Development of High Strength Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) Projectile Body for Futuristic 155MM Artillery Guns

Abstract

Quest for range enhancement has led to development of Artillery Guns which are capable of generating high pressure levels in the tube to propel the projectiles at increased muzzle velocity. This leads to increased level of launch forces the projectiles are subjected to. Survivability of the Extended Range Full Bore (ERFB) projectile body has been assessed for exploitation with different class of 155mm Artillery Guns. An approach for development of high strength ERFB projectile using existing geometry, raw material and manufacturing set up has been devised, wherein heat treatment process has been altered suitably. Large scale destructive testing of prototypes for evaluating the enhancement in mechanical properties has been carried out. The approach has been validated by conducting dynamic evaluation trials. Static trials for comparing the fragmentation effect of existing and high strength ERFB projectiles have been carried out and the latter have been found to exhibit better performance.