Dispersion Analysis of the XM881 Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized, Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) Projectile

摘要

This study compares the results of a dispersion test with mathematical modeling. A 10-round group of modified 25-mm XM881 armor-piercing, fin-stabilized, discarding sabot (APFSDS) projectiles was fired from the M242 chain gun into a designated target. The mathematical modeling results come from BALANS, a product of Arrow Tech Associates. BALANS is a finite-element lumped parameter code that has the capability to model a flexible projectile being fired from a flexible gun. It also has the unique feature of an automated statistical evaluation of dispersion. This study represents an effort to establish a combined experiment and simulation approach to reduce system error.