R. Meyer J. Köhler A. Homburg Explosives

205 LOVA Gun-Propellant
LOVA
An abbreviation for low-vulnerability ammunition. This term is descriptive
of the trend towards choosing substances for both explosive and
propellant charges which are as intensitive as possible even if losses
in effectivity have to be accepted. The development of W Shaped
Charges has made it possible to hit stored ammunition with simple
tactical weapons even behind armoured walls.
The sensitivity of high-brisance explosives, e.g. W Hexogen, can be
reduced by embedding them in rubberlike plastics (W Plastic Explosives).
Low-sensitivity propellants, too, are based on plastic compounded
nitramines. Another example of an insensitive explosive and propellant
is W Nitroguanidine.
LOVA Gun-Propellant
LOVA-Treibladungspulver; LOVA-poudre
Since 1970, in addition to the various well-known W Gun Powders,
LOVA gun propellants have been developed and used in the production
of propellants. The acronym LOVA stands for (LOw Vulnerability
Ammunition) which has come to represent a type of gun propellant.
This name expresses the unique characteristics of this type of munitions
and those of gun propellants. That is, under external influences
from the bullet casing, a hollow charge or fire, or a possible reaction,
can at most, lead to combustion, but not to W Deflagration or W Detonation.
Nevertheless, the ballistic capability of traditional gun powders
must be equaled and surpassed.
To meet this challenge, one can used as an energy carrier standard
W Explosives imbedded in a matrix of W Energetic or inert Binders so
that the energy carrier loses its explosive properties while allowing for
a regulated combustion.
The most widely-used energy carries are W Hexogen and W Octogen
and to an extent W Triaminoguanidine Nitrate. Depending on the desired
purpose, W Nitroguanidine, Guanidinnitrate and W Ammonium
Perchlorate can also be used.
As a binder system polymers are utilized. If the binders contain energy
or gas-producing molecular groups (-NO2, -N3), one classifies the
binders as W Energetic Binders (e.g. polynitropolyphenylene, glycidyl
azide polymer, polyvinyl nitrate and nitrocellulose). If these substances
are not present, then the binders are classified as inert binders.