Development of Environmentally Friendly Insensitive Pyrotechnic Munitions with Enhanced Battlefield Performance
Abstract
Over the past decade, Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) has been involved in many environmental remediation programs in an effort to address the pressing environmental concerns of many pyrotechnic munitions in the U.S. Army's arsenal. Recent development of environmentally benign variants of the M115A2 ground burst projectile simulator, the M116A1 hand grenade simulator, the M117, M118, and M119 booby trap simulators, the M274 2.75" rocket smoke charge, and the battlefield effects simulator are noteworthy examples of previous success stories. The most recent success stories, such as the development of environmentally conscious red green and white light-emitting pyrotechnic illuminants will be discussed in detail. Specifically discussed will be the use of high-nitrogen compounds as a potassium perchlorate replacement toward the successful prototype development of M126A1 red star and M195 green star illuminants, the development of a barium-free variant of the M159 white star illuminant, and development of barium-, perchlorate- and chlorine-free green illuminants. The use of boron carbide toward the development of barium-, perchlorate- and chlorine-free green light emission will be discussed in significant detail due to its novel usage, and far-reaching potential in military and civilian pyrotechnic applications. The comparable/reduced sensitivities of the developed illuminants to various ignition stimuli, and their enhanced battlefield performances compared to the environmentally questionable formulations are also of significant importance. Ongoing pyrotechnic environmental remediation programs at ARDEC to be mentioned include areas pertaining to anthraquinone-free yellow smoke munitions for signaling purposes perchlorate- and barium-free IM-28 incendiary compositions, and the development of perchlorate- and barium chromate-free pyrotechnic delay fuzes for multi-purpose applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA554407
Entities
People
- Jesse J Sabatini
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center