Description
25mm GD-OTS NEF Non-Energetic Fragmenting Armor-Piercing Round with Fired Projectile
Item Overview
This developmental 25x137mm armor-piercing round features a fired projectile from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems’ NEF program. NEF stands for “Non-Energetic Fragmenting,” and GD-OTS described the design as an Enhanced PGU-20 developed for the F-35 Lightning II’s GAU-22/A cannon. The projectile is marked as a November 2008 special engineering-test item.
Identification and Markings
Item type: Developmental armor-piercing round with fired projectile
Caliber: 25x137mm
Program: Non-Energetic Fragmenting / Enhanced PGU-20
Visible nomenclature: 25MM AP
Drawing or part number: 1397AS1001
Lot marking: OLM08L001S230
Manufacturer code: OLM, associated with GD-OTS Marion, Illinois
Date: November 2008
Interfix: 001
Lot type: Special engineering or proving-ground lot
Lot sequence: 230
Projectile condition: Fired
Associated cannon: GAU-22/A
Associated aircraft: F-35 Lightning II
NEF Projectile Construction
The official GD-OTS documentation shows an aluminum projectile body, sintered-iron rotating band, advanced tungsten core, and two-piece nose cap. These parts were designed to provide armor penetration against ground targets and controlled mechanical fragmentation against thin-skinned aerial targets. This fired projectile appears to lack its forward aerodynamic nose cap or windscreen, and the presence of its internal penetrator has not been confirmed.
Fired Projectile
The projectile has been fired through a cannon and may show rifling marks, rotating-band engraving, impact wear, deformation, finish loss, or surface damage. Its fired condition makes it useful for studying how an experimental projectile interacted with the weapon and target. A fired projectile should not be considered empty, safe, or inert based only on its exterior appearance.
Lot-Number Information
The marking OLM08L001S230 follows the military ammunition lot-number system. OLM identifies the manufacturing location, 08 indicates 2008, L represents November, and 001 is the interfix number. The letter S identifies a proving-ground, engineering, special-requirement, or special-test lot; it does not stand for safe or inert.
Historical Background
GD-OTS and the Army Research, Development and Engineering Center developed the 25mm NEF cartridge for the Joint Strike Fighter program. GD-OTS called it an Enhanced PGU-20 and designed it to provide useful effects against both armored ground targets and aircraft. The advanced tungsten core supplied penetration, while the aluminum body and two-piece nose structure helped produce a controlled fragment pattern after impact.
Identification Notice
The documented program abbreviation is NEF, meaning Non-Energetic Fragmenting; “NES” could not be confirmed as an official designation. Non-energetic refers to a fragmentation method that does not rely on an explosive projectile filler, but the term does not mean inert or harmless. Number 1397AS1001 follows a NAVAIR-style engineering drawing or part-number format, although its exact drawing title is not publicly indexed.
Safety Notice
Legacy PGU-20 armor-piercing projectiles may contain depleted uranium, while the documented NEF design used an advanced tungsten core. Because the internal contents of this fired projectile have not been confirmed, do not scrape, cut, drill, machine, heat, polish, or disassemble it. Unknown penetrators should be checked by qualified EOD or radiological personnel before restoration or invasive inspection.
Condition
This round includes a fired engineering-test projectile that may show rifling marks, impact damage, oxidation, scratches, finish wear, and other signs of firing, recovery, handling, or storage. The projectile appears to be missing its forward nose cap or windscreen, and the presence of an internal penetrator is unknown. Included cartridge components are limited to those specifically pictured or stated on the product page.
Ideal For
This item is well suited for experimental-ammunition collections, GD-OTS development displays, F-35 and GAU-22/A exhibits, NAVAIR research, modern aircraft-armament collections, museums, and technical study. Its fired condition and special-test lot marking provide an unusual look at the testing behind modern 25mm ammunition.
Approx length 7.5", Approx width 1.5", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight lbs.
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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