Catride 23mm GHASHA HE-I |
This ammunition is fired from Aircraft gun HP-23/AM-23. The ammunition plays several roles like air to air combat,ground support to the infantry, against radar installation etc. The cartridge consists of a HEI shell, brass cartridge case with igniting primer, powder charge and decoppering agent. The high explosive incendiary shell consists of stell body, copper rotating, bursting charge and fuze B-23A. The bursting charge consists of 3 pellets : upper,middle and lower.
The bodies of HEI shells are made of two designs: (a) with a T-shaped lug at the body bottom face for fastening the decoppering agent and (b) without a T-shaped lug. In the latter case, the shell is somewhat longer due to increase of shell, base length to ensure constant weight of the shell. Cartridge with decoppering agent have an identification marking - and additional yellow band, 4mm wide, on the cylindrical section of the shell body. This is of Russian design and is manufactured for Government of India as per the specification and drawing of the country of origin.
The raw materials used for components are tested by independent quality assurance wing. During manufacturing stage quality surveillance, both by the producer and Air Force representatives, are provided. Major components are test-fired and only passed components are takne into assembly of final ammunition. the final cartridge are subjected to dynamic proof by the Air Force representatives to check the functionability.
Tge firing pin of the fuze rests with its collar against a spiral spring which keeps the firing pin against displacement and prevents it from striking the igniting primer. To prevent spiral spring from unwinding, the latter is enclosed in a ring whihc is held in position by the tongues of creep washer. Upon firing, complete unwinding of the spiral spring is completed at a distance more than 50 m from the muzzle face and this ensures bore safety.
Due it its sound design and careful manufacture, the ammunition iss very effective in all types of combat environment.
