The Development of Low Cost 155 mm Practice Ammunition: A Feasibility Study

Ammunition collectively termed practice ammunition is available in a multiplicity of designs suitable for use in a wide range of service ordnance. Ammunition used for practice contains live components and is designed to inflict minimum damage to or at the target. It is used primarily to reduce costs associated with using operational ammunition for maintaining those skills acquired during initial training programs. This report investigates the feasibility of producing locally a low cost purpose designed practice projectile to be used by the Medium Gun Regiment for training with 155 mm howitzers. The overall aim was to review the current processes for manufacturing high explosive filled projectiles and then to identify those processes which might not be necessary for the manufacture of practice projectiles, thereby reducing production costs. Two configurations, one utilizing production shell bodies filled with high explosive substitute and the second based on a hollow shell, are discussed. Both configurations are considered suitable as practice projectiles with potential cost savings, when compared with the operational round, of 30% to 50%. Empirical trials demonstrated the feasibility of using small spotting charges to provide the required aural and visual signatures necessary for effective artillery practice. Keywords: Heat treatment; Australia.