Improved integrated launch package ballistic performance

A detailed experimental investigation of the launch and flight performance of a kinetic energy fin-stabilized penetrator has been performed. The integrated launch package (ILP) consists of the subprojectile and mid-riding armature. The armature front contact is electrically insulated from the rails. This configuration has shown potential for effectively managing the launch disturbances. To evaluate the transitional ballistics, aeroballistics, and jump characteristics, single-shot firings with an exit velocity of 1350 m/s were conducted at the ARL Transonic Experimental Facility, APG, MD. The impact data show larger variability in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction. Results from the jump survey indicate that effects of the deviation from the launcher centerline (i.e., straightness) contribute significantly to the target impact dispersion. Substantial contributions from the linear and angular rates at the muzzle are evident in the vertical direction. The contribution attributable to sabot discard in either plane is minimal. When possible, comparisons are made to our earlier investigation which examined the ballistic behavior of a similar ILP with a conducting front contact.