Latest Trends in Machine Gun Ammunition Essay Example

mid-19th century that improvements in gun design started happening, which also led to advancements in ammunition. The efforts of designers and manufacturers during the 1880s and 1890s had a significant impact on both the South Africa and Russo-Japanese wars in the early 20th century, driving innovation and progress in ammunition development. The First World War further accelerated this progress as new warfare techniques demanded new types of ammunition. Additionally, military aircraft's emergence resulted in specialized ammunition creation for shooting at these aircraft alongside aerial bombs.

During the early 17th century, old ammunition comprised bullets for black powder firearms. These bullets were traditionally made by molding pure lead. This method was effective for low-speed bullets, which were fired at velocities below 300 m/s (100 ft/s). For slightly faster bullets used in modern firearms, a tougher alloy of lead and tin or typesetter's lead (used for molding Linotype) is preferred. Jacketed coated lead bullets are utilized for even higher speed bullet usage.

Lead is commonly used in a range of applications due to its high density, which enables it to offer a substantial mass and kinetic energy within a given volume. Moreover, lead is affordable, easily accessible, and possesses a relatively low melting point, making it ideal for bullet manufacturing. The developments achieved during World War I were further improved upon in the 1920s and 1930s to establish the standard ammunition types employed at the start of World War II. Nevertheless, advancements in military strategies and technology gave rise to new forms of warfare and diverse types of ammunition.

Advancements in tank technology have resulted in improvements in anti-tank projectiles. This has created a need for new types of shells

and fuses for higher-flying aircraft. Additionally, portable infantry anti-tank weapons require special projectiles capable of defeating tanks.

The bullets can be categorized as follows:

(a) Lead - The most basic form of bullets consists of simple case, extruded, swaged, or otherwise fabricated lead slugs. When these bullets are fired at speeds greater than 300m/s (common in most handguns), lead is deposited in rifled bores at an increasing rate. To counteract this effect, lead can be alloyed with a small percentage of tin and/or antimony; however, this method becomes less effective at higher velocities.

To reduce lead deposits and prevent melting at higher pressures, a gas check cup made of copper is often used at the base of the bullet. However, this method is ineffective for higher velocities. In the early 18th century, bullets designed for higher-velocity applications were jacketed or plated with materials such as cuprous-nickel, copper alloys, or steel. The thin layer of harder copper acts as a shield for the softer lead core during barrel passage and flight, ensuring that the bullet remains intact upon impact with the target. Full metal jacket bullets or ball bullets have a harder metal jacket that encases the entire front and sides of the bullet.

Soft points or hollow point bullets are bullet jackets that do not extend to the front of the bullet, providing more expansion and increased lethality. Steel bullets are typically coated with copper or other metals for added corrosion resistance during storage. Synthetic jacket materials such as nylon and teflon have been used but with limited success.

Armour Piercing Jacketed designs incorporate a highly dense metal core material like tungsten, tungsten carbide, depleted uranium, or

steel.

Usually, a pointed tip is used for the penetrator portion; however, a flat tip is generally more effective. Armour piercing bullets (d)Tracer have a hollow back that is filled with a flare material. Typically, this material consists of Magnesium Perchlorate and Strontium salts which produce a bright red color, although other materials that offer different colors have also been used at times. The Tracer material eventually burns out after a certain period of time.

This type of ammunition proves useful to shooters as it allows them to verify how close their point of aim is to the actual point of impact. It also helps in learning how to effectively shoot moving targets with rifles by providing visual feedback.

The flight characteristics of tracer rounds differ from normal bullets as they decrease in altitude of the flare material. 4 M196 Tracer ammunition (e) Incendiary is made with an explosive or flammable mixture in the tip, which ignites upon contact with a target. Its purpose is to ignite fuel or munitions in the target area, enhancing the destructive power of the bullet itself. M191 Incendiary ammunition (f) Frangible disintegrates into tiny particles upon impact to minimize penetration for range safety, limit environmental impact, or reduce the shoot-through danger behind the intended target.

The glaser safety slug is an example of specialized ammunition, constructed with lightweight materials like rubber, wax, wood, plastic, or lightweight metal. Its purpose is for short-range target practice and its light weight and low velocity limit its range.

Another type of specialized ammunition is the German Plastic practice ammunition. It consists of blanks made from wax, paper, plastic, or other materials. These blanks mimic live gunfire and hold

powder in a blank cartridge to produce noise. The "bullet" within a blank cartridge can be contained in a specially designed device or release minimal energy into the air. Some blank cartridges are closed at one end without an actual bullet.

6 7. 62mm blank ammunition 7. PRIMER (a)Percussion Cap The percussion Cap, which was introduced around 1830, was the crucial innovation that allowed muzzle loading firearms to reliably fire in any weather. Prior to this advancement, firearms utilized flintlock ignition systems that generated sparks with flint-on-steel to ignite a pan of priming powder and thereby discharge the firearm's main powder charge. (The flintlock mechanism replaced older ignition systems like the matchlock and wheel lock).

Flintlocks had a tendency to misfire when exposed to damp conditions. Consequently, many flintlock firearms were subsequently converted to the more dependable percussion system. The percussion cap, which consists of a closed-end cylinder made of copper or brass, contains a small quantity of an explosive material that is sensitive to shocks, such as fulminate of mercury. This percussion cap is positioned over a hollow metal "nipple" at the back of the gun barrel. When the trigger is pulled, a hammer is released, striking the percussion cap and setting off the explosive primer. The resulting flame travels through the hollow nipple and ignites the powder charge. Percussion caps were manufactured in different sizes, with small ones for pistols and larger ones for rifles and muskets.

In the 1850s, the percussion cap was incorporated into a metallic cartridge, consisting of the bullet, powder charge, and primer. By the late 1980s, breech loading metallic cartridges rendered the percussion cap system obsolete. When introduced in breech-loaded cartridges,

the percussion cap became known as a Primer. The primary reason for its obsolescence is the weak single nitrogen-oxygen bond present in it, which makes it unstable. Nitrogen easily forms a stable triple bond with another nitrogen atom, resulting in gaseous nitrogen. Nowadays, mercury fulminate is often substituted with other primary explosives that are less toxic and more stable over time.

Lead azide, lead styphnate, and terazene derivatives are used in percussion cap breech loaded metallic revolvers. Brass is typically used for the cartridge case because it has higher malleability than copper or zinc. Brass can be easily cast due to its relatively low melting point (900 - 940 C depending on composition) and flow characteristics. The properties of brass can be altered by adjusting the proportions of copper and zinc, resulting in hard or soft brasses.

Today, nearly 90% of all brass alloys are recycled. The fact that most brass is nonmagnetic allows it to be easily distinguished from ferrous scrap by simply passing the scrap near a strong magnet. Once collected, the brass scrap is transported to the foundry where it is melted and subsequently recast into billets. These billets are then heated and extruded into the desired shape and size.

Brass cartridge cases 8 9. The Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient is a measure of how much a material's linear dimensions change in relation to a change in temperature. It is the fractional change in length per degree of temperature change. When designing large structures, using tape or chain for land surveys, creating molds for casting hot material, or other engineering applications that involve significant changes in dimension due to temperature, it is important to consider

the expansion and contraction of materials. The following are some values of common materials given in parts per million per degree Celsius (or Kelvin): India possess the 7.

The main support weapon used by the coy is the 62mm MAG 58 medium machine gun. This firearm has the capability to shoot three different types of ammunition, namely Ball, Tracer, and Blank rounds. Here is a concise explanation for each kind of ammunition:

(a) Ball: Its purpose is to target individuals and it can also be useful against vehicles with soft exteriors. The name "Ball" originates from its resemblance to round-shaped muzzle-loaded ammunition in early times.

b) Tracer: This ammunition is used to indicate targets with the help of a red flare that follows the bullet. The flare can also be used for incendiary purposes, but only up to 1050m.
(c) Blank: But for the bullet, which is absent, this ammunition is similar to a ball ammunition. It is used to simulate automatic fire in exercises, demonstrations, and battle inoculation. A complete round (cartridge) consists of all the components (cartridge case, bullet or shot, propellant powder, and primer) necessary to fire the weapon once.

12. Metallic link belts are used to issue ammunition for machine guns. The 7.62mm M13 link belts have partially open loops and a positioning finger on one side. This finger snaps into extractor grooves on the cartridges to keep them aligned for proper feeding. The design of these links allows a portion of the bolt to pass through the loop opening and push the cartridges forward and out of the link into the chamber for firing.

Weapons that use this type of link are specifically made with a

compact receiver. The cartridge used is the 7.62mm M13 link, which is also known as the 7.62mm Ball M59.

The cartridge is utilized in the M60 and M219 machine guns, as well as the M14 rifle. Its purpose is to target personnel and unarmored objects. It possesses a soft steel core and can be recognized by a plain bullet tip. 7.

62mm Ball M59 11 Cartridge 7.62mm, High Pressure Test, M60 14. Used by all 7.62mm weapons. The cartridge is not for field issue, but is used for proof firing of weapons during manufacture, test, or repair.

The cartridge is characterized by a silvered case stained with stannic. It is a high-pressure M60(Israel) Cartridge 7.62mm Armour Piercing M61. The cartridge is utilized by M60, M219, and M240 machine guns, as well as the M14 rifle.

The cartridge is employed in rifles and machine guns for combating personnel and lightly armored or unarmored targets, concrete shelters, and similar bullet-resistant targets. It possesses armor penetration capabilities of 0.28 inches (7mm) at a distance of 300 meters and 0.2 inches (5mm) at a distance of 500 meters. The cartridge can be recognized by the presence of an upward bullet. Please note that this ammunition is prohibited for use in training exercises.

Cartridge 7.62mm, Tracer, M62.16 is utilized by various weapons including M60, M219, and M240 machine guns, as well as the M14 rifle. It serves multiple purposes such as fire observation, incendiary effects, signaling, and training. In machine guns, tracer rounds are combined with ball ammunition at a ratio of 4:1, meaning four ball rounds to one tracer round.

The R284 tracer cartridge is characterized by an orange bullet tip. It is a

7.62mm cartridge known as the M62 tracer. It is also referred to as the Cartridge, 7.62mm Tracer, M62, specifically used for overhead fire applications. The identification code for this cartridge is 17.

The R284 tracer cartridge, identified by a red bullet tip, is used by M60, M219, and M240 machine guns, as well as the M14 rifle. These weapons are utilized for firing over the heads of troops during field exercises. Stringent production control and screening of ammunition lots are implemented to ensure the safety of personnel operating below the trajectory of the fired bullets. Cartridge 7 is employed.

The cartridge, measuring 62mm and known as Dummy or M63, has a range of uses. It is utilized by M60, M219, and M240 machine guns, as well as the M14 rifle. Primarily, it is used for practice purposes such as loading 7.72mm weapons for simulated firing to detect personnel flinching during firing and for inspecting and testing the weapon mechanism. Notably, the cartridge features six longitudinal corrugations (flutings).

Additionally, the primer pocket does not contain a primer or vent hole. This refers to Chinese-made 7.62mm dummy ammunition designed for M60 rifles, specifically the 13 Cartridge 7.62mm Grenade M64.

19. The cartridge is used by the M14 rifle. It applies pressure to properly launch a rifle grenade to a specific target when equipped with a grenade projectile adapter. This cartridge is distinguishable by its rose-petal (rosette-crimp) closure at the mouth of the cartridge case, which is sealed with red lacquer. Cartridge 7.

The 62mm Ball, M80, is a type of ammunition used by various weapons such as the M60, M219, and M240 machine guns, as well as the

M14 rifle. It is primarily intended for use against light materials and personnel, as well as for range training purposes.

The bullet is made up of a gilding-metal steel jacket with a lead-antimony slug, while the cartridge case is brass. The bullet itself remains unpainted. Its armor penetration measurements are as follows: 300 meters: 0.16 in (4mm) and 500 meters: 0.

The 12 in (3mm) training standard item is used for training and combat. It uses the 7.62mm, Ball M80 cartridge for overhead fire application. This cartridge is specifically designed for use with M60, M219, and M240 machine guns. Its purpose is to allow firing over the heads of troops during field exercises. To ensure safety, there is strict production control and screening of ammunition lots to protect personnel beneath the trajectory of the bullets.

The cartridge is known by its simple bullet tip - 4 Cartridge 7.62mm, Blank, M82.22. It is utilized by the M60, M219, and M240 machine guns, along with the M14 rifle. The purpose of this cartridge is for training purposes, when the intention is to simulate live fire.

A Blank Firing Attachment (BFA) must be employed for firing this ammunition. The cartridge comprises a primer and propellant, enclosed within a brass case designed to match the shape of the service round. The propellant is secured with a wad, while the cartridge's mouth is sealed and crimped.

The cartridge is designed for use in high accuracy weapons such as the M 14 rifle, M21, M24, and M40A1 sniper rifles. It is specifically prepared to ensure precision. When fired from an accuracy barrel in a test cradle, the spread (accuracy standard) for a 10 shot group at

600 yards (550m) is limited to no more than 12 inches (305mm). The bullet is made up of a gilding metal jacket and a lead antimony slug.

The bullet is boat-tailed (with a tapered rear) and has an uncolored tip. The cartridge can be identified by the head stampings on the cartridge case, which include NATO design mark, manufacturer, and year. 7.

62mm M82 blank cartridge is used by M219 and M240 machine guns. It is a frangible cartridge known as M160, with a length of 15 Cartridge 7.

The cartridge is created for shooting single shots in the machine gun for gunnery practice. When it hits a target, the frangible bullet breaks apart and leaves a mark where it hit. This type of cartridge has a green bullet tip with a white ring behind it, making it easy to identify.

The 62mm Frangible M160 Cartridge 7.62mm, Dummy, M172 is an inert round that is utilized for testing the functionality of 7.62mm weapons' mechanism and metallic link belts. This cartridge can be distinguished by its black oxide finish covering the entire round and it does not have a primer.

The primer pocket does not have a vent hole. The cartridge is 7.62mm, Dim Tracer, M276.26.

The combat cartridge, which is used by M60, M134, M219, and M240 machine guns, as well as the M14 rifle, is specifically designed for soldiers equipped with night vision equipment. It contains the R440 trace mix and is easily recognizable by the presence of a pink ring behind a green tip.

7.62mm, Dim Tracer, M276 Cartridge; 7.62mm, Match, M852; 27. Used by National Match M14 rifle.

The cartridge, labeled as MATCH with a knurl on its

base, is designed for use in competitive rifles and marksmanship training. It should not be used in combat. It has a hollow point bullet and measures 16 7.2mm. This ammunition, known as M 852 Ammunition, has specific effects on its target.

Barriers providing protection against 5.56mm rounds are equally effective against 7.62mm rounds, except in certain cases. At a 45 degree obliquity, the 7.62mm round can penetrate a window pane, a hollow cinder block, or both sides of a car body.

At 50 meters, the 7.62mm ball round is unable to penetrate a single layer of well-packed sandbags. Its ability to penetrate improves at 200 meters, allowing it to penetrate a single sandbag layer, but it still cannot penetrate a double layer. The armor-piercing round performs slightly better against sandbags, but it still fails to penetrate a double layer. However, it can penetrate up to 10 inches at a distance of 600 meters.

Armor-piercing ammunition encompasses various calibers and types, spanning from rifle and pistol rounds to tank rounds. Steel or tungsten is commonly employed as a penetrator in rifle and pistol rounds, while aircraft and tank rounds may utilize a depleted uranium core.

The penetrator is a pointed mass made of high-density material that is designed to maintain its shape and carry as much energy as possible deep into the target. Depleted uranium penetrators have the advantage of being pyrophoric and self-sharpening upon impact, resulting in intense heat and concentrated energy on a small area of the target's thick armor. Rifle armor-piercing ammunition usually contains a hardened penetration core encased in a copper or cupro-nickel jacket, similar to that of a regular projectile with lead. When hitting

a hard target, the copper casing is destroyed, but the penetrator remains intact. 34.

The M993 7.76mm AP Round can penetrate a 7mm thick HHA plate at 500 meters from the weapon's muzzle. This also corresponds to penetrating an armor plate at 550 meters. HEIAP is a type of shell that combines armor piercing and high explosive effects.

It is a modern version of an armor-piercing shell, similar to the Raufoss MK 211 0.50 inch round. This round is designed for anti-material weapons like heavy machine guns and anti-material rifles.

These ammunitions are primarily designed for armor penetration. However, they differ from SLAP rounds (Saboted-Light Armor penetrator) in that they use a 7.62mm tungsten heavy alloy bullet propelled from a 12mm barrel (.50”csl). This gives them significantly more energy than a typical 7mm round.

The 62mm round, which has a tungsten alloy bullet that can destroy the barrel's rifling, uses plastic sabot. The HEIAP munitions employ explosives to create a path for the penetrator. When loaded, the round resembles a solid full metal jacketed round. However, its special effect occurs upon hitting the target, as the initial collision triggers the ignition of the incendiary material in the tip.

The detonation of the HE charge causes the second incendiary charge (zirconium powder) to also ignite. The incendiary charge burns at a high temperature and is difficult to extinguish, lasting for approximately 30 seconds. Finally, the tungsten carbide penetrator is the remaining component on the ground.

This round has significant kinetic energy and can penetrate armor similarly to a solid-cored armor-piercing shot. As a result, it can allow some of the incendiary round to pass through the armor. The MK 211

is said to be capable of penetrating up to 2 inches (50mm) of rolled steel. It is also referred to as 19 APDS and SLAP 39.

SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator) and APDS (Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot) are interchangeable names for a specific type of ammunition. However, the term "SLAP" typically refers to small caliber ammunition (less than 20mm), while "APDS" is commonly used for medium or large caliber ammunition. Additionally, a SLAP/APDS payload consists of two components.

The first component of the SLAP/APDS payload is the armor-piercing (AP) bullet, which is composed of a sub-caliber bullet made from a hard and dense metal or metal alloy like tungsten carbide. It may also be referred to as a flechette, dart, or penetrator. The second part of the payload is the discarding sabot (DS), which is a plastic coller positioned between the sub-caliber penetrator and the rifle’s bore. Its purpose is to transfer spin from the rifling to the sub-caliber penetrator. By reducing the weight that the propellant charge needs to push from the barrel, the sabot significantly increases the velocity of the bullet. This higher velocity greatly enhances its penetration capabilities.

41. The bullet is separated from the sabot soon after leaving the muzzle due to centrifugal forces and wind resistance. This allows the bullet to move independently down range. Ammunition for silenced weapons, such as the SP-2, is manufactured using a slightly shortened 7.62x39 case with a round-now 7.

The 62mm bullet, which is likely similar to the one used in 7.62x25 TT cartridges, features a small charge of propellant behind a two-stage telescoped piston internally. This setup propels the bullet out of the case when fired and

then locks the hot powder gases inside the case. As a result, the sound produced is minimal. Due to its covert nature, the KGB adopted this cartridge for clandestine operations. To enhance its performance and potentially confound investigators, the original round-nose bullet was eventually replaced with a standard pointed 7mm bullet.

The 62mm bullet was initially used in the 7.72x39 M43 ammunition. This specific cartridge, known as the 7.62 x 38 SP-3, has been in use since the early 1970s. It is commonly used with the MSP two-barreled derringer pistol and NRS-1 scout shooting knife.

Despite the SP-3 cartridge being suitable for the clandestine operations of the KGS, it lacked sufficient power for elite Spetsnaz units who operated deep within enemy territory. To address this issue, Soviet designers created a larger variant of the SP-3 cartridge, initially referred to as PZ, later evolving into the PZA and PZAM 7.62mm silent cartridge. This new ammunition was utilized in the S-4M "Groza" (Thunderstorm) tow-barreled break-open pistol.

The 62x63 PZAM cartridge features a durable, thick-walled case with a slightly bottle necked design and a two-stage telescoped piston, similar to the SP-3. This cartridge is loaded with the M43 bullet, which has a pointed tip and a caliber of 7.62. It has been utilized by the Soviet Spetsnaz forces during their operations in Afghanistan.

The SP-6 cartridge showcased a bullet with a hardened steel core designed for piercing armor. This cartridge could penetrate military body armor at distances ranging from 300 to 400 meters. The Soviet armed forces took a unique approach to developing underwater firearms and corresponding ammunition. This development began in the late 1960s and resulted in underwater cartridges that

propelled slim drag-stabilized bullets. These cartridges were utilized in four barreled SPP-1 break-open pistols. For optimal loading and extraction, the brass cartridges were rimmed and loaded using specialized flat clips capable of holding all four rounds together.

Both the primer pockets and case necks were sealed against water, and the steel bullets had a special lacquer coating. Initially, the Special forces of the Soviet Navy were satisfied with the pistol. They requested further development and by the mid-1970s, Soviet designers created a unique underwater assault rifle called the APS, which was actually a smoothbore weapon. This rifle used cartridge that externally resembled the earlier SPS pistol ammunition but was based on the standard 5.45x39 M74 cases. This rifle ammunition comes in two basic forms: MPS "ball" and MPST "tracer". Both the APS underwater automatic weapon and SPP-1 M underwater pistol are still used by the Russian navy and are also available for export.

The text states the following: "7. 62mm SP-3| 7. 62X38| 8| Not published| Silent Cartridge| 7. 62mm SP-4| 7."

62x41| 9. 3| 260| Silent Cartridge| 7. 62mm PZAM| 7. 62x63| 8| Not published| Silent Cartridge| 7.

62mm M43 US| 7. 62x39| 12.5| 290| Subsonic Cartridge| 21 PART V –AGL AMN USED IN INDIA 44. VOG-17This round is designed for use in the AGS-17 and AGS-30 automatic grenade launchers to engage personnel and equipment. The grenade launcher is utilized by motorized rifle units and can also be mounted on helicopters, motor boats, and vehicles.

The grenade launcher is created to have the ability to fire both flat and curved shots. It comes equipped with an instant point fuze, which ensures that grenades function reliably upon impact, even on

snow and water surfaces. Improved fragmentation is achieved through weakening grooves on the inside of the grenade body. This information is from Part VI - AGL Ammunition of the World, specifically regarding the Air Burst Round 45.

The air burst round is a type of bullet that explodes while in the air, causing damage to the enemy in the form of shrapnel. Its purpose is to make it easier to hit enemy soldiers who are concealed behind walls, in foxholes, or in confined spaces such as rooms. It is compatible with various guns, notably including the XM-29 assault rifle, where it measures 20mm and functions similarly to a smart grenade. Despite its versatility in multiple scenarios, it remains a valuable asset.

The weapon described here is a dangerous tool, although not as powerful as a hand or launcher grenade. Unlike those grenades, the fragments it produces are not as perilous. To operate it, simply determine the desired detonation distance, fire, and observe the round exploding in mid-air. This weapon comes with several parameters and features: an operating range of 40m to 1600m, a self-destruction mode at a distance of 1600m, the ability to program the impact function to be turned on or off, and the impact function and self-destruction mode will be activated if no programming is done. The sensitivity of the impact sensor is 2mm AL alloy. Additionally, there is a check for date transmission, and if the result is negative, the self-destruction mode will be activated.

The M430 HEDP (High Explosive, dual purpose) 46 cartridge is completely ECM safe and can still function without external energy upon impact, even at graze

angles. It is the standard round for the MK-29 and is joined with M 16 A2 links. This impact-type round has the capability to penetrate 2 inches of steel armor at a 0 degree obliquity, causing personnel casualties in the target area.

This round is contained in an M 548 ammunition container, with 48 linked rounds in each container. The container is olive drab in color with yellow labels and markings. The round itself has a PIBD M 549 fuze and comp B filler. It can be armed between 18 to 30 meters and has a casualty radius of 15 meters. There are a total of 23 M430 HEDP (High Explosive, dual purpose) rounds, which can be identified by their olive drab color with yellow labels and markings.

The Precision XM1018 High Explosive Air Bursting (HEAB) ammunition was vital in achieving the remarkable enhancement in effectiveness and endurance of the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW). The Fuze Point initiating base detonating (PIBD) M549 Filler – Composition B is armed at a range of 18 to 30 meters and has a kill radius of approximately 5 meters. Its maximum range reaches 2200 meters while its wound radius covers about 15 meters. Furthermore, the maximum effective range for this ammunition is 1500 meters.

It consists of a center-body fuze with a controlled fragmenting warhead on each end. This design was chosen to maximize lethality. Despite being a very challenging system to develop and test, it has been successfully demonstrated multiple times. The key technologies and integration drivers being addressed include miniaturized and gun hardened fuze electronics, ammunition reliability, a “men-rated” safe and arming system, system interfaces between the weapon, fire

control, and ammunition, dual warhead lethality, uniform ammunition 24 propulsion, and weapon recoil mitigation. What sets this system apart is its ability to provide all-electronics information on range and to automatically.

All the soldier needs to do is aim, lase, adjust their aim point, and fire. The calculations are transparent to the user. The HEAB ammunition will have a settable fuze that interacts with the TA/FCS automatic fuze programming. It will have the necessary lethal radius to ensure the required P(i)s are met.

The goal of the HEAB ammunition is to achieve a reliability level equal to or greater than the current 40-milimeter M406 HE/M433 HE Dual Purpose (HEDP) cartridge. To meet this goal, a range of cartridges will be developed for the HE component of the weapon. These cartridges include an inert cartridge for training purposes, a target practice spotter cartridge that indicates the location of the burst, and a blank cartridge for force-on-force training. The M433 40MM CARTRIDGE HIGH EXPLOSIVE DUAL PURPOSE (HEDP) has an olive drab aluminum skirt with an attached steel cup, white markings,