Budget Account
2034A - Procurement of Ammunition, Army
Description
The CTG, 20mm, All Types program focuses on procuring various 20mm cartridges for the Army. This includes acquiring the M940 Multi-Purpose Tracer - Self-Destruct (MPT-SD) cartridge and the M55A2 Target Practice (TP) Cartridge. The M940 is designed for combat scenarios, particularly within the Land Based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) for Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) applications. Its primary goal is to enhance force protection by effectively engaging airborne threats while minimizing collateral damage through its self-destruct feature.
The M940 cartridge aims to build a war reserve inventory to meet operational demands. Resources are allocated to procure approximately 26,000 units of this cartridge, supporting the Army's strategic objectives in maintaining readiness for combat operations. The design features a tungsten penetrator tip and an explosive mix to improve lethality against larger rocket threats, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of modern warfare.
Conversely, the M55A2 Target Practice Cartridge facilitates training exercises. It is ballistically matched to simulate the tactical performance of the M56 High Explosive Incendiary Cartridge without being used in actual combat. The plan supports acquiring around 87,000 units of this training round to ensure personnel are adequately trained on the M61 cannon used in LPWS systems.
These procurement efforts are vital for supporting both operational and training requirements as outlined by Department of Defense instructions and Army regulations. By ensuring a steady supply of these cartridges, the program aims to maintain a balance between immediate combat readiness and long-term training capabilities for active and reserve components.