General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Florida, was awarded a $49,311,266 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 105 mm M724A2 rounds. The 105mm M724A2 is used for crew training on the Stryker Mobile Gun System vehicles. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.
The M1128 Mobile Gun System (MGS) is an eight-wheeled armored car of the Stryker family, mounting a 105 mm tank gun, based on the Canadian LAV III light-armored vehicle manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems. The family of 105mm MGS ammunition includes various KE and HE tactical cartridges as well as a canister cartridge. The only 105mm cartridge currently in production is the M724A2 KE trainer. The M724A2 is a reduced-range training cartridge intended to provide the Soldier with the training capability to maximize the effectiveness of the tactical 105 mm M900 KE cartridge.
This cartridge is used for gunnery training in tank-mounted 105mm gun cannons. The electrically initiated primer ignites the propelling charge and tracer. Gases produced by the burning propellant propel the projectile from the gun. The tracer burns for a minimum of 2.5 seconds. The sabot is discarded after leaving the muzzle of the weapon as a result of setback, centrifugal, and air pressure forces. The solid core of the projectile continues to the target. Since it is a practice round, the projectile lacks the penetrating capability of a severe round.
This discarding sabot round is similar in external appearance and is ballistically similar up to 2000 meters with the APDS-T Cartridge M392A2. It is used as a training surrogate for all 105mm kinetic energy cartridges, including the M735, M774, M833 and M900. There is a tracer located in the base of the projectile. A plastic band encircles the sabot at the forward end. A fiber rotating band and rubber obturating band are mounted toward the base of the sabot. The igniter tube of the electric primer extends almost the length of the propellant packed loosely in the cartridge case.
