Table of Contents
What is an APFSDS Shell?
Armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), long dart penetrator, or simply dart ammunition, is a type of kinetic energy penetrator ammunition used to attack modern vehicle armor.
How fast does a APFSDS round travel?
Modern APFSDS can reach muzzle velocities of up to 1700 m/s and burn through 2000 mm of RHA. These rounds can be “ballistically flat” for 1600m which is how far they can go before gravity has a significant effect on their trajectory.
How much does a APFSDS cost?
The M829A3 APFSDS goes for about $8500 per round while the HE-T rounds are probably even more.
How long is an APFSDS round?
Very little is publicly known about the round, perhaps due to export restrictions (see International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)). The M829A3 uses a more efficient propellant, RPD-380, boosting its muzzle velocity. The M829A3 round has a total mass of 22.3 kg (49 lb) and length of 892 mm (35.1 in).
How heavy is an APFSDS?
41.1 lbs.
The propulsion system uses an obturating case base with combustible wall. This growth potential round features a modern technology high length to diameter (L/D), depleted uranium penetrator, and lightweight sabot. The cartridge weight is 41.1 lbs.
How effective is the APFSDS-T shell?
The APFSDS-T shells are less effective against infantry however, especially against groups as it lacks an explosive payload unlike its primary weapon. Regardless, well placed shots can usually kill any and all infantry personnel in direct contact of the shell.
How does APFSDS defeat reactive armor?
APFSDS defeats reactive armor by flying faster and using more kinetic energy than the reactive armor can safely deflect from the armored vehicle. The high velocity helps the nose of the round penetrate through the reactive armor, sometimes before the charge can fully detonate.
How is the high velocity and energy of APFSDS achieved?
The high velocity and energy of APFSDS are achieved by using a much larger-diameter cannon than the dart itself, allowing more energy to be imparted into the round than could be achieved if the cannon were the same diameter as the dart.
How do APFSDS rounds defeat era rounds?
Generally APFSDS rounds defeat ERA through sheer kinetic force. With some exceptions, ERA is not designed to protect against APFSDS rounds. The nees to defeat ERA came with the introduction of heavy explosive reactive armor in the early 90s. The most prevalent user was on course Russia with its lighter MBTs.