The higher level of muzzle energy and longer tube travel have resulted in large down bore cannon wear with 52+ caliber 155-mm weapons. The down bore wear is primarily due to projectile body engraving that occurred after the copper rotating band has worn out. Inadequate obturation, lubrication, bore surface contamination, poor barrel plating, and other factors all contribute to accelerate rotating band wear. The large down bore cannon wear will adversely impact accuracy, munitions performance, and cannon wear life. The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ Cannon Projectile Compatibility program as part of the Cannon Wear and Erosion Science and Technology Objective effort addresses the problem by updating rotating band and obturator designs for the extended range environment. This technical base program investigated the use of alternate rotating band materials with high melting temperatures and improved wear characteristics. One dimensional finite element wear models and body engraving models have been developed to aid in the design of new bands. Welding techniques and parameters for soft iron, nickel, MONEL , and stainless steel were developed to assure band integrity at all launch conditions. Test results for a new rotating band design with alternate band materials have been extremely encouraging. An investigation of using improved obturator designs incorporated with advanced materials has also proven beneficial in maximizing performance for extended range applications.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews