A General Purpose Prototype Muffler for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle 25-mm Automatic Cannon Fitted with Standard Barrel

In response to complaints at German Training Areas (GTA) about firing noise generated by the 25-mm M242 chain gun that is mounted on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), a prototype muffler for use with all types of ammunition was designed, fabricated, and performance tested against requirements given by an Operational Needs Statement. This muffler was designed for use with the standard M242 barrel. As such, the muffler consisted of a muffler shell that screwed on a perforated extension tube. Tests included noise attenuation and projectile dispersion. Noise requirements were not only met but also exceeded. Dispersion testing of M793 and M9lO ammunition showed that the barrel/muffler system, when attached loosely to the barrel, did not perform as well as the standard barrel/brake system. Nevertheless, testing with other mufflers that were held tightly to the barrel showed no degradation of the dispersion pattern. Further testing is needed with a muffler tightly held on the barrel.