Alliant Techsystems has announced that it has received a $7.6 million initial contract from the U.S. Army for the M1028 120mm Canister Cartridge. The contract also includes four additional option years that could raise the total value of the contract to more than $30 million if all production options are exercised.

The M1028 is the latest addition to the ammunition suite for the M1A1/A2 Abrams main battle tank and is used for both tactical and training purposes. The M1028 round is also compatible with U.S. Marine Corps Abrams tanks and is available internationally to allied nations.

Fired from the Abrams main gun, the M1028 contains approximately 1,100 tungsten balls that create a "shotgun-like pattern" that is effective in close combat operations.

Type classification of the M1028 in 2005 and urgent fielding has provided troops the ability to use this round to respond effectively to current battlefield threats including the disruption of ambush sites in urban areas, stopping ground attacks, and supporting friendly infantry assaults through cover-by-fire.

The addition of the M1028 120mm Canister Cartridge completes ATK's Tank Ammunition portfolio, which now includes all types of tactical and training ammunition for the Abrams main battle tank. Since 1980, ATK has delivered more than four million rounds of 120mm tank training and tactical ammunition to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and NATO allies.

"ATK is proud to continue our partnership with the U.S. Army by providing this much needed capability to soldiers who are facing multiple threats on today's battlefields," said Dave Wise, Vice President and General Manager for ATK Advanced Weapons.

"The M1028 Canister Cartridge contract is a result of our long-term commitment to tank ammunition that has allowed us to focus on quality and production efficiencies that translate into safe, effective, affordable ammunition for the warfighter."