Name: Ammunition for US 3 in/50-calibre naval guns HE-MT
Availability: InStock

Item Type

Item State

Action

Guidance

Weights complete round

Weights projectile

Weights explosive

propellant 1.859 kg

Lengths complete round

Lengths projectile

Muzzle velocity

Max range

Operating temperature limits

Storage temperature limits

Northern Europe

Norway

Southern Europe

Italy

Spain

<h2>Armament</h2><p>3 in/50 dual-purpose naval gun mountings.</p><h2>Development</h2><p>The 3 in/50 medium calibre dual-purpose gun has been in US Navy service for many years, although it has now been largely superseded by more modern equipments. However, 3 in/50 naval guns continue to be used by many navies and in some countries, such as Denmark and Norway, are deployed as coastal defence weapons. Mountings vary widely but most are dual-purpose single-gun mountings with possible rates of fire up to 50 rds/min, typical being the Mk 34 mounting used by the Spanish Navy. Many different types and marks of 3 in/50 ammunition have been introduced over the years and some natures, such as APC and Illuminating, have largely been withdrawn. Only those most likely to be encountered are mentioned here.</p><h2>Description</h2><p>The 3 in/50 rounds are fixed with the thin-walled forged steel projectiles securely crimped into brass Mk 7 cartridge cases by a single cannelure just behind a wide pressed copper drive band. Various types of projectile case will be encountered, including ductile and high-fragmentation steel, but most have nose fuzes, either proximity or point-detonating. Projectile fillings also vary but as a general rule Composition A-3 (RDX/Wax 91/9), Composition B and similar explosives have taken the place of the earlier TNT. Projectile types include Mks 25 (Illuminating - no longer used), 27, 29, 31 and 33. Variations between the various marks include the type of steel involved, the shape of the cavity, screw threads and lengths. The brass Mk 7 rimmed cartridge case (the Mk 9 is an alternative) has a distinctive neck just behind the junction with the projectile. The most common propellant charge is 1.859 kg of M6 flashless propellant although other types of single-base multiperforated grain powders will be encountered. The propellant charge is held against the cartridge base and the Mk 41 percussion or Mk 42 electrical primer tube by a wad fronted by a combustible distance-piece which contains lead foil. Muzzle velocity for most rounds is of the order of 823 m/s. Maximum range against surface targets is 12,930 m and 8,950 m against air targets. Although there are many marks and sub-marks of each type, 3 in/50 ammunition was divided by the US Navy into the following categories - not all remain operational and other navies apply their own designations and/or categories: AA Anti-Aircraft rounds with solid-based and mechanical time fuzes. HC High Capacity, intended for use against surface targets and fitted with PD fuzes such as the M557. Originally filled with 336 g of TNT (typical), more recently produced projectiles now contain 577 g of Composition A-3. HE-MT A mechanical time fuzed round which was intended to completely replace the AA. HE-IR Fuzed with an infra-red proximity fuze. Not procured in quantity. HE-IR/PD Fuzed with an infra-red proximity fuze with an additional impact feature. Not procured in quantity. HE-PD Originally intended to replace the HC rounds, this round has a point-detonating fuze for use against surface targets. VT Intended for use against air targets this round has a radio proximity fuze. BLP Inert training projectile with dummy fuze. BLT Inert training projectile with tracer and dummy fuze.</p><h2>Authorised fuzes</h2><p>See text Equivalent rounds ITALY</p><p>ITALY</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>Simmel Difesa SpA</p><p>Type: 3 in L/50 HE, FNF, Prac (BL)</p><p>Description: Standard specifications. HE loaded with Composition A-3 and could be fitted with a</p><p>Proximity fuze. FNF is Flash No Fragmentation</p><p>NORWAY</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>Nammo Raufoss A/S</p><p>Type: 76 mm ASP M78 Description: See following entry SPAIN</p><h2>Manufacturer</h2><p>EXPAL</p><p>Type: HE-VT, NF-VT, HC, BLP, BLT</p><p>Description: Standard specifications as text but propellant is GSB112 flashless (equivalent to M6 ).</p><p>Muzzle velocity given as 823 m/s. HE-VT filled with Hexotonal</p>

The Ammunition for US 3 in/50-calibre naval guns HE-MT is the 3 in/50 rounds are fixed with the thin-walled forged steel projectiles securely crimped into brass Mk 7 cartridge cases by a single cannelure just behind a wide pressed copper drive band. Various types of projectile case will be encountered, including ductile and high-fragmentation steel, but most have nose fuzes, either proximity or point-detonating. Projectile fillings also vary but as a general rule Composition A-3 (RDX/Wax 91/9), Composition B and similar explosives have taken the place of the earlier TNT. Projectile types include Mks 25 (Illuminating - no longer used), 27, 29, 31 and 33. Variations between the various marks include the type of steel involved, the shape of the cavity, screw threads and lengths. The brass Mk 7 rimmed cartridge case (the Mk 9 is an alternative) has a distinctive neck just behind the junction with the projectile. The most common propellant charge is 1.859 kg of M6 flashless propellant although other types of single-base multiperforated grain powders will be encountered. The propellant charge is held against the cartridge base and the Mk 41 percussion or Mk 42 electrical primer tube by a wad fronted by a combustible distance-piece which contains lead foil. Muzzle velocity for most rounds is of the order of 823 m/s.

HC High Capacity, intended for use against surface targets and fitted with PD fuzes such as the M557. Originally filled with 336 g of TNT (typical), more recently produced projectiles now contain 577 g of Composition A-3. HE-MT A mechanical time fuzed round which was intended to completely replace the AA. HE-IR Fuzed with an infra-red proximity fuze. Not procured in quantity. HE-IR/PD Fuzed with an infra-red proximity fuze with an additional impact feature. Not procured in quantity. HE-PD Originally intended to replace the HC rounds, this round has a point-detonating fuze for use against surface targets. VT Intended for use against air targets this round has a radio proximity fuze. BLP Inert training projectile with dummy fuze. BLT Inert training projectile with tracer and dummy fuze. The 3 in/50 medium calibre dual-purpose gun has been in US Navy service for many years, although it has now been largely superseded by more modern equipments.

In over a hundred years of continued operation, Simmel Difesa acquired comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the ammunition business, combining the experience of famous European players into a modern and agile company.
Today, Simmel Difesa supplies medium and large calibre ammunition to more than 40 countries worldwide.
Over the time, the company developed its know-how in all ammunition components, from propellants and explosives to metal parts and fuses. Thanks to its experience, Simmel Difesa is able to optimize the components’ integration in order to conceive first-class products.
Simmel Difesa gained a reputation as a leader in naval ammunition, and is now – after decades of successful cooperation – the preferred supplier for Oto-Melara guns. Its in-house capability to design and manufacture advanced proximity fuses led Simmel Difesa to become a world leader on the air defense ammunition market.
Equipped with a powerful and flexible manufacturing infrastructure, and benefitting from the dedication of its highly skilled workforce and a dependable supply chain, Simmel Difesa is able to quickly respond to its customers’ requirements with reliable and high-performance products.

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Ammunition for US 3 in/50-calibre naval guns HE-MT

Ammunition for US 3 in/50-calibre naval guns HE-MT

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