Due to a planned power outage, our services will be reduced today (June 15) starting at 8:30am PDT until the work is complete. We apologize for the inconvenience.
DTIC ADA549416: M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round (EPR) Media Day
This briefing provided information on the new M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round (EPR). Soldiers fired ammunition to demonstrate capabilities of the EPR. Participants had the opportunity to shoot the round for themselves. There was the opportunity for hands on inspection of targets. Performance differences were clearly demonstrated. M855 Background: US Army Infantry Center questioned effectiveness of primary 5.56mm ball munition. Basis was field reports from operations in Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Reports were mixed with some units claiming issues, others were not. After studying problem PM MAS/ARL/ARDEC agreed the M855 was well designed and is good general purpose round. However, some inconsistencies were found inherent in the design. There were physical explanations for field reports of performance issues. There were opportunities to improve performance of these munitions. The Army developed improved methods and tools to evaluate performance of small arms systems. Research Showed: Physical explanations for field issues and opportunities to improve performance. Goal of the program was to incorporate the science used in other ammunition such as Large Caliber into Small Caliber Ammunition.
