General Dynamics and Cyalume Technologies collaborate on advanced illumination and marking payloads for ammunition applications

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems announced today that it has entered into a strategic agreement with Cyalume Technologies, Inc. to develop and market training, illumination and marking payloads that use Cyalume's chemiluminescent "green" technology for US military ammunition applications.

The integration of chemiluminescent "green" technology into training ammunition will provide enhanced capabilities for the warfighter to conduct integrated day/night training on multiple platforms for weapons qualification and combat maneuver training at a significant cost savings to the US Government in range cleanup and maintenance programs, eliminating unexploded ordinance (UXO) and reducing the environmental impact.

"The military has expressed an increased need for advanced training, marking and illumination payloads," said Michael S. Wilson, president of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. "Over the past several years Cyalume Technologies has developed numerous advanced materials that when loaded into our ammunition will enhance training and provide a tactical advantage for our soldiers."

"The combination of General Dynamics' ammunition manufacturing expertise and the advanced payloads developed by Cyalume will result in a huge payoff for our warfighters," said Derek Dunaway, CEO of Cyalume Technologies. "Our payloads offer the benefits of a non-toxic, nonflammable, non-incendiary and non-dud producing ammunition that is environmentally friendly and will provide advanced marking and illumination effects, while reducing or eliminating collateral damage."

Cyalume Technologies, Inc. is a US manufacturer and world leader in chemiluminescent (chemical light) technology with over 30 years of experience. Based in West Springfield, Mass., Cyalume has over 200 employees with overseas operations located in Aix-en-Provence, France. Cyalume produces numerous chemiluminescent products that are used in commercial and military applications. Cyalume products meet Consumer Safety Protection Commission and EPA compliance and have FEMA's seal of approval as a disaster recovery item. Cyalume currently has 22 active US and international patents, and 25 patents pending in the chemical light space.

Source: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems