Report NMAB-270 of the Committee on Gun Tube Technology. 1971. – 83 p.The object of the study was to recommend long-range improvements in the manufacture and concept of gun barrels, as well as to suggest solutions to current gun manufacturing problems. Improved steels are listed and coatings for the bore proposed, which might result in better performance or lower cost. Alternate metalworking and casting methods are discussed. The manufacture and inspection of barrels are described and some advanced technology proposed. A limited number of advanced concepts for launching projectiles were examined. Of the conclusions reached, the foremost two are the need for better understanding of the interrelationships among the factors responsible for the degradation of gun barrels during service, and the need for the consideration of a barrel as part of an ammunition-propellant-gun system and not as an isolated entity.Contents:
Background and summary of findings.
Materials.
Forming methods.
Manufacture.
Advanced concepts.
Conclusions and recommendations.
