Critique of the Cal. .50 AP M2 Projectile-through-Plate Test and the 20 mm H.E.I. Shock Test Requirements of Spec. AXS-4gg. Revision 3

摘要

It is concluded from a comprehensive ballistic and metallurgical evaluation of three samples of 3/8 in. rolled homogeneous armor that: (a) In the penetration-through-plate tests of Spec. AXS-488-3 involving the use of cals. .30 and .50 AP M2 projectiles, the maximum acceptable exit diameters are too large, allowing the acceptance of armor of inferior ballistic characteristics. (b) Jacket-less caliber .50 AP projectiles can be developed for use in the projectile-through-plate test. (c) The 20 MM H.E.I shock test of Spec. AXS-488-3 is an integrative test possessing attributes both of shock and steel soundness tests. Although the 20 MM H.E.I. test does yield valuable information relative to the ballistic characteristics of armor, the development of a more suitable shock test is recommended. (Author)