ATK begins full rate production of the US Army's new EPR

ATK has received orders from the US Army's Program Manager for Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM-MAS) for nearly 300 million rounds of the new M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round (EPR). The EPR is an enhanced version of the M855 5.56mm cartridge, used by US troops since the early 1980s. ATK is producing the new cartridge at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo. ATK produced the initial 20 million rounds of M855A1, which were delivered to the troops in Afghanistan earlier this year.

"This is a significant breakthrough in ammunition performance for America's warfighters," said Mark Hissong, ATK Small Caliber Systems Vice President and General Manager. "To ensure optimal performance, ATK and the Army put the EPR through the most rigorous and thorough test regime of any round we have ever produced. The result is the successful fielding of a high-performance round that is in theater today, and capable of providing superior firepower in any combat condition."

ATK partnered with the Army to develop a flexible manufacturing plan to rapidly transition the EPR program into high-volume production. The new round offers a higher velocity for more energy on target, improved hard-target capability, and greater accuracy and consistency for effectiveness at long range. The round's technological advancements, coupled with ATK's innovative approach to ammunition engineering, have delivered what the Army calls "the most significant advancement in general purpose small caliber ammunition in decades."

Source: ATK

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