Small Caliber Services
Our small arms caliber services are split into 4 categories:
Ammunition R&D and Prototype Production
Manufacture Of Test Projectiles & Ammo
Testing with non-factory ammunition is often necessary during R&D. Usually to check the practical influence of varying parameters. We can manufacture such custom ammunition in lot sizes of up to 50,000 pieces. Calibers range from .17 to .70.
Gas Pressure Measurements, NATO & CIP
Special test systems and barrels are used to measure the pressure curve during the shot at different places in the barrel using piezo transducers. Direct outcomes are the peak- and muzzle pressures. The gas pressure measurement provides information about the primer ignition and propellant combustion process. It further serves as a critical safety parameter. NATO measurements are performed at the case mouth with no case modifications necessary. CIP measurements are performed in the chamber, cases have to drilled.
Ammunition Testing Using Mann-Barrels For V0 & Dispersion
In order to make ammunition tests more accurate, it is often necessary to exclude potential weapon-induced influence factors. These include barrel oscillations, recoil movement or barrel bedding. We achieve this by using extremely thick barrels mounted on massive blocks of steel, commonly known as Mann-Barrels. It is important to note that absolute results achieved with this testing method can differ widely from the actual weapon systems used by the shooters.
Terminal Ballistics Tests For Soft & Hard Targets
We can perform terminal ballistics tests at different ranges and ballistics simulances, as well as different types of body armor. We also test the engagement of hard targets at different angles, including ricochet analysis. All test facilities we use are VPAM certified.
Measurements Of Projectile Extraction Force
We pull the projectile out of the case and record the force vs. distance curves. These give reference of neck tensions as well as projectile crimp effectiveness. Consistent and specific values are important to hold the projectile in place during rough handling and to ensure sufficient initial chamber pressure.
Weapon Ammunition Compatibility Assessment
Weapon Function & Optics Testing
We asses the basic functions of the weapon system, like firing, aiming and safety under various environmental and operating conditions. We also test scopes and other optical aiming devices for performance and usability in the context of the system.
Measurements Of Barrel Tribology (Friction & Wear)
The frictional contact between the bullet and the gun
barrel leads to energy loss of the bullet and to a heating
of the barrel which can be a cause for muzzle velocity
deviations. Furthermore, the force needed for the engraving of the bullet into the land groove profile is a critical factor for peak pressure. We developed and published our own method of measuring and quantifying these factors in-house. Erosion of the barrel combined with mechanical and thermal stress lead to an irreversible contour change of the bore surface, the wear. Once a critical value of wear has been reached, shooting performance decreases dramatically. We use a state of the art measuring device with a maximum resolution of around 8 μm.
Evaluation Of A System's Maximum Effective Range & Safety Zones
We determine the maximum operational range for a specific weapon ammunition system under various target scenarios.
Large Collection Of Small Caliber Test Weapons Available
We can provide you access to well over 400 small arms weapon systems for testing during R&D. They are from the east and west.
System Performance Analysis & Optimization
Trajectory Tracing Using Doppler Radar Systems
We use Doppler radar systems to track the projectile velocity along the whole trajectory. This enables the calculation of the drag coefficient for different velocity regimes.
Dispersion Measurements & Convergence Analysis
Quantifying the dispersion of a weapon- ammunition system is the basic study in ballistics. Nevertheless, most tests are not performed according to statistical relevant parameters. It is our focus to chose the right number of rounds to have a statistically founded result, using the correct quantification parameter, mathematically check for potential systematic errors in the dispersion pattern and achieve a convergence of the quantification parameter.
Measurement Of Initial Bullet Angle Of Attack
We measure the angle of attack of the projectile as it exits the muzzle. This gives us information about the gyroscopic stability of the projectile, as well as its potential terminal ballistic performance.
Measurement And CFD Simulations of Flow Fields
The flows around the bullet are critical, especially during the transition from supersonic to subsonic. Here they can cause undesirable momenta, leading to instability or drag problems. We measure these effects and model them with CFD simulations.
CFD Simulation Of Transitional Ballistics
We model the process of the projectile exiting the muzzle with CFD simulation. This helps us to better understand the results from high-speed camera analysis, as well as initial angle of attach measurements.
Measurement Of Transitional Ballistics Using High-Speed Cameras & Schlieren Optics
Processes around the first meter after the bullet exits the
barrel are crucial to downrange accuracy. By imaging the
bullet in this flight section with a high resolution, high speed camera, we get information about potential
aerodynamic lacks or muzzle issues. Additionally, we use Schlieren optics to visualize muzzle pressure waves and their effects on the projectile.
Wind Tunnel & Doppler Radar Measurements Of Aerodynamic Coefficients
We determine the aerodynamic coefficients of the projectile using Doppler radar measurements and wind tunnel testing.
Measurement And Simulation of Barrel Oscillations
During the bullet passaging through the barrel the bore starts a transversal, torsional and longitudinal oscillation pattern. Especially the transversal oscillations are responsible for bullet spread on the target. By optimizing the length and the mass distribution around the barrel, we can reach in increase in accuracy. We measure the barrel oscillations with piezo sensors or laser interferometers.
6-DOF Modelling For The Simulation Of Internal and External Ballistic Influence Factors
Analysis of the significance of the bottlenecking parameters for the ballistic performance of the weapon ammunition system.
Shooter Health & Safety
Muzzle Blast Measurements
We check whether the magnitude of the pressure wave after the projectile exits the muzzle is within acceptable ranges considering the system's proposed use case.
Analysis Of Chemical Composition And Concentration Of Heavy Metals In Range Environments
Samples of breathing air are collected from ranges during firing. Recidues are collected on special filters. These samples are then analyzed for their composition and concentrations.
Acoustic Signature Measurements
We measure the sound peak level in different frequency spectra. These results can be compared with established health and safety limits for weapon operators and bystanders.
Analysis Of Chemical Composition Of Combustion Products
We ensure potentially toxic fumes in the vapor of the gun shot residue don't reach levels which can harm the shooter.