American Projectiles and Explosives - 7-inch Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives

7-inch Projectiles





7-inch A.P. Mk 6 Mod 1 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 7"/45
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 23.64 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 19.79 inches
Diameter of base: 6.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.33 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 6.99 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 4.31 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 165 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.61%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Integral in fuze; Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 2 Mod 2 (B.I.F.)
-Mk 9 (B.I.F.)
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1 (B.I.F.)


The 7"/45 gun is obsolete.  This is an old type projectile, without windshield, which is not in common use.







7-inch A.P. Mk 10 Mod 2 (Obsolete)

For picture, see above

Guns used in: 7"/45
Overall length: 23.73 inches
Diameter of base: 6.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.33 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 6.99 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 4.31 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 165 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.61%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Integral in fuze; Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 2 Mod 2 (B.I.F.)
-Mk 9 (B.I.F.)
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1 (B.I.F.)








7-inch A.P. Mk 12 Mods 1 and 2 (Obsolete)

For picture, see top

Guns used in: 7"/45
Overall length: 23.68 inches
Diameter of base: 6.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.33 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 6.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: Mk 1: 4 pounds; Mk 2: 3.5 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 165 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Integral in fuze; Mk 5

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 2 Mod 2 (B.I.F.)
-Mk 9 (B.I.F.)
-Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1 (B.I.F.)


The 7"/45 gun is obsolete.  This is an old type projectile, without windshield, which is not in common use.






7-inch Field Mk 13 Mods 1 and 2 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 7"/45
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 29.58 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 28 inches
Diameter of base: 6.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.33 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 6.985 inches

Filling: Cast TNT
Weight of filling: 24 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 152 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 15.1%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Nose: Mk 7 Mod 1 (P.D.F.)







7-inch Bombardment Mk 14 Mod 2 (Obsolete)

No picture available

Guns used in: 7"/45
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 28.84 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 24.8 inches
Diameter of base: 6.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.33 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 6.985 inches

Filling: Cast TNT
Weight of filling: 24 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 153.8 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 15.6%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 9

Fuzes:
Nose: Mk 7 Mod 1 (P.D.F.)

Base: Mk 3 Mod 2
-Mk 28 Mods 0 and 1


The bombardment projectile's shape is similar to that of the field projectile.

Next Time: 8-inch Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives - 6-inch Projectiles (Part 2)

American Projectiles and Explosives

6-inch Projectiles





6-inch H.C., W.P., Illuminating, and Window Mk 39 Mod 0

Guns used in: 6"/47 Dual-Purpose
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 30 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 26.28 inches
Diameter of base: 5.985 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 14.09 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 105 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 4
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 5, Mods 0 and 1

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 28 Mods 0 and 1

-Nose: Mk 25 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 30 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 47 (V.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze
-Mk 43
-Mk 44 (with V.T.F.)


This is the H.C. round designed for the new 6"/47 dual-purpose gun.  It is a half-caliber longer than the 6-inch H.C. Projectile Mk 34, and will be adaptable for loading of H.C., W.P., Illuminating, or Window fillers.







6-inch Illuminating Mk 22 Mod 1 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 6"/47 (bag), 6"/50 (bag), 6"/53 (bag)
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 23.027 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 18.697 inches
Diameter of base: 5.94 inches
Distance base to band: 2.35 inches
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: Expelling charge is 3.5 ounces
Weight of loaded projectile: 95.4 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 63 Mod 0
-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods


The Nose Fuze Mk 50 is authorized for assembly in this projectile only when used in the 6"/53 bag gun.

The Illuminating Contents Mk 3 are used in this round.






6-inch Illuminating Mk 23 Mods 1 and 2

No picture available

Guns used in: 6"/47 (bag), 6"/50 (bag), 6"/53 (bag)
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 23.027 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 18.697 inches
Diameter of base: 5.94 inches
Distance base to band: 2.35 inches
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: Expelling charge is 3.5 ounces
Weight of loaded projectile: 96 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 63 Mod 0
-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods


The Nose Fuze Mk 50 and Mk 63 are authorized for assembly in this projectile only when used in the 6"/53 bag gun.

The Illuminating Contents Mk 3 are used.






6-inch Illuminating Mk 32 Mod 0

No picture available

Guns used in: 6"/47 (bag)
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 23.027 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 19.517 inches
Diameter of base: 5.94 inches
Distance base to band: 2.05 inches
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: Expelling charge is 3.5 ounces
Weight of loaded projectile: 94.5 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 4
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 63 Mod 0
-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods


The Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 6 are used in this projectile.






6-inch Illuminating Mk 38 Mod 0

No picture available

Guns used in: 6"/47 (case)
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 26.7 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 23.225 inches
Diameter of base: 5.975 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 105 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 4
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 63 Mod 0
-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods


This projectile was made to provide an illuminating projectile similar in ballistic traits to the 6" H.C. Projectile Mk 34.

6-inch Illuminating Mk 41 Mod 0

Guns used in: 6"/47 Dual-Purpose
Overall length: 30 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 26.28 inches
Diameter of base: 5.975 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: Expelling charge is 2.5 ounces
Weight of loaded projectile: 110 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 4
Primer: Mk 13, all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 25 (M.T.F.)


The Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 6 are used in this projectile.

6-inch Target Mk 36 Mods 1, 2, and 3

No picture available

Guns used in: 6"/47 (case)

Overall length: 27 inches

Diameter of base: 5.985 inches

Distance base to band: 1 inch

Width of band: 2.5 inches

Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: N/A

Weight of filling: N/A

Weight of loaded projectile: 130 pounds

Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 4

Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods

Tracer: Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes: N/A

This projectile has no spotting dye loaded in the windshield.

The different modifications are to distinguish between manufacturers.

6-inch Target Mk 37 Mod 1

The only difference between this projectile and the 6-inch Mk 36 target round is that the Mk 37 has provision for a spotting dye load.

Next Time: 7-inch Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives - 6-inch Projectiles (Part 1)

American Projectiles and Explosives

6-inch Projectiles





6-inch A.P. Mk 35 Mods 1-11

Guns used in: 6"/47 (case)
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 27 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 17.19 inches
Diameter of base: 5.985 inches
Distance base to band: 1.55 inches
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 1.95 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 130 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 1.5%

Cartridge case: Mk 4
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes: Mk 21 Mods 0 and 1







6-inch Special Common Mk 27 Mods 1-8

Guns used in: 6"/53
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 27 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 15.95 inches
Diameter of base: 5.985 inches
Distance base to band: 1.55 inches
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 2.2 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 105 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.1%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes: Mk 19 Mods 0 and 1


The 6-inch Special Common Projectiles Mk 27 Mods 2 and 5 have 2.5 pounds of explosive, rather than the 2.2 pounds contained in the other Mods.






6-inch Common Mk 20 Mods 0-4 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 6"/50
Overall length: 22.7 inches
Diameter of base: 5.94 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 7.08 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 105 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5.97%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes: Mk 28 and all Mods


This projectile may be found fuzed with Base Fuze Mk 3 and Mods.

Mods 0, 2, and 4 may also be issued B.L. & T. with adapter and Mk 5 Mod 1 Tracer for target practice.

This projectile may be found loaded with 6.25 pounds of Explosive D.






6-inch Common Mk 24 Mods 1-5

Guns used in: 6"/53
Overall length: 27 inches
Diameter of base: 5.985 inches
Distance base to band: 1 inch
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 5.73 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 105 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5.46%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes: Mk 19 Mods 0 and 1


This projectile is reserved for submarines.  This projectile may be fuzed with Base Fuzes Mk 3 and Mods.  It is to be reloaded and refuzed with the Base Fuze Mk 19.

This projectile is also issued B.L. & T. with adapter and Tracer Mk 5 Mod 1 for target practice.






6-inch Common Mk 28 Mods 1 and 2

No picture available

Guns used in: 6"/47 (bag)
Overall length: 27 inches
Diameter of base: 5.985 inches
Distance base to band: 1.55 inches
Width of band: 2.5 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 5.72 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 105 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5.45%

Cartridge case: N/A
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5

Fuzes: Mk 19 Mods 0 and 1

6-inch H.C. Mk 34 Mods 1-7

Guns used in: 6"/47 (bag);  6"/53 (case)

Overall length w/ nose fuze: 27.045 inches

Overall length w/o nose fuze: 22.225 inches

Diameter of base: 5.985 inches

Distance base to band: 1.55 inches

Width of band: 2.5 inches

Diameter at bourrelet: 5.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D

Weight of filling: 13.22 pounds

Weight of loaded projectile: 105 pounds

Charge/Weight ratio: 12.6%

Cartridge case: Mk 4

Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods

Tracer: Mk 5, Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes: 

-Base: Mk 28 Mods 0 and 1

-Nose: Mk 29 Mods 2 and 3 (P.D.F.)

-Steel nose plug

-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4 (M.T.F.)

-Mk 50 and all Mods (M.T.F.)

-Mk 63 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)

-Mk 47 Mod 0 (V.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuzes:

-Mk 17 and all Mods

-Mk 46 Mod 0

-Mk 54 Mods 0 and 1

-Mk 44 Mods 0 and 1

A nose cap may be threaded to the projectile body over the nose fuze for moisture-proofing purposes.

When this projectile is used in the 6"/53 bag gun, the Primer Mk 15 Mod 1 is used.  The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Auxiliary Detonating Fuzes Mk 17 and Mk 46 in all assemblies.

A specially cavitized Mk 34 round, designed for use in the 6"/47 gun only, is being produced for assembly with the V.T. Fuze Mk 47.  When this fuze is used, the Base Fuze Mk 28 is also employed, without tracer.  This feature differs from other V.T. fuzed projectiles, which take no base fuze.  The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 44 will be used only in conjunction with the V.T. Fuze Mk 47.

Next Time: 6-inch Projectiles (Part 2)

American Projectiles and Explosives - 5-inch Projectiles (Part 3)

American Projectiles and Explosives

5-inch Projectiles





5-inch Illuminating Mk 44 Mod 1

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 19.97 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 16.465 inches
Diameter of base: 4.973 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge
Weight of loaded projectile: 54.5 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 Mods 0-4
-Mk 63 Mod 0


This projectile is currently assembled with the Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 5





5-inch Illuminating and 5-inch W.P. Mk 45 Mod 0

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/25
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 19.97 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 16.465 inches
Diameter of base: 4.968 inches
Distance base to band: 1.98 inches
Width of band: 2 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge
Weight of loaded projectile: 54.5 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 4, Mk 4 Mod 2
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 Mods 0-4
-Mk 63 Mod 0


This projectile is currently assembled with the Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 5.

The W.P. projectile uses the body of the Mk 45 and the incendiary contents of the W.P. shell.





5-inch Illuminating  Mk 48 Mod 0

Guns used in: 5"/54
Overall length: 26 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 22.28 inches
Diameter of base: 4.973 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge
Weight of loaded projectile: 70 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 6
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Mk 25 Mod 1


The Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 5 are used, modified for a lengthened spacer sleeve.

The projectile is identical in all respects to the Mk 48, except that it has a double rotating band.






5-inch Window Projectile

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 15.8 inches
Diameter of base: 4.968 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge

Weight of loaded projectile:
-Load Mk 1 Mod 1: 53.9 pounds (approx.)
-Load Mk 2 Mod 0: 54.6 pounds (approx.)
-Load Mk 4 Mod 0: 53 pounds (approx.)

Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods
-Mk 63 Mod 0

Projectile Body:
-5-inch Ill. Mk 30 Mods 5, 7, and 9
-5-inch Ill. Mk 44 Mod 1


Window Load Mk 1 Mod 1: Consists of about 13,800 aluminum foil strips, each 8 inches long, 3/16 inches wide, and 0.00035 inches thick, backed on either side by 12 pounds of tissue paper, solid glued.  The strips are stacked within a four-section cylindrical wood form, which is encased in a split steel sleeve, the whole inserted into the projectile cavity.

Window Load Mk 2 Mod 0:  Consists of 19 rolls of aluminum foil stacked within a split steel sleeve.  Each roll contains continuous foil 600 feet long, 1/2 inch wide, and 0.0009 inches thick.  One end of the foil is attached to a cardboard disc by a rayon leader 15 feet long, insuring streaming out of the foil roll.  The foil rolls, with their cardboard discs, are each encased in a split retainer ring, forming a load unit.  The units are separated by aluminum discs when loaded in the split steel sleeve.

Window Load Mk 4 Mod 0:  Consists of two stacks of 13,800 aluminum foil strips, each stack separated by an aluminum disc.  Each strip is 5.1 inches long by 3/16 inches wide.  The strips are stacked within two four-section cylindrical magnesium forms, which are encased in a split steel sleeve.


Operation:  The explosion of the black powder ejection charge, initiated by the fuze, exerts a pressure against the baffle plate and forces the split steel sleeve, window load, and base plug out of the base end of the projectile.






5-inch White Phosphorus Smoke Projectile

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 15.8 inches
Diameter of base: 4.968 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge
Weight of loaded projectile: 53 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Mk 63 Mod 0 (M.T.F)
-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 50 and Mods (M.T.F.)
-Mk 29 Mod 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 66 Mod 0 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 61 Mod 0 (M.T.F.) -for use with 1,200 f/s initial velocity reduced charge-


Projectile Body: 5-inch Illuminating Mk 30 Mods 1-8

The projectile body, base plate, and expelling charge are the same as those for the 5-inch Illuminating Projectile Mk 30.

The canister holding the W.P. filled tubes is of 0.03-inch thick sheet steel and measures 12.03 inches long by 3.9 inches in diameter.  It is painted olive drab overall.  Through the center of the canister is inserted a burster tube containing the ballistite burster charge, with a black powder delay fitted to the upper end of the tube.  The canister is divided into four sections internally, with each section containing 42 W.P. filled steel tubes 0.5 inches in diameter and 2.86 inches long, 168 tubes in all.  The canister is filled through the base with molten W.P. and closed with two 1/2-inch pipe plugs.


Type of Filling
Expelling charge --- 2 ounces black powder
Bursting charge --- 14 grams Ballistite
Smoke filling --- 7.06 pounds white phosphorus


The black powder expelling charge, ignited by the fuze, initiates the delay element at the upper end of the burster tube and forces off the base plate, ejecting the canister rearward.  The delay initiates the burster, which ruptures the canister and scatters the W.P. filled steel tubes.  The smoke cloud thus formed is about 30-40 yards in diameter.  The projectile combines screening, anti-personnel, and slight incendiary effect.

Next Time: 6-inch Projectiles (Part 1)

American Projectiles and Explosives - 5-inch Projectiles (Part 2)

American Projectiles and Explosives

5-inch Projectiles





5-inch A.A. Common Mk 28 Mod 9 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 5"/25
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 16.945 inches
Diameter of base: 4.973 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D, Composition A
Weight of filling: 7.33 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 51.7 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 14%

Cartridge case: Mk 4
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: None
Fuzes: Mk 32 all Mods (V.T.F.); Mk 40 all Mods (V.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 17 and Mods
-Mk 46 Mod 0
-Mk 54 Mod 0

This projectile is fuzed with V.T. fuzes only.  The projectile adapter is removed, and a gas-checked base plug is inserted.  No tracer or base fuze is used with this projectile.

The Fuze Mk 40 and Mods is currently replacing the Mk 32 and Mods in all assemblies.  The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Fuzes Mk 17 and Mk 46 in all assemblies.

This round is also issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with the Tracer Mk 6 and adapter, or a cut-off Base Fuze Mk 13 for target practice.





5-inch A.A. Common Mk 31 Mods 1 - 11

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 16.625 inches
Diameter of base: 4.97 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D, Composition A
Weight of filling: 7.25 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 55.12 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 13.33%

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: None
Fuzes: Mk 32 all Mods (V.T.F.); Mk 40 all Mods (V.T.F.); Mk 53 and all Mods (V.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 17 and all Mods
-Mk 44 Mod 0 and 1
-Mk 46 Mod 0
-Mk 54 Mod 0 and 1

The Mk 31 projectile was originally designed to receive the Base Fuze Mk 13, which is now obsolete.  The projectile will now be found fitted only with V.T. fuzes and a plug in the base.

The Nose Fuze Mk 40 is replacing the Mk 32 and Mods.  With these fuzes, the projectile adapter will be removed, and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 will be employed, replacing the previously used Auxiliary Detonating Fuzes Mk 17 and Mk 46.

When the V.T. Fuze Mk 53 is used, the projectile adapter is removed and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 44 employed.

This projectile is also issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with the Tracer Mk 6 and adapter, or a cut-off Base Fuze Mk 13 for target practice.





5-inch A.A. Common Mk 34 Mod 10

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 17.2 inches
Diameter of base: 4.97 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D, Composition A
Weight of filling: 7.25 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 55.18 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 13.33%

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 and all Mods

-Nose: Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 50 Mods 0-4 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 29 Mods 2 and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 32 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 40 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 64 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)


Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 17 and all Mods
-Mk 46 Mod 0
-Mk 54 Mod 0 and 1

This projectile consists of a Projectile Mk 31 Mo d10 modified to receive a Base Fuze Mk 28.  The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 17 and Mk 46 in all assemblies.

The V.T. Fuze Mk 40 and its Mods are replacing the Mk 32 and Mods.  When these fuzes are used in this projectile, no base fuze or tracer is employed.  The projectile adapter is removed, and a gas-checked fuze-hole plug is fitted in the base.






5-inch A.A. Common Mk 35 Mods 1-12

Guns used in: 5"/38 (case), 5"/51 (bag)
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 17.225 inches
Diameter of base: 4.973 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D, Composition A
Weight of filling: 7.25 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 55.18 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 13.1%

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 and all Mods

-Nose: Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 50 and all Mods (M.T.F.)
-Mk 61 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 29 Mods 2 and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 32 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 40 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 53 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 63 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)


Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 17 and all Mods
-Mk 44 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 46 Mod 0
-Mk 54 Mod 0 and 1

The Nose Fuze Mk 40 is replacing the Mk 32 when used in the 5"/38 gun.  With the 5"/51 bag gun, however, Nose Fuze Mk 32 Mod 40, rather than the Nose Fuze Mk 40, is employed.  When these fuzes are used, the projectile adapter is removed, a gas-checked base fuze plug, with no tracer, is fitted into the base, and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is employed.

When the V.T. Fuze Mk 53 is used, the base is fitted with a gas-checked base-fuze plug, with no tracer, the projectile adapter is removed and the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 44 is employed.

The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Fuzes Mk 17 and Mk 46 in all assemblies.

With the 1200 f/s I.V. reduced charge for the 5"/38 gun, Nose Fuzes Mk 61 and Mk 29 Mods 2 and 3 with the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 will be employed.

All Mods of this projectile, except Mod 6, may be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with the Tracer Mk 9 and adapter for target practice.

When these projectiles are used in the 5"/51 bag gun, the Primer Mk 15 Mod 1 is used.







5-inch Common Mk 36 Mods 1-4

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/25
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 17.225 inches
Diameter of base: 4.973 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D, Composition A
Weight of filling: 7.25 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 53.85 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 13.5%

Cartridge case: Mk 4, Mk 4 Mod 2
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9

Fuzes:
-Base: Mk 28 and all Mods

-Nose: Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 50 and all Mods (M.T.F.)
-Mk 29 Mods 1, 2 and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 32 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 40 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 53 and all Mods (V.T.F.)
-Mk 63 Mod 0 (M.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 17 and all Mods
-Mk 44 Mods 0 and 1
-Mk 46 Mod 0
-Mk 54 Mod 0


When the V.T. fuzes are used, the projectile adapter is removed, and a gas-checked base-fuze plug, with no tracer, is fitted into the base.  V.T. fuzes are authorized for use in Mods 2 - 4 only of this projectile.

The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Auxiliary Detonating Fuzes Mk 17 and the Mk 46.  The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 44 is used only in conjunction with the V.T. Fuze Mk 53.

All Mods of the Projectile Mk 36 are authorized for use with A.P. steel nose caps and for designation as "H.C." projectiles.

All Mods of the Projectile Mk 36 may also be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with the Tracer Mk 9 and adapter for target practice.







5-inch A.A. Common Mk 47 Mods 0 and 1

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 52.43 inches (???)
Diameter of base: 4.985 inches
Distance base to band: 1.93 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 7.11 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 55.18 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 7.7%

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9

Fuzes: Same as Mk 35

The Mod 1 differs from the Mod 0 in that the band seat has different knurling.

Only a few thousand of these A.A. Common Projectiles Mk 47 were made.

The Mk 47 was made to furnish a heavier projectile for some newer light-weight fuzes, hence maintaining a standard ballistic weight.  However, it has been fuzed exactly like the Mk 35 up to the present time.









5-inch Illuminating Mk 25 Mods 1-6 and Mod 2 (Obsolete)

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/51 (bag or case);  Mod 2: 5"/25 (case)
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 19.975 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 15.865 inches
Diameter of base: 4.948 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge
Weight of loaded projectile: 54.5 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 3;  Mod 2: Mk 4, Mk 4 Mod 3
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
Nose - Mk 18 Mod 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods
-Mk 63 Mod 0



The Mod 2 projectile, used in the 5"/25 gun, is identical to the Mod 1, except for modification of the rotating band.

When these projectiles are used in the 5"/51 bag gun, the Primer Mk 15 Mod 1 is used, and the Nose Fuzes Mk 50 and Mk 63 may be employed.  Use of the Nose Fuzes Mk 50 and Mk 63 is not authorized with rounds used in the 5"/25 and 5"/51 case guns.

The Illuminating Contents Mk 3 are used with projectiles Mods 1 through 4; projectiles Mods 5 and 6 are assembled with Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 5 when used in the 5"/51 bag gun, Illuminating Contents Mk 3 when used in the 5"/51 case gun.











5-inch Illuminating and 5-inch W.P. Mk 27 Mods 1-10

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/25
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 15.8 inches
Diameter of base: 4.968 inches
Distance base to band: 1.93 inches
Width of band: 2 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge

Weight of loaded projectile:
-Mods 1-4: 53.65 pounds
-Mods 5-10: 54.5 pounds

Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 4, Mk 4 Mod 2
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
Nose - Mk 18 Mod 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods
-Mk 63 Mod 0


Mods 1, 2, 3, and 4 have a band diameter of 5.10 inches, and Mods 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 have a band diameter of 5.12 inches.

The Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 5 are used in this projectile.

The 5-inch W.P. projectile utilizes the Mk 27 body with incendiary contents.











5-inch Illuminating Mk 30 Mods 1-8

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 20 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 15.8 inches
Diameter of base: 4.968 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge
Weight of loaded projectile: 54.5 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes:
Nose - Mk 18 Mod 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 and all Mods
-Mk 63 Mod 0


The Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 5 are used in this projectile.








5-inch Illuminating Mk 43 Mod 0

No picture available

Guns used in: 5"/54
Overall length: 26 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 22.28 inches
Diameter of base: 4.973 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder expelling charge; magnesium flare
Weight of filling: 2.5 ounces - expelling charge
Weight of loaded projectile: 70 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 6
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: N/A

Fuzes: Nose - Mk 25 Mod 1


The Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 5 are used in this projectile, modified to use a lengthened spacer sleeve.

This projectile is identical to the 5-inch Illuminating Projectile Mk 48, except that the latter has a double rotating band.

Next Time: 5-inch Projectiles (Part 3)