SENATOR COLLINS ANNOUNCES $23.5 MILLION CONTRACT TO SACO DEFENSE

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Armed Services committee, today announced that U.S. Special Operations Command has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products a $23.5 million contract for production of the MK47 MOD 0 Weapon System, a lightweight 40mm grenade launcher that is also known as STRIKER40.  The work will be performed at Saco Defense in Saco.               “I am very pleased that the U.S. Special Operations Command has chosen to continue its ongoing relationship with the dedicated workers of Saco Defense,” said Senator Collins.  “As a member of the Senate Armed Service committee, I applaud the men and women who work at Saco Defense as they once again work to supply our troops with the very best arms and equipment.”   Senator Collins also secured $12.9 million in funding for the MK47 MOD 0 STRIKER40 Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher in the FY07 defense authorization bill, passed by the Senate last month.  The Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher is designed to replace the capabilities of the MK19 40mm grenade machine gun with a precision fire crew served weapon system that can provide special operations forces with a “first burst on target” hit capability.  Currently in production and fielded to special operations forces, the MK47 STRIKER consists of a lightweight grenade launcher, a day / night video sight and fire control system, and a ground-mounted tripod with a standard vehicle-mounted adapter kit.                Senator Collins met with Linda Hudson, President of General Dynamics’ Armament and Technical Products Ordnance Programs, on Wednesday, May 24th to discuss General Dynamics’ operations, specifically those of its Saco facility.  Senator Collins also toured Saco Defense in August of 2005.