GENERAL   EQUIPMENT   INC.                    

ROLE : Shell 155 mm Illuminating belongs to the family of Illuminating Gun Ammn. Used extensively to support night warfare. The illumination provided by this ammn. is sufficient for identification and engagement of all types of moving and non-moving objects. This ammunition will also help for movement of troops and locate the enemy.

FUNCTION : The Shell is fired from 155 mm howitzer. On initiation of first separation charge on fuze functioning, the canister is ejected from the shell. The auxiliary parachute will be opened out. After a delay of 2.5 sec, the second separation charge is initiated. This will enable the separation of main parachute alongwith the flare

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS :

Estimated mass 42.7 ± 0.4 kgs Length 583.5 mm Diameter 154 mm Range 18 Km Height of burst 500 m Time of burning 47 sec (min) Luminosity 21 to 25 Lakh candela Fuze DM-153 Rate of Descent 6 m/sec Shelf life 10 years

ADVANTAGES : Provided with a fuze of 150 sec. Time mechanism (Adjustable) with safe and arming device. The illuminant canister supported with the parachute and spin break system provides intense illumination on the ground. The ammunition can be fired any angle, altitude or terrain including desert and snow bound areas.

QUALITY : Quality Assurance system on the product is based in accordance with ISO standard ISO-9001, IS-2500/BS-6000 and related specn JSS/BIS/IND/(ME) and store specn./Drawing.

RELIABILITY : Has an overall reliability of 97.5%.

PACKING : 12 shells are packed on a pallet provided with wooden block for fixing the shells in position. Alternatively packing can be done as per customer’s requirements. Stowage Dimensions : 1128 X 1088 X 640 mm

HAZARD CLASSIFICATION :

Compatibility G Hazard Division 1.2 Fire fighting 2

All ammo is stored according to Mil standard and is packed in originally wooden cases ready for transport and war.

The 155 mm HE ERFB RA/BB (VLAP) projectile belongs to new generation of very long range artillery projectiles designed for importantly  improving  operational range performances of a modern towed and self-propelled 155 mm gun - howitzers with 39, 45 and 52 calibre barrel length. 

The projectile design combines rocket motor and base bleed units in single projectile.

Hybrid rocked assisted/base bleed projectile is extending  the operational range of 155mm gun-howitzers from 10+ km to more than  20 km in comparison with standard ERFB/BB projectiles, depending on the barrel length  and charge used. 

It complements existing HE, HE ERFB/BT and HE ERFB/BB ammunition systems providing greater ranges, with no special training or logistic. 155 mm HE ERFB RA/BB enables  users to engage enemy targets at greater ranges, whilst being well beyond the range of their counter battery fire. It also enables long range harassment fire onto enemy logistic lines, forcing them to deploy an additional 10 - 20  kilometres from the front edge of the battle area. Its terminal effectiveness (blast and fragmentation) is   due to smaller HE charge slightly different, but not  importantly lower than HE ERFB/BB round.

Achieved results: 33% increase in range comparing to standard HE ERFB/BB base bleed projectiles (from 30.3 km to 40.8 km for 39-barrel systems and from 42 km to ~56 km with 52-barrel systems.

The unique projectile design enables simultaneously using of rocket propellant (by using of specially designed nozzles) and base bleed charges.  

 Projectile main characteristics:

• Maximum range                                                          ~56km

• Muzzle velocity                                                           ~925m/s

• Rocket motor total impulse of :                               >6500 Ns

• Rocket motor propellant charge weight:              ~3 kg

• Rocket motor specific impulse:                               >2170 Ns/kg

• Projectile total weight:                                                48 kg

• Projectile warhead section weight                          30 kg