Article Posted on : - Mar 25, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS (BNS): US Navy has awarded a $49 million contract to Alliant Techsystems for the production of a new special operations ammunition round with improved accuracy, stronger barrier penetration and a lower muzzle-flash.

The SOST ammunition will be manufactured in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm calibers and is short-barrel optimised.

It is designed for use with the MK16 and MK17 Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle Weapon System. Production of the ammunition will be performed at ATK's Federal Premium Ammunition plant in Anoka, Minneosta.

The company expects to deliver the ammunition to US Navy in 2015.

The new SOST 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition is a long-range product for both law enforcement and military applications.