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

Advanced Multi-Purpose Round (AMP) XM1147