Enhanced Performance Round
The Army Research Laboratory and other participants developed the M855A1, Enhanced Performance Round (EPR), by applying ballistics concepts originally used in large-caliber cartridges to small arms.[1][2] The result was significant improvements to lethality of small arms. The 5.56-mm (M855A1) ammunition was first battle-tested in mid-2010 in Afghanistan. The 7.62-mm (M80A1) ammunition was fielded in 2014.[1]
The EPR “bronze tip” ammo – previously known generically as “green ammo” – was born at the kickoff meeting for phase II of the army’s green ammunition replacement program in mid-2005 at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Missouri. Participants met to discuss problems surrounding environmentally-friendly small arms training ammunition.[1]
The program team was comprised of Project Manager, Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM-MAS), Army Research Laboratory (ARL), U.S. Army Armaments Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), and other team members. Participants evaluated more than 20 potential projectile designs before moving forward with a three-piece, reverse-jacket bullet design incorporating a hardened steel penetrator and lead-free slug.[3]
The EPR produces consistent effects against soft targets; increased effectiveness at long ranges; increased defeat of hard targets; and reduced muzzle flash (to help conceal soldiers’ firing positions). The lead-free cartridges also reduce environmental impact by removing more than 2,000 metric tons of lead per year that otherwise could end up in the environment.[1][2]
The EPR contains an environmentally-friendly projectile that eliminates lead from the manufacturing process in direct support of army commitment to environmental stewardship.[4] Under the Green Ammo Phase II initiative, the army focused on lead-free ammo in stateside training ranges, in response to tightening state environmental regulations.[1]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Dean, Glenn. "In Search of Lethality: Green Ammo and the M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round". Google Books. Smashwords Edition. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Crane, David. "U.S. Army Begins Shipping M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round (M855A1 EPR)". Defense Review. Defense Review. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
- ↑ Gourley, Scott R. "New U.S. Army 5.56 Rounds Head to Afghanistan". Defense Media Network. Faircount Media Group. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
- ↑ "'Green' ammo shipped to Afghanistan". Military Times. Military Times. Retrieved 19 June 2018.
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