Image source: topwar.ru
Ordnance Systems Inc. (OSI, a division of BAE Systems) is a U.S. Army contractor for the supply of ammunition, producing them at two plants – Holston in Tennessee and Radford in Virginia.
As explained in the company's management to EDR Magazine, in 2023, the shipment of artillery shells to the Pentagon has doubled. At the same time, modernization and an increase in the capacity of both plants for the production of both propellant charges and explosives are continuing, and this process is planned for 4 years. So, for the last 15 years, no powder charges have been produced in Radford, but in less than a year over 900 tons of this product have already been delivered.
The company produces BB – hexogen and octogen, and recently – also nitrotriazolone and triaminotrinitrobenzene:
Rocket fuel components are being manufactured, including nitrocellulose, for the production of which a completely new plant will be launched this year. Nitroglycerin is produced, a full range of single- and multi-base powders based on solvents for artillery. A line of highly efficient solvent-free powders is being produced, which are used in tactical missile engines.
Image source: topwar.ru
OSI is also actively engaged in research:
Thus, a product is being created that can replace TNT; an extruded two-base fuel is being produced that increases the range of missiles; a family of new powders is being produced that use nitramine explosives.
- the company explains.
At the same time, the developer, developing extruded materials with a double base for rocket-propelled artillery shells, strives to prevent increased wear of the barrel.
