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721 views64 pagesTM 9 1901 1 1957 PDF
Uploaded by
Chainarong KongchanCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY iM }=1|9}(H) le]
TECHNICAL MANUAL
scrarrmenrertee 1) (Ah39
AMMUNITION
FOR
AIRCRAFT
GUNS
DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY AND THE AIR FORCE
DECEMBER 1957This manual is correct lo 21 August 1957
*TM9-1901-1/TO 11A-1-39
TecunicaL Manuat DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY AND
No. 9-1901-1 THE AIR FORCE
Trcunicat Orver
No. 11A-1-39 Wasnineton 25, D. C., 18 December 1957
AMMUNITION FOR AIRCRAFT GUNS
Paragraphs Page
Cuaprer
Section I, Introduction... ..-. a - ) 2
IL. General disenssion._- - 3-13 3
Cuarter 2. CARTRIDGES
Section I. Cartridges for caliber .50 aircraft guns.. 2. 22. 430A
UL, Cartridges for 20-mm gun M3... -3I-4E 2
I. wtridges for 20-mm gun M24A1__ 42-52, 28
. iges for 20-mm guns M39, M39A1, and MGI
1703) peeves pcos raey ene nerve -- «= - - — 53-08 32
Carrer 3. FUZES, PROPELLING CHARGE
PRIMERS
Section I. Fures for cartridges for 20-mm aircraft guns........ 64-67 44
II. Propelling charges for cartridges for aircraft guns_.--. 68, 69 48
TIL. Primers for eartridges f 7-74 49
Cuarren 4. DEMOLITION OF AMMUNITION TO
PREVENT E? 75,76 SI
Avvenvix REFERENCES... - 52
nb) = one 56
Aw1=22), 11 September 1950, including
*This manual supersedes those portions of TM 91901
‘munition for alreraft guns,
changes Not (HO SoBe I250), 12"blareh 1350 that portln toCHAPTER 1
GENERAL
Section |. INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose and Scope
‘This manual is intended for instruction and the dissemination of general
and technical information concerning ammunition for aircraft guns (cal
.50 machine guns and 20-mm guns). ‘This manual covers the general
characteristics of ammunition for aircraft guns, specific data, means of
identification, precautions in handling and use, and general information
on packing. General technical information pertaining to all types and
kinds of conventional ammunition and explosives is contained in
TM 9-1900/TO 11A-1-20. General information on care, handling, pres-
ervation, storing, and shipping of ammunition and explosives, and their
demolition to prevent enemy use is contained in TM 9-1903/TO 11A-1-37.
Small-arms cartridges with detailed data are covered in ‘TM 9-1990/TO
11A-13-1-101, ‘These publications should be available for use as required
in connection with this manual.
2. Arrangement of Text
a. Sections I and IT of chapter 1 cover purpose and scope, arrangement
of text, definition, classifications, standard nomenclature, Federal stock
number and Department of Defense Identification Code, classification
of ammunition for aircraft guns, means of identification, grade of ammuni-
tion, explosive charges, and packing and marking for shipment.
b. Section I of chapter 2 presents specific data for ammunition for
caliber .50 aircraft guns.
c. Sections IT through IV of chapter 2 deal with specific data on am-
munition for 20-mm guns M3, M24A1, M39, M39A1, and M61 (T171E3).
d. Chapter 3 describes fuzes, propelling charges, and primers for am-
munition for aireraft guns.
e. Chapter 4 presents methods for the demolition of ammunition to
prevent enemy use.
f. A list of references is given in the appendix.
2Section Il. GENERAL DISCUSSION
3. Definitions
Ammunition for caliber .50 and 20-mm aircraft guns is classed as fixed
ammunition, Certain components have the same nomenclatures while
the missiles are known as projectiles in 20-mm cartridges and as bullets
in caliber .50 small-arms ammunition, A round of fixed aircraft ammuni-
tion consists of a cartridge case, a projectile or bullet, a quantity of
propellent grains, and a primer. Certain 20-mm projectiles contain high
explosives and are assembled with point-detonating fuzes. Upon impact
of the percussion firing pin or upon closure of the electrical circuit, the
composition within the primer is detonated; flames thereof in turn ignite
the propellent grains. The high pressure of the generated combustion
gases forces the projectile or bullet out of the cartridge case and drives
this missile out of the weapon at high velocity. Upon impact, the fuze
causes initiation of the explosive with certain 20-mm projectiles. Initia
tion of incendiary composition within other type projectiles or bullets is
caused by the crushing force and heat generated upon impact. Throughout
storage, feeding, and firing, the cartridge case acts as a container for the
other cartridge components and also, during firing, prevents the rearward
escape of propellent gases. As indicated by its classification of fixed
ammunition, such cartridges are manufactured for issue and are as self-
contained units; disassembly, modification of the propellent charge, and/or
change of projectiles is not intended.
4. Classification
a, Caliber .50 ammunition is classified according to type as ball, armor-
piercing, incendiary, tracer, armor-piercing-incendiary, armor-piercing-
incendiary-tracer, blank, dummy, and high-pressure test. Caliber .50
ammunition is classified according to use as service and special, which
includes training and test ammunition.
b. Twenty-millimeter ammunition is classified according to type as
armor-piercing-incendiary, _armor-piercing-incendiary-
tracer, ball, high-explosive with incendiary, incendiary, dummy, high-
pressure test, and target practice. Twenty-millimeter ammunition is
classified according to use as service and special, which includes training
and test ammunition.
5. Standard Nomenclature
Standard nomenclature is established in order that each item supplied
may be identified specifically by name. Standard nomenclature con-
sists of an item name, a colon, and additional item identification estab-
lished in accordance with Federal Item Identification Guides for Supply
Cataloging. lor ammunition for aircraft guns, other than blank and
dummy ammunition, the item name consists of the word “cartridge”
3followed by its caliber. ‘The additional item identification consists of
the word “electric” if the cartridge contains an electric primer, type of
projectile, model number, and any further description necessary to eom-
pletely identify the item. This description should include the words
“steel case” if the cartridge case is steel, fuze nomenclature if the cartridge
is fuzed, and the word “linked” if the cartridges are packed in cartridge
links. The nomenclature for blank and dummy ammunition for aireraft
guns differs from that for the other types of projectiles in that the type
of projectile is inserted immediately before, instead of after, the colon
and thus forms part. of the item name. The use of item names approved
by the Cataloging Division of the Office of the Director of Cataloging,
Standardization, and Inspection is mandatory. Standard nomenclature
should be used for all purposes of record. Ammunition items are listed
alphabetically and numerically, grouped by caliber or weapon, in Depart-
ment of the Army supply manuals and Department of the Air Force
stock lists.
6. Federal Stock Number and Department of
Defense Identification Code
The Federal stock number has replaced the Ammunition Identification
Code (AIC) and item stock number. There is a different Federal stock
number for each item of supply as packed. The first four positions in
a Federal stock number are always the class in which the item belongs.
The next seven positions in the Federal stock number are called the
Federal Item Identification Number (lIIN). The dash between the
third and fourth position in the I'IIN is to reduce err in transmitting.
‘There is a different FIIN for each item in a Department of the Army
supply manual and United States Air Force stock list. Thus, the lederal
stock number is composed of the Class (first four positions) and the
FILN (next seven positions). In addition to the Federal stock number.
a Department of Defense Identification Code for interchangeability of
ammunition and explosive supplies consisting of four positions, a letter
and three digits, has been added as a suffix to the Federal stock number.
This code groups items together which are completely interchangeable
as to function and use. Wherever the same code is used as a suffix to
two or more Federal stock numbers, the items are interchangeable for
issue and use.
7. Grade of Ammui
a. Ammunition for 20-mm aireralt guns is not graded;
lots thereof are serviceable for issue and use in all applicable weapons
b. Due to the varying characteristics of the several types of caliber .50
weapons, applicability of immediate action, and the location of the gunner
relative to the weapon, caliber.50 ammunition is classified aseither grade
AC or grade MG for purposes of identification, issue, and use. Caliber .50
4ammunition lots indicating minimum or no probabilities of misfires or
other malfunctions which may cause stoppages in remote weapons is
classified as grade AC for use in aircraft and antiaircraft machine guns.
All other ammunition lots within allowable specification limits are classi-
fied as grade MG for use in ground machine guns under the immediate,
direct control of the gunner.
8. Propellants in Ammunition
‘The components in the propelling charge train are an electric primer
ov a percussion primer and a propelling charge. ‘The firing pin ignites
the primer by means of impact or electrical impulse and the flame passes
through the vent leading to the propellent chamber and ignites the pro-
pelling charge; the expansion of the resultant gases forces the bullet or
projectile out through the bore of the weapon.
9. Identification
a. General. Ammunition is identified completely, except as to grade,
by packing and marking ineluding the ammunition lot number, on original
packing containers. Applicable grade of the caliber .50 ammunition lot
is indicated by the Federal stock number. Linked cartridges for 20-mm
gun M3 or M24A1 require that packing containers be marked to indicate
right hand or left hand feed. When removed from its original packing
containers, the full identity of the ammunition, including the lot number,
nomenclature, and model designation, should be noted on issue slips,
temporary containers, or by means of tags attached to ammunition belts.
b. Model. To identify a particular design, a model designation is
assigned at the time the model is classified as an adopted type. This
model designation becomes an essential part of the item name and is
included in the marking of the item. Model designation consists of the
letter M followed by an Arabic numeral, for example, M1. Modifications
are indicated by adding the letter A and the appropriate Arabic numeral.
Thus, M1A1 indicates the first modification of an item for which the
original model designation was MJ. Wherever the letter B, followed
by an Arabic number, appears in a model designation, it indicates an
item of alternative (or substitute) design, material, or manufacture.
A design which has not been classified as an adopted type, but which
may have been accepted for limited procurement, has a model designation
consisting of the letter T followed by an Arabic numeral. A design
modification which has not been standardized is indicated by the addition
of the letter E and the appropriate Arabic numeral
¢. Ammunition Lot Number. When ammunition is manufactured, an
ammunition lot number is assigned in accordance with pertinent specifiea~
tions. As an essential part of the marking, this lot number is stamped
or marked on the item, size permitting, as well as on all packing containers.
It is required for all purposes of record, including reports on condition,
5functioning, and accidents in which the ammunition is involved. To
provide for the most uniform functioning, all of the components in any one
lot are manufactured under as nearly identical conditions as practicable.
d. Painting and Marking.
(1) Painting. Ammunition is painted primarily to prevent rust.
Secondary purposes are to provide, by the color, a ready means
of identification and, by the use of lusterless paint, for camou-
flage. Ammunition for caliber .50 machine guns does not require
painting. However, the bullet tips of cartridges are painted a
distinctive color to aid in identifying cartridges as to type.
Ammunition for 20-mm guns may be identified as to type by
the color of the projectile. Refer to Department of the Army
Supply Manual 9-5~1305/United States Air Force Stock List
1300 for detailed information on identification of 20-mm and
caliber .50 ammunition. Distinctive colors used to identify
types of cartridges covered in this manual are listed in table I.
Marking. There is no marking on the bullet for caliber .50
ammunition. ‘The manufacturer’s initials and year of manufac-
ture is stamped in the metal on the base of the cartridge case
for all caliber .50 ammunition. Caliber and type of weapon in
which fired, e.g., “20 G” or “20 MM” for, 20-mm gun, type and
model of cartridge are stenciled on the projectile for 20-mm
ammunition. The stenciling may include the ammunition lot.
number. In addition, the rotating band is stamped with the
ammunition lot number, year of loading, and caliber and model
number of the cartridge. ELEC is stenciled on the base of the
cartridge case of cartridges for the 20-mm gun M24A1 to indicate
the presence of an electric primer. Inert projectiles, such as
those used in target: practice and also all items listed in supply
manuals as standard for issue, are suitably identified when
marked INERT, EMPTY, or DUMMY, as appropriate. Other
inert or empty components or rounds will be identified by drilled
holes in addition to the impressed marking INERT, EMPTY,
DRILL, or DUMMY. When the size of the item permits, the
holes will be four in number, not smaller than 14 inch in diameter,
and drilled through the item 90 degrees apart. When compo-
nents are deemed to be too small for the impressed markings,
holes of lesser number and smaller diameter are required. The
correct marking for items in which all explosives and incendiary
materials are simulated by inert materials, is INERT. The
correct marking for items from which the explosives and incen-
diary materials have been removed. is EMPTY. Items manu-
factured with all explosives and incendiary materials omitted
require the marking EMPTY, DRILL, or DUMMY, as
appropriate.
(2)Table I
Color Identification of Cartridges for Airoraft Guns
Caliber .50 cartridges
Color of tip of bullet
Black
Aluminum color.
Blue with aluminum color annulus to the
rear,
Red with aluminum color annulus to the
rear.
None...
None (tinned cartridge ease)... -
Light blues. 20s
Blue with light blue annulus to the rear
Red...
|
None (4 holes in cartridge case)......--
‘Type of cartridge
Armor-piercing
Armor-piereing-incendiary, M8
Armor-piereing-incendiary, T49
Armor-piercing-ineendiary-tracer, M20
Ball
Dummy
High-pressure test
Incendiary, MI
Incendiary, M23
Tracer, M1 and headlight tracer, M21
Orange... Tracer, M10
Brown. - Tracer, MIT
20-mm cartridges
Color of
Cotor of projectile tacking ‘Type of cartridge
+
Black... _-.....| White.._.| Armor-piereing, armor-piereing-tracer,
ball, dummy, and target practice.
Black with light blue nose White _.| Armor-piercing-incendiary
Olive-drab ogive and red body--| Blac
Gray with light blue nose___ Biael
High-explosive-incendiary
Incendiary10. Care, Handling, and Preservation
Ammunition for aircraft guns is packed to withstand conditions ordi-
narily encountered in the field, moisture-resistant containers and suitable
packing boxes or crates being used to provide the desired protection for
shipment and storage. For precautions and instructions for the care,
handling, and preservation of ammunition for 20-mm and caliber .50
aireraft guns, refer to TM 9-1908/TO 11A-L-37.
11. Storage Precautions
Ammunition for aircraft guns consists of metals, which are subject. to
corrosion, and chemical agents and explosives, which are subject to
decomposition during storage. In order to preserve the ammunition
during storage most effectively, the precautions given in TM 9~1903/
TO 11A-1-37 should be observed.
12, Packing and Marking
a. In general, caliber .50 ammunition is either bulk packed in 10-round
cartons or functionally packed in metallic belt cartridge links in either
watertight metal liners or hermetically sealed cans in wooden boxes or
in self-sealing caliber .50 metal boxes in wirebound wooden hoxes.
Twenty-millimeter ammunition is bulk packed in cartons in metal-lined
wooden boxes or in hermetically sealed metal cans in wooden boxes or
self-sealing metal boxes; it is also functionally packed in disintegrating
belt cartridge links in hermetically sealed metal cans in wooden boxes or
self-sealing metal boxes. Vor purposes of ready issue and use, ammunition
for aircraft guns is functionally packed in cartridge links, either as indi-
vidual types or in several ratios of two or more types. As an example, a
caliber .50 functional lot may be belted in the ratio of four caliber 50
API, M8 cartridges to one caliber .50 API-T, M20 cartridge. For con-
venience in identification and record keeping, such caliber .50 lots are
identified by functional (repacked) lot numbers; component lots thereof
are marked on the outer packing box or on a reference card within the
packing box. For detailed information on packing caliber .50 and 20-mm
ammunition, refer to Department of the Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/
United States Air Voree Stock List 1300.
b. Each outer shipping container and all inner containers are fully
marked to identify the ammunition contained therein. These markings
clude the descriptive nomenclature, including the word LINKED if
the cartridges are packed in cartridge links, ammunition lot. number, and
the number of rounds. In addition to the above, the outer shipping
container also is marked with the Federal stock number, Department. of
Defense Identification Code, Interstate Commerce Commission shipping
hame, average weight, cube, and ordnance insignia. Metal boxes are
painted olive drab and marked in yellow. Some wooden boxes are stained
light brown and marked in yellow. ‘Those of current. manufacture areunstained and marked in black, ‘The wooden box M23 is a typical
packing box which is used for both caliber .50 cartridges (fig. 1) and 20-mm
cartridges (fig. 2). Packing for ammunition for the 20-mm gun M39
series is differentiated from that for the 20-mm gun M61 by marking
the model number of the applicable cartridge link on the outer packing
container. A space is left blank in front of the word LINKS which
appears on the side of the container. Model number T61153 is inserted
in the blank space if the ammunition in the box is for the gun M39 series.
If the ammunition is for the gun M61, model number 'I76 is inserted
in the blank space.
RA PD 213052
Figure 1. Caliber 50 ammunition pneking box M23.
13. Forms and Reports
a, Authorized Forms. ‘The forms generally applicable to units operating
this materiel are listed in the appendix. Tor a listing of all forms, refer
to DA Pam 310-2. For instructions on use of these forms, refer to
FM 9-10.
b. Field Reports of Accidents. Lf an accident or malfunction involving
the use of ammunition occurs during training or combat, the range officer
for a unit in training or the officer or noncommissioned officer in charge
of the firing unit in combat immediately will discontinue firing ammunition
of the lot which malfunctions. He then will report the occurrence and
all pertinent facts of the accidents or malfunction to the technical service
officer under whose supervision the ammunition for the unit involved is
9maintained or issued, in order that the action prescribed in AR 385-63/
AFR 50-13, SR 385-10-40 (AFR 136-9), and SR 700-45-6 may be
taken. [t is particularly helpful if the evidence of a malfunction round
or rounds, for instance cartridges, weapons. fuzes, ete., can be preserved
for study by designated ordnance laboratories. If conditions of combat
preclude immediate compliance, the action prescribed above will he taken
as soon as practicable.
RAPD 213048
Figure 2. 20-MM Aminunition packing box M23.Section I.
14. General
a. General Discussion
Table HW.
CHAPTER 2
CARTRIDGES
CARTRIDGES FOR CALIBER .50 AIRCRAFT GUNS
A round of caliber .50 ammunition (fig. 3)
consists of a bullet, a propelling charge, a primer, and a cartridge case,
all assembled into & unit assembly (table ID.
Weights of Caliber 50 Anmunition
(in grains; maxima permitted in manufacture)
Cartridge
AP, M2
1, 8128
APT, M8. 1,739 850.
or
1,726"
APT, T49__-| 1,591} 850
API-T, M20 | 1,698] 850 |
(128) o ||
Ball, M33. 850
Incendiary, | 1,703) 850
Mi. |
Incendiary, ; 1,581 | 850
M28 (148)
‘Tracer, ML:
w/gilding 850
metal
jacket. |
w/elad 1,750 | 850
steel
jacket
See footnotes at end of table
233 |
252
230
240
| 19.06 5
é
|
|
|
19.06 718 |
|ro8:
1.065 622 |
on
\osor |
19.06 [501 :
19.06 [624
19.06 |66
19.06 [6
19.06 [681
19.06 [641
ater
& | pa | Point Base
3 bz filler filler
a | 63
408} 207 |.__- racer and
| igniter
| Comp-70.
368 | 207 ap co
WTable LI, Weights of Caliber 50 Ammunition
(Li grains; maxims permitted in manufacture)—continued
Hoslter
| pine | Mase
| er filler
240 | 19.06 641
=
Tracer, MIO
igni
Comp-70.
Tracer and
igniter
Comp-77.
‘Tracer and
‘Tracer, M17 | 1,742 | 850) 225
|
'
19.06 |648 | 368 207 |
(T9) | | |
!
light, M21
(THE
w/eilding- | 1,779 | 850| 240
metal |
jncket
w/elad
steel
jacket.
Blank, MI sor| 850] 46) 19.06) --
(40). | |
Dummy, M2:
w/stvel
bullet.
w/gilding- |
metal | 1,254) 8502 a
bullet | | |
HPT, Mi_--) 2,108] 850 | 240 | 19.06 /o99 | 268 | Front i
‘Tracer, head- | |
| 19.06 [704 207 ‘Tracer ang
| igniter
Hl | Comp-93.
1,739 | 850 | 240 pis 06 [664 |
---| Wad,
1.5)
1,214 | 85044 | [364 s0s| © 1
Wor | 40d) 0) |) J -
Weight with alternative mnanganese-molybdenum steel rore,
2 Steel cartridge eave whieh may be wed weighs 750 rains
2 Miter 1 Junmry 1042, no hllet core, sug. oF filler Ws ised in manufacture of dummy cartridges M2
b. Bullet. Bullets for service use have a metal core or slug, which is
covered with a gilding-metal or gilding-metal-clad steel jacket. ‘Tracer
Iuillets have a lead alloy core or slug, whereas all other bullet types have
steel cores. Ball, M2; Ball, M33; Incendiary, M1 and some lots of
Incendiary, M23 bullets have soft steel cores which are not intended for
armor penetration; all armor-piercing type bullets have hardened steel
alloy cores. Armor-piercing bullets have a point filler of antimony-lead
between the jacket and the core. Ball M33 bullets have a point filler
consisting of inert material such as sodium carbonate, monohydrate.
Incendiary composition is the point filler for armor-piercing-incendiary,
armor-piercing-incendiary-tracer, and incendiary bullets. Armor-piere-
ing-incendiary-tracer and tracer bullets have a base filler of igniter and
12tracer compositions in the base of the core. Armor-piercing-incendiary
bullets have a base filler of lead. Bullets have a cylindrical or conically
tapered base. ‘The cylindrical hase is called “square” and the tapered
base is called “boattailed.” A cannelure or annular knurled groove is
rolled or cut into the jacket to provide a recess into which the cartridge
case is crimped. A second eannelure or knurl may be present on some
bullet types, such as the incendiary bullet, as a means of identification
during manufacture.
c. Propellent Charge. Aromunition for aircraft guns of current manu-
facture may contain either single base (nitrocellulose) or double base
(nitrocellulose-nitroglycerin) types of propellant. Caliber 560 ammunition
of World War IT production contained only single base propellent charges.
Dependent upon the desired characteristics, each type of propellant may
be of flake, tubular, spherical, or a modified spherical shape. Propellent
charges for each cartridge type may vary slightly in daily production
to counterbalance slight differences in burning characteristics and residual
moisture content. Granulations of the propellant and weights of the
cartridge charges are established in accordance with specification require-
ments of velocity and pressure for each type of cartridge. See paragraph
69 for more detailed information.
d. Primer. ‘The primer consists of a brass or gilding-metal cup which
contains a primer-composition pellet of sensitive explosive, a paper disk,
and a brass anvil. See paragraph 74 for description of these primers.
e. Cartridge Case. The cartridge case is made of drawn brass. The
cartridge case for the dummy cartridge M2 may be made of drawn
steel. It serves as a means whereby the other components (primer,
propelling charge, and bullet) are assembled into a unit, the cartridge.
Another of its functions is to expand and seal the chamber against the
escape of gases to the rear when the cartridge is fired. This action is
known as obturation. To make the cartridge waterproof and to keep
the propelling charge dry, the primer is sealed in the primer seat and the
bullet is sealed in the neck of the cartridge case by a thin film of lacquer
or varnish at the time of manufacture. An extractor groove, turned
in the head of the cartridge case, provides a means of removing the case
from the chamber of the weapon.
f. Identification.
(1) The type, caliber, model, and ammunition lot number, including
the symbol of the manufacturer, are necessary for complete
identification of caliber .50 ammunition.
(2) From the cartridge itself, the ammunition may be identifie:
except for lot number, by—
(a) The appearance of the cartridge and the color of the painted
bullet tip (see fig. 4 and table I).
(b) The stamping on the base of the cartridge case. Because of
its small size, the marking on small-arms ammunition is the
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14stamping of the manulacturer’s initials and year of manufac-
ture on the base of the cartridge case. lor example, “IA 53”
means the lot. was loaded at Frankford Arsenal in 1953.
(3) From packings and containers, and markings thereon, the am-
munition can generally be completely identified hy—
(a) Markings on the original packing boxes and cartons.
(b) A functional reference data card inserted in each packing
box containing functional lots of ammunition when component
lots of the functional lot have not been marked on the outer
packing box. Formerly, an identification card, usually 644 x
15, was sealed inside the metal liner on top of ammunition
in each box.
g. Packaging.
(1). The containers and methods for packing caliber 50 ammunition
are given in the drawings, specifications, and Department of
the Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/United States Air lorce
Stock List 1300. Containers presently being manufactured have
been designed to withstand all conditions commonly encountered
in handling, storing, and transporting the ammunition
(2) With few exceptions, caliber .50 ammunition is issued in metal
containers packed for shipment in wooden boxes. ‘There are
two types of metal containers: Hermetically sealed can opened
by means of a key and tear strip and metal boxes having hinged
covers sealed hy means of a rubber gasket.
(3) Packing materials used by Field Service for caliber .50 ammuni-
tion which are classed as containers, packaging, and packing
supplies are listed in Department of the Army supply manuals
and United States Air Force stock lists covering ICS group 81.
‘These include boxes and cartons and certain box components.
Box components which are classed as hardware, such as wingnuts
and serewhooks, are listed in Department of the Army supply
manuals and United States Air Force stock lists covering FCS
group 53. Cartridge clips and cartridge links are classed as
ammunition components and are listed in Department of the
Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/United States Air Force Stock
List 1300.
15. Ballistics
‘The trajectories of caliber .50 service bullets, except those in the incen-
diary M23 and API T49 cartridges, for aircraft use match at 1,000 yards.
‘The time of flight does not differ by more than 1/10 second under specified
conditions. The bullets of incendiary M23 and API 49 cartridges are
lighter than other service bullets weighing approximately 500 grains and
have a muzzle velocity of 3,450 feet per second. ‘They also have matched
ballisties.
15BALL, M33,
ALUMINUM COLOR.
rN
La
545 MAX
UGHT BLUE, BLUE
INC, 23
I+ BROWN
HIGH PRESSURE TEST, MI
CARTRIDGE,
unt RAPD 108608
Figure 4. Caliber 50 cartridges.
1616. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Armor-Piercing, M2
a. Cartridge. This cartridge is designed for use against armored air
craft, armored vehicles, concrete shelters, and similar bullet-resisting
targets. The cartridge is 5.45 inches long. It may be identified by the
black bullet tip.
b. Bullet. The bullet consists of three parts: A gilding-metal jacket, a
hardened core of tungsten-chrome or manganese molybdenum steel, and
a point filler of an antimony-lead alloy. ‘The overall length of the bullet
is 2.31 inches. ‘The base has a 9-degree taper beginning 0.386 inch from
the base.
17. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, M8
a. Cartridge. This cartridge is a round for caliber .50 machine guns.
It replaces the incendiary cartridge M1 and armor-piereing cartridge M2
for manufacture and issue. ‘This cartridge is 5.45 inches long. It is
identified by the aluminum color bullet tip.
b. Bullet. The bullet contains the same core as the armor-piercing
bullet, caliber .50, M2, but the point filler is replaced by an incendiary
composition and the bullet also contains a lead alloy base filler seal.
‘The length of the bullet is 2.31 inches.
18. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, T49
a, Cartridge. ‘This cartridge is for use only in caliber .50 aircraft ma-
chine guns. It has a higher velocity than the API cartridge, caliber .50,
M8 and is intended for use with the incendiary cartridge, caliber .50,
M23 (T48), since it has similar exterior ballistics. ‘This cartridge is 5.45
inches in length. It may be identified by the bullet tip, which is painted
medium blue with an aluminum color annulus to the rear.
b. Bullet. The bullet consists of three parts: A gilding-metal jacket,
a hardened manganese-molybdenum steel core, and a point filler of an
antimony-lead alloy. The bullet has a square base and is shorter, being
1.935 inches in length, than API bullet, caliber .50, M8
19. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Armor-Piercing-
Incendiary-Tracer, M20
a. Cartridge. This cartridge is for caliber .50 machine guns. It is
similar to the armor-piercing-incendiary caliber .50, M8 cartridge, with
the addition of a tracer element. As this bullet has its own tracer, the
use of tracer cartridges for the production of traces is unnecessary in
machine gun belts. The cartridge is 5.45 inches long. It is identified
by the tip of the bullet, which is painted red with an aluminum annulus
to its rear. :
b. Bullet. The bullet is similar to the armor-piercing-incendiary bullet,
caliber .50, M8, but it differs in having a trace. Visible trace begins at
approximately 100 yards from muzzle and continues to at least 1,600 yards.
720. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Ball, M33
a. Cartridge. This cartridge was designed to replace the ball cartridge
M2 as an item of issue and to duplicate ballistics of an inert caliber .50
API cartridge M8. Tt is designed for general use where tracer, incendiary,
or armor penetration characteristics are not important considerations.
The cartridge is 5.45 inches long and does not have any bullet point
identification coloring. As its visual appearance is the same as the ball
cartridge M2, this cartridge will be identified by markings on the packing
containers. Headstamp markings are a further means of identifying
ball M2 and ball M33 cartridges; the last lot of ball cartridges M2 was
produced in 1950, whereas the first lot of ball cartridge M33 was manu-
factured in 1951.
b. Bullet. The bullet consists of three parts: A jacket of gilding metal
or gilding metal clad steel, a soft steel core, and an inert point. filler.
‘The overall length of the bullet is (tapered) 2.31 inches. It has a boat-
tailed base.
21. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Incendiary, M1
a. Cartridge. ‘This cartridge is an item of issue for use in caliber .50
machine guns. The cartridge is 5.45 inches long. It may be identified
by the bullet tip, which is painted light blue, and by a second, knurled
cannelure rolled into the bullet jacket.
b. Bullet. The bullet consists of a gilding-metal jacket, a hollow,
cylindrical, steel body. a lead-antimony base slug, and a core and point
filler of incendiary composition. The bullet is 2.09 inches long and has
a square (cylindrical) base.
22. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Incendiary, M23
a. Cartridge. This cartridge is an item of issue for use only in caliber
50 aircraft machine guns. It has a higher velocity than the incendiary
cartridge M1 and is more effective as an incendiary against aviation
kerosene. The cartridge is 5.45 inches long. It may be identified by
the bullet tip, which is painted medium blue with a light blue annulus
to the rear.
b. Bullet. The bullet is similar in external appearance to the incendiary
bullet M1. The bullet M23 consists of a gilding-metal jacket, a clad
steel container, a lead-antimony base slug, and an incendiary composition.
‘The weight of incendiary composition is greater than that in the incendiary
bullet M1. The bullet is 2.290 inches long and has a square (cylindrical)
base.
23. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Tracer, M1
a. Cartridge. ‘This cartridge is an item for observation of fire in caliber
50 machine guns. It is limited to use for training purposes only. It
is replaced for combat use by the CARTRIDGE, CALIBER .50: tracer,MU7. Care must be exercised when using this cartridge to prevent it
from igniting dry vegetation on the range. This cartridge is 5.45 inches
long. It is identified by the tip of the bullet, which is painted red
b. Bullet. The bullet consists of three parts: A gilding-metal or a
gilding-metal clad steel jacket, an antimony-lead alloy slug, which fills
the forward end of the jacket, and tracer and igniter compositions which
fill the balance. Unlike the bullets for armor-piercing and ball cartridges,
this bullet is cylindrical to the base which is open to permit the propelling
charge to ignite the tracer composition. The overall length of the bullet is
2.40 inches. ‘The trace begins at a distance not greater than 250 feet
from the weapon; the range of the trace is about 1,600 to 1,800 yards.
24. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Tracer, M10
a. Cartridge, ‘This cartridge is for observation of fire in all calil
raft machine guns. It serves the same purposes as the tracer ¢
tridge M1. ‘The cartridge is 5.45 inches long. It may he identified by
the bullet tip, which is painted orange.
b. Bullet. The description and exterior ballistics for the tracer bullet
M1 with gilding-metal clad steel jacket are applicable to the tracer bullet
M10, except that the M10 has a dim trace for the first 225 yards of flight
followed by a bright. trace to 1,600 to 1,900 yards.
25. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Tracer, M17
a. Cartridge. ‘Vhis cartridge can be used as a substitute for the API T
cartridge, caliber .50, M20 except that. penetration is not so great. It
replaces the tracer cartridge M1 for use in caliber .50 aircraft machine
guns. The cartridge is 5.45 inches long. It may be identified by the
bullet tip. which is painted brown. ‘The tips of bullets manufactured
prior fo 1952 were painted maroon
b. Bullet. The description and exterior ballisties for the tracer bullet
MI with gilding-metal clad steel jacket are applicable to the tracer bullet
M17, except that the M17 has a bright trace to approximately 2,450
yards of flight. ‘Trace begins at a point not greater than 250 yards from
the weapon. ‘Tracer cartridges M17 manufactured since 1950 contain
a gilding-metal cup or a vinylite disk, designated as a bullet. base closure
seal, in the base of the bullet. ‘This seal is intended to prevent chemical
action between the bullet tracer composition and the residual moisture
in the propellant and, accordingly, to prolong the shel! life of this cartridge
26. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Tracer, Headlight, M21
a, Cartridge. This cartridge is for caliber .50 aircraft: machine guns
for use in combat. against other aircraft. When viewed from the front,
its trace, due to the use of certain igniter composition instead of tracer
composition such as is used in tracer bullet M1, is three times as brilliant
as the frace of the tracer bullet M1. The tracer M21 has some incendiary
effect at 150 and 350 yards, but is negligible at 600 vards. ‘The cartridge
50
air
19is 5.45 inches long. It may be identified by the bullet tip, which is
painted red.
b. Bullet. The description and exterior ballistics of the tracer bullet
ML are applicable to the tracer bullet M21, except that the M21 has a
very bright trace to approximately 550 yards.
27. Cartridge, Caliber .50 Blank: M1
This blank cartridge is for use in aircraft caliber .50 machine guns when
these weapons are fitted with blank firing attachments for training opera-
tions. The cartridge is 3.910 inches long. It is identified by the absence
of the bullet. ‘The cartridge case has a slight annular groove about
inch from the mouth; this serves as the seat for the w: The wad
is a disk punched out of strawboard sheet 1/16 inch thick; it is lacquered
on both sides before insertion into the mouth of the case. After loading.
a heavy coat of vermillion lacquer is applied to the wad and the mouth
is crimped.
28. Cartridge, Caliber 50 Dummy: M2
a. Cartridge. ‘This cartridge is for use in all caliber .50 machine guns
for training purposes. It may also be used for testing the mechanism
of the gun. ‘The cartridge is 5.45 inches long. Some cases of current
manufacture may be of stcel instead of b
6. Bullet, ‘The dummy cartridge has a gilding-metal or gilding-metal
clad steel jacket. ‘The bullet is 2.40 inches Jong and has a square (eylin-
drical) base.
29. Cartridge, Caliber .50: Test, High-Pressure, M1
a. Cartridge, This cartridge is used for proof-fring of caliber .
chine guns at the place of manufacture or rebuild. ‘The cartr
loaded with a propellent charge sufficient to develop a breech pressure
from 60,000 to 65,000 p.s.i. Due to this excessive pressure and the
danger involved in firing, the guns under test are fired from a fixed rest
under a hood by means of a mechanical firing device. ‘This cartridge
should be fired only by authorized personnel. ‘The cartridge is 5.45 inches
long. It is distinguished from other caliber .50 cartridges by the tinned
cartridge case.
b. Bullet. The bullet consists of a gilding-metal jacket and a core
made up of two antimony-lead alloy slugs, a front slug and a rear slug.
‘The length of the hullet is 2.42 inches. ‘The bullet has a square base.
30. Cartridges With Deteriorated Tracer Elements
Armor-piercing-ineendiary-tracer and tracer-types of caliber .50 car-
tridges with deteriorated tracer elements, as listed in Department of the
Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/United States Air Force Stock List 1300.
may be substituted for ball ammunition for training requirements within
the continental United States.
20Section Il. CARTRIDGES FOR 20-MM GUN M3
31. General
a. General Discussion, ‘The 20-mm gun MB is a link disintegrating,
belt-fed (fig. 5), automatic aircraft cannon for use against aircraft and
ground or sea-borne targets. At present, the M3 is the only 20-mm gun
that fires percussion-primed ammunition. Percussion-primed ammuni-
tion manufactured in the United States, that is to be used jointly by
the British, must be proof-fired in British guns to determine whether the
lot develops sufficiently low chamber pressure for acceptance for firing
in British weapons. If the ammunition is accepted by both United States
and British services, the words COMMON AMM are marked or printed
on the packing boxes. All ammunition for this gun is issued in the form
of fixed complete rounds known as “cartridges.” The shape, length,
and weight of these cartridges are approximately the same. The trajec-
tories of the projectiles cross at 1,000 yards, at which range the time of
flight for each projectile is approximately 1.66 seconds when fired from
a stationary weapon with a muzzle velocity of 2,730 feet per second.
Warning: Flectric-primed ammunition CANNOT be fired in the
gun M3.
b. Identification. ‘Che color scheme for the painting and marking of
these cartridges for purposes of identification is indicated in table I
(par. 9). It should be noted that painting and marking of the high-
explosive-incendiary and incendiary cartridges differ from the basic color
scheme prescribed in TM 9-1900/TO 11A-1-20, but all essential informa-
tion is provided.
¢. Projectile. Dependent upon type of projectile, ammunition for this
gun is classified as high-explosive-incendiary (HEI), armor-piercing with
tracer (AP-T), incendiary, target-practice (TP), or dummy.
d, Fuze. The PD fuse M505 (T1964) is used with the HEI car-
tridges, replacing the PD fuze M75 which may be found on cartridges of
earlier manufacture. Both of these fuzes are single-action, impact-type,
percussion fuzes. The PD fuze M505 is relatively boresafe. See para-
graphs 65 and 66 for description of these fuzes.
e. Cartridge Case. The cartridge cases M21A1 (brass) and M21A1B1
(steel) are used with these cartridges. The weight of the cartridge case
M21A1 is 0.214 pound; the cartridge case M21A1B1 is approximately
0.025 pound lighter and has a deeper extracting groove machined in the
head. A single vent is provided in both cartridge cases.
J. Propelling Charge. ‘The cartridge contains 0.07 pound of single-
base (nitrocellulose) propellant. See paragraph 69 for more detailed
information.
g. Primer, The percussion primer M36A1, containing a 2.1-grain
charge of primer mixture, is used with these cartridges. See paragraph
70 for description of this primer.
21‘M8 (M7E4) LINK ‘M7 LINK
M10 (MBE1) LINK
WITH FILLER
[sail iad]
M10 (MBEI) LINK RAPD 212943
Figure 5. Cartridge links and cartridge link filler for
anmuunition for 20-mm gun M3.
h. Disintegrating Belt Cartridge Links, ‘These links and filler (fig. 5)
are considered as ammunition components. They are listed in Depart
ment of the Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/United States Air Force
Stock List 1300. Metallic belt link M7, M8, or M10 (MB8E1) can be
used to make up belts for either right or left hand 20-mm feed mechanism
MB or AN-M2; however, only one type of link may be used in the same
belt. Their nomenclature and piece marks are as follon
22LINK FILLER, CARTRIDGE: 20-mm A7305535,
LINK, CARTRID! disintegrating belt, 20-mm, M10 (M8E1)
7238242
LINK, CARTRIDG isintegrating belt, 20-mm, M8 7230430
LINK, CARTRIDGE, disintegrating belt, 20-mm M7 7225949
‘The link M8 is an improvement in design over the link M7. The link
M10 (MSE!) differs from the link M8 in finish, heat treatment, and con-
tour design. It ean be distinguished from the M8 by the comparatively
greater taper on the outside of the single loop. This increases flexibility
of the belt and prevents holdups in the ammunition chute. .\ cartridge
link filler (fig. 5) is used with the link M10 (M891) when it is desired fo
load belts for double-loop left: hand feed.
i. Packing and Shipping Data. Cartridges for 20-mm gun M3 are
contained in both bulk and functional-type packing. Primary bulk
packs vary from 10 rounds in a cardboard carton to 55 rounds per steel
can; these containers are overpacked (in varying quantities) into metal
cans or wooden boxes for shipment and storage. Munctional packings
are made up of one type, more than one type, or several types, or ratio
pack of cartridges in a 40-round link belt which is packed into metal can
M21, and overpacked (in varying quantities) into either metal cans or
wooden boxes. The belts are either linked for right hand feed or linked
for left hand feed. [or additional information on packing of 20-mm.
ammunition, see Department of the Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/
United States Air Force Stock List 1300,
32. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: AP-T, M95
a. General. ‘This cartridge (fig. 6) is for use against armored targets.
‘The projectile is a solid shot made from bar or forged steel. A drawn
stee! windshield is crimped into annular grooves in the projectile body,
the portion of the windshield over the crimping acting as the bourrelet
of the projectile. ‘Lhe base of the projectile contains a red tracer com-
position, sealed in by means of a metal closing cup. The tracer burns
for about 2.25 seconds, equivalent to a range of about 1,400 yards.
Minimum burning time of tracer is 2.0 seconds, equivalent to a range of
1,270 yards.
b. Data.
Weight of complete round _--- 0.57 Ib.
Length of complete round... 7.23 in,
Length of projectile 3.27 in,
Length of cartridge case 4.34 in.
Width of rotating band = 0.203 in.
Type of base. .----- -
Radius of ogive..-..
Muzale velocity...
Maximum range
- square24
Figure 6.
PRIMER, PERCUSSION, M36A1 RAPD 104856D
Cartridge, 20 mi limetor: APT, M95,33. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: AP-T, M95, Steel Case
‘This cartridge is the same as the item in paragraph 32, except that the
steel cartridge case M21A1B1 is substituted for the M21A1.
34. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: HEI,
M58 (1241), W/Fuze, PD, M505
a. General. This cartridge (fig. 7), which replaces the M97A1, differs
from the M97A1 (par. 36) principally in the interior design and loading
of the projectile. It provides an adequate ballistic match with the
M97A1. The M88 is an improvement over the M97A1 in blast, fragmen-
tation, and incendiary effect. The weight of the incendiary charge
(MOX-2B) is 0,026 pound. ‘The weight of explosive is 0.03 pound, com-
posed of 0.026 pound of MOX-2B and 0.004 pound of RDX. Upon
impact, the charge is functioned with a combined detonative and incen-
diary effect. A base cover is welded to the base of the projectile for
additional safety. The PD fuze M505 is an instantaneous percussion
fuze of the impact-type. See paragraph 66 for description of this fuze.
b. Data.
Weight of complete round... .-.-.-.----
Length of complete round...
Length of fuzed projectile. -
Length of cartridge ease as
‘Type of base sabiut,
0.55 Ib.
(max.)
- 3.31 in
4.34 in.
square
35. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: HEI, M97, W/Fuze, PD, M75
This cartridge, which is replaced by the M97A1, differs from the
MO97A1 (par. 36) principally in the fuze. ‘The fuze M75, which is de-
seribed in paragraph 65, has no interrupter or other special devices for
boresafety. In this respect, it differs from the fuze M505.
36. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: HEI,
M97A1, W/Fuze, PD, M505
a. General. This cartridge is for use against aircraft and light ma-
teriel targets, functioning with both explosive and incendiary effect.
The high-explosive is tetryl and is located in the nose portion of the
projectile, while the incendiary mixture is located in the base. The com-
bined weight of the high-explosive-incendiary filler is 0.017 pound com-
posed of 0.005 pound of incendiary mixture and 0.012 pound of tetryl.
Upon impact, its filler is detonated, the shell shattered, and the incendi-
ary composition ignited. Its fuze is an instantaneous percussion fuze
of the impact-type. The thickness of the base is approximately 0.2 inch,
and a base cover is welded thereon for additional protection
2526
RED
(MARKING.
IN’ BLACK)
Figure 7.
FUZE, PD,
‘M505
INCENDIARY
COMPOSITION
PROPELLANT,
PRIMER, PERCUSSION, M3641
RAPD 212946A
Cartridge, 20 millimeter: HEI, M58 (T241),
wo/fuze, PD, M05b. Data.
Weight of complete round wee
Length of complete round ceeee
Length of fuzed projectile...
Length of cartridge ease...
Width of rotating band a
Type of base - z ce
Radius of ogive...-.- -
Muzzle velocity woes oe
Maximum range. - - - od
37. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: HEI, M97A1,
Steel Case, W/Fuze, PD, M505
‘This cartridge is the same as the item in paragraph 36, except that the
steel cartridge case M21A1B1 is substituted for the M21A1.
38. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Incendiary, M96
a. General. ‘This cartridge is for use against aircraft, functioning with
incendiary effect. ‘The body of the projectile is made of cold-drawn
steel. The nose, threaded to sevew into the body, is made of a die-cast
zine alloy; it is painted light blue for identification. Both the body and
nose are filled with incendiary composition. ‘This projectile does not.
require a fuze, as functioning is initiated by impact of nose upon target
b. Data.
Weight of complete round... wo 0.55 Ib
Length of complete round... 7.18 in.
Length of projectile 3
idge case 4.34
ng band... a 0.203 in,
Type of base ce - cone square
Radius of ogive 2.55 call
(0 0.7 dia., then conical ogive)
Muzzle velocity 0 fps.
Maximum range. - le : 5.700 yd.
39. Cartridge, 20 Mi
This cartridge is the same as the item in paragraph 38, except that the
steel cartridge case M21A1BI is substituted for the M21A1.
40. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter, Dummy: M18A3
‘This cartridge is a completely inert assembly, which is intended to pro-
vide a cartridge for drill purposes and for testing the feed mechanism of
the weapon. The service projectile and cartridge case are simulated by
a one-piece zinc- or cadmium-coated casing made of steel, cold-drawn to
size, shape, and weight of the service round. A steel base plug, formed
to provide an extractor groove like that on service ammunition, is soldered
into the recessed base. Some rounds of earlier manufacture have a
meter: Incendiary, M96, Steel Case
27threaded base and base plug. Alternative manufacturing designs for
this drill cartridge have a steel body plug secured in the nose of the car-
tridge. Weight is 0.57 pound; length is 7.22 (max.) inches.
41. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: TP, M99
a, General. This cartridge (fig. 8) is for practice firing. ‘The pro-
jectile is similar in shape and ballistic properties to the incendiary shell
M96 but is hollow and contains no explosive. The nose consists of a
zinc-die casting as in the M96 incendiary but its weight is adjusted to
give the projectile a weight of 2,000 grains (0.29 Ib.). The projectile
body is made of cold-drawn steel.
b, Data.
Weight of complete round - ' : _-.. 0.87 Ib.
Length of complete round. _ - . . _ 7.23 in.
Length of projectile - i 3.27 in,
Length of cartridge ease ce . 4.34 in
Width of rotating band... 0.203 in.
Type of base... square
Radius of ogive cos. 2.54
Muzzle velocity...
Maximum range
PRIMER, PERCUSSION, M36A1
RAPD 212947
Figure 8. Cartridge, 20 millimeter: TP, M99,
Section Ill. CARTRIDGES FOR 20-MM GUN M24A1
42. General
a. General Discussion. The 20-mm gun M24A1 is an automatic air-
craft cannon for use against aircraft and ground or sea-borne targets. It
is a combination blowback and gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed gun.
It can be adapted for belt feeding from either the right or left hand side.
The gun is designed to fire electric-primed ammunition only. All ammu-
nition for this gun is issued in the form of fixed complete rounds. The
cartridges are linked into disintegrating belts by use of cartridge link M10
(h below). The cartridges for this gun are the same as those fired in the
20-mm gun M3, except that. the electric primer M52.\3 replaces the per-
cussion primer M36A1. Although the model designations are the same*
for both the electric-primed and percussion-primed cartridges, in the
28nomenclature of the former, the word “electric” is inserted before the
type designation. The trajectories of the projectiles cross at 1,000
yards, at which range the time of flight for each projectile is approx
mately 1.66 seconds when fired from a stationary weapon with a muzzle
velocity of 2,730 feet per second.
Warning: Percussion-primed ammunition CANNOT be fired in the
M24A1 gun
b. Identification. Painting and marking of these cartridges for pur
poses of identification is the same as that of cartridges for the 20-mm
gun M3, except for the designation ELEC, which is stenciled on the head
of the cartridge case with black ink. Some rounds of earlier manufacture
have a purple annulus about the primer at the head of the cartridge case,
caused by the dye in the waterproofing compound that was used.
c. Projectile. Dependent upon the type of projectile, ammunition for
these guns is classified as high-explosive-incendiary (HET), armor-piercing
with tracer (AP-T), armor-piercing (AP) (with or without tracer cavity
plug), incendiary, target-practice (T'P), or dummy.
d. Fuze. The PD fuze M505 (‘T196E4) is used with the FI cartridges;
HEI cartridges fuzed with the PD fuze M75 are no longer issued. The
PD fuze M505 is a single-action, impact-type, percussion fuze which is
relatively horesafe. See paragraph 66 for a description of this fuze.
e. Cartridge Case. The cartridge cases M21A1 (brass) and M21A1BL
(steel), used with these cartridges, are identical with those used with
cartridges for the 20-mm gun M3 (par. 31).
J. Propelling Charge. ‘The cartridges contain the same propelling
charge as the ammunition for the 20-mm gun M3. See paragraph 69
for more detailed information.
g. Primer. ‘The electric primer M52A3, containing a 2.75 (m:
grain charge of primer mixture is used with these cartridges. The elec-
tric primer M52A2, which differs from the M52A3 in the primer charge,
may be found assembled to cartridges of earlier manufacture. ‘The
insulator of the primer M52A2 is colored black, while that of the M52A3
is re See paragraph 71 for description of the primer M52A3.
h. Disintegrating Belt Cartridge Links. Belts for 20-mm feed mech-
anism M2E5 or M2K7 of the gun M24A1 are made up of cartridge link
M10 (M8E1). The feed mechanism M2E5 and the feed mec
M2E7 consist of two distinct feed mechanisms for each model—a
hand feed mechanism and a left hand feed mechanism. Although the
same cartridge link is used to form belts for right hand feed and belts for
left hand feed, the method of loading the belts is different. Belts for
either right or left hand feed may also be loaded with single-loop leading
or with double-loop leading. For double-loop leading, a cartridge filler
link is used to close the single loop at the end of the belt. For methods
of loading the four types of belts, see TM 9-2024. For complete nomen-
29clature, piece mark, and brief description of the link and filler, see para-
graph 31h.
i. Packing and Shipping Data. Cartridges for 20-mm gun M24A1 are
contained in the same types of bulk and functional packing as those
described for the cartridges used in 20-mm gun M3 (par. 312). For ad-
ditional information on packing of 20-mm ammunition, see Department
of the Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/United States Air Force Stock
List 1300.
43. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric,
AP, M95, W/Tracer Cavity Plugged
‘This cartridge (fig. 9) is identical with the item in paragraph 44, except
that the tracer composition is omitted and the tracer cavity is closed hy
a plug
44. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric, AP-T, M95
This cartridge ix identical with the cartridge described in paragraph
32, except that the electric primer M52A3 replaces the percussion primer
MB36A1.
45. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric,
HEI, M58 (T7241), W/Fuze, PD, M505
‘This cartridge is identical with the cartridge described in paragraph
34, except that the electric primer M52A3 replaces the percussion primer
M36A1.
46. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric,
HEI, M97A1, W/Fuze, PD, M505
‘This cartridge is identical with the cartridge described in paragraph 36,
except that the clectric primer M52A3 replaces the perenssion primer
M36A1
47. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric, HEI,
M97A\1, Steel Case, W/Fuze, PD, M505
This cartridge is identical with the item in paragraph 46, except that
the steel cartridge case M21A1B1 is substituted for the M21A1.
48. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric, Incendiary, M96
This cartridge is identical with the cartridge described in paragraph
38, except that the electric primer M52A3 replaces the pereussion primer
M36A1.
49. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric,
Incendiary, M96, Steel Case
‘This cartridge is identical with the item in paragraph 48, except that
the steel cartridge case M21A1BI is substituted for the M21A1.
30(MARKING IN’ WHITE)
ELECTRIC PRIMER M52A3—
(ENLARGED)
TRACER CAVITY PLUG
PRIMER, ELECTRIC, M52A3\
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RAPD 1310148
Figure 9. Cartridge, 20 millimeter: electric, AP’, M95, wltracer cavity plugged.
3150. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter, Dummy: M18A3
This cartridge is identical with the cartridge described in paragraph 40.
Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric, TP, M99
‘This cartridge is identical with the cartridge described in paragraph
41, except that the electric primer M52A3 replaces the percussion primer
51.
M36A1.
52. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric, TP, M99, Steel Case
This cartridge is identical with the item in paragraph 51, except that
the steel cartridge case M21A1B1 is substituted for the M21A1
Section IV. CARTRIDGES FOR 20-MM GUNS M39,
M39A1, AND M61 (T171E3)
53. General
a, General Discussion.
(1) Ammunition for 20-mm guns M39 and M39A1. The 20-mm
32
(2)
guns M39 and M89A1 are automatic aircraft cannon for use
against aircraft and ground or sea-borne targets. ‘These guns
are gas-operated, belt-fed, electrically fired weapons having a
high rate of fire. The M8 (T13) and M8A1 chargers used in
these guns utilize the caliber 30 carbine grenade cartridge M6
to develop the necessary gas pressure to start the functioning
of the weapon. Both guns M39 and M39A1 fire the same am-
munition. All ammunition for these guns is issued in the form
of fixed complete rounds known as “cartridges.” The
tridges are electric-primed. Before firing, the cartridges are
loaded in ammunition belts of the disintegrating belt type, made
up from cartridge link ‘T61E53 (fig. 10). ‘The shape, length, and
weight of the several types of cartridges for the guns M39 seri
are approximately the same. These cartridges are approxi-
mately 0.6 inch shorter in overall length and approximately
0.19 inch wider at the base of the cartridge case than the car-
tridges used for the 20-mm guns M3 and M24A1. The car-
tridges used for the guns M39 series are also used for the 20-mm
gun M61. When linked for the gun M61, however, the car-
tridge link T76 is used. These links are not interchangeable.
Muzzle velocity of the API, ball, and HEI rounds fired from
the gun M39 or M39A1 is 3,300 feet per second.
Ammunition for 20-mm gun M61 (T171E3). The 20-mm gun
M61 (T171E3) is an automatic aircraft cannon for use against
aircraft and ground or sea-borne targets. The gun is an elec-
trically or hydraulically powered, belt-fed, electrically firedweapon having a higher rate of fire than the 20-mm guns M39
and M39A1. When electrically powered, the electric drive
M7 is used. It is a rotating, six-barrel gun. A round of am-
munition is fired through each barrel, as the barrels rotate
once around the longitudinal axis. All ammunition for this
gun is issued in the form of fixed complete rounds known as
“cartridges.” ‘These cartridges are electrie-primed and are
identical with the cartridges used for the 20-mm guns M39 and
M39A1. Before firing, the cartridges are loaded in ammunition
belts of the disintegrating type, made up from cartridge link
176 (fig. 11). The muzzle velocity of the API, ball, and HET
rounds is established at 3,300 feet per second in the 20-mm gun
M39 with a resulting velocity of approximately 3,430 feet per
second in the 20-mm gun M61.
Warning: Ammunition for the gun M39, M39A1, or M61
CANNOT be fired in either the 20-mm gun M3 or M24A1.
Ammunition for either the gun M3 or M24A1 CANNOT be
fired in the gun M39, M39A1, or M61. Ammunition linked
for tne guns M39 and M39A1 CANNOT be fired in the gun
M61. Ammunition linked for the gun M61 CANNOT be
fired in the guns M39 and M39A1.
POSITIONING DETENT
LINK GUIDE TAB
UNK CONNECTOR
CONNECTING EYE
Figure 10. Cartridge link T61ES for 20-mm guns M89 and M39A1
UNK SUPPORT
RA PD 213111
b. Identification. ‘The color scheme for the painting and marking of
these cartridges for purposes of identification is indicated in table [ (par.
33BOTTOM VIEW
TOP VIEW
7 i Too
ices El | RAPD 213063A
Figure U1. Cartridge link 176 for 20-mm qun M61
9). It should be noted that painting and marking of the armor-piercing-
incendiary, high-explosive-incendiary, and incendiary cartridges differ
from the basic color scheme prescribed in TM 9-1900/T0 11A-1-20, but
all essential information is provided.
c. Projectile. Dependent upon type of projectile. ammunition for
these guns is classified as armor-piercing-incendiary (APT), ball, high-
explosive-incendiary (HEI) dummy, and high-pressure-test (HP'T).
The dummy cartridge consists of the cartridge case M103 (dummy)
assembled to the ball projectile. Prior to standardization, the ball
cartridge M55 was designed as the target practice cartridge T199. ‘The
nomenclature has been changed to “ball” in order to have the designation
conform to the small-arms system.
d. Fuze. The PD fuze M505 (T196K4) is the fuze which has been
used with the HET cartridge. This fuze is classified as a single-action,
impact-type, percussion fuze and it incorporates features which make it
relatively boresafe. In 1957, all production of the fuze M505 was con-
verted to the fuze M505E1. ‘The latter is a modification which was
designed for the purpose of replacing the fuze M505 for use with HEI
cartridges for the 20-mm guns M39, M39A1, and M61. The two fuzes
are described in paragraphs 66 and 67.
e. Cartridge Case. Cartridge cases M103 (brass), M103BI (steel), and
M103 (dummy) (brass) are used as components of these cartridges. ‘The
weight of the cartridge case M103 is 0.26 pound approximately. The
weight of the cartridge case M103B is 0.25 pound approximately. ‘The
cartridge case M103 (dummy), which is used only with the dummy
34cartridge, weighs approximately the same as the cartridge case M103.
A single vent is provided in the cartridge cases M103 and M103B1. In
more recent production using the primer M52A3B1, a cellulose case vent
seal is used to seal the vent before the primer is inserted. The cartridge
case M103 (dummy) has no primer recess or vent
J. Propelling Charge.
‘The cartridge cases contain 0.08 pound appr
mately of single-base (nitrocellulose) or of double-base (nitrocellulos
nitroglycerin) propellant of the modified spherical type commonly referred
to as Western Ball propellant. See paragraph 69 for more detailed
information.
g. Primer, ‘Vhe electric primer M52A3B1 is used with the service
cartridges, he eles primer M52A3 or the M52A5 is used with the
HPT cartridge. Sce paragraphs 71 through 73 for more detailed infor-
mation.
h. Disintegrating Belt Cartridge Links.
(1) General. Cartridge links for the 20-mm aircraft guns are con-
sidered as ammunition components and shall be listed in De-
partment of the Army Supply Manual 9-5-1305/United States
Air Force Stock List 1300.
(2) For ammunition for 20-mm guns M89 and M89A1. Belts for
either the right or left hand feeder assemblies utilized for either
the gun M39 or M39A1 are made up of the cartridge link
‘T6113 (fig. 10). The nomenclature is as follows:
LINK, CARTRIDGE: disintegrating belt, 20-mm, T6113.
The belting procedure for right or left. hand feed is the same,
except that, in belting for right hand feed, the connecting eye
is removed from the link of the first round. For belting proce-
dure, see TM 9-2310/TO 11W1-12-3-11.
(3) For ammunition for 20-mm gun M61. Belts for the gun feeder
MI (TSE!) utilized with the gun M61 are made up of the
cartridge link T76 (fig. 11). The nomenclature is as follows:
LINK, CARTRIDGE: disintegrating belt, 20-mm, T76.
i. Packing and Shipping Data. The cartridges for the 20-mm guns
M39, M39A1, and M61 are packed in both bulk and functional-type
packing. The primary bulk pack is 50 rounds in a ean with two cans
overpacked into a wooden box. The functional pack of cartridges for
the guns M39 and M39A1 contains 28 rounds in a disintegrating belt
made up of cartridge links T61E3, packed into a metal can. These cans
are overpacked in a wooden box. The functional pack of cartridges for
the gun M61 contains 27 rounds in a disintegrating belt made up of
cartridge links T76, packed into a metal can. ‘These cans are overpacked
in a wooden box. Packing and shipping data appear in Department of
the Army Supply Manual 9-5~1305/United States Air Force Stock List
1300. Packing and marking for shipment is described in paragraph 12.
3554. Cartridge, 20 Millimeter: Electric,
Armor-Piercing-Incendiary, T221E3
a. General. This cartridge is for use against armored targets, function-
ing with a combined incendiary and penetration effect. ‘Ihe body of
the projectile is solid shot made from bar alloy steel. ‘The nose, which
made of aluminum alloy, is charged with three separately pressed incre-
ments of incendiary composition weighing a total of 80 grains. The
nose is sealed with a closure disk. A steel adapter is crimped into the
annular grooves in the projectile body; the adapter receives the base
portion of the nose and is crimped so as to allow the conical base of the
closure disk to seat on the tip of the projectile body. ‘I his cartridge does
not require a fuze, as functioning is initiated by impact of nose upon
target. ‘Ihe cartridge case M103 and the electric primer M52A3BI are
used in this cartridge. A cellulose case vent seal is assembled in the
primer recess hetween the vent and the primer.
b. Data.
Weight of complete round... -------- . - 0.57 Ib,
Weight of projectile, as fired. cee 0.22 Ib.
Length of complete round oe -- - 6.615 in, (nax.)
Length of projectile = - ce ee eee eee 2
Length of cartridge ease. due oe - 4.01
Width of rotating band eee - 0.203 in.
‘Type of base. -
