AIA 20 x 102 mm HEI (M56 A3) – Qualified for F16 Fighting Falcon

AIA 20 x 102 mm HEI (M56 A3) – Qualified for F16 Fighting Falcon


Medium-calibre ammunition

HEI
20 × 102 mm
HEI M56A3

A high-explosive incendiary cartridge for compatible 20 × 102 mm weapon systems, combining the M56A3 projectile with an M505A3 fuze, M103 brass case and M52A3B1 electrical primer.

20 × 102 mm

HEI

1,030 ± 15 m/s

M39 · M61 · M197

Key characteristics

The published configuration combines high muzzle velocity with electrical initiation and linked-feed compatibility for selected aircraft cannon systems.

01

HEI configuration

High-explosive incendiary projectile configuration for programme-qualified applications.

02

Electrical primer

The M52A3B1 electrical primer supports compatible electrically initiated cannon systems.

03

Linked feed

Specified for use with M12 or M14 links, subject to the selected weapon and feed configuration.

04

Weapon compatibility

Published weapon compatibility includes the M39, M61 and M197 cannon families.

Cartridge construction

The published cartridge configuration uses an M103 case manufactured from CuZn30 brass. The projectile shell is manufactured from Ç 1040 steel and is fitted with an M505A3 fuze.

The cartridge uses ball powder and an M52A3B1 electrical primer. Final lot configuration, acceptance criteria and weapon compatibility remain subject to the applicable procurement and qualification documentation.

Designation
20 × 102 mm HEI (M56A3)
Cartridge length
Maximum 168.02 mm
Cartridge mass
Approx. 258 g
Projectile mass
101 g
Velocity at 23.7 m
1,030 ± 15 m/s
Velocity standard deviation
Maximum 12.19 m/s
Mean pressure
Maximum 4,254 kg/cm²
Accuracy at 232.4 m
Maximum 16.15 cm
Bullet extraction force
499–1,179 kgf
Action time
Maximum 4 ms
Case
M103 · CuZn30 brass
Projectile shell
Steel · Ç 1040
Fuze / primer
M505A3 / M52A3B1 electrical primer
Propellant
Ball powder
Link type
M12 or M14
Compatible weapons
M39, M61 and M197

Weapon-system integration

Published compatibility covers the M39, M61 and M197 cannon families. Selection of link type, feed arrangement and ammunition configuration must correspond with the qualified weapon installation.

Final compatibility is determined through the applicable weapon, feed system, platform and ammunition qualification documentation.


Contract- and qualification-dependent

Product availability, ammunition configuration, weapon compatibility, performance and delivery are subject to contract, final engineering and qualification, applicable export-control regulations, governmental authorisations and end-user approvals. Public reference values may change without notice.

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