3BM32

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3BM-32 sabot dart cross section

Statistics

Maximum Range: 3300m
Armor Penetration: 540mm RHAe (KE)
Muzzle Velocity: 1700m/s
Date Fielded: 1985

General

Developed under the research topic "Vant", the 3BM32 is a further refinement of the 3BM29 round, featuring an improved version of the re-designed aluminum sabot introduced with the 3BM29 and a slimmer depleted uranium/nickle-zinc monoblock penetrator. Despite its lower muzzle velocity and shorter overall length compared to its predecessor, the 3BM32 is both heaver and has a better length to diameter ratio, resulting in an roughly 15% increase in performance over the 3BM29.

Introduced in 1985, the 3BM32 was produced in large numbers and, along with the 3BM42, served as the principal anti-armor round for the Soviet Union through the end of the Cold War. This round saw action in both the Chechen and Georgian conflicts, and saw extensive use on both sides of the so-called "War in Donbass". Never exported, as of this writing (2019) it can be assumed that Russian stocks of 3BM32 rounds have been significantly reduced while Ukranian stockpiles may be completely depleted.


Sources:
Vasiliy Fofanov's Modern Russian Armor
Stefan Kotsch's Main Battle Tank in Detail