Prototype Based on Proven Cased-Telescoped Weapons and Ammunition Technology

HUNT VALLEY, Md. — MARCH 24, 2019 — Textron Systems, a business of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it delivered the initial Next Generation Squad Weapon-Technology (NGSW-T) prototype demonstrator to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Armaments Center and Joint Services Small Arms Program (JSSAP). The automatic rifle prototype, based on the company’s proven Cased-Telescoped (CT) Weapons and Ammunition technology, is the first of five weapon demonstrators that Textron Systems will deliver for the program.

“Moving from contract award to delivery of a revolutionary, next-generation weapon in just 15 months not only demonstrates the maturity of our CT technology, but also the project execution excellence our team possesses to rapidly fill critical warfighter needs on schedule,” said Textron Systems Senior Vice President of Applied Technologies & Advanced Programs Wayne Prender. “Our CT weapons and ammunition offer the growth path to a true next-generation small arms weapon for U.S. warfighters, including increased lethality at longer ranges, while also delivering significant weight reductions to the warfighter.”

Technologies demonstrated by Textron Systems under the NGSW-T effort will inform the Army’s formal NGSW program and include weapon and ammunition weight reduction, weapon sound suppression, as well as fire control integration technology.

In 2018, Textron Systems also received a separate contract from the U.S. Army to develop a prototype weapon for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle- Prototype Opportunity Notice (NGSAR-PON) program and remains on track to demonstrate the weapon in June 2019.

In development since 2004, Textron Systems’ CT weapons and ammunition offer an innovative weapon design that increases lethality and reduces total system weight by up to 40 percent. Textron Systems has developed rifles, including automatic rifles, in a variety of configurations and calibers, including 5.56mm, 6.5mm, and 7.62mm, and is supporting the Army’s current efforts to revolutionize its small arms capability.

Arnold Defense, the world’s leading supplier of rocket launchers, has been awarded a $53.8 million contract for the delivery of 2.75-inch rocket launchers and sub components to support the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force, along with foreign military sales to Australia.  Recently announced by the U.S. Department of Defense, the contract includes options that, if exercised, will raise the cumulative total to $74.3 million over a 4 year period, with final delivery expected to be complete in 2023.

The Arnold Defense contract is for the delivery of a number of their core products; the 7-tube M260 and 19-tube M261 Hydra-70 Rocket Launchers used by U.S. Army helicopters; the 7-tube LAU-68 & LAU-131 series and 19-tube LAU-61 & LAU-130 series used by the U.S. Navy and Air Force; and various launcher sub-components such as Intervalometers and Tube Assemblies.

Arnold Defense, founded in 1945 and based in Arnold, Missouri, are the world’s largest supplier of rocket launchers for military aircraft, vessels and vehicles.  Since 1961 they have manufactured more than 1.1 million 2.75-inch rocket launchers for the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, and a number of NATO countries.  Through  innovation, dedication, technical expertise and warfighter-first focus, Arnold Defense continues to produce the very best rocket launchers in the world and are committed to manufacturing the world’s most reliable and affordable rocket launchers.

Jim Hager, President and CEO of Arnold Defense said “Unsurprisingly Arnold Defense are extremely proud  to be delivering this contract for the U.S. Department of Defense.  Our unerring focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of production quality to meet the exceptional demands of the U.S. Armed Forces and our Government’s foreign military sales.”

www.arnolddefense.com