AbstractFor the formulation and preparation of gun propellants containing high energetic compounds, methods have been described how to improve the performance. In addition thermodynamic data such as flame temperature, mole number, mean molecular weight, heat of explosion and specific energy were discussed, which are of main influence for the energy‐output of energetic materials. In connection with the improvement of performance, a list of components was established, which could be used to increase the energy without increasing the sensitivity of the propellants. At first, the aim was to replace conventional plasticizers by several energetic plasticizers. Taking into account different propellant formulations, the thermodynamic parameters have been calculated which are of interest for improvement of the specific energy. On the other hand, nitramine propellants manufactured at our Institute using different binder systems such as polybutadiene (PB), glycidylazide polymer (GAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) have been investigated in a closed bomb in order to evaluate the energy‐output and in addition the reaction products by gas analysis. The performance of these LOVA‐propellants was discussed in connection with heat of formation, oxygen balance and the kind of polymeric binder system. Finally, energetic compounds such as NTO, CL‐20, TNAZ, ANTA and ammonium dinitramide (ADN) have been calculated using the ICT‐Thermodynamic Code, in order to assess the energy‐output and to be able to discuss a possible improvement of the performance.