General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products
has been awarded $29m by the
US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Centerfor the production of reactive armour tile sets. The tile sets will be used to equip Abrams tanks.
This award modifies a contract originally awarded in August 2006 and brings the total contract value to $59m.
The reactive armour system is made up of tiles that fasten to the exterior of the vehicles. Equipped with the General Dynamics' reactive armour tiles, combat vehicles are reportedly better able to withstand a direct hit from a variety of anti-armour munitions, including shoulder-fired rocket propelled grenades.
Similar reactive armour systems are currently being used in Iraq on US Army Bradley Fighting Vehicles and have been proven to prevent crippling damage to those combat vehicles.
The production program will be directed from General Dynamics' Vermont-based Burlington Technology Center, with tile production taking place at the company's facility in McHenry, Mississippi.
Project to investigate hybrid approach to titanium manufacturing
What is this a hybrid of? Superplastic forming tends to be performed slowly as otherwise the behaviour is the hot creep that typifies hot...