Posted on Apr 8, 2015
Artillery Question: Could a long-range howitzer barrel be made from a thin aluminium tube?
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I had some training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, where the instructors emphasized that howitzer barrels were made of case-hardened, high-strength steel, and even then had to be replaced often. My question is, could aluminum ever be used for long-range artillery. If not, did any senior military adviser ever inform the President of this."
Posted 9 y ago
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1LT Patrick Hefferan,
An aluminum sheaf for a hardened steel barrel would save a lot of weight.
I recall reading of the USN cutting newly protruding ends off their Naval guns. That was probably tube liners lengthening from repeated fire missions.
The M-60 LMG of the Vietnam era was issued w/ a spare barrel and an asbestos glove for the assistant gunner to do a quick, push-pull, change-out of a red hot barrel that had lost it accuracy.
The steel barrel of the M-60 barrel had a Stellite liner. Stellite is a very hard material, which could fracture if it was not protected by the steel sheaf.
Once declared to be unserviceable the barrel was sent to an Ordnance facility where the Stellite liner was replaced and the barrel returned to the supply chain.
An aluminum sheaf for a hardened steel barrel would save a lot of weight.
I recall reading of the USN cutting newly protruding ends off their Naval guns. That was probably tube liners lengthening from repeated fire missions.
The M-60 LMG of the Vietnam era was issued w/ a spare barrel and an asbestos glove for the assistant gunner to do a quick, push-pull, change-out of a red hot barrel that had lost it accuracy.
The steel barrel of the M-60 barrel had a Stellite liner. Stellite is a very hard material, which could fracture if it was not protected by the steel sheaf.
Once declared to be unserviceable the barrel was sent to an Ordnance facility where the Stellite liner was replaced and the barrel returned to the supply chain.
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Background: In the run up to the second Iraq war. Defense Intelligence agencies stated that the Iraq army had acquired some long aluminum tubes that were going to be used for long-range artillery barrels which could fire shells much farther than conventional artillery, and would be used in attacks on neighboring countries. I wonder if any senior military officers informed the President that aluminum was too soft and ductile to be used in artillery barrels.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
I would have my doubts about its overall effectiveness and longevity. I sure as hell would want a very long lanyard.
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CW4 Guy Butler
If I recall correctly (and it's been a while since I read the Senate report), the tubes were for uranium centrifuges.
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