Description
This projectile is fired from 155mm howitzers and is used for blast effect, fragmentation, and mining.
The projectile is a hollow steel shell filled with 14.6 pounds of TNT or 15.4 pounds of Composition B. The shape is ogival with a boat-tail for aerodynamic efficiency. A supplementary charge of 0.3 lb TNT is contained in an aluminum liner in the deep fuze cavity. A threaded lifting plug closes the fuze cavity at the nose of the projectile for handling and storage. Point detonating, time or proximity fuzes may be used with this projectile. A rotating band encircles the shell casing near the base and is protected by a grommet before loading. A steel plate (base cover) is welded over the base to prevent entry of hot propellant gases into the projectile interior.
The projectile is olive drab with yellow markings.
Functioning
When the weapon is fired, the burning propellant charge generates rapidly expanding gases to propel the projectile through the barrel with the velocity required to reach the target. The soft alloy rotating band engages the barrel rifling to impart spin to the projectile for stability in flight. If a point detonating fuze or time fuze is employed, the fuze detonates the supplementary charge on impact (PD) or after the preset time (MT), and the supplementary charge detonates the projectile filler. When a proximity fuze is used, detonation occurs on approach to the target (proximity action). The proximity fuze contains its own booster element to initiate the warhead filler.
Hazardous Components
Filler - TNT (14.6 lb, 6.64 kg) or Composition B (15.4 lb, 7 kg)
Primer - M82, Mk 2A4
Propelling charges - M3, M3A1, M4A1, M4A2, M119, M119A1
Supplementary charge - TNT (0.3 lb, 0.14 kg)
Physical Data
Length, projectile unfuzed - 23.89 in, 606.8 mm
See Also
Source(s)
Iraq Ordnance Identification Guide (2004)
TM 9-1300-203, Artillery Ammunition (1967)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
