Military

M927 ESIP Projectile, 105MM, HERA

Designed for use in both standard and modified M101, M102, and M119A1 Howitzers, the 105mm M927 HERA Cartridge provides over a 40% range increase and a significant increase in lethality over the standard M1 Cartridge. The M927 provides dramatic increases in range, area coverage, and lethality without requiring gun modification, and is an improved, long range replacement for the older 105mm M1 HE ammunition in inventories today.

The M927 is a direct variant of the U.S. Army's modern 105mm M913 HERA Projectile. The predecessor to the M927, designated the M913, is also in the 105mm ammunition stockpile. The M913 is designed exclusively for use in the M119A1 Lightweight Howitzer and has a range of 20km. The semi-fixed M927 cartridge uses the same projectile and basic rocket motor as the M913, however, the propelling charge is reduced. This reduced propelling charge (M67, Charge 7) allows the M927 projectile to be used in all U.S 105mm Howitzers (M101A1, M102, and M119A1), as well as other compatible International 105mm howitzers.

Increased HERA projectile range is accomplished through the use of Talley's modern, composite HTPB propellant rocket motor designed to survive the high "g" and high spin environment. In addition to the Propellant Grain, Talley provides a high reliability Pyrotechnic Delay Assembly, allowing the projectile to be fired rocket-on or rocket-off.

The M927 rocket motor functions approximately 15.25 seconds after leaving the gun tube, maximizing range extension. With rocket-on, the M927 provides a maximum range of nearly 17km. Using a high fragmentation HF-1 steel body, the M927 provides up to an 80% increase in lethality over the older M1 HE Cartridge. The M927 warhead contains 2.63 kg of TNT explosive fill.

The M927 is being procured to provide increased range and lethality in support of the M102 Howitzers used by U.S. Army National Guard light artillery forces.