155 mm ERFB Smoke WP extended-range projectile

Development

The 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP projectile is a high-explosive round developed alongside the 155 mm HE ERFB projectiles, as they share nearly identical bodies. The 155 mm ERFB and ERFB-BB versions are manufactured in Europe by Eurometaal, while those previously produced in South Africa are now available on demand. Chartered Ammunition Industries from Singapore also produces the 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP, as do the Austrian company NORICUM and the Malaysian Enigma Technical Solutions.

Description

The 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP projectile has the same overall shape and dimensions as other 155 mm ERFB projectiles and utilizes a single-component body made from high-quality steel. The aerodynamic ogive almost reaches the copper or gilded metal driving band and a plastic obturator ring at the base. The drag-reducing block is a steel component with an external cavity on the ERFB version, while on the ERFB-BB, the base is occupied by a steel base bleed block.

The fuze cavity at the nose is typically sealed with a transport plug during storage, transportation, and handling. On the 155 mm Smoke WP versions of the ERFB projectiles, the fuze cavity is shaped like a steel adapter that screws into the nose of the body, containing a steel or aluminum fuze tube that runs the length of the body.

The tube contains an explosive charge, usually 234 g of B5 compound, which, when detonated by a PD fuze (typically PD M572), ruptures the steel body of the projectile, dispersing its contents, usually 7.6 kg of WP. Upon contact with air, WP ignites, creating a thick white smoke cloud that lasts approximately 60 seconds.

Development

The 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP projectile is a high-explosive round developed alongside the 155 mm HE ERFB projectiles, as they share nearly identical bodies. The 155 mm ERFB and ERFB-BB versions are produced in Europe by Eurometaal, while those previously manufactured in South Africa are now available on demand. Chartered Ammunition Industries from Singapore also produces the 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP, as do the Austrian company NORICUM and the Malaysian Enigma Technical Solutions.

Description

The 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP projectile has the same overall shape and dimensions as other 155 mm ERFB projectiles and utilizes a single-component body made from high-quality steel. The aerodynamic ogive almost reaches the copper or gilded metal driving band and a plastic obturator ring at the base. The drag-reducing block is a steel component with an external cavity on the ERFB version, while on the ERFB-BB, the base is occupied by a steel base bleed block.

The fuze cavity at the nose is typically sealed with a transport plug during storage, transportation, and handling. On the 155 mm Smoke WP versions of the ERFB projectiles, the fuze cavity is shaped like a steel adapter that screws into the nose of the body, containing a steel or aluminum fuze tube that runs the length of the body.

The tube contains an explosive charge, usually 234 g of B5 compound, which, when detonated by a PD fuze (typically PD M572), ruptures the steel body of the projectile, dispersing its contents, usually 7.6 kg of WP. Upon contact with air, WP ignites, creating a thick white smoke cloud that lasts approximately 60 seconds.

Modification and Use

South African 155 mm ERFB projectiles can be modified in the field by removing the tail section from ERFB projectiles and installing a base bleed block to obtain ERFB-BB projectiles. This procedure is performed on a projectile fixture table, which can also be used for removing damaged obturators and installing new ones. The table can be folded flat and weighs 25 kg.

To fully utilize the range of the 155 mm ERFB and ERFB-BB Smoke WP projectiles, they are typically fired using high-energy charges, such as NATO M3A1 (zones 3, 4, and 5), M4A2 (zones 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7), M119A1 (zone 8), M203 (zone 9), or M11 (zone 10), with the latter limited to 45 caliber barrels and above.

Used by:

Towed 155 mm Howitzers: NORICUM GHN-45; CITEFA CALA 30/2; SRC International GC 45; NORINCO Type WA 021 and Type GM-45; Patria Vammas 155 GH 52 Howitzer; Giat Industries TR and 155/52 guns and M114F howitzer; FH-70; Soltam Model 839P, 845P, modernized M-46 and M114S; Otobreda 155/39; KH179; RDM M139 and M114/39; STK FH-88 and FH-2000; LIW G5; SITECSA 155/45 ST 012, M114 155/45 and M114 155/39; SANTA BARBARA SB 155/39 and 155/52 APU SBT-1 howitzers; Bofors FH-77B; Extended Range Gun (Taiwan); XM777 Lightweight Towed Howitzer; M46/84 (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia).

Self-Propelled 155 mm Howitzers: TAMSE VCA 155; NORINCO PLZ45 self-propelled gun-howitzer; Giat Industries CAESAR 155/52; PzH 2000; Rheinmetall M109A3G and M44T; Majnoon (Iraq); Soltam Rascal and Slammer; Otobreda Palmaria and M109L; K9 Thunder (South Korea); ZTS ZUZANA (Slovakia); LIW G6; XT-69 (Taiwan); AS90 and Braveheart; M109A4, M109A5, and M109A6 Paladin; XM2001/XM2002 Crusader AFAS.

The propellant charge system for LIW 155 mm G5 and G6 howitzers initially included a system with three fabric charge bags. This system has been replaced by a modular system using burning casings, developed by SOMCHEM, with an integrated charge retention device. The system can be used with ERFB projectiles and (above Basic Charge 2) ERFB-BB, as well as all NATO 155 mm projectiles.

The smallest charge in the modular charge system from Denel is the 155 mm modular charge 1 M51. The burning casing for this charge is red and contains a single-component granular propellant. The primer consists of 20 g of G12 powder and 40 g of CBI. The charge weighs approximately 2.3 kg, has a length of 211 mm, and a diameter of 164 mm.

The next charge is the 155 mm modular charge 2 M52. The burning casing is blue and contains three-component propellant cords. The diameter at the front of the casing is reduced so that the charge securely fits in the rear of the additional Charge 2 element (see below). The primer consists of 20 g of G12 powder and 40 g of CBI. The charge weighs approximately 5.6 kg, has a length of 373 mm, and a diameter of 164 mm.

The modular system continues with the modular increment Charge 155 mm M52. One or two such increments can be added to the standard Charge 2. Charge 2 with one increment can be used with ERFB tail projectiles and all NATO 155 mm projectiles. Charge 2 with two increments can be used with ERFB, ERFB-BB, and all NATO 155 mm projectiles. Each increment is contained in a green burning casing with three-component propellant cords. The primer consists of 60 g of G12 powder. The charge weighs approximately 4 kg, has a length of 289 mm, and a diameter of 164 mm.

The upper charge of the modular system is the modular charge 3 M53. The charge is housed in a purple (jacaranda color) burning casing with tubular three-component propellant. The primer consists of G12 powder. The charge weighs approximately 17.1 kg, has a length of 930 mm, and a diameter of 164 mm.

All charges are ignited with a Tube Percussion M82 primer, which contains 1.4–1.5 g of powder. The length of the capsule is 49.37 mm, and the diameter at the flange is 15.24 mm.

With this system, the following ballistic parameters can be achieved when firing from a 45-caliber barrel:

• Charge 1 — muzzle velocity (MV) 350 ±5 m/s, maximum range 9100 m.
• Charge 2 — MV 483 ±5 m/s, maximum range 13,400 m.
• Charge 2 + 1 increment — MV 645 ±5 m/s, maximum range 19,000 m.
• Charge 2 + 2 increments — MV 795 ±5 m/s, maximum range 25,400 m.
• Charge 2 + 2 increments + BB — MV 789 ±5 m/s, maximum range 31,000 m.
• Charge 3, standard projectile — MV 897 ±5 m/s, maximum range 30,200 m.
• Charge 3 + BB — MV 895 ±5 m/s, maximum range 39,000 m.

This modular loading system was replaced by a system with six modular burning charges M62A1, which have the same composition and conform to the NATO Joint Ballistic Memorandum. The charges are produced by SOMCHEM and can be used with weapons up to 52 calibers. Other similar modular loading systems may also be utilized.

Single-use burning cartridges (CCC) have also been developed for use with 155 mm ERFB projectiles. An example is the C30 charge, produced by Chartered Ammunition Industries in Singapore. The C30 contains 14 kg of three-component propellant, has a length of 770 mm, and a diameter of 160 mm. It provides a range of 30,000 m when used with a 39 caliber barrel and 40,000 m with a 45 caliber barrel.

Another charge designed for 39 and 45 caliber barrels used to fire 155 mm ERFB projectiles is the propellant charge No. 16, manufactured by Eurometaal NV (Netherlands). This is a standalone charge in the form of a single bag containing single-component nitrocellulose propellant CH21, with a non-residue 50 g primer, in a red fabric bag sewn to the base.

The charge features a central ignition rod and a flash reducer containing 250 g of potassium sulfate. The inner surface of the bag has a lining to reduce wear and remove copper fouling. The total charge weight is 13.12 kg, of which 12.12 kg is CH21 propellant. The length of the charge is 764 mm.

The typical range for the 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP when fired from a 45 caliber barrel is 30,000 m. When firing a 155 mm ERFB-BB Smoke WP projectile from a 45 caliber barrel, a range of up to 39,000 m is possible.

Technical Specifications

Weight:

• ERFB projectile with fuze — 47.7 kg
• ERFB-BB projectile with fuze — 50 kg
• M1 WP ERFB, nominal weight — 47.7 kg
• ERFB SMOKE (WP) M09 (Malaysia) — 45.5 kg
• Filling — 7.6 kg WP

Length with fuze:

• ERFB — 938 mm
• ERFB-BB — 958 mm

Diameter:

• At the ogive — 154.69 mm
• At the driving band — 157.86 mm

Chamber pressure (typical): 3,500 bar

Muzzle velocity:

• ERFB — 897 m/s
• ERFB-BB — 895 m/s

Maximum range:

• ERFB — 30,000 m
• ERFB-BB — 38,000 m

Operational temperature range: from -20 to +60°C

Approved fuzes:

• Point Detonating (PD): M557, series M78, M572, M739, Fuchs PD M841
• Mechanical Time Super Quick (MTSQ): M564, M582A1
• Proximity (Prox): series M514, Fuchs M8513
• Electronic: NINA, ZELAR, Fuchs M8611, and others

Similar projectiles:

China PRC

• Manufacturer: China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO)
• Type: 155 mm ERFB Smoke WP
• Description: Fitted with PD M739 fuze. Produces smoke for 55–65 seconds. Projectile weight — 46.5 kg, muzzle velocity — 795.5 m/s. Maximum range — 26,000 m (ERFB).

Netherlands

• Manufacturer: Eurometaal NV
• Type: 155 mm ERFB and ERFB-BB Smoke WP
• Description: Matches the specified characteristics. Available for production. Also produces the projectile charge No. 16.

Singapore

• Manufacturer: Chartered Ammunition Industries
• Type: 155 mm ERFB-HB-WP, ERFB-BB-WP
• Description: Standard characteristics. Also produces the unitary cartridge C30. Range of ERFB-HB-WP from 39 caliber barrels is 24,400 m, and ERFB-BB-WP is 30,500 m.

South Africa

• Manufacturer: Denel (Pty) Limited (SWARTKLIP)
• Type: 155 mm ERFB or ERFB-BB M1 WP
• Description: Matches the specified characteristics. Developed for LIW 155 mm G5 and G6 artillery systems. Production on demand.

Switzerland

• Manufacturer: NORICUM
• Type: SEN-155 mm WP-Smoke
• Description: Offered by T & T Technology Trading Limited. Weight with tail — 48 kg, with BB — 50 kg. Equipped with PD M739 or ET DM 52 fuze.

Source: Janes