Thermally Stable Machine Gun Barrel

The objective of this SBIR Phase I project is to produce a tough protective nanocomposite ceramic lining for machine gun barrels to reduce weapon system acquisition costs through service life extension, reduction in parts consumption & failure rates, reduction in weapon weight, reduced corrosion, and reduction in barrel heat load. We postulates that incorporation of a ceramic radiant barrier lining will send more heat out the nozzle with numerous benefits. Advanced Materials and Processes has identified candidate materials and processing techniques that will produce integral tough nanocomposite ceramic linings for outstanding barrel life. The process is applicable to machine gun barrels of any size. AMP will prepare two prototype ceramic gun barrel coatings and test for hardness, crack resistance, adhesion, thermal conductivity, and live firing. FN Manufacturing (FNMI) is collaborating on this project. FNMI will provide barrel tubes and technical support in Phase I. They will also provide 2000 round live fire testing/evaluation of two prototype coated gun barrels in Phase I and 10000 round live fire testing/evaluation of one prototype in Phase I Option. FNMI believes that the proposed ceramic liners are worth investigating because if successful they will enable a quick implementation and practical way to production.