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L-3 Fuzing & Ordnance Systems in Cincinnati, OH received a $98.5 million firm-fixed-price contract with 4 firm-fixed-priced options for the production and delivery of US Army mortar fuzes.
The fuze controls separation of the munition from the delivery platform and triggers its detonation. Safety features are built into all fuzes to protect personnel while handling ammunition during storage, transit and deployment.
L-3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems, a unit of L-3 Communications, will provide the US Army with M734A1 and M783 fuzes…
The M734A1 fuze is a proximity fuze based on frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) directional doppler ranging (DDR) techniques. Over 5,000 rounds have been field rested, yielding more than 99% reliability. It has electronic countermeasure hardening and delivers a consistent height of burst performance over terrain with various reflection coefficients. The M734A1 can be used on all 60, 80, and 120 mm high explosive mortar cartridges and the 120 mm white phosphorous smoke cartridge.
The M783 point detonating fuze is a dual safe point detonating and delay fuze that is based on the M734A1 fuze for commonality of components. The fuze is intended for tactical training and can be used during tactical operations as well. The M783 is qualified for use on all 60, 81, and 120 mm high explosive cartridges and the 60 mm white phosphorous smoke cartridge.
Under the contract, L-3 is also providing inert and cutaway versions of these fuzes. Work is to be performed in Cincinnati, OH with an estimated completion date of Sept 15/14. Bids were solicited on the Web with 1 bid received. The US Army Joint Munitions & Lethality, Army Contracting Command, Combat Ammunition Systems Contracting Center at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ manages the contract (W15QKN-10-C-0015).