Development of 20mm and 30mm Plastic/Aluminum Cartridge Cases

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD0907828 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Basic feasibility was established for the 20mm and 30mm plasticaluminum cartridge cases under this program. The case design consists of a plastic body joined mechanically to an aluminum base forming a composite assembly. Work on the 30mm case was limited to Mann barrel firings while the 20mm case was fired successfully in both a Mann barrel and the M61 automatic gun at a rate of 4300 rounds per minute. Test firings of the 20mm case in the M39 gun, however, were unsuccessful. The effort on the 20mm case progressed into a development program including high and low temperature firings in the M61. Satisfactory case performance has been established at the temperature extremes 160 F and -65 F and at ambient temperatures with the case design being developed as far as possible within the scope of this contract. Various plastics materials filled with glass fibers were tested. Nylon 61243 percent glass gave the best results.

Author(s):
Popik, Matthew G. ; Schnepfe, Robert W.
Author Organization(s):
AAI CORP COCKEYSVILLE MD
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. 1 Mar 1970-30 Sep 1972
Pagination:
0092

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AAI-ER-7250, AFATL-TR-72-201
Contract/Grant Number(s):
F08635-70-C-0067
Task Number(s):
2
Project Number(s):
AF-670A
Monitor Series:
TR-72-201, AFATL
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_7_Protection; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_7.1.2_Prevent Non-kinetic Attack; JCA_7.1_Prevent; JCA_5.3.2_Apply Situational Understanding; JCA_5.6.3_Assess Achievement of Objectives; JCA_5.6_Monitor
Modernization Areas:
Directed Energy
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*AIRCRAFT AMMUNITION, *ALUMINUM ALLOYS, *PLASTICS, AIRCRAFT GUNS, BRASS, CARTRIDGE CASES, COMPOSITE MATERIALS, FIRING TESTS(ORDNANCE), GUN BARRELS, MOLDINGS, NYLON, PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING), TEMPERATURE, WEIGHT
Field(s)/Group(s):
Metallurgy and Metallography, Plastics, Ammunition and Explosives
Keyword(s):
20 MM CARTRIDGES, 30 MM CARTRIDGES, GATLING GUNS, MANN BARRELS, M 103 CARTRIDGES(20 MM), *M 39 GUNS(20 MM), *M 61 GUNS(20 MM)
Report Date:
1972 Oct 01