Esterline Defense Group - Combustible Ordnance Products for Military Applications

Esterline Defense Group is the world leader in combustible ordnance product development and manufacture. Marketed under the Armtec® brand, our combat proven product line includes 120mm tank, 155mm artillery and combustible cartridge cases (CCCs) as well as mortar propellant containers. Esterline Defense Group's technology is in the forefront of process improvement, product innovation and new, non-traditional applications for combustible products. We have developed prototype 105mm products to support the US Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) and Future Combat System (FCS), which are currently undergoing testing.

We are renowned for our customer service and reliable delivery of the highest quality products. These products have a demonstrated shelf life in excess of twenty years under proper storage conditions. Esterline Defense Group is ISO 9002 certified.

TRADITIONAL PRODUCT LINES

Esterline Defense Group is the US Government's preferred supplier for the following current Armtec® branded production items:

• 120mm tank CCCs used on tactical and training ammunition for the Abrams main battle tank
• 60mm, 81mm and 120mm mortar propellant containers
• 155mm CCCs for the Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS)

We also have the ability to manufacture artillery igniter tubes, CCCs for M203A1 artillery charges and ejection cartridge discs and components for CAD/PAD applications.

MODULAR ARTILLERY CHARGE SYSTEM (MACS)

MACS is comprised of two distinct combustible case increments used in multiples of 1 to 6 to provide the ranges presently covered by the M3A1, M4A2, M119A1/A2 bag, M203 bag charges, M203A1 rigid charge and other top zone extended range charges, all of which are replaced by MACS. MACS can be loaded manually or autoloaded for increased rates of fire. MACS is an additive system that offers greatly improved logistics, increased performance, simplified training and substantial cost savings for all 155mm applications.

TANK AMMUNITION

Esterline Defense Group manufactures CCCs for the full family of US 120mm smoothbore tank ammunition. Applications are also being developed for advanced tank rounds including the XM1028 Anti-personnel tactical canister round (APERS) and XM908 High Explosive Obstacle Reduction with Tracer (HE-OR-T) and Mid-Range Munitions (MRM).

MORTAR AMMUNITION

Combustible propellant containers (increments) for mortars offer several improvements over cloth or celluloid alternatives. Their rigid shape provides greater structural integrity that is especially important with larger caliber increments, such as 120mm, which carry a substantial propellant load. Nitrocellulose in the containers adds energy to the combustion cycle and promotes complete combustion leaving no in-bore residue.

Existing inventories of mortar ammunition with deteriorating propulsion systems can be retrofitted to use felted fiber containers and modern propellants. This is a less costly alternative than scrapping entire inventories of older ammunition and purchasing new ammunition.

105mm AMMUNITION

Esterline Defense Group has developed a CCC for 105mm ammunition used in rifled guns including the US Army SBCT Mobile Gun System (MGS). Preliminary physical testing has been completed verifying the robustness of the design and its ability to withstand an autoloader environment. Weight is a critical factor in the design of the MGS vehicle variant. The use of a combustible case in place of steel or brass alternatives offers a weight savings of up to 14% per round.

Esterline Defense Group has also developed a 105mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition (CTA) CCC solution for the 105mm Multi Role Armament and Ammunition System (MRAAS), a candidate armament system for use on the Future Combat System.

ORDNANCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Esterline Defense Group is working with the US Army to develop consumable components for non-lethal mortar applications.

We have developed a combustible ignitor for the US Army's FCS Non-Line-of Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS) Precision Attack Missle’s (PAM) Throttlable Rocket Engine.

Our experienced personnel and modern laboratory and pilot plant facilities support a wide range of development activities.

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Esterline Defense Group has the ability to design combustible components to meet the unique requirements of propulsion systems used throughout the world. We have successfully transferred manufacturing technology to several countries requiring indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

PARTNERSHIPS

Esterline Defense Group and Nitrochemie AG have entered into a partnership to develop and market superior mortar propulsion systems utilizing our felted fiber increments and Nitrochemie high performance Extruded Impregnated (EI) mortar propellants.

Visit us at Eurosatory, Booth #91, June 12-16th

Also see Airforce Technology - Esterline Defense Group - Expendable Aircraft Countermeasures