The US Department of Defense has awarded Firehawk Aerospace a $24-million contract to expand domestic production of artillery propellant used in support of the M1128 155mm base-bleed projectile.
Under the 22-month agreement, Firehawk is expected to raise its annual propellant production capacity to 740,000 pounds (335,658 kilograms). Once its Oklahoma manufacturing facility reaches full operational capacity, production could increase to approximately 3.1 million pounds (1.4 million kilograms) annually.
Artillery propellant is a chemical material designed to burn rapidly and generate high-pressure gases that propel a projectile through the gun barrel at high velocity. In base-bleed ammunition, a gas-generating unit located at the rear of the projectile releases gases after launch, reducing aerodynamic drag behind the round and extending its effective 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 major 155mm howitzer platforms, including the M777A2 and M109A7.
Strengthening the US Defense Industrial Base
The contract was awarded through the Pentagon’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) initiative, which focuses on addressing supply-chain vulnerabilities affecting US defense production.
The program supports efforts to expand and modernize the American defense industrial base and workforce through investments in critical areas, including strategic materials, workforce development, kinetic weapons production, microelectronics, castings and forgings, and battery technologies.
