30MM GAU-8 Thin-Wall Steel Cartridge Case

Abstract

Development of the 30mm Thin-Wall Steel Cartridge Case was conducted using an extrusion process with 10B22 steel. Development testing was conducted to refine the design and to modify tooling as required. Preliminary qualification and environmental tests were conducted by the contractor with satisfactory results. A total of 850 cases was delivered to Eglin Air Force Base for further test and evaluation. Former case integrity problems in 1975 involving transverse ruptures or stretches were eliminated in Mann barrel tests. In automatic gun tests, rework of cases with a different finish was required to alleviate cracks and stretches. A former deficiency in bullet pull force was overcome with double groove projectiles. Bullet pull was marginal with single groove projectiles. Producibility analysis indicates an appreciable cost savings over the present aluminum case due to lower raw material cost. Steel case weight is 0.05 pound more than the aluminum case weight and the added 18 percent interior volume provides 150-200 feet per second higher muzzle velocity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA053298

Entities

People

  • Robert Brey
  • Roy Rayle

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Cartridge Cases
  • Chemistry
  • Corrosion Resistance
  • Environmental Tests
  • Fabrication
  • Materials
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Working
  • Mechanics
  • Muzzle Velocity
  • Propellants
  • Pull Tests
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Software Engineering
  • ballistics.