ATK Ammunition and Powder Company
25mm Barrett HEDP Cartridge
December 9, 2024
(ATK-1) 11/12/2002
Agenda
• Overview
• Tactical Employment
• ATK 25mm Barrett HEDP System
• Ammunition Development Design Discipline
+ Optimal Components
• Existing LW30mm Technology = Mission Success!
• ATK Development Efforts
– Static Spin Tests
– Penetration Test Results
• Summary
ATK 25mm HEDP_2
Overview
• What is the ATK 25mm Barrett HEDP?
– High Explosive Point Detonating Rifle Delivered Shape Charge Munition
– Based on Apache 30mm M789 HEDP technology
– Off-the-shelf components and technology minimize development cost and time
• Testing demonstrates:
– Average > 1.75” RHA penetration at 500 meters
– Numerous rounds penetrate 2” RHA target plate
– 100% fuze function + 20 meter no-arm safety
• Simulation and modeling indicates that the ATK 25mm Barrett HEDP will
penetrate in excess of 2” of RHA armor at 1000 meters.
ATK 25mm HEDP_3
Tactical Employment
• Snipers require responsive technologies to enhance their already
substantial effectiveness.
• The lightweight 25mm Anti-Material Payload Rifle system is capable of
interdicting light material and armored targets.
– C4ISR
– Mobile SCUDs
– Support Facilities
– Light Vehicles
– Aircraft and Fuelers
– Crew Served weapons
ATK 25mm HEDP_4
25mm Barrett HEDP System
• The Barrett XM109 25mm Payload Rifle System is a unique weapon
designed specifically to interdict light material targets.
– Is ready for production
– Kit conversion transforms Barrett .50 cal rifle to 25mm
– XM109 needs tactical ammunition for fielding
– Ammunition applicable to XM307 and XM25 system
Payload Rifle
is mod to
existing .50 cal
ATK 25mm HEDP_5
ATK 25mm HEDP Ammunition Development Objectives
• Meet or exceed warhead performance criteria of 1.25” RHA
penetration
• Scale proven technology from existing LW30mm Apache ammunition
– Maximize off-the-shelf components and technology to minimize
development costs and time
• Utilize modified liner components
• Modify M759 fuze to compensate for lower spin rate/provide safe arming
• Provide lightweight aluminum cartridge case
ATK 25mm HEDP_6
Existing LW30mm Technology
• Developed in the 1980s for the M230 chain gun on
the AH-64 Apache helicopter
– M789 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP)
– M788 Target Practice (TP)
• ATK is the developer and only supplier of the M759
PD fuze
• ATK has produced in excess of 10 million LW30mm
cartridges
• Scalable technology for 25mm application
– Shaped charge jet formation for AP capability
– Projectile body fragmentation for anti-personnel
effects
ATK 25mm HEDP_7
ATK Development Effort
Two-Phase Development:
• 25mm Anti Material Payload Rifle Assessment
– Determine the validity of developing a 25mm Barrett HEDP round for a
25mm Anti-Material Payload Rifle using static spin tests.
• 25mm ATK HEDP Tactical Cartridge Development
– Develop a tactical cartridge based on ballistic assessment, evaluate
dynamic penetration performance using proposed 25mm HEDP
requirements.
ATK 25mm HEDP_8
Static Spin Test
• Penetration increases with range
• Testing exceeded predictions
ATK 25mm HEDP_9
Penetration Results
• 2” RHA target at 500 meters 2” RHA
• Dynamic performance exceeded static and
predictive expectations
– Average > 1.75” RHA penetration
– Numerous rounds penetrated 2” RHA
– 100% fuze function + 20 meter no-arm safety
Dynamic Test
Target
Test Target 2”
Barrel RHA
ATK 25mm HEDP_10
Penetration Results Close-Up
Front
Back side Shot 5 Close-up
Target 2”
RHA at
500m Back side Shot 3 Close-up
ATK 25mm HEDP_11
Summary
• The ATK 25mm Barrett HEDP is an accurate, safe, and
lethal cartridge capable of penetrating in excess of 1.5 “
of RHA armor at a range of 500 meters.
• Development success achieved by a disciplined
approach to design and testing.
• Provides 250% lethality improvement over .50 Caliber
API at 1000 meters.
• Ammunition design is production ready and supports
early fielding of 25mm Barrett Payload Weapon System.
ATK 25mm Barrett HEDP is ready now!
ATK 25mm HEDP_12
