Seven-Inch Harp Gun-Launched Vertical Probe System: Initial Development

摘要

The description of an upper atmosphere sounding system, based on a modified 175 mm gun, is given. The 175 mm gun tube is extended and smoth bored, and a T76 mount, modified to permit vertical fire is utilized. The gun is used to launch sub-caliber, fin-stabilized, center-saboted projectiles. During initial tests, prototype projectile with a payload volume of fifty cubic inches attained a maximum altitude of 260,000 feet. A smaller version of the projectile, with a potential payload volume of about fifteen cubic inches reached an altitude of 330,000 feet. (Author)