Firing range optimization of a 155mm uni-modular charge howitzer by ETC technology

Abstract

Electrothermal-chemical (ETC) launch technology can accurately control and enhance the ignition and combustion of solid propellants to improve the consistency and accuracy of ballistics. In this paper, a calculation model including the transient burning rate formula and six-degree-of-freedom rigid body trajectory equation is established to simulate both interior and exterior ballistics processes for a 155mm uni-modular charge howitzer. The simulation results show that the muzzle velocities are optimized via the ETC technology. The 155mm uni-modular charge ETC howitzer can effectively obtain the minimum range, increase the range overlap and maximum range, and improve the ballistic stability and consistency.