SACO -- The Army has awarded two contracts worth $66 million to General Dynamics for MK19 grenade launchers to be built in Saco.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products says deliveries of the weapons are expected to begin next year and extend through late 2012.

The General Dynamics division's plant in Saco has produced 36,000 MK19 systems since 1984. The division's engineering center is located in Burlington, Vt.

Dean Gagnon, senior program manager in Burlington, says the MK19 is capable of firing 400 grenades a minute and is a prime weapon in both offensive and defense operations.