Northrop Grumman has secured a five-year contract to produce the M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) 120mm tank round for the US Army’s M1 Abrams, the company announced on 22 June.
Integrating four legacy munitions into one, the multi-purpose round uses a multi-mode programmable fuze, and can operate in point-detonate, point-detonate delay, and airburst modes, enabling it to engage a variety of targets. It fills the functionality of the M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank round, M830A1 Multi-Purpose Anti-Tank round, M1028 Canister round, and M908 Obstacle Reduction round. Using the M1147 AMP round, tank crews will be able to defeat dismounted ATGM teams and breach double reinforced concrete walls at diverse ranges, among other typical fire missions.
Dave Fine, VP Armament Systems at Northrop Grumman, commented “With its enhanced functionality, the M1147 AMP meets the Army’s needs for efficiency and readiness, while enhancing the lethality of the Abrams Main Battle Tank. This capability enables unmatched mission flexibility by empowering forces to adapt instantly to any threat.”
DA Comment
The Joint Program Officer for Armaments and Ammunition approved full-rate production for the M1147 line of sight, full-bore multipurpose munition in December 2024. The new contract aims to address evolving needs of both US and international partner armies over an extended period.
Headline image shows the M1147 AMP in flight. (Northrop Grumman)
