Fulcrum Concepts LLC, which provides weapons system integration capabilities for the tactical aviation community, has acquired ownership of the GAU-19A/B .50 caliber Gatling gun from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS).

The acquisition establishes Fulcrum as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for this gun system deployed globally by the United States and its allies.

Based in Mattaponi, Fulcrum has a long history of supporting the GAU-19 family of weapons. The company’s managing members and several employees used and maintained the GAU-19 during their careers in U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation. Fulcrum built off this knowledge to consult on the GAU-19 to GD-OTS for more than 10 years and was a subcontractor to field the system on the Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, a release said.

Fulcrum engineers leveraged this experience to develop a wide range of modifications and support equipment for the GAU-19, from tool kits and storage carts to modifications and pods that increase weapon versatility and enhance performance. As the only GD-OTS-authorized distributor and trainer for the GAU-19, Fulcrum also developed training, maintenance videos, and technical publications to help today’s soldiers operate and maintain the system in the most demanding environments.

“This is the next logical step in the evolution of this product,” said Fulcrum Managing Member Mike Zinanni, explaining that in-house ownership will help Fulcrum continue its track record of developing enhancements for the GAU-19. He added the company is pursuing multiple projects to integrate the GAU-19 on new platforms, including the Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft.