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April 6, 2010 |
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General Dynamics and Cyalume Technologies collaborate on Advanced Illumination and Marking Payloads for Ammunition Applications
ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. - General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems announced
today that it has entered into a strategic agreement with Cyalume Technologies,
Inc. to develop and market training, illumination and marking payloads that use
Cyalume’s chemiluminescent “green” technology for U.S. military ammunition
applications.
The integration of chemiluminescent “green” technology into training ammunition
will provide enhanced capabilities for the warfighter to conduct integrated
day/night training on multiple platforms for weapons qualification and combat
maneuver training at a significant cost savings to the U.S. Government in range
cleanup and maintenance programs, eliminating unexploded ordinance (UXO) and
reducing the environmental impact.
“The military has expressed an increased need for advanced training, marking and
illumination payloads,” said Michael S. Wilson, president of General Dynamics
Ordnance and Tactical Systems. “Over the past several years Cyalume Technologies
has developed numerous advanced materials that when loaded into our ammunition
will enhance training and provide a tactical advantage for our soldiers.”
“The combination of General Dynamics’ ammunition manufacturing expertise and the
advanced payloads developed by Cyalume will result in a huge payoff for our
warfighters,” said Derek Dunaway, CEO of Cyalume Technologies. “Our payloads
offer the benefits of a non-toxic, nonflammable, non-incendiary and non-dud
producing ammunition that is environmentally friendly and will provide advanced
marking and illumination effects, while reducing or eliminating collateral
damage.”
Cyalume Technologies, Inc. is a U.S. manufacturer and world leader in
chemiluminescent (chemical light) technology with over 30 years of experience.
Based in West Springfield, Mass., Cyalume has over 200 employees with overseas
operations located in Aix-en-Provence, France. Cyalume produces numerous
chemiluminescent products that are used in commercial and military applications.
Cyalume products meet Consumer Safety Protection Commission and EPA compliance
and have FEMA’s seal of approval as a disaster recovery item. Cyalume currently
has 22 active U.S. and international patents, and 25 patents pending in the
chemical light space.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General
Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is a world leader in the manufacture of large-, medium- and
small-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, shaped charge warheads and
propellants. 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
91,700 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.generaldynamics.com.
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