Investigation of Failed Components from a 7-in High Altitude Research Program (HARP) Cannon
Abstract
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) experienced a failure during a test firing of a 7-in High Altitude Research Program (HARP) cannon at EF-9 on 13 October 2010. Subsequently, a team was formed and an investigation into the mishap was conducted. The Lightweight and Specialty Metals Branch (LSMB) within the Materials and Manufacturing Sciences Division (MMSD) was tasked with conducting a failure investigation of two components determined to have catastrophically failed during the initial event. The HARP firing system is comprised of two M113A1 cannon tubes spliced together and frequently mounted on M174 recoil units. In this work, an M113A1 cannon breech assembly spindle (associated with tube 7719 and extension tube 7093) and an M174 recoil unit replenisher/recuperator tube were evaluated. Additional components of the complete assembly failed and/or experienced cracking during the event, such as the breech carrier and primer lock; however, the failures of these components were considered secondary and not the focus of this investigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA553955
Entities
People
- Matthew Motyka
- Scott M. Grendahl
- Sean Fudger
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory