MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia --
Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a five-year
contract to build a new shoulder-mounted multi-purpose assault weapon system,
called the SMAW MOD 2.
Atlantic Diving Supply in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was
selected to make the rocket launcher along with improved ballistic sight
integration. ADS was awarded the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity $72
million contract Oct. 23. The company is
under contract to make 56 systems under the terms of the first delivery order.
The SMAW MOD 2 will be compatible with existing
munitions. Program officials say the improvements will mean better stability
and durability, and overall increase readiness of Marine forces.
The SMAW MOD 0 weapon system has been fielded
since 1984. With its launcher and family of rockets, the SMAW gives an assault
team the ability to accurately engage bunkers and fortified positions, light
armored vehicles and other targets at close range between 25 and 250 meters.
The SMAW MOD 2 has an approved acquisition
objective of 1,249 systems.
Terms of the contract include a base year plus four
ordering periods. Work will be performed in Lynchburg, Virginia; Salt Lake
City, Utah; and Londonderry, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by
October 2020.
Among other duties, MCSC oversees the
development, acquisition and lifecycle logistics of Marine Corps ground weapon and information technology system programs.