U.S. Army rolls out lightweight polymer SixPAC ammo crates to replace steel boxes
The Army announced a new polymer-based SixPAC container that will replace the traditional steel M2 ammunition box, cutting crate weight by about half.
The Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Armament Center has introduced a polymer ammunition packaging system called SixPAC, set to replace the decades-old steel M2 ammo box. Built around the emerging 6.8×51mm “2.77 Fury” round, each SixPAC unit holds two lightweight polymer inner packs within a steel outer shell, reducing the weight of a full crate by roughly 50 %. The redesign also does away with wooden crates, simplifying handling and decreasing environmental impact.
The Pentagon anticipates that over 800 domestic injection-molding plants will be capable of fabricating the crates, broadening the industrial base and cutting costs. Engineers note that polymer formulations can be adjusted with additives to enhance impact resistance and dimensional stability. After the initial rollout, the Army plans to adapt the SixPAC system to other small-caliber ammunition production lines.
Why it matters
Lighter, cheaper ammo containers could ease soldiers’ loads and cut procurement costs for the U.S. military.
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