The M1147 shell is a “multipurpose” shell replacing four existing types of ammunition—meaning that US tank crews will not need to switch out ammo during a future battle.

The US Army has awarded defense giant Northrop Grumman a new contract for the production of next-generation ordnance for the M1 Abrams main battle tank (MBT).

Under a multi-year, five-year contract valued at an estimated $885 million, Northrop Grumman will produce the M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round.

About Northrop Grumman’s M1147 AMP Shell

• Contractor: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (formerly Orbital ATK)
• Cartridge Type: 120 mm × 570 mm NATO (HEAT-MP-T)
• Length: 919 mm (36 in)
• Weight: 61 lbs (27.68 kg)
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,150 m/s (3,800 ft/s)
• Effective Firing Ranges:
  • ATGM Teams and Light Armor: 50 m to 2,000 m (164 ft to 6,561 ft)
  • Bunkers and Obstacles: 200 m to 1,000 m (656 ft to 3,280 ft)
  • Massed Infantry: 200 m to 5,000 m (656 ft to 16,404 ft/3.10 miles)

Production of the AMP 120mm tank rounds will be completed at Northrop Grumman’s Armament Systems division facility in Plymouth, Minnesota.

What’s So Special About the M1147 Shell, Anyway?

The M1147 was developed to replace four “legacy munitions,” including the M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank cartridge, M830A1 Multi-Purpose Anti-Tank cartridge, M1028 Canister cartridge, and M909 Obstacle Reduction rounds—combining the capabilities of an anti-tank, anti-personnel, and obstacle-reduction ordnance in one round and preventing tank crews from needing to switch back and forth between ammunition in the heat of battle.

The AMP round utilizes programmable fuze modes, which allow it to operate in point-detonate, point-detonate delay, and airburst modes, where it can be used against anti-tank guided-missile (ATGM) teams. The round is also able to penetrate double-reinforced concrete walls (DRCW).

“With its enhanced functionality, the M1147 AMP meets the Army’s needs for efficiency and readiness, while enhancing the lethality of the Abrams Main Battle Tank. This capability enables unmatched mission flexibility by empowering forces to adapt instantly to any threat,” said Dave Fine, vice president of armament systems at Northrop Grumman.

Under the contract, the M1147 AMP rounds will be produced for the United States Army as well as for Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The program entered Milestone C in December 2020, was first test-fired by the US Army in September 2021, and entered full rate production (FRP) in January 2025.

“Approval of Full Rate Production for the M1147 AMP round is a significant achievement, representing years of dedication by our team and our commitment to equipping Soldiers with the best ammunition,” Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, JPEO A&A, said at the time of the FRP announcement in 2025. “As we continue to produce this advanced round, the M1147 will play a crucial role in providing overmatch capabilities and enhanced lethality to the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank.”

Development of the M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose round began in 2013, and it was only after a full decade of research, testing, and program refinement that the AMP ordnance was approved for FRP.

The US Army added that the consolidation of four legacy rounds into one would improve logistical efficiency, simplify the basic load carried by the M1 Abrams MBTs, and also help to address aging stockpile issues. Last year’s FRP also underscored the US military’s ongoing commitment to readiness and modernization priorities.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

The post Northrop Grumman to Produce New M1 Abrams Tank Ammunition appeared first on The National Interest.