CONTINUOUS SOLVENT-FREE EXTRUSION OF PROPELLANT FOR 35 MM CALIBRE AMMUNITION

摘要

In the frame of the evaluation of new 35 mm calibre projectiles, a propellant wasmanufactured by using a solvent-free continuous twin screw extrusion process. This wasdeveloped for the manufacturing of JA-2 equivalent gun propellant for large calibreammunition [1]. In order to obtain the required combustion rate, a significantly smaller websize, and hence smaller grain size, of the 19-perf propellant grain is required than for theJA-2 equivalent propellant. For this purpose a new die technology was developed andapplied. The firing test results showed excellent reproducibility, which is attributed to thehomogeneity of the propellant composition and smooth and reproducible flame spreadingover the propellant bed. These results demonstrate the applicability of a solvent-free andcontinuous manufacturing process for propellants used in medium calibre ammunition.