Nammo has developed the 25 mm APEX PGU-47/U, a new type of multi-role ammunition designed to enhance modern air combat capabilities. 

According to the manufacturer, the round is specifically engineered for the F-35A’s GAU-22/A cannon, but it may also be used on platforms equipped with an M242 Bushmaster gun. A contract for its production and delivery was officially signed in January, marking a major step in equipping modern fighter aircraft with more advanced munitions.

One of APEX’s key advantages is its multi-role capability, combining armour-piercing and explosive effects in a single round. This allows it to be effective against a wide range of targets, including armoured, semi-armoured, and light vehicles, as well as airborne threats. 

The round is equipped with a tungsten carbide penetrator, providing strong armour-piercing performance, while the explosive-filled warhead delivers blast, fragmentation, and incendiary effects inside the target with a delayed initiation mechanism.

The ammunition also offers an extended range, maintaining its speed over longer distances due to its advanced aerodynamic design. Compared to older systems, such as the M61 Vulcan, APEX boasts higher accuracy, increasing the probability of hitting a target in combat situations. 

Another unique feature is its graze impact function, which ensures effectiveness even when the round glances off a surface, unlike conventional ammunition that requires a direct hit to inflict damage.

PGU-47/U Technical Characteristics:

• Projectile weight: 222 g
• Muzzle velocity: 970 m/s for the F-35
• Penetration: 14 mm steel 45° NATO @ 9 000 ft / 8 mm RHA 45° NATO @ 9 000 ft
• Tracer: >3 s
• Operational temperature: -62°C to +80°C

To enhance safety and performance, the round is equipped with the FMU-171/U dual-safety fuze, ensuring a safe arming distance after being fired from an aircraft. 

Additionally, APEX includes a tracer function, making it particularly useful for air policing operations, where visible warning shots may be required.

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