8. Design Flashcards
- Definition of Small Arms (SAA)
Ammunition for weapons such as pistols, rifles and machine guns below 20mm in calibre
Definition of Calibre
The diameter of the barrel of the weapon measured between opposing lands of the rifling
Can be Imperial or Metric
The complete round is made up of four main parts
Cartridge case
ignition system / primer
propellant charge
projectile
Requirements of the Cart case
- Designed to hold the propellant charge,
- incorporate the ignition system
- retain the projectile
- provide obturation
The design of the Cart case depends on what factors?
(TRIP)
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Type of weapon
Role of the ammunition
Ignition sytem
Projectile design
The Cart case must be what (4)
Sufficiently elastic to expand IOT provide obturation
contract to original size forextraction
resist corrosion
strong enough to withstand transportation and handling
Materials used for Cart cases?
Brass (Copper/ Zinc 70/30) - Strength - Hardness - elasticity - Resistance to corrosion Cupro NIckel (Copper/Nickel 80/20) Gilding Metal (Copper/inc 90/10)
Why is a Soft Mouth for Cart case required? (3)
Expand as soon as pressure rises in the chamber
to establish an early seal
and prevent gas leakage
Why is a Hard base necessary on SAA?
Enable case to withstand internal pressure and rearward movement
Stresses applied by extractors
Why is the projectile to BE SECURED to the mouth? (3)
A seal against moisture
Prevent accidental removal
retention by the Cart case to allow gas pressure to build up
What are the methods to secure bullet to the Cart case? (6)
Press fit Canneluring Indenting Stabbing Coning Crimping
Four types of Cart case bases?
Rimmed
Rimless
Semi-rimmed
Belted Rimless
What are 3 types of ignition systems?
Berdan (Anvil)
Boxer (anvil)
Rimfire
What is the method of igntion?
Usually relies on a striker impinging onto a cap containing a sensitive composition
Projectile design is governed by its role (5)
Target characteristics Effect required Max effective range Ballistics Type of weapon
Lead Alloy Projectiles
- Lead and tin or Antinomy
- Combination of Incendiary and tracer may be encountered
- Combination projectiles are used in observing and spotter rounds and 5.56mm
- Tracer composition is ignited when fired
Accuracy depends on achieving consistent MV. What are the influences? (4)
- Loading exact quantites of propellant
- Consistent burning
- Separation of the projectile and Cart case at correct pressure
- Achieving correct obturation
What are the characteristics of an ideal Round ? (7)
- Lightweight
- High MV
- Good ballistic performance
- Ability to penetrate body armour
- Dump energy at a high enough transfer rate to incapacitate a human with desired wound criteria
- Fit all types of weapons
- Equally effective over engagement distances
What is tracer used for? (1)
To assist aim and indicate targets to other firers
What does each of the colour coding for projectile tips indicate? (6) Black Silver Blue Yellow Red Uncoloured
Black - AP Silver - API Blue - Incendiary Yellow - Observing Red - Tracer Uncoloured - Ball
Permanent Marking on rounds
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Manufacture symbol
Year of Manufacture
Calibre
Model Number
- Grenade - Definition (3 parts)
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- A small explosive store
- PROJECTION by hand or a personal weapon.
- a special discharger or launcher may be used
Grenade Payloads / types
- HE (anti-pers)
- HEAT and HEDP
- Smoke (screen & signal)
- Chemical or Irritant (CS, riot, rubber balls)
- Flash or Noise (stun)
- Incendiary (IEDD tool, initiator; red body)
- Practice
- Illuminating
Typical Components of a Grenade (5)
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Body Filling Fragmentation Fuze Cavity Fuze
Fuze Components (6)
Safety Pin Fly-off lever Spring Striker Detonator Delay pellet
Grenades Offensive
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Offensive:
- Rely solely on the effect of blast for anti-personnel effect
To cause any physical damage to a man, a burst must be very close to him or at least in a confined space
Usual effect is to stun or disorientate a man so he is incapable of rational reaction for a short time
HE Anti-tank Grenades
Usually projected or dispersed
Not usually hand
Limited effect against tanks; more anti-vehicle
Grenade / Defensive
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Defensive:
These grenades are designed for use when the thrower is fully or partially protected
The large lethal area is achieved using fragments projected at high velocity.
Grenade Design Categories
What are normal means of delivery?
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Hand Thrown
Projected - Rifle launched / gun fired
Discharger - Weapon/vehicle launched
Free Flight Rockets (FFR) are made up of 2 sections. What are they?
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- Motor:
(inc. the combustion chamber, fins and nozzle)
-Warhead (incl. the fuze)
Launcher is also required. Hand held platform or ground mounted
Characteristics of FFR Motors? (4)
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- A casing which provides a combustion chamber in which the charge can burn
- The motor casing must be strong enough to withstand the high temperature & pressures reached during combustion
- Usually made of various steels; however, have been made from glass-reinforced plates
- De Lavel nozzles normally used.