Evaluation of a Sustainable Pyrotechnic Tracer Composition for Small Caliber Ammunition

摘要

src="http://pubs.acs.org/appl/literatum/publisher/achs/journals/content/ascecg/2017/ascecg.2017.5.issue-11/acssuschemeng.7b02623/20171031/images/medium/sc-2017-02623c_0004.gif">Recent efforts have aimed to replace the near-infrared (NIR) tracer composition (R-440) currently specified for some types of 7.62 × 51 mm NATO ammunition with a more environmentally sustainable composition (R-680). This report summarizes the two main efforts aimed to evaluate the suitability of such a replacement: (1) establishing a charge weight window for R-680 that meets the tracer depth requirement for 7.62 mm ammunition and (2) comparative characterization of the emission spectra of R-440 and R-680. To this end, the 7.62 mm tracer depth requirement was met only for rounds with net R-680 charge weights ranging from 665 to 745 mg. Static burn testing of pellets derived from R-440 and R-680 showed that both compositions gave similar burning times (～5 s) and substantially identical NIR output (0.20 W/sr).