Carbon Fiber/Thermoplastic Overwrapped Gun Tube

The emphasis on lightweight large caliber weapons systems has placed the focus on the use of advanced composite materials. Using traditional thermoset composites has been difficult, as the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the steel substrate and the composite jacket causes a gap after manufacturing. Using a thermoplastic resin and a cure on the fly process has improved the manufacturability of the barrels and has eliminated the gap. For the first time a 120-mm barrel has been manufactured using this process and successfully test fired. This paper will present the design, manufacturing, and test firing of this barrel.