Fisette Michael F., Danesi Michael E. Kinetic energy penetrator long term strategy study

(Fisette Michael F., Danesi Michael E. Comprehensive evaluation of rod armor-piercing cores.)Final report. The Ballistic Research Laboratory. 1990. – 147 p.To address the perceived increasing burdens associated with the use of depleted uranium (DU) as a kinetic energy (KE) penetrator material the AMCCOM Task Group examined use of alternate material and considered the impacts of this in four broad materials, and considered environmental and health factors ; and life cycle costs. Application of DU and tungsten alloy (WA) materials to the penetrators for three future weapon systems which will be fielded 1995 - 2000 timeframe was considered. These systems are: the Advanced Tank Cannon System (ATAC); Combat Vehicle Armament Technology (COMVAT) Program; and the Kinetic Energy Missile (KEM). The overall objective was to provide data and recommendations which could be utilized by the Government in developing a long term strategy for KE penetrator selection, and which could also be utilized in addressing related near term problems. This report provides the unclassified and non-proprietary findings of the study, and is intended for distribution to Department of Defense (DOD) contractors with interests in KE penetrator design and manufacture.