BAE Systems has reported a breakthrough in explosives manufacturing technology that will enhance the production of energetics and propellants from the end of next year.
The British firm added that an investment of 8.5 million ($11.28 million) in novel manufacturing methods has created explosives and propellants that do not require nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine, which are in high demand.
Enhanced production in the UK is anticipated to meet domestic and export requirements, with the initial phase of industrial capacity expected by the end of 2026.
“Our leap forward in synthetic energetics and propellant manufacture will strengthen the UK’s supply chain resilience and support our ramp up of critical munitions production to meet growing demand in response to the increasingly uncertain world we’re living in,” Business Development Director at BAE Systems Maritime and Land Defence Solutions Steve Cardew said.
“It also supports economic growth through high-skilled jobs and potential export opportunities.”
A Novel Method
A pilot project has demonstrated explosives production through the new technology in small nodes across a wide range of products.
The technology removes the need for large-scale explosives factories, reducing investment and running costs.
It provides enhanced safety in manufacturing due to continuous flow processing, which leaves fewer explosives in the process at any given time.
The development follows the company’s investment of over 150 million pounds ($199 million) in its UK munitions facilities from 2022.
The company expects a 16-fold rise in the production capacity of 155 mm artillery shells with the operationalization of its new explosives filling facility at Glascoed, South Wales, this summer.
