CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a business unit of General Dynamics, was awarded a $6.9 million contract by the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command to convert more than 3,500 M2 heavy barrel (M2HB) machine guns to the M2A1 configuration.

The M2A1 offers the proven performance of the existing M2HB heavy barrel (HB) machine gun, along with new features and design improvements that are adaptable to existing M2HB weapons. These innovative improvements help eliminate operator error, decrease muzzle flash and streamline barrel changes. General Dynamics developed the M2A1 .50 caliber weapon upgrade after more than 30 years of experience manufacturing the M2HB for the U.S. Department of Defense. The M2 machine gun is one of the world's most effective crew-served weapons. "General Dynamics is proud of our role in making this highly effective weapon even better by improving its safety, reliability and ease of use," said Steve Elgin, vice president and general manager of armament systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. "Our success producing and advancing the M2 machine gun positions us to continue production well into the future." Production work will be completed at the General Dynamics facility in Saco, Maine, which employs over 400 people and has been the vendor of choice for the M2 machine guns since 1979. Conversion of the M2 guns under this contract will be completed in 2013. Program management will be performed at General Dynamics' Williston Technology Center in Williston, Vt.