Description
Inert 20mm PGU-28/B SAPHEI Nose Fuze for 20×102mm Vulcan Ammunition
Item Overview
This inert component represents the nose and pyrotechnic functioning section of the 20×102mm PGU-28/B Semi-Armor-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary projectile. It is a specialized piece of modern aircraft-cannon ammunition history. This listing is for the inert nose component only, not a complete projectile, cartridge, or live fuze.
Identification and Features
The PGU-28/B nose is sometimes called a nose fuze by collectors. However, military technical information shows that it used an impact-initiated pyrotechnic system rather than the separate M505A2 or M505A3 mechanical fuze found on earlier M56 HEI ammunition.
- Caliber: 20×102mm
- Cartridge designation: PGU-28/B
- Type: Semi-Armor-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary
- Abbreviation: SAPHEI
- Component: Inert nose and fuze section
- Live operating type: Impact-initiated pyrotechnic delay
- Primary gun systems: M61A1 and M61A2 Vulcan
- Related gun system: M197 three-barrel cannon
- Status: Inert display component
How the Nose System Worked
In a live PGU-28/B projectile, impact crushed the aluminum nose and started the nose incendiary material. This reaction ignited the body incendiary material and began a short pyrotechnic delay before the main explosive charge functioned. The delay allowed the hardened steel projectile body to enter a lightly armored target before producing its explosive and incendiary effects. This inert component cannot perform that function.
PGU-28/B Ammunition History
The PGU-28/B was developed during the 1980s as a more effective replacement for older M50-series ammunition. Its production requirements were established by MIL-P-85723 in August 1986. The low-drag projectile offered greater speed, improved range, and better performance against aircraft, light armor, vehicles, and other material targets. An improved PGU-28A/B version later addressed reliability concerns associated with early PGU-28/B ammunition.
Weapon and Aircraft Applications
The 20×102mm PGU-28 family was qualified for the M61A1 and M61A2 Vulcan cannons used in aircraft such as the F-15, F-15E, F-16, and F/A-18. Related PGU-28 ammunition was also qualified for the three-barrel M197 cannon carried by AH-1 attack helicopters. The M61 is a six-barrel rotary cannon designed to provide a very high rate of fire for air-to-air combat and attacks against ground targets.
History of Use
Development of the M61 Vulcan began after World War II, and the cannon entered U.S. military service near the end of the 1950s. It became one of the most important aircraft guns of the Cold War and remains in service on several fighter types. The improved PGU-28A/B ammunition entered U.S. Air Force F-16 combat use in Iraq on February 26, 2007, when it was used against insurgents east of Baghdad. Later Air Force procurement records also covered replacement ammunition used during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Condition
This is an inert military-surplus nose component. It may show scratches, finish wear, discoloration, oxidation, handling marks, or other signs of age and storage. The exact internal configuration and method of inerting may vary. This listing does not include the projectile body, cartridge case, primer, propellant, ammunition link, or cannon. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This unusual component is well suited for collections and exhibits covering aircraft ammunition, rotary cannons, military fuzes, and modern U.S. aviation history.
- 20mm ammunition collections
- M61 Vulcan displays
- F-15 and F-16 exhibits
- Aircraft-armament research
- Fuze and projectile collections
- Military museums and educational displays
Approx length 1.5", Approx width 0.5", Approx height 0.5", Approx weight 0.1lbs.
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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