120-MM Ammunition Feasibility Assessment for Light Artillery
Abstract
A study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of a 120-mm solution for future light artillery systems using existing U.S. 120-mm ammunition. By combining existing U.S. 120-mm mortar and tank ammunition, a complete direct and indirect firing solution is created without significant ammunition development costs. Improvements in lethality over 105-mm artillery ammunition as well as a reduction in weight, size, and logistics burden over 155-mm ammunition are further rationale for this study. This study concluded that the maximum range achievable with existing mortar rounds was 10.9 km. By imposing ballistic restrictions of mortar rounds to the M830A1 high explosive antitank (HEAT) round, the fuzing will not arm. The only other available tank round is the M829A2 armor piercing projectile, which does not rely on fuzing. By imposing the same ballistic restrictions of mortar rounds to the M829A2, an almost 65% decrease in muzzle velocity will occur; severely restricting or even negating its effectiveness in defeating heavy armor targets.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA376461
Entities
People
- Bryan L. Salatino
- Stephen G. Floroff
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center