ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. –- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, announced today that it has successfully fielded the Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV), also known as the Light Strike Vehicle (LSV).

These vehicles were fielded to the U.S. Marine Corps’ 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment in preparation for its deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The LSV, specifically designed to fly internally in the MV-22 and CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and the CH-53 and MH-47 aircraft, are used in a variety of operations such as reconnaissance, raids, Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) and airfield seizures in support of Over-the-Horizon amphibious operations, Irregular Warfare and Enhanced Company Operations (ECO).

The LSV provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander with a vertically transportable, high mobility, weapons-capable platform. It can carry enough fuel, water, ammunition, and food for a 3-day mission, while safely transporting a crew of four. The LSV can be equipped with an M2 .50-cal., MK-19 or MK-240G machine gun, further enhancing the unit’s mission performance and survivability.

The fielding of the LSV to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines follows the recent Initial Operational Capability of the Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) on March 17 with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, who are planned to deploy with the 24th MEU.

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 element of the Ship-to-Objective Maneuver (STOM) force, providing expanded fires support to amphibious and expeditionary operations. The system is comprised of a pair of Prime Mover vehicles, the 120mm M327 rifled mortar weapon, a new family of 120mm insensitive munition (IM) rifled ammunition and ammunition trailer. Marines can emplace, fire and displace the EFSS in under five minutes.

“The LSV and EFSS give the Marines greater agility and versatility in supporting expeditionary operations,” said Dr. Dean Bartles, vice president and general manager of large-caliber ammunition for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. “Both systems are fast and reliable, giving the Marines more options and greater survivability in the field.”

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
06.08.2009