General Dynamics to Develop Expeditionary Fire Support System

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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