The CapTech Ammunition Technologies’ (CapTech AMMO in short) mission consists in establishing a network of European experts, developing technology watch, assessing technologies identified and establishing joint research projects or programmes of the most promising technologies on Energetic Materials, Missiles and Munitions, in an EDA framework.
Research in the fields of Energetic Materials, Missiles and Munitions and associated weapons is the CapTech AMMO main scope of work. The need to better understand, evaluate and analyse Energetic Materials (propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics) for munitions is a key driver of cooperative R&T projects. Also covered by the CapTech are topics such as predictive modelling of new Munitions and weapons designs; gaining knowledge of detonation and blast effects; research on ballistic design (internal, external and terminal ballistics), and integration of the same into weapons. The capabilities shortfalls concerning conducting joint operations, employing joint firepower, protection for own forces and non-combatants (counter deception, minimise health and safety risks,) as well as defence against threats are supported by these activities.
The following technology categories are considered as the area of responsibility of the CapTech :
- Energetic Materials (propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics)
- Lethality & Platform Protection (penetrators, warheads and battle damage assessment)
- Propulsion of munitions and missiles
- Design Technologies for Platforms & Weapons (ballistic design)
- Sensor Systems (explosive detection)
- Weapons
- Sensor Systems (explosive detection)
- Design Technologies for Platforms & Weapons (ballistic design)
The work of the CapTech AMMO is generally of TRL in the ranges of 2 to 6, with some projects achieving the level of demonstrator. CapTech AMMO aims to generate, launch, assess and successfully complete R&T Projects and Programmes in the field of Energetic Materials, Missiles and Munitions. For R&T efforts to be fruitful and contribute to Defence needs and priorities, the CapTech activities are linked to EDA Capability Development Plan (CDP) addresses security and defence challenges in the short-, mid- and longer-term.
CapTech AMMO has a continuous interaction with other EDA CapTechs and working groups to understand and provide contributions for developing Defence Capabilities, definition of requirements and coordination of relevant activities. It may interact with other relevant organizations in order to exchange information, perform technology watch, investigate synergies and opportunities for joint activities in its area of responsibility. Examples of these organizations are the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Commission, among others.