PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
One of the small companies working with PM MAS to develop lighter ammunition is PCP Ammunition. Its polymer case components are shown at incremental steps of manufacturing. PCP manufactures the cases in two parts and then assembles them using laser welding to produce a complete polymer case. The complete case is then loaded on traditional equipment with standard projectiles and energetics to produce a cartridge that weighs 20-25 percent less than brass-cased cartridges while maintaining the military specification for performance. A challenge is to produce the ammunition in the quantities the government needs. (Photo by Clayton Cassidy, Close Quarters Media Group)
LASER-BONDED PCP Ammunition’s polymer case production uses a laser welding system to permanently bond the polymer components together prior to loading on traditional loading equipment. PCP Ammuni- tion is working to solve a weight problem with its ammunition. Innovative solutions often solve other problems, too. For example, according to the company, weapons don’t get as hot with polymer-cased ammo. (Photo by Clayton Cas- sidy, Close Quarters Media Group)
and small businesses essential for the development of lightweight ammunition.
BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP Aside from early planning for obtain- ing government purpose
rights, there
are some lessons learned that should be considered in developing professional relationships between the government and small businesses. Te most effective way of overcoming issues is communicat- ing a common understanding of the end state. It is the government’s responsibility to inform industry partners at the outset of its strategy and expectations. Tis can be done through industry day events, mar- ket surveys and early communication of performance expectations and future pro- duction requirements. Te government must view the relationship as a partner- ship, acknowledging and overcoming the
various challenges to establish mutual understanding and trust.
CONCLUSION As the Army and PM MAS seek to fill small caliber ammunition capability gaps, there are opportunities to leverage the strengths that small businesses have to offer. Te benefits of working with these small companies far outweigh the chal- lenges, which can be addressed through early communication of program mile- stones, realistic deliverables and a clearly defined end state.
For PM MAS, the journey in developing innovative solutions, such as lightweight cases, and transitioning them into high- volume production is just beginning. In the end, it’s crucial for the Army and industry partners of all sizes to work
together in developing and fielding innovative solutions to ensure that our warfighters maintain small arms over- match for years to come.
For more information on PM MAS, go to
https://peoammo.army.mil/mas/.
MS. NATASHA OWENS is in the Competi- tive Development Group/Army Acquisition Fellowship Program, and currently serves as the assistant product manager for the Light- weight Small Caliber Ammunition Program for PM MAS. She holds an M.S. in engineer- ing management and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from New Jersey Institute of Tech- nology. She is Level III certified in program management and engineering, and is a mem- ber of the Army Acquisition Corps.
ASC.ARMY.MIL
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ACQUISITION
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