The US has contracted Firehawk Aerospace to expand domestic propellant production in support of the M1128 155mm base-bleed projectile.
The US Department of Defense has awarded Firehawk Aerospace a $24-million contract to expand domestic propellant production in support of the M1128 155mm base-bleed projectile.
Under the 22-month contract, Firehawk will reportedly increase annual propellant production capacity to 740,000 pounds (335,658 kilograms), rising to 3.1 million pounds (1.4 million kilograms) once its Oklahoma facility reaches full operational capacity.
An artillery propellant is a chemical substance that burns rapidly to generate high-pressure gas, which propels the projectile out of the gun barrel at high speed.
Base-bleed technology uses a gas-generating unit containing a propellant grain at the projectile’s rear. After launch, the propellant burns and releases gas, reducing base drag and extending the projectile’s range.
The M1128 is a 155mm extended-range high-explosive artillery projectile developed by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. It is designed for use with 155mm howitzers, including the M777A2 and M109A7.
Strengthening US Defense Industrial Base
The contract was awarded under the Pentagon’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment initiative, which aims to mitigate supply-chain vulnerabilities affecting defense production.
The program expands and modernizes the US defense industrial base and its workforce through investments in six areas: critical materials, workforce development, kinetic weapons, microelectronics, castings and forgings, and batteries.
“Propellant production remains one of the most significant bottlenecks in US munitions manufacturing,” the Texas-based startup stated.
“Current legacy cast-and-cure processes are slow, labor-intensive, and difficult to scale at the levels required for DOW’s modern operational needs.”
