General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems Fields Expeditionary Fire Support System

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), announced today that they have successfully fielded the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Artillery Regiment located at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

As the third leg of the USMC’s triad of land-based fire support for expeditionary operations, EFSS is the primary close-in fire support system for vertical assault maneuvers and is perfectly suited for missions requiring tactical versatility, speed, mobility and close-in fire support. The system can be emplaced, fired and displaced in under five minutes using a standard five-man crew and is designed to be internally transportable in both the Marine’s tiltrotor MV-22B Osprey and the CH-53 helicopter.

Each battalion in the 10th Marine Regiment will have six EFSS systems comprising of a pair of Prime Mover vehicles, a 120mm M327 mortar weapon, ammunition family and trailer. At the center of EFSS is the 120mm M327 mortar that combines the simplicity and firepower of a mortar with the precision and range of a field artillery piece. The system can effectively fire both rifled and smoothbore ammunition. At 1,798 lbs., the 120mm M327 is the Marines’ largest internally transportable indirect fire support system and provides the maneuver commander with greater fire support capability against an array of targets.

“The EFSS will give the Marines unmatched mortar performance in terms of lethality, accuracy and mobility. Combined with the MV-22 Osprey capabilities, it gives the Expeditionary Force a superior tactical advantage over their adversaries”, said Dr. Dean Bartles, vice president and general manager of large-caliber ammunition for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

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 92,300 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.

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