M549A1 HERA Projectile
Contents
M549, M549A1 HERA — active-reactive high-explosive fragmentation projectile
High-explosive rocket-assisted (HERA) projectiles M549,were developed to extend the range of standard 155 mm guns. With this projectile, a 39-caliber gun extends its range to 30.1 km.
The projectiles consist of two main components: a warhead filled with 7.3 kg of high explosive (M549) or 6.8 kg of TNT (M549A1), and a solid-propellant rocket motor.
The rocket section is filled with 3.2 kg of solid rocket propellant. The nozzles at the tail are closed with a protective cover, which is removed before firing.
The US Army developed the XM1113 rocket-assisted projectile to replace the M549A1. The XM1113 increases firing range from 30 to 40 km with a 39-caliber barrel, thanks to a new high-performance rocket motor that provides almost three times the thrust, and an advanced streamlined outer profile for lower drag. It is also safer, because the traditional TNT filling has been replaced with an insensitive warhead that is hard to activate accidentally.
Technical specifications
Active-reactive projectiles: M549
- Maximum range — up to 30.1 km
- Weight without fuze - 43.5 kg
- Length without fuze - 873 mm
- Body material — high-fragmentation steel
- Amount of explosive -
M549 - 7.26 kg
M549A1 - 6.8 kg
Usage notes
The M549 Rocket is described in Kropyva.
Before firing, remove the plug from the base of the projectile. If the plug is not removed, the rocket motor will not function.
Range table for selected propellant charges:
M4A2 charge 7 - 19,300 - 19,500 m;
M119A1/A2 - 23,500 m;
M203 - 30,100 m
Temperature range — from -45 °C to +63 °C
Oleh Syrota (Georgich©) for the Armed Forces of Ukraine /
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