A Review on IMX‐101 and IMX‐104 Melt‐Cast Explosives: Insensitive Formulations for the Next‐Generation Munition Systems

IMX-101 and IMX-104 are novel insensitive melt-pour explosives developed and produced by BAE Systems at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant (HSAAP). The U.S. Army has selected these two explosives as common low-cost replacements for legacy explosives TNT and Composition-B used in indirect fire weapons such as artillery and mortar munition systems. This paper will review the literature related to the properties and manufacturing processes of IMX-101 and IMX-104, including their physicochemical, thermal, explosive, and sensitivity properties as well as their behavior in Insensitive Munition (IM) tests specifically designed to simulate real threats and hazards faced by a munition on the battlefield. IMX-101 has been qualified and is currently fielded in the 155 mm M795 and the 105 mm M1 rounds. IMX-104 has been integrated into various mortar projectiles including the 60 and 81 mm rounds and is being evaluated as a main explosive charge in the next-generation 155 mm family of ammunition, which includes the XM1128 Extended Range High Explosive round and the XM1113 Rocket Assisted Projectile (RAP).