105mm DPICM, M915 Insensitive Munitions Testing

The US Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command - Armament Research Development and Engineering Center (TACOM-ARDEC), Energetics and Warheads Division (EWD) is responsible for developing the performance, vulnerability, safety, and producibility of insensitive explosives for widespread Army applications. The most promising explosive formulations are selected for specific weapon system integration and Insensitive Munitions (IM) technology implementation. Picatinny Arsenal Explosive–2A (PAX-2A) was selected to be demonstrated in the U.S. Army’s 105mm Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) M915 Cartridge. The M915 Cartridge consists of a propelling charge mated with a projectile carrying 42 each M80 grenade submunitions as payload. Each Dual Purpose grenade utilizes Composition A5 as the explosive fill. Insensitive munitions testing was performed to compare the M80 grenade’s current energetic fill directly with PAX-2A for improvements in survivability. The sympathetic detonation, bullet impact, and slow cook-off hazard assessment test results showed that very significant survivability improvements are realized with PAX-2A. These results are presented in detail.