General Dynamics [GD] has entered into a strategic agreement with Advanced Material Engineering Pte Ltd (AME) to manufacture 40mm Air Burst Ammunition for the U.S. military, the company said on Wednesday.
The 40mm airburst ammunition uses a programmable, time-based fuse technology. This computes and programs the detonation time into the fuze.
When the ammunition is fired, the fuze counts down to zero, detonating at the intended target. It can be fired from existing U.S. Army grenade launchers like the MK19 and MK47. The capability to program ammunition to detonate at a specific distance increases the effectiveness, flexibility, and lethality of the weapon systems, GD said in a statement.
The 40mm airburst was also noted as being highly effective against concealed and defilade targets
“With this partnership, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems continues to build on its capabilities as a system integrator. By integrating programmable ammunition with innovative products, such as our Next Generation Fire Control System, we can provide the warfighter with versatility and overmatch capability that is fully interoperable with our weapon systems currently in service,” Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium caliber ammunition and weapons for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, said.
“This expansion of our manufacturing operations ensures we continue to provide our U.S. Army customer with greater value and integrated solutions.”
AME is a subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics). AME is large supplier of 40mm ammunition around the world, currently in service in Europe, Canada, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific regions.