30-MM Tubular Projectile
Abstract
The feasibility of tubular ammunition (sometimes referred to as STUP ammo) has been examined for both air-defense and air-to-air applications. The reduced time of flight, high kinetic energy at the target, low manufacturing costs and increased effectiveness have enticed weapon systems managers for half a decade. As a result, the Armament Division of the Fire Control and Small Caliber Weapon Systems Laboratory was asked to initiate the development of a 30- mm tubular cartridge for use in a weapon system feasibility demonstration called high impulse airborne demonstration (HIGAD). The effort consisted of: an analytical study to determine the optimum design for the tubular projectile, fabrication of tubular projectiles (both copper and plastic rotating bands were investigated), ballistic testing and reduction of the data. The results of the effort are: (1) The parametric analysis revealed that the benefit of the subcaliber tubular projectile in terms of time of flight was outweighed by the increase in kinetic energy which would be delivered to the target by the full bore projectile; (2) The projectiles with plastic rotating bands remained intact and obturated well; and (3) The projectile had reduced time of flight to a range of 2100 meters, where the projectile became high drag, causing the projectile to be range limited. This unique property makes a tubular projectile an ideal training round.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADB087370
Entities
People
- E. T. Malatesta
- J. Huerta
- L. M. Sadowski
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center