Armtec Defense Products has received a $35,8 million U.S. Army contract to production and delivery new propelling charges for artillery systems.
The contract, announced Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), is worth more than $$35,8 million and it covers the production and delivery of modular artillery charge systems M231/M232-series combustible case cartridges.
Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 17, 2020.
The M231 & M232-series propelling charge is the Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) low-zone charge used with 155mm field artillery cannon systems. The charge has been optimized for use in the M109 Field Artillery System but is compatible with all 155mm 39 caliber tube length systems in the US inventory. Zoning is accomplished through the addition of increments.
The M231 propelling charge is comprised of a green colored, coated, nitrocellulose based combustible case with black bands and black markings. Contained within the case is solid, granulated PAP-7993 propellant. A center core ignition system containing both black and ball powders ensures rapid, controlled ignition under all temperature and pressure regimes. The end igniter bags are sealed behind red seals. The charge is bi-directional, it can be loaded and initiated with either end forward. Two M231 increments are packaged within a green-colored extraction sleeve. Two extraction sleeves are contained within each green-colored PA161E1 ammunition can.
The M232 propelling charge is comprised of a tan colored, coated, nitrocellulose-based combustible case with black markings. Each end has four raised 1/8-inch bumps. Contained within the case is solid, granulated M30A1 propellant. A center-core ignition system containing both black and ball powders ensures rapid, controlled ignition under all temperature and pressure regimes. Additives are also included to reduce coppering, tube-wear, flash, and blast-overpressure. The end ignitor bags are sealed behind red seals. The charge is bidirectional, it can be loaded and initiated with either end forward. Five M232 increments are packaged within a tan-colored extraction sleeve. There is one extraction sleeve per tan-colored PA103E2 ammunition can.