Test of Fragmenting Directional Warheads against Trees
Abstract
Twelve different warheads having soft steel casings filled with type C-4 explosive were fired to cut down trees. Twelve-inch diameter mass focus warheads were effective over a 4-degree angle to 50 diameters range against trees up to 12-inch diameter. One 12-inch diameter Mass Focus Warhead (consisting of a 1-inch thick disc of explosive (7.5 pounds) between steel discs 1/8-inch thick (10 pounds)) cut all trees with maximum diameters from 5 to 9 inches within a 4 degree wedge to 80 feet from the warhead; it cut scattered small trees (2 to 4 inches) to 190 foot distance. Twenty-four-inch diameter MFWs were less effective (per unit weight) than the 12-inch designs tested. Six different hollow wall, double conical warheads were tested. These warheads had a shaped charge angle around their sides and were expected to project fragments in a sheet perpendicular to the axis. Actually, most of the energy was directed in the axial direction. These warheads made large craters and were ineffective against trees. A total of 14 shots were fired.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0500065
Entities
People
- John F. Black