Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
Simulators and other training aids are also to be acquired alongside the MBTs - this is a good move. Probably the package would also include a ma- jor quantity of spares and ammo. One should discuss the latter matter in detail. When it comes to the APFSDS rounds, several options are on the table. In the most optimistic scenario, Po- land could be able to acquire the M829A4 rounds - the latest, and most ad- vanced M829 ammunition variant, with a depleted uranium alloy penetrator. Generally, the M829A4 is not different from its predecessor, the M829A3, when it comes to dimensions. The whole round has a length of 984 mm, the penetrator alone has a length of around 800 mm. However, the M829A4 features a redesigned penetrator, and the weight is also different - 25.4 kilograms, instead of 22.2 kilograms, as in the case of the M829A3. The M829A4 also utilizes an upgraded charge - SCDB (Surface Coated Double Base). It belongs to the so-called non-sensitive group of explosives, dimin- ishing the probability of detonation if the ammunition is hit. This, and the way the ammunition is stored in the M1 MBT, enhances the survivability, and safety of the crew. The SCDB charges also offer higher temperature stability. Even at higher external temperatures, the pressure does not exceed the safe limits, and the muzzle velocity levels are maintained. The legacy M829A3 rounds fired out of the M256A1 gun reach a muzzle velocity of 1,555 meters per second. M829A4 is faster - at 1,650 meters per second. Both M829A3 and M829A4 can penetrate around ~800 mm of RHA at 2,000 meters. They can also pen- etrate special armor, with extra heavy ERA shielding. Table 5. Data pertaining to APFSDS rounds, with estimated penetration rates against Apart from M829A4, AKE-T (Advanced Kinetic Energy – Tungsten) variant may be used, with the depleted uranium penetrator being replaced with a nearly identical tungsten solution - offering similar performance, but with less controversial base material used. The Americans do offer other tung- sten penetrator sabot rounds: KEW, KEW-A1, and KEW-A2. When it comes to other types of ammunition that could be offered, here we may see the multi-purpose programmable M1147 round that may be pro- grammed to work in three modes: conventional impact detonation, delayed detonation, effective against structures and light armor such as IFVs, and airburst mode, where the projectile explodes at a precisely defined moment, while airborne. The cloud of fragmentation and the shockwave may then effectively neutralize infantry in trenches, or behind cover. This ammunition may also be used to shoot down helicopters. Ammunition type Effective range [meters] RHA penetra- tion [mm] Muzzle velocity [m/s] Date of introduction DM63A1 4000 ~650 – 750+ 1710 ~2000 M829A3 4000 ~700 – 800+ 1555 ~2003 M829A4 4000 ~700 – 800+ 1650 ~2020 AKE-T 4000 ~700 – 800+ ? ~2020 ANALYSIS