Comparative Analysis of Trajectory
Comparative Analysis of Trajectory
Comparative Analysis of Trajectory
ISSN 2081-5891
13, 3 (49), 2022, 99-112
E-ISSN 2720-5266
PROBLEMS OF MECHATRONICS
ARMAMENT, AVIATION, SAFETY ENGINEERING
Received: April 29, 2021 / Revised: July 21, 2022 / Accepted: September 9, 2022 /
Published: September 30, 2022
DOI 10.5604/01.3001.0016.0054
Abstract. The subject of the analysis involves the trajectories of 7.62 mm Lapua Scenar
GB432 projectiles and “Ball” lead core projectiles manufactured by MESKO S.A.
(Poland) fired at different initial velocities from 16-, 20- and 26-inch-long barrels.
Calculations in the scope of the external ballistics concerning the characteristics of the
trajectories of projectile fired from the analysed weapons were made using the PRODAS
3.5 software by Arrow Tech, using a mathematical model of the solid body movements
with six degrees of freedom. During the analyses, the phenomena of the internal and
transient ballistics and barrel vibrations were not taken into account. The subject of the
study was only the trajectory of a projectile fired with a specific initial velocity
corresponding to a barrel of a given length. The impact of wind was assessed by
modifying the atmosphere model by adding a side wind blowing at a constant velocity
throughout the distance.
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G. Leśnik, M. Pac, Ł. Szmit
The results allowed the analysis of the effect of the barrel length and the associated
initial velocity of the projectile on the nature of the projectile trajectory, especially the
obtained overheight path and projectile range.
The impact of the side wind on different types of projectiles was also assessed.
When shooting precision rifles, it is better to use rounds with heavy projectiles, optimized
for long-distance shooting. Lightweight-projectile rounds can be successfully used in the
semi-automatic rifles used for support at the lowest levels, where more manoeuvrability
(including barrels with a length not exceeding 20 inches) and higher fire rate is required,
and, at the same, where shooting at distances exceeding 500 m is not necessary.
Lightweight-projectile rounds can also be successfully used for marksmanship training at
distances below 500 m, where the differences between the trajectories of different
projectiles are the least.
Keywords: mechanics, ammunition, ballistics, small arms, rifle
1. INTRODUCTION
The 7.62 × 51 mm rounds with Lapua Scenar GB432 projectiles are the basic
type of ammunition used by Polish Army snipers. The GB432 projectile (Fig. 1)
is a 12-gram HPBT (Hollow-Point Boat Tail) projectile. Its characteristic feature
is a core completely shielded from the bottom side and a hollow-point tip formed
from the jacket. The projectile also features a boat tail base improving its ballistic
coefficient. The projectile fired from the barrel with a length of 26 inches (0.66
m) reaches a velocity of V0 = 755 m/s; V0 = 748 m/s when fired from a barrel with
a length of 20 inches (0.508 m) and V0 = 718 m/s when fired from a barrel with
a length of 16 inches (0.406 m).
Figure 3 shows the characteristics of the Cx zero yaw drag coefficient versus
Mach number (Ma).
Fig. 3. Zero yaw drag coefficient, Cx, of a Lapua Scenar GB432 projectile versus Mach
number
A typical method of sniper rifle zeroing assumes that the aiming point
coincides with the average hit point, at a distance of 100 m from the muzzle.
A scope sight is usually mounted on a base locating the sights optical axis 75 mm
above the barrel axis. All simulations and comparisons were performed in relation
to such conditions. Fig. 4 shows trajectories of BG432 projectiles fired from
barrels with lengths of 16, 20 and 26 inches.
Trajectories of projectiles fired from barrels of different lengths are similar
in nature. Within the initial section, the trajectories overlap, and the apex is
located at a distance of 100 m from the muzzle, which results directly from the
weapon zeroing conditions.
Comparative Analysis of Trajectory of 7.62 × 51 mm Projectiles Fired… 103
The differences between the trajectories of projectiles fired from barrels with
lengths of 26 and 20 inches were minimal, which resulted from the very small
difference in muzzle velocities, i.e., 755 and 748 m/s, respectively. At a distance
of 800 m, the hit point for a barrel with a length of 20 inches was 0.17 m below
the hit point of the projectile fired from a 26-inch barrel. The trajectory of
a projectile fired from a 16-inch barrel clearly deviated from other trajectories
and diverged noticeably over a 400 m distance. Over the 800 m distance, the
difference between the hit points achieved using a 26-inch and 16-inch barrel was
1 m.
Fig. 4. Trajectories of GB432 Lapua Scenar projectiles fired from barrels with lengths
of 16, 20 and 26 inches
Fig. 5. Projections for the trajectories of a 7.62 mm Lapua Scenar GB432 projectile
fired from 16-, 20- and 26-inch barrels on the horizontal plane, under normal conditions,
with a side wind velocity of 10 m/s
Figure 6 shows graphs of the projectile velocity changes within the trajectory
in relation to the tested barrel lengths. Regardless of the length of the barrel, and
thus the initial velocity, the nature of the graph is the same. It is worth noting that,
in each case, the projectile retains supersonic velocity up to distance of 800 m.
Fig. 6. Velocity of 7.62 mm Lapua Scenar GB432 projectiles fired from 16-, 20- and
26-inch barrels
Comparative Analysis of Trajectory of 7.62 × 51 mm Projectiles Fired… 105
Fig. 7. Physical model of a 7.62 mm “Ball” projectile with a lead core manufactured by
MESKO S.A.: CG – centre of gravity, CP – centre of pressure
The projectile fired at 773 m/s is characterised by a ballistic coefficient of
bc = 0.508. Figure 8 shows a graph of the angle of attack αg versus time for
a projectile fired at the side wind of 10 m/s. The chart indicates correct stability,
thus confirming model design correctness.
Figure 9 shows the characteristics of the Cx zero yaw drag coefficient versus
Mach number (Ma).
Simulations and calculations for the lead-core projectile were performed in
relation to the same conditions as the GB432 projectile. Fig. 10 shows trajectories
of lead-core projectiles fired from barrels with lengths of 16, 20 and 26 inches.
The trajectories of projectiles fired from barrels of different lengths are
similar in nature. Just like in the case of GB432 projectiles, the trajectories
overlap within the initial section, and the apex is located at a distance of 100 m
from the muzzle, which results directly from the weapon zeroing conditions.
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G. Leśnik, M. Pac, Ł. Szmit
Fig. 8. Angle of attack αg of a 7.62 mm “Ball” projectile with a lead core manufactured
by MESKO S.A., at a side wind with a velocity of 10 m/s
Fig. 9. Zero yaw drag coefficient, Cx, of a 7.62 mm “Ball” projectile with a lead
core manufactured by MESKO S.A.
Fig. 10. Trajectories of 7.62 mm “Ball” projectiles with a lead core manufactured by
MESKO S.A. fired from 16-, 20- and 26-inch barrels
Comparative Analysis of Trajectory of 7.62 × 51 mm Projectiles Fired… 107
Fig. 11. Projections of trajectories of a 7.62 mm “Ball” projectile with a lead core
manufactured by MESKO S.A. fired from 16-, 20- and 26-inch barrels on the horizontal
plane, under normal conditions, with a side wind with a velocity of 10 m/s.
Under normal conditions, the projectile trajectories overlap along the entire
length, and the difference in the hit point positions between the 26-inch barrel
and the 16-inch barrel was just 0.05 m at a distance of 800 m.
As far as the side wind is concerned, the trajectories of projectiles fired from
barrels of different lengths are similar in nature. However, at a distance of 350 m,
they deviate noticeably, resulting in a difference in the position of the hit point at
a distance of 800 m from the muzzle. In the case of a projectile fired from
20- and 26-inch barrels, this difference is 0.62 m, and 1.16 m when a projectile is
fired from 16- and 26-inch barrels.
Figure 12 shows graphs of the projectile velocity in relation to the trajectory
of the tested barrel lengths. Similarly, to the SCENAR projectiles, regardless of
the length of the barrel, and thus the initial velocity, the nature of the graph is the
same. For the 800 m distance, only the projectile fired from a 26-inch barrel
retained the supersonic velocity (365.48 m/s). For the shorter barrels, the
projectile retains a supersonic velocity up to 750 m (20-inch barrel) and 700 m
(16-inch barrel).
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G. Leśnik, M. Pac, Ł. Szmit
Fig. 12. Velocity of 7.62 mm “Ball” projectiles with a lead core manufactured by
MESKO S.A. fired from 16-, 20- and 26-inch barrels
Fig. 13. Trajectories of 7.62 mm lead-core Lapua Scenar GB432 projectiles fired from
16-, 20- and 26-inch barrels
Within the initial section, trajectories of all projectiles overlap, but already
at a distance of 300 m differences can be observed.
Comparative Analysis of Trajectory of 7.62 × 51 mm Projectiles Fired… 109
Fig. 14. Projections of trajectories of 7.62 mm Lapua Scenar GB432 projectiles and
lead-core projectiles fired from 16-, 20- and 26-inch barrels on a horizontal plane, in
standard conditions
Under standard conditions, trajectories of both types of projectile overlap
practically along the entire length. The most significant difference in the position
of the hit point is obtained for GB432 projectiles fired from 20- and 26-inch
barrels and lead-core projectiles fired from 16-inch barrels, although it only
amounts to 0.1 m, at a distance of 800 m.
The trajectories of GB432 projectiles fired from 20- and 26-inch barrels and
trajectories of lead-core projectiles fired from a 26-inch barrel are very similar
and, over the entire length, the differences between individual trajectories are
small, not exceeding 0.05 m.
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G. Leśnik, M. Pac, Ł. Szmit
Fig. 15. Projections of trajectories of 7.62 mm Lapua Scenar GB432 projectiles and
lead-core projectiles fired from 16-, 20- and 26-inch barrels on a horizontal plane, at
side wind of 10 m/s
5. CONCLUSIONS
The GB432 retains supersonic velocity over a larger distance and is also
much more resistant to side wind gusts.
On the other hand, the lead projectile cartridge provides a flatter flight path
and is suitable for shooting over distances below 500 m, where it retains
supersonic velocity even when fired from a 16-inch barrel, and the impact of wind
is not yet as strong as at larger distances.
In practice, this means that when shooting precision rifles, it is better to use
ammunition with a heavy projectile, optimized for long-distance shooting. Light-
projectile cartridges can still be successfully used for self-loading rifles used for
support at the lowest level, from which greater manoeuvrability (including barrels
with a length of not more than 20 inches) and higher fire intensity is required, and
at the same time no distances exceeding 500 m are required.
Ammunition with a light-projectile can also be successfully used for shooter
training at distances below 500 m, where differences between the trajectories of
various projectiles are the smallest.
Comparing trajectories of projectiles fired from barrels of different lengths,
it can also be noted that the use of barrels with a length greater than 20 inches
gives relatively few benefits, especially when using ammunition with GB 432
projectiles. A 20-inch barrel ensures supersonic velocity of a GB 432 projectile
at a distance of 800 m, and 750 m in the case of a lead-core projectile, not
deteriorating the weapon manoeuvrability, so it represents a good compromise,
especially for automatic rifles. Simultaneously, it should be emphasized that the
results obtained as a result of the simulation require verification during actual
shooting exercises and changing the ammunition will probably still require
repeating rifle zeroing operations. However, the results here make it possible to
assess the range of a permanent correction resulting from the use of ammunition
with a projectile demonstrating different parameters.
FUNDING
This paper contains the results of the research project No. O ROB 0034
03 001 financed by the Polish National Centre for Research and Development
REFERENCES
Streszczenie. Przedmiotem analizy są tory pocisków 7,62 mm Lapua Scenar GB432 oraz
pocisków z rdzeniem ołowianym „Ball” produkcji MESKO S.A. wystrzelone z różnymi
prędkościami początkowymi z luf o długościach 26, 20 i 16 cali. Obliczeń z zakresu
balistyki zewnętrznej, dotyczących charakterystyki torów pocisków wystrzelonych
z analizowanej broni dokonano za pomocą oprogramowania PRODAS 3.5 firmy Arrow
Tech korzystając z modelu matematycznego ruchu ciała stałego o sześciu stopniach
swobody. W trakcie analiz nie brano pod uwagę zjawisk balistyki wewnętrznej
i przejściowej ani drgań lufy. Przedmiotem rozważań był jedynie tor pocisku
wystrzelonego z określoną, odpowiadającą lufie o danej długości, prędkością
początkową. Wpływ wiatru oceniono modyfikując model atmosfery poprzez dodanie
wiatru bocznego wiejącego ze stałą prędkością na całym dystansie.
Uzyskane wyniki pozwoliły dokonać analizy wpływu długości lufy i związanej
z nią, prędkości początkowej pocisku na charakter toru pocisku, a zwłaszcza uzyskane na
torze przewyższenia oraz donośność pocisków. Oceniono również wpływ wiatru
bocznego na różne typy pocisków. Przy strzelaniu z karabinów precyzyjnych lepiej
stosować amunicję z pociskami ciężkimi, optymalizowaną do strzelań
dalekodystansowych. Naboje z pociskiem lekkim mogą być z powodzeniem stosowane
w karabinach samopowtarzalnych stosowanych do wsparcia na najniższym szczeblu, od
których wymaga się większej manewrowości (w tym lufy o długości nie większej niż 20
cali) i większej intensywności ognia, a jednocześnie nie wymaga się strzelania na
dystanse przekraczające 500 m. Amunicja z pociskiem lekkim może być też
z powodzeniem stosowana do szkolenia strzeleckiego na dystansach poniżej 500 m, gdzie
różnice między torami różnych pocisków są najmniejsze.
Słowa kluczowe: mechanika, amunicja, balistyka, broń strzelecka, karabin.
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