------- Forwarded message ----------
From: INDUSTELE
It is my understanding that these are (were) called fletchettes, as into
arrow feathers being called fletching, and an arrow maker a fletcher (old
french).
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Just my observations, Tom Campbell - Birmingham, Alabama
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Tom and Listers,
What you have described is close to, but not quite a flechette. I do
not know what they are but would like to comment on the flechette.
-
In 1976 the Army was looking into the concept of decreasing the calibre
of the M16 and thereby increasing its cyclic rate. Thus putting out
more smaller sized lead at a faster rate, the old spray 'n pray method.
At FT Ord CA the Army was testing the XM70 in 4.32mm which had a
three-round burst rate of 1300rpm.
AAI Corporation under contract with Rock Island Arsenal entered their
contender: the XM19 'Flechette Rifle'. It was designed to fire the XM645
flechette cartridge which had one half the impulse of a standard 5.56mm
round. It used the standard issue 45mm length brass, topped off with a
sabot encased flechette. Put the selector in three-round burst and it
rips out at 1200rpm. Flip over to group therapy and it fires at 550rpm.
The XM19 was rotary magazine fed and looks exactly like a steel stamped
version of the classic 1941 Johnson rifle. However, flechettes were
being used a decade before this.
During my time frame in 'Nam (1967-69) they were primarily loaded into
105mm Howitzer rounds, and later made a short appearance in 40mm for the
M79.
We called the 105mm 'Beehive Rounds' and they were used for perimeter
defence. I do not know the exact number, but each Beehive contained
X,000 flechettes. The 105's barrel was lowered to horizontal; pointed
in the general direction; and let loose. During early '68 Charlie did
a ground assault against one side of our compound. He picked the 2/17th
Arty figuring the howitzer's were useless at close in. In the cold
reality of a Central Highlands morning it was reported that quite a few
bodes were found literally 'nailed to the trees'. After that night
Charlie stayed away from the 2/17th.
LANCE
MVPA 22125
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Mon Oct 08 2001 - 10:59:11 PDT