Orbital ATK to develop 120mm AMP
Orbital ATK has been awarded a contract worth $16 million with options for the first phase of development for the 120mm Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP), XM1147 High Explosive Multi-Purpose with Tracer cartridge, the company announced on 8 October.
The multi-purpose ammunition for the Abrams main battle tank is designed to replace four existing rounds. According to the company, it will give greater mission flexibility and main-gun capability through a single munition for multiple engagement scenarios.
The AMP provides obstacle reduction, dismount engagement and bunker and light-armour defeat. It also provides added capability to breach reinforced walls, and engage anti-tank crews and dismounts at ranges up to 2,000 meters.
Dan Olson, vice president and general manager, armament systems division, defense systems group, Orbital ATK, said: ‘Our ammunition innovations like advanced kinetic energy penetrators and airbursting munitions are providing combat overmatch for our warfighters – which is our company’s mission. Our ability to innovate comes from a long history of creating new capabilities for existing systems through our expertise in fusing, warheads and platform integration.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in]()
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax]()
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.
-
![Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank]()
Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank
Canada is improving its Leopard main battle tank fleet but before this is fully completed, it is expected to begin looking for new vehicles.
-
![Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)]()
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.
