Article Posted on : - Nov 01, 2010

Aegis MK82 Illuminators. Photo by General Dynamics

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (BNS): General Dynamics was recently awarded an $11.5 million contract by the US Navy for the production of six Aegis MK82 Illuminators, which include the MK82 guided missile director and the MK200 controller systems.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, a unit of General Dynamics, will begin production in early 2011. The contract has a total potential value of $29.5 million, and deliveries will be completed by July 2013.

The Aegis Weapon System automatically detects, tracks and prioritizes threats and targets. The illuminator enables the system to lock onto its targets and provides the terminal guidance to intercept missiles, said Russ Klein, vice president and general manager of weapon systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.

General Dynamics has more than 30 years of experience in the design, production and technical support of the Aegis MK82 Illuminator.