30MM GAU-8/A Plastic Frangible Projectile
Abstract
A 30mm target practice (TP) projectile, designed to break up on impact with the earth, has been developed for the GAU-8/A aircraft cannon. The projectile consists of a stack of steel washers supported by a central steel tube and encapsulated by and bonded to an outer shell of fiber glass reinforced nylon 12 plastic. A fiber glass reinforced nylon 12 plastic nose, which is molded onto the projectile through the central tube, closes one end of the projectile. A steel end cap, bonded to the outer plastic shell, closes the other end. The projectile has been demonstrated to remain intact through an extensive series of single shot gunfire tests at muzzle velocities of 3500 ft/sec when conditioned over a temperature range of -65 F to + 160 F. Accuracy in these tests met specifications for GAU-8 target practice ammunition. However, additional single shot tests performed with samples from the final 300 projectiles delivered under the contract showed accuracy and structural integrity problems. These projectiles incorporated all design and fabrication procedure changes developed under this contract to solve these problems. As a result, the Air Force has decided to delay further development of this projectile design concept.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADB027446
Entities
People
- Roy B. Steidley