DGM/1769 — Depth Charge Tetryl Replancement.

Descriptions

Repair and maintenance services of firearms and ammunition. In support of conventional munitions manufacture and stock management the Defence General Munitions Project Team (DGM PT) has a possible future requirement for the removal of the Tetryl elements within the Depth Charge Fuze comprising the Detonator and Booster. To limit the components requiring replacement the method of initiating the Detonator will remain unaltered. In addition the following will also be supplied:— Explosive Hazard Data Sheets for all of the energetic materials,— Management of Safety and Suitability for Service (S3) trials required to be undertaken,— A full Munition Data Pack, for the modified components.The current in-service Depth Charge Fuze is designed specifically for use with the DC Mk II MOD 3. There are two variants which allow a shallow or deeper initiation depth. It is a self-contained unit comprising a valve unit, pistol, detonator, placer assembly and primer. The fuze is packaged and kept separate until the depth charge is assembled for use in a warship. It is fitted with a safety cover and transit pin until it is assembled into the charge case and fitted with the Tail Unit (which is then fitted with a safety pin and pennant until just before the helicopter takes off). As the depth charge enters the sea and the charge sinks, the fuze employs a hydro - pneumatically operated twin shutter system. The first shutter contains the stab-initiated detonator which is held out of line with the striker until it is operated. The second shutter provides a solid barrier between striker and detonator. At a depth of approximately 5m the hydrostats operate to remove the barrier and align the striker and detonator. As the charge sinks, the striker spring is loaded until the charge reaches the firing depth, when it is released. There are two variants which allow a shallow or deeper initiation depth.DGM can supply Work Instructions for the conversion.The detonator is initiated by means of a striker (stab initiator) which stabs a 2.3grn LZY DetonatorThe Primer Assembly comprises a 18g CE Magazine which sits on top of a 642g CE pellet assembly.The Depth Charge Fuze is required to have initiate the 80kg of Torpex 8/2B when housed within the main Depth Charge body.The replacement composition must be qualified as Safe and Suitable for general service.Contractors should declare whether any components within their expression of interest are covered under ITAR.