Document Details
PURL
(973 K)
Title:
Report of trip to YTS - C91 test projectile
Author(s):
Document Type:
REPORT
Publication Date:
1961 May 01
Document Pages:
9 p.
Document Number(s):
UCRL-ID-124985
Originating Research Org.:
California Univ., Livermore, CA (United States). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
OpenNet Entry Date:
1997 Mar 04
OpenNet Modified Date:
2009 Nov 09
Description/Abstract:
As a part of the RAIL feasibility study, Operation Dorothe (March 1961) was conducted to determine if a liquid explosive could survive the acceleration of launch from a 155 mm howitzer. This operation was successful, although some structural difficulty was experienced with the test round (C-90). Upon completion of that exercise, it was decided to design a test round that could be used with the more viscous slurry-type explosives, and to fire several of these new rounds with inert filler prior to their use with slurry High Explosives (H.E.), precluding the difficulty previously experienced. The C-91 projectile, is a modified M107 H.E. round. It has been reduced in weight, equipped with an obturator, and provided with a large fill orifice. The rotating band has been altered to eliminate rotation. Internally, a plastic plug is used to control column height. A piston-type `O` ring seal prevents gun gas from reaching the interior to the projectile. Four of these projectiles were fired from a 155 mm howitzer at 15,500 g`s, plus. They survived not only the launch, but also impact and repeated ricochet in sand, gravel, and small rock. No leakage of the inert filler (glycerin) occurred. All rounds were destroyed with explosives upon completion of the exercise. Test data and engineering drawings are provided.