The U.S. Army has awarded ATK (NYSE: ATK) a three-year $77 million contract to develop and qualify the M829E4 120mm advanced kinetic energy tactical tank round, its fifth generation 120mm kinetic energy cartridge.
ATK will complete the second phase of the engineering manufacture design work required to qualify the new round for use with the Army’s M1A2 SEP Abrams main battle tank.
Upon qualification, the round will enter full-rate production.
The round will provide the tank with heavy armor defeat capabilities and allow for the use of fewer rounds and faster enemy engagement.
“During our 30 years of program experience partnering with the Army, we have type classified 10 of the 12 120mm tactical and training rounds for the Abrams tank, ” said Bruce DeWitt, vice president and general manager of ATK’s advanced weapons division. “This experience makes ATK uniquely qualified to develop this next generation capability for the Army. ATK provided the 120mm ammunition that helped ‘upgun’ the Abrams from a 105mm to a 120mm main gun and we look forward to working with the Army to maintain the Abrams’ standing as the world’s dominant tank.”
