{{Short description|Type of shotgun shell}} thumb|A FRAG-12 with the fins deployed. {{Infobox firearm cartridge/ballistics}} The '''FRAG-12''' is a specialized 12-gauge shotgun shell which contains a small amount of high explosive to breach intermediate barriers, defeat light armored vehicles and disrupt IEDs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army-technology.com/downloads/whitepapers/ammunition/883/|title=High Explosive 12-Gauge Ammunition|website=Army Technology|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref> The shell was designed by the Special Cartridge Company in London, England. Later its patent extended to Olympic Technologies Ltd in Gibraltar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forum.cartridgecollectors.org/t/12-bore-he-projectiles/27589|title=12 Bore HE projectiles|date=2018-03-19|website=International Ammunition Association Web Forum|language=en|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref>
The shell uses a {{cvt|50|mm}} long metal body filled with {{cvt|3.4|g}} of composition A5. Four folding fins spring out after leaving the muzzle. The shell arms at {{convert|3|m}} and explodes on impact by MIL SPEC 1316 fuze. It has a maximum range of {{convert|200|m}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensereview.com/1_31_2004/SOF%20Mag%20June%202005%20-%20AA12%20Shotgun%20-%20L.%20James%20Sullivan%20%28Jim%20Sullivan%29_8.jpg|title=The FRAG 12|last=Soldier of Fortune|date=June 2005}}</ref> A company called Combined Systems, Inc. sells FRAG-12 under the name '''FRAG12HE'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.policeone.com/police-products/less-lethal/press-releases/1816419-Combined-Systems-Inc-Announces-Exclusive-Manufacturing-Sales-and-License-Agreement-for-FRAG-12-High-Explosive-Ammunition/|title=Combined Systems, Inc. Announces Exclusive Manufacturing, Sales and License Agreement for FRAG-12 High Explosive Ammunition|website=PoliceOne|language=en|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Combined Systems Inc - Product Catalog|date=2010|url=https://www.combinedsystems.com/userfiles/pdfs/CSI_MIL_Product_Catalog_2010.pdf|accessdate=January 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020204432/https://combinedsystems.com/userfiles/pdfs/CSI_MIL_Product_Catalog_2010.pdf |archive-date=20 October 2014}}</ref> The rounds have low popularity due to relative high cost to performance ratio, limited application, and being limited to military only purchase. Sales seem to be limited because of the wide array of other available rounds for military users in more suitable calibers such as 20×30 mmB K-11, 20×42 mmB PAW 20, 25×40 mmB XM25, 25×59 mmB LW25, 30×29 mmB VOG-17, 35 mm CL DFS10 VOG-17, 35×32 mmSR DF87, 40 mm CL VOG-25M, 40×46 mmSR LV, 40×51 mmSR MV, 40×53 mmSR HV and 40 mm CL Balkan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/grenade-launchers-and-their-ammunition-international-developments/|title=Grenade Launchers and their Ammunition: International Developments|website=Small Arms Defense Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-24}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.quarryhs.co.uk/grenades.htm|title=New Developments in Grenade Ammunition|website=quarryhs.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-24|archive-date=2014-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029233835/http://www.quarryhs.co.uk/grenades.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> calibers used by the M203, M320, Milkor MGL, AG-C/EGLM, GP-25, and similar dedicated grenade launcher devices. The round was widely advertised with the Atchisson AA-12 assault shotgun.
==References== {{Reflist}} #{{cite web|url=https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByWWhMBRlDHFSXR3U0tnQldMYk0|title=Download – Google Drive|website=drive.google.com|accessdate=2018-10-30}} #{{cite web|url=https://www.frag12.com/home|title=FRAG12 | HIGH EXPLOSIVE (HE) | HOME|website=frag12.com|accessdate=2018-10-30}}
Category:Explosive projectiles Category:Military cartridges Category:Shotgun cartridges