Armtec Defense Products Co., Coachella, California, was awarded a $207,659,016 firm-fixed-price contract for Modular Artillery Charge Systems (MACS) M231/M232-series combustible case assemblies for 155mm propelling charges. MACS is two different solid propellant charges which provide a complete zoning solution for 155mm artillery applications by using multiples of a basic module. MACS is optimally designed for Crusader, the next generation in field artillery, while maintaining backward compatibility with currently fielded howitzer systems (i.e., M109A6 Paladin, M198 towed, etc.). Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 5, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-21-D-0005).
The M231/M232A1 MACS was developed as the propelling charge system for use in all currently-fielded 155mm howitzer systems. MACS has many benefits associated with replacing the currently fielded four-charge system with its more advanced two-charge design. It uses a “build-a-charge,” incremental-based system, which consists of two configurations of modular charges: the M231, which is used either singularly (Zone 1) or in pairs (Zone 2); and the M232A1, which is used in combinations of from three to five charges to provide Zones 3, 4 and 5. MACS leaves no residue in the cannon breech and eliminates the need to cut and/or retie bag charges. The system further eliminates safety problems associated with destroying unused propellant. MACS rigid structure, symmetrical shape and low weight support maximum flexibility in tactical logistics.
Armtec is the producer of the largest and most varied line of combustible ordnance and countermeasure products in the world. The company are dedicated to serving the expendable countermeasure and combustible ordnance needs of customers worldwide. Armtec develop and manufacture state-of-the-art ordnance products, infrared decoy flares, radar countermeasure chaff, and a variety of other pyrotechnic devices. Combustible ordnance products are manufactured at our Coachella, California facility, which is also the location of executive offices. Expendable countermeasures are manufactured at flare facilities in East Camden, Arkansas, chaff facility in Lillington, North Carolina, and at our Coachella, California location.
