March 29, 2012 generaldynamics.com
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recently delivered 85 MK19 40mm grenade machine guns to the U.S. Army under the company’s latest contract award for the weapon.
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products was awarded an $8.7 million order for more than 650 MK19 weapons in September 2011. The September award extended an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for MK19 weapons that was initially awarded to General Dynamics in 2008. The latest order brings the total contract value to date to more than $90 million. General Dynamics has delivered more than 40,000 MK19 guns since 1987.
“Over the past quarter century, the MK19 has been the single most-highly fielded 40mm grenade machine gun in the world,” said Steve Elgin, vice president and general manager of armament systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. “The weapon's popularity is the result of its high reliability and the vast logistical support as the U.S. Government's standard issue grenade machine gun.”
The MK19 is primarily used by dismounted infantry personnel or is mounted on light armored vehicles. The weapon is capable of firing up to 400 rounds per minute and has a maximum range of more than 2,200 yards.
Production work for the MK19 is performed at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products’ Saco, Maine, facility using the existing workforce of approximately 400 people. Program management is performed in Saco with support from the company’s Williston, Vt.-based Technology Center. Final deliveries on the September award will be completed in February 2013.
