Shoulder - Launched Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon
Abstract
Shoulder fired assault weapons are well known in the field. The earlier models stem from anti-armor weapons developed during World War II. Since that time, the weapon has evolved into a multi-purpose assault weapon suitable for a variety of targets. These targets include not only armored vehicles, but fixed structures and other types of vehicles. The challenge has been to provide a weapon with multiple capabilities suitable for both armored vehicles and lightweight structures such as light aircraft or helicopters. The weapon should also be effective against heavily reinforced bunkers and lighter weight structures. It has not been generally suitable to use a penetrating shaped charge against a lightweight structure as the round will completely pass through, typically exploding far beyond the structure. On tests with a helicopter, for example, a penetrating round punched small entry and exit holes and thereafter exploded 40 to 50 feet beyond the target, leaving the helicopter relatively undamaged. Similarly, a non-penetrating round is also unsuited for general purpose use. For example, a non-penetrating high explosive round has little effect on a hardened vehicle or structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 25, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADD018772
Entities
People
- Fred W. Watson Jr.
- Michael M. Canaday
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy