Knock Out: The Evolution of Tank Ammunition

The Evolution of Tank Ammunition

Introduction to Tank Ammunition Development

• Overview of the tank evolution series focusing on ammunition development.

• Tanks fulfill various battlefield roles, primarily fighting other tanks.

• Continuous technological development cycle between armor and ammunition.

Early Tank Guns and Shell Design

• First tank gun was the Hotchkiss QF 6-pounder used in WWI.

• Description of the six-pounder shell as a forged steel projectile with explosive charge.

• The driving band aids in stability through rifling during firing.

Mechanism of Shell Propulsion

• Brass case contains propellant (cordite), ignited by a percussion cap.

• Combustion produces gases that force the shell down the barrel, maximizing velocity.

• Understanding tank ammunition is crucial for grasping its operational context.

Development of Armor-Piercing Rounds

• Shift towards developing better armor-piercing rounds as tanks evolved post-WWI.

• Early solid shot projectiles like the British two-pounder AP round from 1939 were effective against early German tanks.

Advancements in Ammunition Technology

• Introduction of APCBC rounds to enhance penetration capabilities using kinetic energy principles.

• Explanation of how ballistic caps improve aerodynamics and penetration efficiency.

The Role of APDS Rounds

• APDS rounds introduced in 1944 utilized tungsten for improved performance over traditional materials.

• Subcaliber design allows for lighter projectiles achieving higher velocities without excessive weight.

Armor Penetration Techniques

APDS and APFSDS Rounds

• The 105 mm APDS round can penetrate up to 233 mm of armor at 1,000 m.

• APDS evolves into the 120 mm APFSDS, which is longer and thinner for higher velocity impact.

• The long rod penetrator design improves stability in flight with added fins.

Impact and Effectiveness

• APFSDS rounds travel at speeds between 1,400 and 1,800 m/s, significantly faster than older rounds.

• A US Army engagement demonstrated the devastating effect of an APFSDS round on a T72 tank.

• Modern tanks use composite armor or ERA for better protection against these rounds.

Materials Used in Rounds

• Traditional tungsten is used in most fin-stabilized rounds; depleted uranium (DU) is also utilized.

• DU has caused controversy due to misconceptions about its radioactivity; it is mostly non-radioactive waste.

• DU's pyrophoric nature allows it to combust upon impact, enhancing damage.

Different Types of Anti-Tank Rounds

HEAT and HESH Rounds

• HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) uses a shaped charge to create a superplastic jet for penetration.

• The first tank gun firing a HEAT round was the KWK37 L24 mounted on early German tanks.

• HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) creates shock waves that cause internal damage without penetrating armor.

Mechanism of Action

• HESH relies on explosive force rather than kinetic energy for effectiveness against armored targets.

• Anti-tank mines and grenades can also function similarly by using explosive charges instead of direct impact.

Understanding Tank Ammunition

Overview of HESH and APFSDS

• HESH requires a rifled barrel for accuracy, but this reduces muzzle velocity and penetration.

• Challenger 3 will adopt a smoothbore gun, aligning with NATO standards.

Tank Roles and Ammunition Types

• Tanks perform various battlefield tasks beyond anti-tank capabilities, including infantry support.

• Different rounds are needed for different targets; HESH does not require the same velocity as APFSDS.

Propellant Charges and Firing Techniques

• British tanks use varying bag charges for different ammunition types to achieve desired velocities.