Hybrid Propellant

HYBRID Propellant is a unique product under development by St. Marks Powder for future application in small, medium and large caliber munitions. It combines the advanced chemistry used in BALL POWDER® Propellants with the optimum geometry of perforated propellants – resulting in the highest possible performance, that can be tailored to meet specific gun applications. HYBRID propellant releases energy more efficiently than conventional propellants and provides Future Combat System (FCS) munitions with:

- the highest possible muzzle velocity for extended   ranges/lethality;

- the prospect of lighter barrels with less recoil, extended wear characteristics

- the ability to use heavier projectiles at standard muzzle velocities for greater lethality.

Additional benefits of HYBRID propellant include improved Insensitive Munitions (IM) characteristics, lower loading costs, and reduced charge weights (loading volume) over conventional propellants.

Recent ballistic tests sponsored by the U.S. Army have demonstrated the feasibility and inherent performance improvement of HYBRID propellants across all ammunition types. In large caliber applications, HYBRID Propellant can significantly improve the lethality of the Current and Future Force. This testing has demonstrated the improved performance of HYBRID propellant in multiple FCS and Future Force applications, including the Navy Advanced Gun System (AGS), Extended Range Guided Munition (ERGM), 105mm Tank ammunition, Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) and advanced 25mm and 30/40mm medium caliber ammunition.

BALL POWDER Propellant and Key Features

First introduced in 1933, BALL POWDER® Propellants represent a true benchmark in the modern development of smokeless gun propellants. For over 60 years, these powders have been a leading choice for U.S. military and commercial applications. For the last 25 years, BALL POWDER® Propellants are manufactured in St. Marks, Florida, at the largest and most modern privately-owned and operated propellant plant in the world.

Key Features include:

• Single and Double Base Formulations for Optimum Energy

• Extended Barrel Wear and Minimal Gun Signature

• Consistent Metering for Precise, Cost Effective Loading

• Excellent Ballistic Uniformity for Repeatable Accuracy

• Reliable Performance in Extreme Temperatures

• Superior Long-Term Chemical and Ballistic Stability

• With quality being a key concern, the St. Marks Quality System is certified to the highest level of the internationally recognized quality system standard, ISO 9001

Military Powder Applications

St. Marks Powder is a developer and producer of a wide array of military propulsion system for:

• Small Caliber Ammunition-Loaded in 95% of U.S. Military Small Arms   Ammunition

• Medium Caliber Ammunition-Qualified in all currently fielded U.S.   Military Medium Caliber Ammunition

• Large Caliber Ammunition-Propellant of Choice for Selected Igniters,   Expulsion Charges and Mortar Propulsion System

• Modular Artillery Charge System

Commercial Powder Applications

St. Marks Powder, a GD Company, is a leading manufacturer of commercial smokeless powder. From .22 Rimfire Match propellants, which won the Gold Medals at the Olympics, to clean burning shotshell propellants, to low muzzle flash pistol propellants, there is a complete propellant product line to suit your needs. St. Marks Powder makes over 100 commercial product symbols in rimfire, pistol, shotshell, industrial tool and centerfire rifle applications.St. Marks Powder has a strong technical base to help with product applications as well as recommending and tailoring, if appropriate, specially blended propellants for specific applications. St. Marks Powder has the infrastruture to ship propellants internationally.

Specialty Propellants

GD-OTS produces a wide variety of specialty propellants for Commercial and DoD applications. Our facilities, located in Moses Lake, WA produce Ammonium Nitrate and Strontium Nitrate based propellants for automotive and DoD airbags, fire suppresion systems abd a variety of solid propellant based actuators. Capabilities include pills and specialty grains (pressed and extruded), wet and dry blending processes, propellant machining and gas generator hardware production and assembly.

M4A2 and M203A1 Propelling Charges

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is currently the only U.S. producer of type-classified 155mm propelling charges. Additionally, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems maintains the capability to accommodate unique packaging, markings, and tailored requirements for international customers.

XM231/XM232 Modular Artillery propelling Charges (MACS)

The M231/M232 Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS) was developed for use in all currently fielded 155mm howitzer systems, both self-propelled and towed. MACS is an increment based system which utilizes proven propelling charge technology. The MACS consists of two configurations of modular charges - the M231, which is used either singularly (Zone 1) or in pairs (Zone 2); and the M232, which is used in combinations of from three to six to provide Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6. Over 3,000 successful firings have proven MACS to be effective, reliable and safe to use. MACS leaves no unburnt residue in the cannon breech which can slow down rates of fire. MACS eliminates the need to cut and retie subtractive bag charges, and further eliminates safety problems assoicated with destroying unused propellant.In addition, MACS increments contain no environmentally hazardous lead compounds. The MACS rigid structure, symmetrical shape and low weight support maximum flexibility in tactical logistics. MACS is fully compatible with current and in-development NATO autoloader and resupply vehicle designs.

Tactical Missile Starter Cartridges

GD-OTS remains the recognized world leader in low-cost, low energy, low-burn rate, and high-energy propellants. These propellants are suitable for actuator control, guidance control and engine start cartridges for use in specific programs, such as Sidewinder, Paveway, Titan IV and Minuteman. GD-OTS has been, and continues to be, active in the gas generator field, designing, developing and producing hardware and ordnance components for many major weapon systems, including Predator, the most advanced man-portable anti-tank and bunker defeat munition currently in development.

Small Jet Engine Start Cartridge

GD-OTS developed several sizes of gas generators used to start small jet engines under development for future missile/UAV programs

• Spin-up engine turbine from 0 to 50,000 rpm in approximately 1 second

• Operate over a temperature range from -40 deg F to +165 deg F

• Demonstrated in both bench and flight tests

Silo Closure Mechanism Gas Actuation System

GD-OTS developed and produced a unique gas generator and gas actuator system used to open the outer doors on missile silos.

• Opens doors weighing approximately 3 tons in less than 1 second

• Operate over a temperature range from -65 deg F to +135 deg F

• Generate opening loads up to 100,000 lbf

• Limit opening velocity of doors to ensure safe operation

• Validated in testing under worst case conditions in Alaska