Description
20mm PGU-28A/B SAPHEI Nose Fuze for 20×102mm Vulcan Ammunition
Item Overview
This 20mm nose component was used with the PGU-28A/B Semi-Armor-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary cartridge. Collectors commonly call it a nose fuze, but military publications identify it as the aluminum nose plug or nose assembly of the projectile’s pyrotechnic impact system. It is not a conventional mechanical fuze, complete projectile, or loaded cartridge.
Identification and Features
The PGU-28A/B used a streamlined aluminum nose attached to a hardened steel projectile body. The nose contained the impact-sensitive portion of the live projectile’s incendiary system. On the improved PGU-28A/B, the nose was threaded to the projectile body; the earlier PGU-28/B used a swaged attachment.
- Caliber: 20×102mm
- Cartridge designation: PGU-28A/B
- Cartridge type: Semi-Armor-Piercing High-Explosive Incendiary
- Abbreviation: SAPHEI
- Component: Nose plug or nose assembly
- Common collector name: Nose fuze
- Operating type: Pyrotechnic impact initiation with delayed reaction
- Conventional mechanical fuze: None
- Tracer: None
- Primary ammunition role: Combat use against aircraft and light material targets
How the Live Projectile Worked
When a live PGU-28A/B struck a target, the nose initiated a short pyrotechnic delay. This allowed the hardened projectile body to pass through light armor or aircraft skin before producing its high-explosive and incendiary effects. The design combined penetration and destructive action in one low-drag projectile. The separate nose component offered here cannot function as a complete cartridge.
Weapon Applications
PGU-28A/B ammunition was developed for 20×102mm aircraft cannon systems, including the six-barrel M61A1 and M61A2 Vulcan, the three-barrel M197, and the experimental XM301. Documented aircraft applications include the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and AH-1 Cobra. Ammunition configuration, feed system, and aircraft authorization varied by service and installation.
Historical Background
The PGU ammunition family was developed during the 1980s to improve the range, accuracy, and target effect of older M50-series 20mm ammunition. The PGU-28 combined a low-drag shape with semi-armor-piercing, explosive, and incendiary performance. The improved PGU-28A/B added design changes intended to reduce operating pressure and increase gun-system reliability. The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy used the cartridge as combat ammunition for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Condition
This is a military-surplus nose component. It may show scratches, finish wear, discoloration, oxidation, dents, machining marks, or other signs of age and storage. Markings, color, finish, and minor details may vary. This listing is for one nose assembly only; the projectile body, cartridge case, primer, propellant, ammunition link, and cannon are not included. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This PGU-28A/B nose assembly is well suited for collections and exhibits covering modern aircraft ammunition, Vulcan cannon systems, and the development of multipurpose 20mm projectiles.
- 20mm ammunition collections
- M61 Vulcan displays
- M197 cannon exhibits
- F-15 and F-16 collections
- F/A-18 and AH-1 displays
- Military museums and educational exhibits
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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