M50 Series 20mm Ammunition
|
|
M50 Series 20mm Ammunition |
M50 configuration ammunition for the M61A1 gun system is issued in the form of cartridges (rounds). A complete service cartridge assembly consists of a cartridge case, electric primer, propellant, projectile, and fuze. All service cartridges have matched ballistics and are electrically primed. The M-50 configuration ammunition for the M61A-1 gun system currently issued is classified as follows: |
|
Identification |
M50 series ammunition is identified by the color the projectile is painted and by the lettering on the body of the projectile. The color codes for the M50 series ammunition are located on the projectile. The projectile is divided into sections marked A, B, C, and D. Each section is painted with blue, purple, red (incendiary), or yellow (high-explosive) paint. Some sections are not painted, therefore remaining the natural color of the metal (copper of chromate finish) or plastic (white plastic). The combination of the painted and unpainted sections produces the color code of the M50 series ammunition. The lettering is stenciled in waterproof marking ink around the body of the projectile. The first line of lettering identifies the caliber and type of cartridge (for example: 20MM HEI, 20MM TP, or 20MM HEI-T). The second line gives the cartridge designation (for example: M254, M55A2, or M220). The last line consists of a code number that identifies the manufacturer, interfix number, lot serial number, and year of manufacture. The color of the letters has no meaning. |
|
M51A1B1 / M51A2 Dummy Cartridges |
Dummy cartridges are used for drill and testing the feeder assembly of the M61A1 gun system. They are completely inert assemblies. The cartridges produce the average overall weight equal to that of the other M50-configured ammunition. |
Projectile color code: |
A: Chromate finish, B: Chromat finish, C: Chromate finish, D: Chromate finish, Markings: Black |
|
M254 Dummy Cartridge |
The M254 dummy cartridge is made of plastic. It is an alternate to the M51A1B1 / M51A2 steel dummy cartridges. |
Projectile color code: |
A: White plastic, B: White plastic, C: White plastic, D: White plastic, Markings: Black |
|
M54A1 High-Pressure Test Cartridge (HPT) |
The M54A1 cartridge is used only for proof firing of the M61A1 gun at the place of manufacture. |
Projectile color code: |
A: No paint (copper), B: Purple, C: Purple, D: Purple, Markings: Black |
|
M55A2 Target Practice Cartridge (TP) |
The M55A2 cartridge is used for practice firing. It has no explosive filler in the projectile. The solid nose of made of aluminium alloy. The projectile shape and ballistic properties are similar to those of other M50-configured ammunition. |
Projectile color code: |
A: No paint (copper), B: Blue, C: Blue, D: Blue, Markings: Black |
|
M220 Target Practice-Tracer Cartridge (TP-T) |
The M220 projectile is similar to the M55A2 projectile, except it incorporates a tracer in the base of the projectile. |
Projectile color code: |
A: No paint (copper), B: Blue, C: Blue, D: Blue, Markings: White with Orange Tīs (location B1) |
|
M56A3 High-Explosive Incendiary Cartridge (HEI) |
The M56A3 projectile is loaded with an incendiary and explosive composition, giving the combined effect of the blast of a high-explosive charge plus a fire-starting ability. The projectile is loaded with aluminized composition A-4. |
Projectile color code: |
A: No paint (copper), B: Yellow with Red band, C: Chromate finish, D: Chromate finish, Markings: Black |
|
M242 High-Explosive Incendiary-Tracer Cartridge |
The M242 projectile is similar to the M56A3 projectile, except it has a tracer in the base of the projectile and aluminized composition A-4 in the forward section. |
Projectile color code: |
A: No paint (copper), B: Yellow with Red band, C: Chromate finish, D: Chromate finish, Markings: Black with Red Tīs below Red band (Position B1) |
|
| Back | 
| Top |
|