The Army awarded General Dynamics [GD] a $286 million contract for the production of the Hydra-70 air-to-ground rocket, the company said yesterday.
The contract exercises a fiscal year 2011 option on an existing contract.
Final deliveries for the option are expected to be completed by April 2015. The company recently delivered its four-millionth Hydra rocket, which have been exclusively manufactured since 1996 at its Camden, Ark., facility as a part of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.
“The Hydra is a cost-effective, versatile, combat-proven weapon that enhances the survivability, protection and mission success of the U.S. military and its allies,” said Russ Klein, vice president and general manager of weapon systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.
The Hydra-70, 2.75-inch diameter rocket, is fired from the Army’s AH-64 Apache and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopters, as well as helicopters and aircraft of other armed forces. The Army orders Hydra rockets for all branches of the U.S. military and select allies