Replica Modeling of the Launch and Flight Dynamics of Projectiles.

An experimental program has been conducted to determine the limits of applicability of replica model scaling of gun systems. A one-third scale model of the 105mm, M68 tank gun and the M392 kinetic energy projectile are tested. Data are taken on the interior ballistics, muzzle blast, sabot discard dynamics, and exterior ballistics of the model. Comparison of the test results with available information on the full scale system shows that, as anticipated, accurate reproduction of the interior and exterior ballistics is achieved; however, while gross similarity in the sabot discard is observed, the magnitude of the launch disturbance in the two systems is not identical. (Author)