Modular charge system

Demonstration video of the design and operation of the DM72 (DM52) modular charge system

• Modular charge system, using the DM82 and DM72/92/52 as examples:

COMPATIBLE WITH ALL NATO 39- AND 52-CALIBER STANDARDS.

The 155 mm artillery modular charge system was developed in close cooperation with Rheinmetall Waffe Munition and was adopted by the German procurement agency BWB in 1996 for use in all standard NATO 39- and 52-caliber gun configurations with matching projectiles that comply with the Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding (JBMoU). The DM82A1 low-zone module and the DM92 high-zone module perform across the whole temperature range from -46°C to +63°C. The modular charge system is in service with more than ten user countries (NATO and others) and is exported to other customers. More than 1.5 million modules have been produced and used to date.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON METAL-CASE CHARGES:

- Fully compliant with JBMoU requirements

- Extended range of more than 40 km with ER projectiles

- Two-module charge design: DM82A1 low zone and DM72/92 high zone (high stowage capacity, improved logistics)

- A unique ignition booster design ensures safe ignition and prevents pressure waves and negative pressure differentials under any load conditions and temperatures

- Low barrel wear and low toxicity

- Minimal standard deviations of muzzle velocity at all charge levels

- Residue-free combustion

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS:

Besides its proven compatibility with several weapon systems, the Nitrochemie modular charge system stands out for its environmental reliability and durability in extreme environmental conditions.
Extremely demanding logistic and tactical trials of intensified use were further extended to include climatic cycles (+35 °C to 71 °C) and (-37 °C to -46 °C).

COMPLIANCE WITH “INSENSITIVE MUNITIONS” REQUIREMENTS:

The modular charge system was tested in accordance with STANAG requirements for IM munitions, including the impact of a shaped charge of M77 submunitions and an 87 mm RPG-7 shaped charge. All tests demonstrated Type IV–V reactions.

BALLISTIC REQUIREMENTS FOR 39-CALIBER GUNS (FH70, M109, M777):

- Average muzzle velocity 810 m/s (39-caliber gun, 5 modules, L15A1 projectile, 21°C)
- Demonstrated system compatibility: FH70, M109, M777A2, AS90
- Demonstrated projectile compatibility: the American M107 family, the German DM family, the South African Assegai family, Scandinavian Nammo projectiles, Turkish MOD274, the Spanish ER02A1 family, and American Excalibur.

KEY FEATURES:

• - Bi-modular design
• - Non-toxic, includes a copper-fouling remover
• - Low-sensitivity (IM) propellant
• - Low flame temperature (2,670 K)
• - Impetus of 1,007 J/g
• - Heat of explosion of 3,400 J/g
• - Barrel wear-reducing elements
• - Central igniter
• - Residue-free combustion
• - Complies with the NATO memorandum - JBMoU

Also on this site

• MCS and BMCS modular charge systems: what is the difference
• Conversion of propellant charges
• Propellant charges — all pages of the section
• Modular charge M231 (MACS)
• M232 charge (BMCS)
• Cognitive information — all articles of the section