155mm First Shot
On September 30, 2019 LANL successfully performed the initial test of a 155 mm cannon. This gun will be used in experiments where fragments are launched into targets containing energetic materials and the response of the target is measured in order to help validate models of the materials. The size of the cannon allows more flexibility in the choice of fragment and target geometries. Over the past three years, LANL employees have worked with many DoD sites including Sierra Army Depot, Yuma Proving Ground, and Picatinny Arsenal as well as commercial companies including St. Marks Powder and Mandus Group arranging the loan and refurbishment of three M198 155 mm howitzers. This work has been supported by the NNSA/NA-82 Standoff Disablement Program in conjunction with the DOE/DoD Joint Munitions Program.