Free flight spark photography range tests, Mann barel accuracy tests, and long-range limit-cycle yaw tests were conducted with the U.S. M855/M856 ammunitions, and the Belgian (FNB) SS-109/L110 ammunition. Tolerances in bullet jacket wall thickness and bullet seating alignment were identified as contributing to the dispersion problem in U.S. ammunition. The aerodynamic characteristics of the four projectiles were determined, and the gyroscopic stability was found to be sufficient. All four projectiles are dynamically stabel at supersonic speeds. The M855-SS-109 projectiles show limit-cycle yaw levels growing to approximately six degrees at 800 metres range. Originator-supplied keywords: 5.56mm NATO Ammunition, Aerodynamic characteristicsd, Aerodynamic drag, Gyroscopic stability, Dynamic stability, Yaw limit-cycle, Accuracy.
Aerodynamic and Flight Dynamic Characteristics of the New Family of 5.56mm NATO Ammunition
1985
62 pages
Report
No indication
English