle and an ammunition
trailer. The primer mover tows the RT 120 rifled mortar, which fires the full
family of 120mm rifled and smoothbore mortar rounds in the US inventory to the
range and deflections inherent in those projectiles. The ammo supply vehicle
will tow the ammo trailer carrying up to 36 mortar rounds in factory-recyclable
steel containers.
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