FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AN EXPLODING BRIDGEWIRE PROPELLANT IGNITION SYSTEM FOR A CLOSED BREECH WEAPON SYSTEM
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of utilizing an exploding bridgewire (EBW) initiator system for the ignition of propellant in a closed breech system. The 155mm M1A1 Howitzer was selected as the test vehicle in the study. The EBW propellant ignition system yielded chamber pressures ranging from 26,00031,500 psi, and projectile velocities ranging from 1,774-1,797 fps. The system consisted of a modified 1E 15-N EBW detonator, an X349 (DuPont) modified mild end primer attached to 18 inches of 20/40 pyrocore (DuPont), 67.8 grams of A5 black powder loaded in a cardboard tube, 13.0 lbs of M1 or 12.0 lbs of M6, 0.33 web, propellant charge and a General Laboratory Associates solid state power pack firing system. In 10 tests using a 0.375 MF capacitor charged to 1,000 volts, the EBW system and black powder were initiated. When the capacitor was charged to 700 and 850 volts, no initiation was obtained. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0292083
Entities
People
- Edmund Demberg
- Richard W. Snook
- Robert W. Heinemann
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal