MIL-HDBK-756(AR)
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the purpose, background, and scope of this handbook and gives a chapter-by-chapter
summary of the contents, which outline the processes involved in the manufacture of projectiles, projectile
components, and cartridge cases for artillery, tank main armament, and mortars.
1-2 BACKGROUND
1-1 PURPOSE
The compatibility of manufacturing processes and
T h i s revision of Engineering Design Handbook,
product design has rarely received sufficient consideration
AMCP 706-249, Ammunition Series, Section 6, Manu-
during the early stages of the life cycle of ammunition
facture of Metallic Components of Artillery Ammuni-
hard ware. Such consideration, however, is important in
tion, updates and broadens the coverage of the July 1964
establishing realistic and achievable cost estimates as
edition. Both title and contents have been changed to
early as possible because the mass production phase
include metallic and nonmetallic components for tank
represents the greatest part of life cycle cost.
main armament, mortars, and artillery ammunition.
The metal parts fabricating facilities for large caliber
During the last two decades new munitions have been
munitions are unique in many aspects. They do not have
d e v e l o p e d to meet a variety of threats. Increased
the advantage that many other military items such as
capabilities include the engagement of new and more
aircraft, trucks, and even small arms ammunition do, i.e.,
difficult targets through increased range and improved
an existing and operable production facility that is active
accuracy as well as improvements in terminal effective-
during peacetime and turns out a similar or compatible
ness, k., increased armor penetration and improved
civilian product. During a national emergency these
fragmentation. New tactical concepts have evolved that
facilities that are producing civilian products can readily
increase the demand for carrier rounds to deliver smoke,
be converted to production of a military product with
submunitions, and pyrotechnics. As a result, munitions
existing technology and work force in place. Large caliber
and component designs have become more sophisticated,
munitions must be produced in large quantity during
and emphasis on cost, effectiveness, and producibility is
wartime, and because no civilian counterpart production
introduced early in the life cycle.
exists, the facilities must be designed, built, and dedicated
Thus the introduction of new materials, manufacturing
to single or similar items of production. Furthermore,
methods, and inspection technology has kept pace with
these large caliber munitions manufacturing facilities are
these new developments, which result in the availability of
for the most part idle during peacetime and thus present
new manufacturing technology and facilities capable of
an economic burden that cannot be borne by industry.
producing reliable metal parts at a reasonable cost.
Yet, because they are essential during an emergency and
This handbook has been written to give the munitions
must be kept in a satisfactory state of readiness, they
designer insight into the manufacturing processes that
result in a major cost to the Government.
have been used. Because these are "tried and proven",
Government planning for a war emergency includes a
they should be considered during the design of a new
mobilization plan for munitions production facilities with
munition. If a new design is adaptable to the available
proposed production schedules based on state of readi-
manufacturing processes and facilities, it can be produced
ness, i.e., operating, laid away in place, or in storage as a
faster and probably at a lower cost once released for
package.
production. In particular, cost savings are most significant
Just as the cost of maintaining such munition produc-
when existing production facilities can be modified to
tion facilities is too great for industry to absorb, so is the
produce new items.
cost of their initial establishment because they are single-
The existence of a production processor facility should
or similar-item dedicated, integrated production lines. As
not be interpreted as a mandatory restriction on the
a result, the majority of the production equipment is
designer if a specific design represents a quantum improve-
purchased and owned by the Government. Therefore, the
ment in munitions efficiency and effectiveness. However,
greatest portion of the production base consists of
the availability of production facilities can be a major
Government-owned equipment placed in contractor-
asset in promoting a new munition.
1-1
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