Nichols Martin
A General Atomics business unit has received a contract of an undisclosed value to update a portable cryofracture system prototype for future installation at Crane Army Ammunition Activity in Crane, Ind.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems will also conduct design and procurement efforts to integrate the system with a rotary kiln incinerator under the contract from Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, the company said Thursday.
GA-EMS developed a cryofracture process that uses liquid nitrogen to cool munition bodies and helps ensure safety of munitions prior to thermal destruction.
Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, said the company has helped the Army destroy more than 500,000 small to medium munitions at the service branch’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in Oklahoma using the process.
The company intends to conduct the updated system’s final test with inert munitions before the end of 2019.
