ATK [ATK] yesterday announced it has signed a new strategic agreement with Rheinmetall Nitrochemie of Germany/Switzerland for the transfer of advanced propellant technologies from Nitrochemie to ATK.
The technology transfer positions ATK as the exclusive North American provider of Extruded Impregnated (EI), Extruded Composite Low-sensitivity (ECL), Surface Coated Double Base (SCDB), and R-Type propellants.
These advanced propellants enhance performance over a wide range of temperatures; provide superior Insensitive Munitions properties that improve safety and survivability; and extend shelf life and aging stability in all types of small, medium, and large caliber ammunition.
ATK operates Radford Army Ammunition Plant (RFAAP) in Radford, Va., where it is the largest developer and producer of advanced propellants and energetics.
This agreement provides an opportunity to enhance ATK’s capabilities at RFAAP by creating a new surface coating and impregnating capability. A facility designed to manufacture these propellants would be operated by Rheinmetall Nitrochemie in cooperation with ATK.
The agreement is a follow-on agreement to one signed between ATK and Rheinmetall Nitrochemie in August 2005. Under the original agreement, ATK has successfully marketed Rheinmetall Nitrochemie advanced propellants in North America and has secured several research and development contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense and other commercial customers.
Rheinmetall Nitrochemie is a recognized leader in developing and producing high performance gun propellants and combustible cartridge cases with facilities at Aschau, Germany and Wimmis, Switzerland. By teaming with ATK in North America,
Rheinmetall Nitrochemie is expanding its global presence and bringing new technologies to world markets.