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20-millimeter MK 244 APDS

This round was developed and produced by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the Mk15 Block 1B improved Phalanx system. The Mk 244 Mod O optimized tungsten alloy penetrator extends the effective range against high-speed anti-ship missile threats as well as a full spectrum of surface threats. The cartridge is an electric-primed 20-millimeter MK 244 APDS designed to function in the Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems 20-mm M61A1 gun barrel. The 20mm cartridge consists of a projectile assembly, and a M103 cartridge case with a M52A3B1 electric primer. Principle components of the projectile assembly are a pusher plug, a sub-caliber projectile (commonly referred to as the penetrator), and integral discarding sabot-driving band.

On 20 July 2004 the NAVSURFWARCENDIV Crane IN announced a requirement for a five-year IDIQ effort for a minimum of 150,000 and a maximum of 1,200,000 Cartridge, 20MM Linked, Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot, MK 244 Mod 0 in accordance with Automated Data List (ADL) 53711-7497064B, associated drawings, specifications, CDRLS, and Quality Assurance Provisions to be provided in the solicitation package. The Government requires a quantity of 800 first article units, which are not part of the production units. First article units may be waived if the same items have been furnished and accepted by the Government. A safety survey will be required prior to award of the contact to ensure contractors comply with the requirements of DFAR 252.223-7002 and 252.223-7003. Contractors must be registered with the Central Contractor Registration database and must be certified under the Joint Certification Program in order to receive the technical package. Delivery is required F.O.B. origin. First article units are due to be manufactured and tested, and the first article test report completed, within 180 days after contract award. Production units are due 180 days after the first article test report is approved. The Government intends to award to the responsible contractor whose offer is the best value to the Government considering past perfor mance and price related factors.

In June the Naval Surface Warfare Center - Dahlgren Division, on behalf of the Program Manager for Conventional Ammunition, solicited [N00178-03-Q-1039] sources of non-development improvements to the existing 20mm MK 244 Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) propellant. Improvements must include a non-compaction (loose filled) or single compaction propellant which maintains an Insensitive Munitions (IM) certification. The propellant is required to meet MIL-P-3984J (Amendment), Propellant for Small Arms Ammunition, MIL-STD-2105B, Hazard Assessment Tests for Non-Nuclear Munitions, and MIL-STD- 286C, Propellants Solids: Sampling Examination and Testing.

The average velocity requirements for cartridges conditioned at 70 plus or minus 2 degrees F, measured at 78 feet from the test barrel muzzle, shall be 3610 plus or minus 50 feet per second (fps). The standard deviation of the measured test velocities shall be 25 fps or less for cartridges condition at minus 20, plus 70, and plus 130 degrees F. For MK 244 reference cartridges, the grand average of the velocity shall be 3610 plus or minus 20 fps and the pooled standard deviation shall not exceed 20 fps.

The average velocity for the waterproof test cartridges shall be within 100 fps of the average velocity of the dry test cartridges (as described above). The standard deviation of the measured test velocities shall be 28 fps or less. If the velocity requirement and/or standard deviation requirement is not met, a second sample of double the original sample size shall be tested. The cumulative (original sample (20) plus second sample (40)) test results shall meet waterproof requirements.

The action time between application of voltage to firing pin and exit of the projectile from the muzzle shall not exceed 4.5 milliseconds (ms) at cartridge temperatures of minus 20 degrees F, 70 degrees F, and 130 degrees F. The average action time plus four (4) standard deviations of each test sample of the cartridges at minus 20 degrees F, 70 degrees F, and 130 degrees F shall not exceed 4.5 ms.

The average peak case mouth pressure of the MK 244 cartridges at plus 70 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F shall not exceed 61,600 pounds per square inch (psi). The average peak case mouth pressure of the MK 244 cartridges at plus 70 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F plus three (3) standard deviations of peak case mouth pressure shall not exceed 67,300 psi. No individual MK 244 cartridge conditioned to plus 70 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F shall have a peak case mouth pressure that exceeds 70,000 psi. The average peak case mouth pressure of the MK 244 cartridges at minus 20 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F shall not exceed 61,600 pounds per square inch (psi). The average peak case mouth pressure of the MK 244 cartridges, conditioned to minus 20 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F, plus three (3) standard deviations shall not exceed 67,300 psi. No individual MK 244 cartridge, conditioned to minus 20 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F, shall have a peak case mouth pressure that exceeds 70, 000 psi. The average peak case mouth pressure of the MK 244 cartridges at plus 130 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F shall not exceed 65,400 pounds per square inch (psi). The average peak case mouth pressure of the MK 244 cartridges, conditioned to plus 130 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F, plus three (3) standard deviations shall not exceed 71,000 psi. No individual MK 244 cartridge, conditioned to plus 130 degrees plus or minus 2 degrees F, shall have a peak case mouth pressure that exceeds 72,900 psi.

The loose filled or single compacted propellant must meet all of the performance requirements above while maintaining a flame temperature between 2600 and 2800 degrees K. The flame temperature must be held within this interval in order to satisfy the Navy's current barrel life expectancy of 10,000 rounds.