Benelli CB M2, 9mm AUPO caseless amunition
The Benelli CB-M2 is a unique submachine gun resulting from a joint venture between Benelli and Fiocci, an ammunition manufacturer. The weapon itself is unremarkable, and operates by a simple blowback system, which is very common for smgs. The unusual aspect of the weapon is the round itself. The weapon is chambered for the semi-caseless 9mm AUPO round. The AUPO is a much simpler system than the expensive and complicated advanced caseless round for the failed HK G11. The AUPO bullet has an elongated, hollow base that acts as the case. The propellent fills the hollow space, and is sealed into the bullet with a fulminate plug. What makes the AUPO round "semi-caseless" is that the hollow base of the bullet detaches from the bullet itself after firing. However, it is not neccesary to eject it from the side of the weapon as in a normal cartridge, because the base follows the bullet down the barrel and exits at the muzzle, similarly to a sabot. This simplifies the action of the weapon, allowing it to move back and draw another round from the magazine, since there is no case to eject. With the ommission of the ejector mechanism and the ejection step in the action, there are fewer moving parts to jam and cause unreliable functioning of the weapon. Although the 9mm AUPO was clearly a brilliant and useful innovation in ammunition design, the military world is always wary of new things (reference the initial reluctance of the US Army to accept the M16), and the CB-M2 has yet to find any customers, and never went into full-scale production. Like the G11, the CB-M2 and the AUPO round remain interesting innovations in the firearms world that never amounted to anything. Caliber: 9mmAUPO Rate of fire: N/A Magazine: 32rounds
Photos and information from: Cesare & REMOV
Website by:
E-Image Agency
