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General Dynamics Completes Successful Flight Demonstration of Air-Dropped Guided Mortar

BOTHELL, Wash. - General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems announced today that it has successfully demonstrated the ability to maneuver and guide 81mm air-dropped mortars to a stationary ground target after release from an aircraft. The guide-to-target flight tests verified the ability of the novel General Dynamics guidance system to provide a precision strike capability utilizing low-cost mortars. These test results build on previous pre-programmed maneuver flight tests successfully conducted by General Dynamics in 2007.

This application for mortars was made possible through use of the company’s patented Roll Controlled Fixed Canard (RCFC) flight control and guidance system. The innovative RCFC guidance system is an integral fuze and guidance-and-flight control kit that will replace current fuze hardware in existing mortars. The RCFC nose-mounted guidance kits leverage the Army’s existing mortar inventory, logistics and investment to provide a cost-effective and lightweight weapons solution for unmanned guided aircraft. The guidance system employs Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation.

Application of RCFC technology to 81mm air-dropped mortar guidance kits was sponsored by the U.S. Army’s Armament Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. This successful collaboration provides Tactical Class Unmanned Aircraft System (TCUAS) operators with a low-cost, lightweight weaponization candidate for rapid fielding.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is committed to producing high-quality products and services through the use of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles in support of continuous improvement throughout its business and manufacturing processes. The company is a world leader in the manufacture of large-, medium- and small-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, shaped charge warheads and BALL POWDER® Propellant. It also manufactures precision metal components; and provides load, assemble and pack services for tactical missile and rocket programs. More information on General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical is available online at www.gd-ots.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 91,200 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.

December 16, 2008
Contact: L. G. VanBrocklin
Tel: (727) 578-8187
Email: lgvanbrocklin@gd-ots.com