General Dynamics .50 Caliber Ammunition First to be Qualified for NATO Interchangeability

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – General Dynamics announced today that its 12.7mm (.50 caliber) C162 Ball and C163 Tracer cartridges are qualified for NATO interoperability, according to the NATO International Panel on Standard Small Arms Ammunition. The designs meet the 12.7mm NATO Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) requirements, ensuring full interchangeability between all NATO troops using NATO-qualified weapons.

The two cartridge designs were produced at General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems’ Canadian operations and submitted for qualification to NATO by the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND). The NATO North American Regional Test Center (NARTC) in Independence, Mo., performed the Exhaustive Qualification Testing of the two cartridge samples.

“We are proud to be the first supplier in NATO’s history to provide a 12.7mm NATO qualified cartridge, the C162 Ball and C163 Tracer rounds,” said André Falardeau, vice president and general manager, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems-Canada. “Use of these cartridges will allow NATO countries to ensure that they can safely interchange their ammunition with that of other NATO allied countries.”

The newly NATO-qualified cartridges are indicative of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems’ commitment to supplying NATO member countries with high-quality, reliable ammunition for their operational needs.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a world leader in the manufacture of large, medium- and small-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, mortar weapons and systems, artillery projectiles, bomb bodies and BALL POWDER® Propellant. The company also manufactures precision metal components; provides explosive load, assemble and pack services for a variety of munitions, tactical missile and rocket programs; and designs and produces shaped charge warheads and control actuator systems. More information on General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical is available online at www.gd-ots.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 83,500 people worldwide and reported 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. 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 the company is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.