General Dynamics Develops New Version of Highly Successful 20mm PGU-28 A/B SAPHEI Round

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has recently developed a mechanically fuzed version of its highly effective, battle-proven 20mm PGU-28 A/B SAPHEI round. The new 20mm semi-armor piercing, high-explosive incendiary cartridge matches the combat capability of the PGU-28 A/B SAPHEI while offering different safety features for air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems developed the 20mm PGU series to replace the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy’s M56 high explosive incendiary round for use in all fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The PGU-28 A/B provides superior performance, lethality and safety over the M56 and has a more aerodynamic shape, increased velocity and effective range. The additional range allows pilots to engage and fire from farther away while the pyrotechnic delay feature improves target performance and increases pilot and aircraft safety. The PGU-28 A/B can defeat a full spectrum of air-to-air and air-to-ground targets in one common combat round.

The new mechanical fuze variant can be set to either a super-quick point detonating function or a delayed- fuze function. The delayed-fuze variant allows target penetration for maximum lethality and combat effectiveness at the safer firing ranges of the PGU-28 A/B.

With the introduction of this new mechanically-fuzed PGU-28 A/B variant, General Dynamic Ordnance and Tactical Systems, along with its strategic partner, Nammo of Norway, continues to refine the safety and versatility of the PGU family of ammunition to enhance the war fighter’s combat capabilities.

“Adding the fuzed variant to the 20mm PGU family portfolio increases the warfighter’s mission capability and versatility at an affordable cost,” said Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium caliber operations for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a world leader in the manufacture of large, medium- and small-caliber direct and indirect-fire munitions, mortar weapons and systems, artillery projectiles, bomb bodies and Ball Powder® Propellant. The company also manufactures precision metal components; provides explosive load, assemble and pack services for a variety of munitions, tactical missile and rocket programs; and designs and produces shaped charge warheads and control actuator systems. More information on General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical is available online at www.gd-ots.com.