In the year 2003 we presented our technology to the Belgian Army with as goal to get a step further for a possible evaluation by NATO. At the time, the Belgian Army considered the separation of the bullet as “in conflict with the Geneva Convention” and our theology must at first be presented and evaluated by representatives in the Geneva Convention. The standpoint of the Belgian Army has always worked as a brake in the further evolution of our technology.

It is not a secret that at the time the Belgian Army was obsessed by the P90, but by the resistance of the Germans, it is not selected as the new standard NATO cartridge. The consequence of the disagreements in the NATO council has lead that the available off-the-self condition will be the most determent factor. In the mean time, a lot of critic has appeared on the P90 and his ammunition, even so fare that the whole PDW small caliber concept is under serious question. VBR-Belgium has started  the VBR-FBI-CRISAT ballistic test protocol to adapt our ammunition so that it takes a better position in the “available off-the-self” condition. 

The NATO demands for a limited wounding potential are in conflict with the most international Law Enforcement demands !!! These are two different demands, which prevent a good available off-the-self condition. Therefore we have made a bullet which brings our technology to the level where it is designed for “ The maximum efficiency in stopping power” With this standpoint the 9x19 AP 6.3 mm cartridge steps away form the NATO limited wounding potential and steps in the direction of international Law Enforcement demands.

3 mm titanium         /       4 mm titanium

With all respect for the NATO CRISAT opinions, but the composition of 1.6 mm titanium and 20 layers of Kevlar, is not a level of body armor which appears in the field! If our ammunition must be suitable for Belgian Law Enforcement use, it must be able to defeat the types of body armor which currently appear by criminal activities! The bulletproof vest which is set to our disposal contains 4 mm titanium + 22 layers of Kevlar and a 2 mm thick trauma packet. During previous test on a 3 mm titanium plate it seems to be possible to increase the penetrator-head diameter to dimensions bigger then the 4.6 or 5.7 mm.

The penetrator choice. 

6.3 x 22.6 mm penetrator

The challenge to penetrate the 4 mm thick titanium insert plate limits the diameter of the penetrator. Also the preparations for a mass production of penetrators brings us to a new penetrator dimension. It is our opinion that an industrial penetrator must fit in different calibers like the 7.92x24 mm, the 9x19 mm, the .357 SIG and the .40 S&W. This should have as result a standard penetrator for different calibers. By a combination of the identities of these different calibers we came to the dimensions of 6.3 x 22.6 mm for an industrial penetrator.

 

The sabot choice.

The new approach to develop bullets, which can satisfy the VBR-FBI-CRISAT demands, asking for a big permanent wound cavity and a high incapacitation effect. This has a direct influence on the sabot choice. To increase the likelihood of immediate incapacitation the sabot must also take part on the wounding mechanism. This means that the penetrator and the sabot must penetrate a soft bulletproof vest. Two projectiles increasing the content of the permanent wound cavity and double the chance to hit a vital organ. To achieve this, the penetrator point and the sabot point are provided with the same angle. This allows the sabot to also penetrate the body armor.

 The VBR-Belgium 9x19 AP 6.3 mm cartridge.

Standard penetrator Nr. 6.3x22.9-55-001

Satandard sabot Nr. 9x7.8-25-001

9x19 AP 6.3 L                   9x19 AP 6.3                  9x19 AP 6.3 +P

 

9x19 AP 6.3 L

Low pressure cartridge with steel case. Chamber presure below the 2300 bar.

9x19 AP 6.3

Standard C.I.P. pressure cartridge. Chamber pressure below the 2600 bar.

Technical info about the 9x19 AP 6.3 cartridge.

9x19 AP 6.3 +P

+ P ammunition is loaded to a higher pressure. Use only in firearms recommended by the gun manufacturer.

 

Preliminary promotion video for the 9x19 AP 6.3 mm cartridge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyKMz3tYx-M

The 9x19 AP 6.3 mm cartridge in the VBR-FBI-CRISAT ballistic test protocol.

Under development.

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