Tiles for tanks

has been awarded $30m by the US Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command for the production of reactive armour tiles for Abrams tanks.

The total contract value could reach $59m if all contract options are exercised.

Reactive armour is made up of tiles that fasten to the exterior of vehicles. Equipped with the General Dynamics’ reactive armour, combat vehicles are better able to withstand a direct hit from a variety of anti-armour munitions, including the shoulder-fired rocket propelled grenades that are prevalent in many of today’s regional conflicts.

The production program will be directed from the General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products’ Burlington Technology Center, Burlington, Vermont, with US tile production taking place at the company’s reactive armour facility in Stone County Operations, McHenry, Mississippi. Work will be completed by August 2009.