Measurement of interior ballistic performance using FM/FM radio telemetry techniques

The continuous measurement of ballistic performance during the interior ballistic cycle of cannon launched projectiles is important to on-going research programs being conducted at the Ballistic Research Laboratory (BRL). These measurements, such as propelling gas pressure, projectile acceleration, and projectile-bore interactions, are necessary to evaluate existing weapon systems and validate newly formulated interior ballistic models. Of particular interest is the resistance to projectile motion and the behavior of the projectile during the engraving process. The measurement of forces on projectiles and projectile-bore interactions requires that transducers be located on-board the projectile. In-bore measurements of ballistic performance are made at the BRL using an FM/FM, S-band telemeter. Standard artillery projectiles are modified and instrumented with telemetry transmitting systems. These projectiles are test fired and data extracted via the real time telemetry link. The projectile systems are expendable free-flight rounds and those modified for recovery in the BRL Large Caliber Soft Recovery System (LCSRS). The instrumentation package for the recoverable rounds is configured so it can be removed from the projectile, recalibrated after exposure to the launch environment, and used on subsequent rounds.