Tracer Simulation Study.
Abstract
Although an ordered and consistent differences in the sensitivity of 5.56mm tracer bullet lots to focused infrared laser radiation was established by experiment, the differences do not correlate with those found by weapon testing. The lot most sensitive to the laser stimulus is the worst performer in weapon firing, but this inverse relationship is not maintained over the range of sensitivities investigated. The best performing lot in a weapon is not the lot least sensitive to the laser stimulus. This result indicates for the test conditions described in this report, that the thermal sensitivity of 5.56mm tracer bullets to focused infrared laser radiation is not a useful measure of their subsequent weapon performance particularly since a partially inverted relationship is evident in the test results. The use of the laser for igniting spinning tracer bullets is a practical application of this unique energy source. The ability to control and measure the radiant energy delivery to the spinning tracer and to accomplish this energy transfer efficiency and without mechanical contact are attributes of a laser system that qualify it for this application.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- ADA108496
Entities
People
- W. G. Platt