The current method of cleaning the barrel consists of several people with a steel brush at the end of a long pole which is manuallyinserted down the barrel repeatedly. Due to the linear movement of this manual method perfect cleaning could never be achievedespecially against the tilted formation inside the rifled barrels. Even this way does damage to barrel severely. Manual cleaning is also difficult to perform in environments such as practice, NBC, radioactive, night combat and heavy activity areas which could affect the performance of the barrel as proper cleaning is essentialto ensure the perfect working conditions.
Cleaning the barrel of a cannon cannot be easier than the automatic bore cleaner (ABC System) developed by South Korea’s SooSung Defense Industries. Unlike the manual method of using a steel brush at the end of a long pole pulled by a number of personnel, the ABC System provides a clean result in a short period of time. It requires only one operator, who can do the job from outside or inside the tank, which further enhances the safety of personnel, especially in hostile or NBC-contaminated environments. Small steel brushes clipped into the outer surface of the ABC cleaner lock into each groove of the barrel.
When the operation starts, the cleaner unit is pulled along the entire length of the barrel at the rate of about 2m per minute, all the while spraying cleaning lubricant as it follows the curve. Afterwards the steel brushes are replaced with cotton brushes for a perfect clean. This ensures high shooting accuracy and maximum utilisation of barrel life, because the automatic cleaning process leaves no residue. For the 105mm smoothbore, the process is essentially the same. The ABC system is available for a range of calibres, including RB-76 and RB-127 navy guns, RB-155 artillery barrels and RB-105 smoothbore tank guns. Compact and easy to carry and could be powered from AC100~240 or DC24 volts.
The ABC system from Soosung Defense Industries makes sure that the smoothbore barrels of tanks, artillery and naval turrets are always kept in optimum condition and ready for immediate use anytime anywhere and it will be essential item for all of the tanks, artilleries and naval guns in the world. The Rifle Bore model of the ABC system uses innovative new technology to clean the barrel. Due to the grooves extending throughout the bore, the rifle bores have always been difficult to clean. The ABC system (RB) latches on to each groove and follows it throughout the barrel to produce a result that can not be replicated with other methods.
