Polymer-Cased Ammunition for Small Arms and Cannon Ammunition

Replacement of gun ammunition cartridge cases made of brass with cases made ofan advanced polymer material would alleviate a portion of the weight burden for Marines and air vehicles caused by the need to carry additional gear and high-tech equipment. The replacement of brass with a high-performance plastic will be investigated forthe 0.50 caliber system initially, and if successful, the technology may be transferred to 7.62-mm and 5.56-mm ammunition. 0.50 caliber guns are normally used as armament for helicopters, the Marine V-22 air vehicle, some land vehicles, and the standardMarine rifle platoon, which also has smaller caliber guns in their complement of weapons. The use of plastic cases in all of these weapons can provide a significant weight reduction benefit throughout the logistics train and especially to the end user,the Marines.The proposed program will develop and investigate the feasibility of a polymer case design(s) based on structural, mechanical, thermal and interior ballistic analyses and simulations, properties of candidate high-performance polymers, and manufacturingprocesses required to produce polymer cases. A search and evaluation study will be performed to identify candidate polymers; subsequently, at least one polymer and case design will be selected for Phase II experimental development, evaluation anddemonstration. The successful development of plastic-cased ammunition should result in a weight reduction benefit throughout the logistics train and to the Marine and Army end users. Successful implementation into the U.S. military forces should create opportunitiesfor foreign sales and, if the cost is suitable, for commercial sales in the civilian market.