Propelling charge and modular charge systems for the extended firing range

A 155 mm artillery charge system was designed. The propelling charge system uses highly progressive gun propellant compositions and geometries, a charge with low-temperature coefficient for pressure, and a pressure-compensating charge that increases pressure for the lower zones. The 155 mm artillery charge system, a highly powerful propelling charge system (HPPCS), was developed with increased muzzle velocity of 945-960 m/s for 45-56-155 mm ballistic systems. There are two ballistic options for the HPPCS. The first one is to achieve a muzzle velocity of 945 m/s with the ERFB projectile for 45-56-155 mm howitzer, and the second one is to increase muzzle velocity to 960 m/s. For both options, the bi-modular and the unimodular charge systems are employed. Firing results and numerical simulation show complete agreement in velocity, max pressure, and temperature coefficient.