Monday 27 November 2017

American Projectiles and Explosives - 20mm Projectiles







American Projectiles and Explosives



20mm Projectiles







20mm A.A. H.E., H.E.I., and B.L. & P. Mk 3 Mods 1-64


Overall length w/ nose fuze: 3.275 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 2.625 inches
Diameter of base: 0.74 inches
Distance base to band: 0.374 inches
Width of band: 0.16 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.78 inches

Filling:
-H.E.: 0.0243 pounds Tetryl or Pentolite
-H.E.I.: 0.0072 pounds incendiary mix; 0.0171 pounds Tetryl of Pentolite

Weight of loaded projectile: 0.2714 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 8.9%

Cartridge case:
-H.E.: Mk 2
-H.E.I.: Mk 2, 3, or 4

Primer:
-H.E.: Mk 30
-H.E.I.: Mk 30 or 31

Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 26 Mods 0 and 1


The explosive filling of the H.E. projectile is press-loaded in three equal increments.  The H.E.I. projectile is similarly loaded, but the first increment consists of an incendiary mixture, the other two of H.E., either Tetryl or Pentolite.

This round is also issued B.L. & P., with an inert filler and a dummy nose cap.



Identification and Markings

Type ---- Color

H.E. (Tetryl) ---- White
H.E. (Pentolite) ---- Yellow
H.E.I (Tetryl) ---- Red
H.E.I. (Pentolite) ---- Light Pink
B.L. & P. ---- Dark Gray Green

The many modification numbers are to distinguish between products from different contracts.







20mm A.A. H.E.T., and B.L. & P. Mk 4 Mods 1-28 and Mk 7


Overall length : 3.025 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 2.525 inches
Diameter of base: 0.74 inches
Distance base to band: 0.397 inches
Width of band: 0.16 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.78 inches

Filling:
-H.E.: 0.01 pounds
-Tracer: 0.0173 pounds

Weight of loaded projectile: 0.2621 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 2
Primer: Mk 30
Tracer: Integral

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 26 Mods 0 and 2 (Mk 4)
-Nose: Mk 26 Mods 0 and 1 (Mk 7)

 Length of tracer cavity: 1.107 inches
Diameter of tracer cavity: 0.51 inches

To eliminate the blinding flash characteristic of standard 20mm tracers fired at night, a special Dark Ignition tracer has been developed which does not light up until about 100 yards from the gun muzzle.  Rounds are designated "H.E.T.D.I."  Overall burning time of this tracer is four seconds; during the "dark" period there is a faint streaking in the projectile's path.

The Mk 4 and Mk 7 rounds are identical except for the dimensions of the tracer cavity, which is slightly greater in diameter and length in the Mk 4 than in the Mk 7.  This somewhat reduces the tracer filling of the Mk 7.

The Mk 7 round is also issued B.L. & T. with an inert filler in the H.E. cavity and a dummy nose plug.  The tracer cavity contains the standard tracer mixture.

The burster charge of the 20mm is more sensitive than the usual projectile burster charge.  Accordingly, greater caution should be observed in handling.

The tracer element in these projectiles is loaded in two increments.  First increment is the tracer composition, which is pressed in the after compartment by hydraulic pressure; the second increment is the "starter" mixture, which is pressed in on top of the tracer composition and is more sensitive than the latter.  When the projectile is fired, the heat from the propellent charge ignites the starter which, in turn, sets off the tracer composition.


Identification and Markings

Type ---- Color

H.E. (Tetryl) ---- Light Gray
H.E. (Pentolite) ---- Blue
B.L. & T. ---- Dark Gray Green, with 1/8 inch Yellow band


 




20mm A.P.T. Mk 9


Overall length w/ cap and windshield : 3.051 inches
Overall length w/o cap and windshield: 2.449 inches
Diameter of base: 0.742 inches
Distance base to band: 0.315 inches
Width of band: 0.154 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.784 inches

Weight of loaded projectile: 0.2686 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mks 3 and 4
Primer: Mk 31
Tracer: Integral






20mm A/C A.P.T. M95 (New Series)


Overall length w/ cap and windshield : 3.27 inches
Overall length w/o cap and windshield: 2.4 inches
Diameter of base: 0.76 inches
Distance base to band: 0.39 inches
Width of band: 0.203 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.78 inches

Weight of loaded projectile: 0.29 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: M21A1
Primer: M36A1
Tracer: Integral


The tracer is red in color and burns for a period of about 2.25 seconds, equivalent to a range of about 1,400 yards.  This round is superseding the A.P.T. M75 round of the Old Series.

 



20mm A/C Incendiary M96 (New Series)


Overall length w/ nose cap: 3.245 inches
Overall length w/o nose cap: 2.3 inches
Diameter of base: 0.76 inches
Distance base to band: 0.39 inches
Width of band: 0.203 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.78 inches

Filling: Incendiary Mixture
Weight of filling: 0.02 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.27 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: M21A1
Primer: M36A1
Tracer: N/A


The incendiary mixture fills both the nose cap and the projectile body.  No fuze is required, since the functioning is initiated by impact of the nose with the target.




 

20mm A/C H.E.I. M97 (New Series)


Overall length w/ nose fuze: 3.28 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 2.44 inches
Diameter of base: 0.76 inches
Distance base to band: 0.39 inches
Width of band: 0.203 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.78 inches

Filling: Tetryl and Incendiary Mixture
Weight of filling: 0.017 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.29 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: M21A1
Primer: M36A1
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Nose - M75


This round is superseding the H.E.I. Mk 1 round of the Old Series







20mm A/C Practice M99 (New Series)


Overall length w/ nose fuze: 3.27 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 2.3 inches
Diameter of base: 0.76 inches
Distance base to band: 0.39 inches
Width of band: 0.203 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.78 inches

Filling: None
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.29 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: M21A1
Primer: M36A1
Tracer: N/A


This round is superseding the Ball Mk 1 round of the Old Series









20mm A/C H.E.I. Mk 1 (Old Series)


Overall length: 3.22 inches
Diameter of base: 0.77 inches
Distance base to band: 0.5 inches
Width of band: 0.203 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.784 inches

Filling: Tetryl and Incendiary Mix
Weight of filling: 0.025 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.29 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: M21A1
Primer: M36
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: No.253 Mk 1


This round is to be superseded by the H.E.I. M97 round of the new ballistically matched series.  The H.E.I. Mk 1 round is to be classified unserviceable by Naval activities as soon as replacement allowances or stocks of the M97 round are received.






20mm A/C Ball Mk 1 (Old Series)


Overall length: 3.31 inches
Diameter of base: 0.77 inches
Distance base to band: 0.5 inches
Width of band: 0.203 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.784 inches

Filling: None
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.28 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: M21A1
Primer: M36
Tracer: N/A

 
This round is to be superseded by the practice round M99 of the new ballistically matched series.  The Ball Mk 1 round is to be classified unserviceable by Naval activities as soon as replacement allowances or stocks of the M99 round are received.



 

20mm A/C A.P.T. M75 (Old Series)


Overall length: 3.25 inches
Diameter of base: 0.77 inches
Distance base to band: 0.5 inches
Width of band: 0.203 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 0.784 inches

Filling: None
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.37 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: M21A1
Primer: M36
Tracer: Integral

 
This round is to be superseded by the A.P.T. round M95 of the new ballistically matched series.  The A.P.T. M75 round is to be classified unserviceable by Naval activities as soon as replacement allowances or stocks of the M95 round are received.





Next Time: 40mm Projectiles

Tuesday 21 November 2017

American Projectiles and Explosives - 16-inch Projectiles







American Projectiles and Explosives



16-inch Projectiles





16-inch A.P. Mk 3 Mods 2-5 (Obsolete)


Guns used in: 16"/45
Overall length: 56.5 inches
Diameter of base: 15.94 inches
Distance base to band: 3.03 inches
Width of band: 5.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 15.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 57.5 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 2,110 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.74%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


This projectile was originally issued without windshield, but has since been modified.

The 16-inch A.P. Projectile Mk 3 Mod 2 has been declared unserviceable until caps and windshields have been modified.

Mods 2 and 3 may be blind loaded and plugged or tracered with the Tracer Mk 5 Mod 1 for target practice.






16-inch A.P. Mk 5 Mods 1-6


Guns used in: 16"/45
Overall length w/ windshield: 64 inches
Overall length w/o windshield: 48.387 inches
Diameter of base: 15.977 inches
Distance base to band: 4.03 inches
Width of band: 5.32 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 15.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 34 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 2,240 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.5%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


The 16-inch A.P. Projectile Mk 5 Mod 6 is a modified Mk 12 (designed for Army use) with a special base-plug adapter.








16-inch A.P. Mk 8 Mods 1-8


Guns used in: 16"/45; 16"/50
Overall length w/ windshield: 72 inches
Overall length w/o windshield: 51.6 inches
Diameter of base: 15.977 inches
Distance base to band: 4.03 inches
Width of band: 5.32 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 15.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 40.9 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 2,700 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.5%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


The Mod 8 has a heavier cap, blunter nose, and more hardness, from greater heat treatment than the earlier Mods.






16-inch H.C. Mk 13 Mods 0-6 and Mk 14


Guns used in: 16"/45; 16"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 64 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 60.18 inches
Diameter of base: 15.977 inches
Distance base to band: 4.03 inches
Width of band: 5.32 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 15.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 153.6 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,900 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 8.08%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 39 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 48 Mods 0 and 1

-Nose: Mk 29 Mods 1, 2, and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 42 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 62 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
 -Steel Nose Plug

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze
-Mk 17 Mod 8 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 35 Mod 0
-Mk 55 Mod 0

Booster Mk 5, or a special 0.58-pounds pressed TNT booster, will be used under the auxiliary detonating fuze.


This projectile is normally issued with an A.P. nose plug.

The 16-inch H.C. Projectile Mk 13 Mod 1 was originally issued as the 16" Ex-1.

The Base Fuze Mk 39 replaces the original special "green stripe" Base Fuze Mk 28; the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 35 replaces the original special "green stripe" Mk 17 Mod 8.  These fuzes are now being replaced by the Base Fuze Mk 48 and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 55.

The Mk 14 is simply a different designation to indicate a different manufacturer.







16-inch Target Mk 6 Mod 1 and Mk 7 Mod 0

No picture available

Guns used in: 16"/45 (Mks 6 and 8)
Overall length: 64 inches
Diameter of base: 15.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 15.977 inches

Filling: N/A
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 2,240 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes: N/A


Mk 6 has no spotting dye; Mk 7 does.  These target projectiles are designed to use the same ballistic as the 16-inch A.P. Projectile Mk 5.







16-inch Target Mk 9 Mods 1 and 2, and Mk 10 Mod 0


Guns used in: 16"/45 (Mk 6 Mod 1); 16"/50 (Mk 7 Mod 0)
Overall length: 72 inches
Diameter of base: 15.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 15.977 inches

Filling: N/A
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 2,700 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes: N/A


Mods 1 and 2 of the 16-inch Target Projectile Mk 9 are physically the same.  Different Mods distinguish products of different contractors.  The Mk 9's have no spotting dye.

Mk 10 is exactly like the Mk 9, except that it contains a spotting load.

These target shells match the 16-inch A.P. Projectile Mk 8 in ballistic traits.




Next Time: 20mm Projectiles

Monday 13 November 2017

American Projectiles and Explosives - 12-inch and 14-inch Projectiles







American Projectiles and Explosives



12-inch and 14-inch Projectiles





12-inch A.P. Mk 15 Mod 6


Guns used in: 12"/50
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 42 inches
Diameter of base: 11.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 4 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 11.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 25 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 870 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.87%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


This is an old type projectile, without windshield, which is not in common use.







12-inch A.P. Mk 18 Mod 1


Guns used in: 12"/50
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 54 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 38.39 inches
Diameter of base: 11.977 inches
Distance base to band: 3.1 inches
Width of band: 4 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 11.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 17.4 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,140 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.52%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: -Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


The windshield is threaded to the A.P. cap and held in place by five equally spaced notches which are staked.  The A.P. cap weighs 110.98 pounds and is soldered to the nose.  In addition to the solder, the cap is also secured by seven crimp caps equally spaced on the periphery of the nose.








12-inch H.C. Mk 16 Mods 1, and 2, and Mk 21


Guns used in: 12"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 43.76 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 40.285 inches
Diameter of base: 11.977 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 4 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 11.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 58.2 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 740 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 7.86%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 39 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 48 Mods 0 and 1

-Nose: Mk 29 Mods 1, 2, and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 42 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 62 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)


Auxiliary Detonating Fuze
-Mk 17 Mod 8 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 35 Mod 0
-Mk 55 Mod 0


The Booster Mk 5, or a special 0.53-pound pressed TNT booster, is also used under the auxiliary detonating fuze.

The 12-inch H.C. Projectile Mk 21 is merely a redesignation of the Mk 16.

The Base Fuze Mk 39 replaces the original "Green Stripe" Base Fuze Mk 28; the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze M35 replaces the original special "Green Stripe" Mk 17 Mod 8.  These fuzes are now being replaced by the Base Fuze Mk 48 and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 55.

The Nose Fuze Mk 62 is the preferred nose time fuze.






12-inch H.C. Mk 17 Mods 1, 2, and Mk 22

No picture available

Guns used in: 12"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 54 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 50.18 inches
Diameter of base: 11.977 inches
Distance base to band: 3.1 inches
Width of band: 4 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 11.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 79.44 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 940 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 8.45%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 39 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 48 Mods 0 and 1

-Nose: Mk 29 Mods 1, 2, and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 42 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 62 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
 -Steel Nose Plug

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze
-Mk 17 Mod 8 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 35 Mod 0
-Mk 55 Mod 0


The Booster Mk 5, or a special 0.53-pound pressed TNT booster, is also used under the auxiliary detonating fuze.

The 12-inch H.C. Projectile Mk 22 is merely a redesignation of the Mk 16.

The Base Fuze Mk 39 replaces the original "Green Stripe" Base Fuze Mk 28; the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze M35 replaces the original special "Green Stripe" Mk 17 Mod 8.  These fuzes are now being replaced by the Base Fuze Mk 48 and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 55.

The Nose Fuze Mk 62 is the preferred nose time fuze.

The 12-inch H.C. Projectile Mk 17 Mod 2 differs fromt he Mk 17 Mod 1 in that its base plug threads are 7.85" instead of 7.75".







12-inch Target Mk 19 Mod 1


Guns used in: 12"/50 Mk 8
Overall length: 54 inches
Diameter of base: 11.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2 inches
Width of band: 4 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 11.977 inches

Filling: N/A
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,140 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer (if loaded): Mk 5


There is no provision for a spotting dye load in the windshield of this projectile.








14-inch A.P. Mk 8 Mods 3, 7, 8, and 11 (Obsolete)


Guns used in: 14"/45; 14"/50
Overall length: 49.44 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 41.92 inches
Diameter of base: 13.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 4.66 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 13.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 34.3 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,402 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.1%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


A special adapter with 1.5-inch diameter outside threads is required to fit Base Fuzes Mk 21 in these projectiles.

The Mod 7 projectile may also be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with adapter and Tracer Mk 5 Mod 1 for target practice.









14-inch A.P. Mk 16 Mods 1-11


Guns used in: 14"/45; 14"/50
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 56 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 36.72 inches
Diameter of base: 13.977 inches
Distance base to band: 3.46 inches
Width of band: 4.66 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 13.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 22.9 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,500 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.5%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


The Mod 11 has a slight change in the cap design which moves the windshield threads further forward on the projectile.









14-inch A.P. Mk 20 Mod 1


Guns used in: 14"/45
Overall length: 54.38 inches
Diameter of base: 13.977 inches
Distance base to band: 3.46 inches
Width of band: 4.66 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 13.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 22.9 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,500 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.5%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


This projectile is used only on the battleships New York and Texas.  It is the same as the Mk 16 Mod 8, except for a shortened windshield.









14-inch H.C. Mk 19 Mods 1-6 and Mk 22


Guns used in: 14"/45; 14"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 56 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 52.18 inches
Diameter of base: 13.977 inches
Distance base to band: 3.46 inches
Width of band: 4.66 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 13.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 104.21 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,275 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 8.01%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 39 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 48 Mods 0 and 1

-Nose: Mk 29 Mods 1, 2, and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 42 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 62 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
 -Steel Nose Plug

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze
-Mk 17 Mod 8 "Green Stripe"
-Mk 35 Mod 0
-Mk 55 Mod 0


The Booster Mk 5, or a special 0.53-pound pressed TNT booster, is also used under the auxiliary detonating fuze.

The Base Fuze Mk 39 replaces the original "Green Stripe" Base Fuze Mk 28; the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze M35 replaces the original special "Green Stripe" Mk 17 Mod 8.  These fuzes are now being replaced by the Base Fuze Mk 48 and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 55.

The Mk 62 is the preferred nose time fuze.

The Projectile Mk 19 Mod 1 only is suitable for use in 14"/45 guns on the battleships New York and Texas.

The 14-inch H.C. Projectile Mk 22 is similar in its dimensions to the Mk 19, except that the rotating band on the Mk 22 is only 2.25 inches from the base.









14-inch Bombardment Mk 9


Guns used in: 14"/45; 14"/50
Overall length: 56 inches
Diameter of base: 13.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 4.66 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 13.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 105 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,410 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 7.44%

Cartridge case: Bag gun
Primer: Mk 14 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5, Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 and all Mods


The Base Fuze Mk 29 replaces the previously used Base Fuze Mk 3 Mod 2 with integral tracer.








14-inch Target Mk 17 Mods 1-3 and Mk 18 Mod 1


Guns used in: 14"/45; 14"/50
Overall length: 56 inches
Diameter of base: 13.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.25 inches
Width of band: 4.66 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 13.977 inches

Filling: N/A
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,500 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5


There is no spotting dye load in the Mk 17 windshield.

The 14-inch Target Projectile Mk 18 Mod 1 has essentially the same dimensions, plus a spotting dye load.







14-inch Target Mk 21 Mod 1

No picture available

Guns used in: 14"/45
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 54.38 inches
Diameter of base: 13.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.25 inches
Width of band: 4.66 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 13.977 inches

Filling: N/A
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 1,500 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5


This target projectile was made to match the 14-inch A.P. Projectile Mk 20 for the U.S.S. Arkansas and Texas guns.




Next Time: 16-inch Projectiles

Monday 6 November 2017

American Projectiles and Explosives - 8-inch Projectiles







American Projectiles and Explosives



8-inch Projectiles





8-inch A.P. Mk 19 Mods 1-6


Guns used in: 8"/55
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 36 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 19.4 inches
Diameter of base: 7.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.56 inches
Width of band: 3.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 7.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 3.64 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 260 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.4%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 23 Mod 0
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


Base Fuze Mk 21 is preferred.  Mk 23 to be used only when Mk 21 is not available.







8-inch A.P. Mk 21 Mods 1-5


Guns used in: 8"/55
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 36 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 24.5 inches
Diameter of base: 7.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.56 inches
Width of band: 3.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 7.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 5.03 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 335 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.5%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 23 Mod 0
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


Base Fuze Mk 21 is preferred.  Mk 23 to be used only when Mk 21 is not available.








8-inch Special Common Mk 17 Mods 1-4


Guns used in: 8"/55
Overall length: 36 inches
Diameter of base: 7.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.56 inches
Width of band: 3.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 7.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 10.38 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 260 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 3.99%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 23 Mod 0
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


Base Fuze Mk 21 is preferable for this projectile.  Several have also been fuzed with the Base Fuze Mk 28 on account of a lack of sufficient H.C. projectiles.






8-inch Common Mk 14 Mod 1


Guns used in: 8"/55
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 36 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 26.19 inches
Diameter of base: 7.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.56 inches
Width of band: 3.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 7.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 10.91 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 260 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 4.4%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 23 Mod 0
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


The Base Fuze Mk 23 is used only when Mk 21 is not available.







8-inch Common Mk 15 Mod 1

No picture available

Guns used in: 8"/55
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 36 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 26.19 inches
Diameter of base: 7.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.56 inches
Width of band: 3.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 7.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 11.46 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 260 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 4.4%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 23 Mod 0
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


The Base Fuze Mk 23 is used only when Mk 21 is not available.








8-inch H.C. Mk 24 Mods 1-5


Guns used in: 8"/55
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 34.56 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 31.08 inches
Diameter of base: 7.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2.56 inches
Width of band: 3.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 7.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 21.34 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 260 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 8.21%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 and all Mods
-Mk 39 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 48 Mods 0 and 1

-Nose: Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 50 Mods 0-3 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 29 Mods 1, 2, and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 63 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)


Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 17 and all Mods
-Mk 46 Mod 0
-Mk 35 Mod 0
-Mk 54 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 55 Mod 0


Base Fuze Mk 48 (and Mods) is the current and preferred assembly for this projectile; however, the Base Fuzes Mk 39 or Mk 28 may be used.

The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 55 is the preferred assembly in this projectile.







8-inch H.C. Mk 25 Mod 1


Guns used in: 8"/55
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 34.605 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 31.13 inches
Diameter of base: 7.977 inches
Distance base to band: 2 inches
Width of band: 3.3 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 7.977 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 21.37 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 260 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 8%

Cartridge case: Mk 1
Primer (bag gun): Mk 15 Mod 1
Primer: Mk 35
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 23 Mod 0
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1


The Base Fuze Mk 21 is preferred.  This projectile is designed so that it may be manufactured by forging from the base end.






Next Time: 12-inch and 14-inch Projectiles