OREANDA-NEWS. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a USD 25.7 million contract to produce eight MK46 30mm Naval Weapon Systems for the U.S. Navy for use on San Antonio-class (LPD-17) ships and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) class.

The MK46 30mm Naval Weapon System is an all-weather, day/night, fully stabilized weapon system. Its lightweight, modular and compact size makes it an ideal candidate for numerous anti-surface and anti-air defense applications.  The system's family of turrets represents a balance of lethality, performance, reliability and versatility, and it is one of the most cost-effective medium-caliber weapon systems.  General Dynamics has delivered 30 MK46 systems to the Navy since 2005.  It is the main deck gun for LPD-17 ships and is the secondary gun battery for Littoral Combat Ships.

Work will be performed by the existing workforce at General Dynamics Land Systems facilities in Woodbridge, Va.; Tallahassee, Fla.; Lima, Ohio; Westminster, Md.; Sterling Heights, Mich.; and Scranton, Pa.  Deliveries are scheduled to begin in September 2014.

"General Dynamics Land Systems is committed to providing cost-effective mission-critical products and services to the Navy's surface warfare fleet," said Michael Bolon, senior vice president, U.S. Marine Corps and Navy business sector at General Dynamics Land Systems.  "The MK46 gun system's open architecture software supports stand-alone and integrated variants for multiple uses and maximum flexibility."