OREANDA-NEWS. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems was awarded a competitive, five-year fixed firm price contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., for production of the 2.75-inch/70mm Hydra-70 air-to-ground rocket system for all military services.

Composed of two main components, the MK66 rocket motor and various warheads, the Hydra-70 rocket can be deployed from most helicopters and some fixed-wing aircraft. The Hydra-70 rocket is employed in a wide range of mission requirements for all branches of the U.S. military as well as its allies.

"The Hydra 70 rocket is a combat-proven, cost-effective weapon that enhances the survivability and mission success of the warfighter," said Dan Paul, vice president and general manager for precision systems, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. "General Dynamics has been the system integrator for the Hydra rocket since 1996 and has produced more than five million rockets. We will continue to work closely with the Army to deliver a weapon that is both affordable and reliable in action."

General Dynamics' work on the Hydra-70 rocket system program will be done at the company's Camden, Ark.;Springboro, Ohio;Anniston, Ala.;and Williston, Vt., facilities. The award includes five potential options through 2018, with work expected to be complete by 2020.