Propulsion Noise Reduction Technology Program
Abstract
This report describes the design, test and analysis of several types of suppressors being developed for reducing the peak noise produced by a shoulder-fired rocket weapon system. Each suppressor design was tested with an actual firing of the M-72 weapon system. A reusable M-72 launch tube was suspended on a ballistic pendulum and each suppressor was attached to the launch tube for testing. Instrumentation for determining missile muzzle velocity, launch tube recoil and near field noise were installed and recorded during each test. The results of the tests have verified that an aluminum baffled cylinder suppressor will reduce the peak noise produced at the gunners position by the M- 72 weapon system from 2.14 psid/177.5 db to 0.46 psid/164 db. This 78.5% peak noise overpressure reduction was achieved with no effect on missile muzzle velocity and at a launcher recoil level of 2.86 lb-sec. Launcher recoil was reduced to near zero by using yielding baffles in the suppressor. This configuration produced a peak noise overpressure reduction at the gunners position of 76.6%. Extensive testing was done with fabric suppressors to determine their potential for fieldweight suppressors. The fabric suppressors attained a peak noise overpressure reduction of 75% but increased the recoil level to 5 lb-sec. Design modifications have been recommended for reducing this recoil level. Projected carry weight for the fieldweight suppressor for the M-72 weapon has a range of 0.5 and 2.5 pounds for the fabric and aluminum suppressors respectively depending on the peak noise reduction and launcher recoil levels desired.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 07, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA094710
Entities
People
- Charles R. Carter
- Jerrold H. Arszman
Organizations
- United States Army Aviation and Missile Command