US HEAT as APERS

[I2R06]

One of the things I loved about the old 105mm was the variety of ammo. Besides the basics of Sabot and HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank), you also had Beehive, Smoke (White Phosphorus), and HEP (High Explosive Plastic. the British call it HESH, High Explosive Squash Head). The other ammo types were great against material and personnel targets.

With the 120mm the thought was to use only 2 types of ammo. Sabot and HEAT-DP (HEAT-Dual Purpose). The idea was to make a HEAT round that could be used for both Anti-Armor and Anti-Personnel (APERS). But I heard they were having problems with the Development. They just couldn'tmake a good HEAT round that also fragmented and had blast that was good for APERS.

So does any one know what happened? Does the HEAT-DP work? I still miss Beehive and HEP.

[Ssnake]

Well, actually they call it MEAT-MP-T now (Multi purpose, Tracer). Not much of a multi purpose actually, which is why the US Army is still experimenting with alternative rounds, and Germany is currently introducing the DM22 HE round. Sweden never used a HEAT round for their Leo fleet, and neither have other nations for the 105mm gun.

The point is, for best fragmentation you need a high spin. A high spin is not desirable for optimum HEAT jet penetration performance, so you have conflicting development goals.

[I2R06]

Precisely, good reply Ssnake.

Also, HEAT rounds need to be base detonating. APERS works best point detonating. Sounds like the US procurement system. Never let reality get in the way of your plan. Thank heaven they haven't taken away the M2 .50 cal, yet.

[Dagger]

Here I2R06...
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/120.htm

there is more then U think...the Tanker's in S. Korea have been screaming for a Canister round..so i'd says they have them ready to go..if not fielded yet.(I'd love to see them in SB2..dieing to try one on a PC! :cool: )