Article Posted on : - Jun 29, 2011

Hydra-70 air-to-ground rocket.

CHARLOTTE (BNS): General Dynamics has received $286 million contract from US Army for the production of Hydra-70 air-to-ground rocket.

The rockets will be produced by the General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, which is a business unit of General Dynamics.

The company will deliver the rockets to US Army by April 2015.

"The Hydra is a cost-effective, versatile, combat-proven weapon that enhances the survivability, protection and mission success of the US military and its allies," Russ Klein, vice president and general manager of weapon systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, said.

The Hydra-70, 2.75-inch (diameter) rocket is fired from US Army's Apache and Kiowa Warrior helicopters, as well as helicopters and aircraft of other armed forces.

Hydra rockets are composed of two main components: the MK66 rocket motor and the warhead. Assembled by General Dynamics, the rocket motor is approximately three-and-a-half feet in length and weighs nearly 15 pounds.

The rocket's warhead varies to meet the wide range of mission requirements for all branches of the US military.