Blow-Molded Plastic Container Development Program for Large Caliber Ammunition

摘要

A research and development program for determining the feasibility of designing a plastic container for packaging 105-mm tank ammunition was conducted. The selected approach incorporated the blow molding manufacturing process in conjunction with the use of high density polyethylene. Described in this report is a start-to-finish account of the development of the plastic tank round container. Included are the design changes which were made as unforeseen problems arose, as well as the results of the tests conducted on the final prototype container. The results show the ability of the plastic container to withstand severe impacts over a wide range of temperatures while incurring no damage. The minor problems which remained unresolved are currently being addressed in a follow-on plastic 155-mm propelling charge container program which is scheduled for completion in FY 87.