US Army seeks manufacturers for 155mm howitzer barrels amid boost in demand

The U.S. Army issued a sources-sought notice for companies able to manufacture large-caliber artillery cannon tubes, including barrels for 155-millimeter howitzers. Respondents were asked to estimate initial capacity within 18 months, a possible rate of up to 10 tubes per month within 36 months and pricing for an initial quantity of 40 cannon tubes. The notice also seeks information on forging, heat treatment, boring, rifling and chrome-bore coating capabilities, with responses due November 23. Watervliet Arsenal remains the Army's only domestic government producer of large-caliber barrels; this market survey is not yet a production award.