Aquaterro

Archive for the ‘Ammo’ Category

Rheinmetall Wins Mid-Double-Digit Million Euro Order for Mortar Ammunition for International NATO Customer

Monday, September 30th, 2024

An international NATO customer has placed an order with Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall for the production of mortar shells for the NATO partner’s armed forces. The value of the order, which was booked at the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, corresponds to a volume in the mid double-digit million euro range.

In total, a six-digit number of mortar shells of various types will be manufactured by Rheinmetall Expal Munitions S.A.U., Spain. The order also includes various additional services as part of the product launch.

Delivery of the ammunition is scheduled to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in summer 2026.

The order underlines Rheinmetall’s expertise in the production of state-of-the-art steep-fire weapons in the field of mortar ammunition. 

US Army Awards Key Contracts to Further Enhance 155mm Artillery Production Capacity and Army Modernization Priorities

Friday, September 20th, 2024

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — The U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ) awarded several contracts worth more than $961 million to enhance the production of critical 155mm artillery components. These awards are set to increase production capacity significantly and provide the joint warfighter with a new “go-to” war round, ensuring that the Army’s artillery capabilities remain safe, reliable, plentiful and lethal.

The contracts cover the procurement of 500,000 M119A2 Propellant Charges, supports load, assemble, and pack (LAP) of 260,000 M231 Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) and 2.2 million M232A2 MACS. MACS are the primary propelling charge system in all currently fielded 155mm howitzer systems. The contracts also cover the LAP of 16,900 of the Army’s newest “go-to” war round–the M1128 High Explosive (HE) projectile. This new projectile will provide U.S. artillery with extended-range capabilities and will give brigade combat teams the ability to deliver near-precision fires at distances of up to 30 kilometers without relying on exquisite munitions.

In addition to contracts supporting the LAP of munitions, another contract was awarded to expand the production capacity of High Fragmentation Steel (HF-1). This specially engineered alloy, used in large-caliber munitions such as the 155mm M795 and the M1128, is critical to meeting increased production demand and will enable the Army to achieve its goal of producing 100,000 artillery shots per month by fiscal year 2026.

“In alignment with the Department of Defense’s National Defense Industrial Strategy, we have invested more than $4.2 billion to expand and modernize the organic industrial base,” said Douglas R. Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. “This collaborative effort between the Army and industry establishes a credible deterrent against potential adversaries, underscoring the Army’s commitment to fight and win the Nation’s wars.”

The contracts were awarded by ACC-NJ to domestic companies in Arkansas (General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS)), Ohio (Metallus), Iowa (American Ordnance), Illinois (GD-OTS) and Florida (Nammo Inc.).

As the Army continues to invest in its organic industrial base, new facilities will be coming online, according to Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, the Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, who is leading the modernization and ramp-up of 155mm munition production.

“This rapid increase in production is part of a broader effort to support U.S. munitions replenishment activities and support international partners, such as Ukraine, which has relied heavily on artillery in its defense against Russian forces,” said Reim. “As geopolitical challenges continue to evolve, the U.S. Army’s focus on transformation and expansion ensures that our Joint Warfighters and international partners maintain overmatch and have the resources they need to succeed on the battlefield.”

By year’s end, the U.S. Army is set to commission three new domestic facilities in support of 155mm production and a new metal parts production facility in Canada.

By Abraam Dawoud

D&M Holding Announces Expansion of WRE Primer Facility and New Smokeless Propellant Factory

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

D&M Holding Company Announces Expansion of Current White River Energetics Primer Facility and New Smokeless Propellant Factory

DES ARC, Ark. (September 17, 2024) – D&M Holding Company, Inc. (D&M), an ammunition and energetics engineering company, is investing $70 million to expand its current White River Energetics (WRE) ammunition primer and energetics facility in Des Arc, Arkansas, and build a single-base, smokeless propellant factory.

“Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of smokeless propellant that is affecting munitions availability globally,” said Dan Powers, President and CEO of D&M Holding Company, Inc. “This will be the first single-base propellant factory to be built in the United States in over 50 years.”

White River Energetics currently has 125 employees at the Des Arc facility, with 73 new employees added in the past year. The expansion will create 100 new jobs and increase the Des Arc campus from 14,000 square feet to over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Construction on the expansion is underway and expected to be completed in Q1 2026.

“We are proud of all the people and employees who have worked tirelessly to support WRE and make this happen,” said BJ Rogers, Vice President of Operations, D&M Holding Company, Inc. “Having grown up in Des Arc, I’m personally proud to see the successes that have been made with primers and look forward to continued success in the future production of propellant.”

This expansion will enable WRE to scale its energetics and primer manufacturing to meet customer demand as well as develop new products. “This expanded campus also provides a facility for R&D and for training for our customers for whom we are building factories around the world,” said James Jones, Vice President of Business Development, D&M Holding Company.

D&M and WRE supports domestic and international clients in the defense and sporting markets through its development of turnkey factories, and its manufacturing and distribution of energetics for various types of ammunition, including primers for small and large caliber pistols and rifles. For more information visit D&M Holding Company and White River Energetics.

Barrett Announces New .416 Barrett Precision Ammunition

Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Murfreesboro, TN – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. is proud to announce the release of a new precision line of ammunition for its renowned .416 Barrett cartridge. Specifically developed for extreme long-range target engagement, the .416 Barrett precision ammunition offers unparalleled ballistic performance for the most demanding shooting environments.

Utilizing Hornady™ 500 gr A-Tip® Match projectiles, this new line of .416 Barrett ammunition is crafted with the highest quality components to ensure exceptional results. The advanced design boasts a low drag coefficient, allowing users to experience consistent sub-MOA precision while engaging targets beyond 2,500 yards.

“This ammunition has been engineered to meet the needs of long-range precision shooters who demand the highest level of accuracy and performance,” said Bryan James, President of Barrett. “With its unmatched ballistic capabilities, the .416 Barrett is the ultimate solution for those looking to push the boundaries of extreme long-range shooting.”

barrett.net

 

APEX Ammunition Partners with Canuck Guns for Canadian Distribution

Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024

Columbus, Miss. (September 3, 2024) – APEX Ammunition is pleased to announce its partnership with Canuck Guns for distribution of its award-winning shotshells throughout Canada. Canuck now has APEX Waterfowl Blends and S3 Steel loads in stock in 12- and 20-gauge.

“Canuck Guns is proud to partner with APEX Ammunition to bring the very best in custom loaded hunting shotshells to Canada,” said Phil O’Dell, President, Canuck Guns. “I personally used their ammunition for my Royal Slam offive different wild turkey subspecies in 2023. It took exactly five shells. This ammo simply works like no other. APEXhas long known Canadian hunters have wanted the best ammunition, and we are honored that they chose Canuck as their national distribution partner for Canada.” 

“As the APEX brand has grown, so has the demand for our product from our northern neighbors who are as passionate about hunting as we are,” said Jason Lonsberry, President and CEO, APEX Ammunition. “We are pleased to partner with the Canuck Guns team to ensure more Canadian hunters have access to our line of handcrafted ammunition through their local dealers and outfitters.”

APEX Waterfowl TSS-S3 Steel Blend shotshells arehandcrafted “duplex” loads that offer the best of both worlds, combining APEX’s premium, zinc-coated S3 Steel pellets with ultra-high density Tungsten Super Shot for a harder-hitting payload and improved terminal performance to reduce crippling.

APEX Waterfowl S3 Steel ammo features premium zinc-plated steel to ensure consistently round pellets with anti-corrosion properties and superior patterning performance. The zinc coating reduces friction, resulting in more consistent pellet drop when loading the shotshells and better movement of the pellets against each other in the firing process. The S3 Steel Waterfowl loads also use the same Tungsten-grade wad system found in APEX’s iconic Turkey TSS shotshells. The combination delivers lethal patterning, maximum barrel protection, and unmatched shot-to-shot consistency in a steel load.

Canadian Dealers and Outfitters who are interested in carrying APEX Ammunition shotshells may contact Canuck Guns at Dealer Inquiries.

Remington’s Logan Henry Secures Doubles Victory at the Grand American World Trapshooting Championship

Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

LONOKE, Ark. – August 21, 2024 – Remington Ammunition research and development engineer, Logan Henry, emerged victorious at the 125th Grand American World Trapshooting Championship, winning the Doubles event. The competition took place at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Ill. from July 31-August 10, 2024.

Henry’s exceptional performance at the Championship Doubles, where he hit all 100 targets, propelled him into a shoot-off against four other top competitors. Demonstrating his unwavering skill and determination, Henry emerged triumphant, clinching the coveted title of World Champion of Doubles.

“Winning the world championship has been a dream of mine since I started shooting trap. I’ve been shooting Remington shells since the beginning, so it’s an honor to bring home a championship title representing Remington,” said Henry.

The Grand American Championship, held annually at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Illinois, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of trap shooting competitions. Drawing participants from around the globe, the event showcases the finest shotgunning skills and fosters a spirit of camaraderie among shooting enthusiasts. Henry’s achievement not only highlights his talent but also underscores Remington’s commitment to producing top-quality ammunition that empowers shooters to excel in their respective disciplines.

As a research and development engineer at Remington Ammunition, Henry contributes to the company’s long-standing reputation as a leader in competition shotshell technology. His and Team Remington’s success on the competitive stage showcases Remington’s reputation as a trusted industry leader. 

Other notable wins for Team Remington include Peter Walker winning the Champion of Champions Event in the Open Division and for the third consecutive year, Wyatt Debrie was the leading points winner for captain of the Sub Jr. Team. Debrie also won HOA and HAA awards for the category. Finally, legendary trap shooting competitor Tank Lunsford won the HOA and HAA in the Veteran category for both the Prelim and Grand representing Big Green and shooting Nitro 27.

Big Green competes and wins with Remington Premier shotshells. Top quality, consistency and accuracy come standard when trap, skeet or sporting competitors shoot the iconic Premier STS  and Nitro 27 families of ammunition.

Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

HOP Munitions Collaborates with Vortex Edge to Enhance Precision Training with Superior Ammunition

Tuesday, August 6th, 2024

BARNEVELD, WI—Precision and reliability are paramount in firearms training. That’s why Vortex Edge, Vortex Optics’ cutting-edge training facility, trusts HOP Munitions for its training ammunition needs. Although not an official partnership, this relationship highlights the respect and trust between two industry leaders.

Vortex Edge instructors Chris and Cody use HOP Munitions’ 9mm 147gr poly ammo during their courses, ensuring that students experience top-tier performance in every session. This choice underscores the ammo’s consistency and reliability, making it a preferred option for professional firearms instruction.

Recently, HOP Munitions had the privilege of visiting the Vortex Edge facility and gaining insights into Chris and Cody’s advanced training methods. Discover how HOP Munitions’ innovative poly ammo enhances the Vortex Edge training experience.

Precision and Reliability at Vortex Edge

The Vortex Edge Instructors’ decision to utilize HOP Munitions’ poly ammo is a testament to the ammunition’s superior performance characteristics:

– Consistent Performance: HOP Munitions’ poly ammo offers unparalleled consistency, ensuring trainees experience reliable results in every session.

– Precision and Accuracy: Designed for precision, the 9mm 147gr poly ammo supports both novice and advanced shooters in achieving accurate shots.

– Eco-Friendly Design: HOP Munitions’ ammo’s environmentally friendly design reduces lead exposure, aligning with Vortex Edge’s commitment to sustainability.

– Cost-Effectiveness: With competitive pricing, HOP Munitions’ ammo allows extensive training without sacrificing quality.

A Visit to the Vortex Edge Facility

The team at HOP Munitions recently had the opportunity to visit the Vortex Edge training facility, observing firsthand the advanced training techniques employed by instructors Chris and Cody. This visit offered insights into the comprehensive training environment that Vortex Edge provides, featuring state-of-the-art technology and a wide range of training scenarios, including indoor and outdoor ranges, shoot houses, and simulation rooms that mimic real-world conditions.

During the visit, HOP Munitions representatives immersed themselves into the Vortex Edge training environment and gained valuable insights into how Vortex Edge integrates their expertise into each session. The choice of HOP Munitions’ poly ammo further solidified the effectiveness of the instruction, offering participants an optimal experience.

Expert Instruction and Training Programs

The collaboration allows Vortex Edge to enhance its training offerings, which include a variety of courses tailored to different skill levels:

– Intro to Long-Range Shooting: Fundamentals of long-range shooting, including ballistic calculations and wind reading.

– Advanced Carbine: Dynamic shooting techniques to improve adaptability and performance in real-world scenarios.

– Advanced Pistol: High-pressure shooting techniques focusing on speed, accuracy, and tactical reloading.

– Precision Rifle: In-depth exploration of long-range shooting with advanced ballistic theory and environmental considerations.

– Low-Light Engagements: Training for reduced visibility conditions using flashlights and night vision equipment.

Testimonial from HOP Munitions

Max, a representative from HOP Munitions, shared his thoughts on the collaboration with Vortex Edge: “During my recent visit to Vortex Optics, I was thoroughly impressed by their exceptional hospitality and state-of-the-art facilities. The experience was truly five-star. The training sessions with Chris and Cody from Vortex Edge were phenomenal, providing us with invaluable insights and skills. We eagerly look forward to returning the entire HOP team to Vortex Edge for further training classes.

Future Opportunities

Although not currently an official partnership, Vortex Edge and HOP Munitions’ relationship opens doors for future collaborations and innovations in firearms training and ammunition technology. As discussions continue, both companies look forward to exploring new opportunities to enhance training experiences for shooters of all skill levels.

Contact Information:

For more information on Vortex Edge training programs, visit Vortex Edge Firearms Training.

For more information on HOP Munitions Poly Ammo for training, visit the HOP Munitions website.

Ceremonial Handover in Hungary: Rheinmetall Takes Over Ammunition Factory in Várpalota, Hungary, After Completion

Wednesday, July 31st, 2024

On 29 July 2024, the Duesseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall celebrated the official takeover of its new state-of-the-art 30mm ammunition factory in Várpalota, Hungary.

The ceremony took place in presence of the Hungarian Minister of Defence Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky and the CEO of Rheinmetall AG, Armin Papperger. 

The new production facility in Várpalota is a significant milestone in Rheinmetall’s expansion strategy. It underlines the company’s commitment in providing up-to-date technologies to support the defence capabilities of its partners. The factory is designed to produce 30mm ammunition for the KF41 Lynx infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which will be built in Zalaegerszeg and delivered to the Hungarian armed forces. The Várpalota factory will start production in October 2024. Furthermore, ammunition for battle tanks and artillery as well as igniters will be among the products manufactured in Várpalota in a second phase. In the final expansion stage, the company site will cover a total of around 150 hectares.

In his opening speech, Armin Papperger highlighted the importance of the new factory for Rheinmetall and the site in Hungary: “The opening of this state-of-the-art ammunition factory in Várpalota is a clear signal to our commitment concerning innovation and quality. This facility will not only strengthen the defence capabilities of our global partners and in Hungary, but will also contribute to the economic development of the region.”

In his address, Hungarian Defence Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasised the strategic importance of the cooperation with Rheinmetall, and stressed the joint efforts in strengthening the national security and defence industry.

The new factory in Várpalota is equipped with the latest technology and will create more than 200 jobs in the region, making an important contribution to the local economy. The establishment of the Lynx IFV and other Lynx models also strengthens the development of the Hungarian defence industry. Rheinmetall is thus continuing its tradition of contributing to global security through technological innovation and close partnerships.