US Military Begins to Experience the LAW Again

Laying down the LAW The Vietnam-era, disposable-launcher, 66mm LAW rocket has been making a comeback with the US military. The LAW may be a poor weapon choice against Soviet tanks, but the 7.5 pound M72a7 is an excellent choice for forces needing lightweight, short-range, bunker-busting firepower at reasonable cost. Given that the second scenario often prevails on the battlefields of the Global War on Terror, buying a new-generation LAW is a wise move. To that end, Talley Defense Systems in Mesa, AZ received a $7.2 million fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00178-05-C-1017. While searches of DoD’s DefenseLink did not reveal any previous listings for M72A7 LAW rockets, or for the contract number is question, DID’s research and some assistance from NSWCD Dahlgren allow us to shed light on this procurement… In February 2005, The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) issued a solicitation that noted its intent to modify existing NSWCDD contract N00178-05-C-1017 to procure and/or add options for approximately 20,820 additional M72AS, 21MM Sub-Caliber Trainer Rockets (NSN 1340-01-482-5049, DODIC HA21) and 2,558 M72A7 66mm HE LAW w/Graze Fuze Function and NVD Mount (NSN 1340-01-497-7630, DODIC HA29). The award date was estimated as mid-May 2005. The September 2005 […]