Description
Five Inert 20mm PGU-27A/B TP Rounds with M103 Cases and Mk7 Mod 1 Links
Item Overview
This five-round set of inert 20mm PGU-27A/B target-practice ammunition features M103 brass cases and TP projectiles joined by Mk7 Mod 1 disintegrating metallic links. These 20x102mm Vulcan rounds represent the training ammunition associated with American aircraft cannon systems. The linked arrangement makes a compact display for an aviation collection, ordnance exhibit, or military history presentation. All five rounds are offered as inert, non-firing collectibles.
Identification and Features
Each round combines an M103 cartridge case with a PGU-27A/B target-practice projectile. The 20x102mm designation identifies the 20mm caliber and 102mm case length, not the overall cartridge length. The original service projectile has a steel body without an explosive filler, tracer, or fuze. This separates the TP model from explosive and tracer ammunition in the same cartridge family.
PGU-27A/B History and Training Use
The PGU-27A/B belongs to the improved PGU-series ammunition developed for modern 20mm aircraft guns. It is the target-practice counterpart to the PGU-28A/B semi-armor-piercing high-explosive incendiary round. Its matched flight characteristics let aircrews practice with ammunition that follows a similar path to the combat cartridge. The improved A/B series incorporated changes intended to reduce operating pressure and improve reliability. Service TP cartridges were used for live-fire training and gun testing; a non-explosive projectile did not make the complete service cartridge inert.
Mk7 Mod 1 Metallic Links
The included Mk7 Mod 1 links connect the five cartridges into a short belt. Disintegrating links separate as cartridges are removed from the belt, rather than remaining together like a cloth belt. They add a visible example of metallic-link ammunition handling to this display. The links identify the configuration offered here; they should not be taken to mean that every aircraft using PGU-27A/B ammunition used this link type. Many aircraft Vulcan installations used linkless feed systems.
Associated Weapons and Aircraft
Manufacturer data lists the PGU-27A/B for the six-barrel M61A1 and M61A2 Vulcan cannons and the related three-barrel M197 cannon. Qualified aircraft applications include the F-15 Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and cannon-equipped AH-1 Cobra variants. These are historical applications of the service ammunition, not a claim that the offered inert rounds are suitable for firing or cycling through a weapon.
Vulcan Weapon System History
The Vulcan program grew from a 1946 General Electric contract to adapt the Gatling principle for faster military aircraft. Its rotating barrel cluster spread firing across several barrels, helping manage heat and wear. The 20mm weapon emerged during the 1950s and became an important aircraft cannon during the Cold War. Vulcan-equipped aircraft served in Vietnam and later conflicts, while practice ammunition supported the training needed for air-to-air and air-to-ground gunnery. The later PGU-27A/B represents the training side of that continuing history.
Condition and Included Items
This listing includes five inert rounds with the specified cases, projectiles, and metallic links. A gun, ammunition container, display stand, and other accessories are not included unless specifically stated. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Approx length 8", Approx width 7", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight 2.6lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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