"This agreement allows General Dynamics to enhance its offerings to U.S. customers," said Richard Davitt, vice president and general manager of Precision Systems for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. "Thor has demonstrated combat effectiveness in operational engagements bringing an additional precision-fire gun platform to the fight, while at the same time filling a unique tactical mission role."

Controlled remotely from an operator's station, Thor features day/night sighting sensors for 24-hour targeting and neutralization of improvised explosive devices, surface mines, and unsecured or unexploded ordnance. Thor is suitable for many mission requirements, including explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) "render safe" procedures, maneuver and convoy support, route clearance, humanitarian de-mining and range clean-up.

Thor features a high-energy laser and an M2 12.7mm machine gun secured on a stabilized weapons pedestal that can be installed on manned and unmanned ground vehicles. From a safe stand-off range, operators can use the directed energy from the laser to rapidly clear unexploded ordnance and defeat improvised explosive devices by inducing a non-explosive burning or deflagration reaction in the explosive fill. Machine gun projectiles provide kinetic energy to destroy fusing, thick-cased munitions and booby traps. The M2 machine gun can also provide direct fire against enemy forces and targets.

The General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems agreement with RAFAEL is exclusive to the U.S. market and includes a license to produce systems in the U.S. as well as to provide integration, training and product support.

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