120×570mm NATO
Calibre of tank ammunition
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
120×570mm NATO tank ammunition (4.7 inch), also known as 120×570mmR, is a common, NATO-standard (STANAG 4385), tank gun semi-combustible cartridge used by 120mm smoothbore guns, superseding the earlier 105×617mmR cartridge used in NATO-standard rifled tank guns.
TypeTank gun ammunition
PlaceoforiginFederal Republic of Germany
In service1979–present
Used byWestern Bloc and others
| 120×570mm NATO tank ammunition | |
|---|---|
120×570mm ammunition manufactured by IMI. | |
| Type | Tank gun ammunition |
| Place of origin | Federal Republic of Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1979–present |
| Used by | Western Bloc and others |
| Production history | |
| Designed | early 1970s |
| Specifications | |
| Case type | Rimmed, bottleneck |
| Bullet diameter | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Base diameter | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Rim diameter | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Case length | 570 mm (22 in) |
| Overall length | 984 mm (38.7 in) |
| Rifling twist | none |
| Primer type | electric |
History
The 120×570 R cartridge was originally intended for the German Rh-120 smoothbore gun but an interoperability agreement signed between West Germany and France in April 1979, followed in September 1981 by a project to install the M256 120 mm smoothbore gun on future M1A1 Abrams tanks made it a NATO standard.[1][2]
Characteristics
The 120×570mm are one-piece ammunition with semi-combustible cartridge cases. These incorporate a short, metallic stub case with an elastomeric sealing ring which allows the use of a normal sliding wedge type of breech and at the same time significantly reduces the weight of the rounds. Thus, a round of 120 mm Rheinmetall APFSDS ammunition has a mass of 19.8 kg, which is little more than the 18 kg mass of a typical 105 mm APFSDS round with the traditional metallic cartridge case.[3]
Ammunition
Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)
| Designation | Origin | Designer & producer | Year | Cartridge length (mm) | Sub-projectile length (mm) | Penetrator dimension (⌀ mm × mm) | L/D ratio (sub-projectile / penetrator only) | Penetrator material & weight (kg) | Sub-projectile weight with sabot / without sabot (kg) | Weight, complete round (kg) | Propellant type & weight | Chamber pressure (MPa) | Muzzle velocity (m/s) | Velocity drop (m/s at m) | Perforation at normal and oblique incidences | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM13 |  Germany |
Rheinmetall | 1979 | 888 mm | 457.7 mm | ⌀ 38-26 × 315 mm | 8:1 | Tungsten alloy | 7.22 kg / 4.64 kg | 18.7 kg | 7.3 kg | 510 MPa | 1650 m/s[4] (L/44) | 75 m/s (at 1000 m) | NATO single heavy target at 68° at 2000 m | |
| OFL 120 G1 |  France |
GIAT | 1981 | 977 mm | 541.5 mm | ⌀ 26 mm × 375 mm | 14.4:1 | 18 density DENAL DX 130 R tungsten alloy[5] | 6.2 kg / 3.78 kg | 18.75 kg[6] | 7.45 kg of B19T | 416 MPa | 1630 m/s (1981) 1650 m/s (upgraded, 1987) 1780 m/s[i] (all L/52) |
60 m/s (at 1000 m) | 420 mm at 1000 m,[7] defeat the NATO Single heavy target at 8000 m and the Triple heavy target at 7000 m or 8400 m | Use the same penetrator as the OFL 105 F1 105 mm APFSDS in a larger sabot. Upgraded with Israeli-style steel fins instead of aluminium in 1987.[8] |
| DM23 | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 1982[9] | 884 mm | 457.7 mm | ⌀ 32 × 360 mm | 12:1 | Tungsten alloy | 7.2 kg / 4.3 kg or 4.6 kg | 7.3 kg[9] | 1640 m/s[10] or 1650 m/s[4] (L/44) | 56 m/s (at 1000 m)
111 m/s (at 1000 m) |
420 mm at 2000 m | Produced under licence by Switzerland as Pfeil Pat 87 | ||
| M829 |  USA |
Alliant Techsystems | 1984 | 935 mm[11] | 616 mm[12] | ⌀ 27 × 460 mm | 23:1 / 17:1 | Depleted uranium alloy, 3.94 kg[13] | 7.1 kg[14] / 4.27 kg | 18.7 kg[11] | 8.1 kg of JA-2 (double-base) | 509 MPa | 1670 m/s[15] (L/44) | 62 m/s (at 1000 m)
123 m/s (at 2000 m) |
525 mm[16] to 540 mm at 2000 m (LoS 60°)[17] | Actual average diameter is around 24.2 mm, 27 mm is the maximum diameter of the buttress threads. |
| DM33 | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 1987 | ⌀ 28[18] × 510 mm | 20:1 / 19:1[18] | Tungsten alloy | 7.3 kg / 4.6 kg[19] | 19 kg[19] | 7.6 kg of 7-hole grain-type | 515 MPa[20] | 1650 m/s[4] (L/44) | 75 m/s (at 1000 m)[18] 120 m/s (at 2000 m) |
480 mm at 2000 m | Produced under licence by Japan as JM33 and by Switzerland as Pfeil Pat 90 | ||
| M829A1 | USA |
Alliant Techsystems | 1988 | 984 mm[21] | 778 mm | ⌀ 21.6 × 680[22] mm | 35:1 / 31:1 | Depleted Uranium alloy, 4.64 kg[13] | 8.165 kg / 4.88 kg | 20.9 kg[21] | 7.9 kg of JA-2 (double-base) | 560 MPa (5,600 bar)[23] or 569 MPa (5,690 bar) | 1575 m/s[23] (L/44) | 69 m/s (at 1000 m)
135 m/s (at 2000 m) |
650 mm[16] at 2000 m (LoS at 60°) | Nicknamed the "silver bullet" by US tank crews in Operation Desert Storm. |
| KE-T | USA |
Alliant Techsystems | 1988 | 983 mm[24] | 658 mm | Tungsten alloy | 7.16 kg / 4 kg | 18.7 kg[24] | 8.1 kg of JA-2 (double-base) | 510 MPa[23] | 1690 m/s[24] | Developed by Alliant Techsystems, NWM de Kruithoorn of the Netherlands for the penetrator and Chamberlain Manufacturing Company of the USA who provided the sabots, fins and projectile assembly facility. | ||||
| M321 |  Israel |
Elbit Systems | 1989 | 936 mm[25] | Tungsten alloy[25] | approx. 20 kg[25] | approx. 8 kg of M26 (double-base)[26] | 1650 m/s (L/44)[25] | M321 penetrator was later re-used on the 105 mm M426 APFSDS in 1990. | |||||||
| M1080 |  Belgium |
MECAR | early 1990s | 995 mm | 625 mm | Tungsten alloy | 7.2 kg / | 25 kg[27] | approx 8 kg | 1675 m/s[27] | >540 mm of RHA at 0°[28] | Features an advanced-design tungsten penetrator. In 1995, the firm began development of an enhanced version of the M1080 which became available in 1999.[29] | ||||
| M322 | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 1990s | 984 mm[30] | Tungsten alloy | 8 kg / 5.6 kg[31] | 20 kg[30] | 8 kg of NC-NG (double-base)[30] | 1705 m/s[30] (L/44) | 130 m/s (at 2000 m) | 658 mm at 70° at 2000 m[32] | Produced under licence by Turkey as MOD 290.[32] Also known as CL-3143 (Italy) and Slpprj 95[33] (Sweden) on the export market. | ||||
| DM43A1 | France and Germany |
Giat Industries and Rheinmetall | 1992 or 1996 | 978 mm | ⌀ 26 × 600 mm | 27:1 | Tungsten alloy | 7.2 kg / 4 kg | 19.5 kg or 20 kg | 7.6 kg of L1 M (double-base) | 550 MPa or 560 MPa[34] | 1740 m/s[4] (L/44) | 100 m/s (at 2000 m) | 560 mm at 2000 m[35] | French-German development, never adopted by the Bundeswehr and used in the French Army under the OFL 120 F1 designation. | |
| OFL 120 F1 | France and Germany |
Giat Industries and Rheinmetall | 1992 or 1994 | 984 mm | ⌀ 26 × 600 mm | 27:1 | Tungsten alloy | 7.3 kg / 4 kg | 19.6 kg | 8.3 kg | 580 MPa | 1790 m/s[36] (L/52) | 100 m/s (at 2000 m) | 560 mm at 2000 m[37] | Feature the same penetrator as the DM43 but use a French propellant, later redesignated as 120 OFLE F1A. Late production, upgraded models are known under the 120 OFLE F1B and 120 OFLE F1B+ designations. | |
| M829A2 | USA |
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | 1994 | 780 mm | ⌀ 21.6 × 695 mm | 35:1 / 32:1 | Depleted Uranium alloy, 4.74 kg | 7.9 kg[38] / 4.92 kg | 8.7 kg of JA-2 (double-base) | 565 MPa[38] or 580 MPa | 1680 m/s[38] (L/44) | 60 m/s (at 1000 m) 120 m/s (at 2000 m) |
Improvements over M829A1 include a stepped tip and use of a new lightweight composite Sabot, which allowed for increased muzzle velocity. | |||
| KE-W Terminator | USA |
Olin Defense System Groups (Primex Technologies) General Dynamics Ordnanceand Tactical System (later) |
1996 | 980 mm[39] | 778 mm[40] | ⌀ 21.6 × 680 mm | 35:1 / 31:1 | C2 Tungsten alloy
4.32 kg or 4.37 kg |
8.2 kg[40] / 4.6 kg | 20.5 kg[39] | 7.91 kg of JA-2 (double-base)[40] | 496.6 MPa[40] | 1585 m/s[40] (L/44) | 60 m/s (at 1000 m) | in excess of 600 mm[41] | US Export version of M829A1, features a Tungsten alloy penetrator instead of depleted uranium. |
| K276 |  South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 1996[42] | 973 mm[43] | 703.6 mm[44] | 600 mm[43] | 25:1 | Tungsten alloy | 7.35 kg[44] / | 19.7 kg[43] | K683 (triple-base)[43] | 586 MPa[45] | 1700 m/s[44] (L/44) | >600 mm (LoS at 60° obliquity) at 2000 m[46] or 650 mm at 2000 m[47] | Penetrators are manufactured by cyclic heat-treatment and double-cycle sintering process. This causes a phenomenon similar to the self-sharpening effect of the depleted uranium penetrator.[48][49] | |
| OFL 120 F2 | France |
Giat Industries | 1996[50] | 984 mm | ⌀ 27 × 594 mm | 22:1 (penetrator) | Depleted Uranium alloy | 7.78 kg / 4.5 kg | 20.5 kg | 8.1 kg | 560 MPa | 1740 m/s[50] (L/52) | 640 mm at 2000 m[51] | Has superior penetration performance compared to the OFL 120 F1.[52] 60 000 rounds were made from 1996 to 2000.[53] | ||
| 12 cm Pz Kann Pfeil Pat 98 Lsp | Germany/ Switzerland |
Rheinmetall DeTec/RUAG Ammotec | 1999 | 745 mm | 26:1 | WSM 4-1 tungsten alloy | 19 kg | 8.9 kg of L1 | 545 MPa[23] | 1640 m/s (L/44) | First iteration of the DM53 purchased by the Swiss Army. Fitted with a tracer. | |||||
| DM53 | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 2001 | 745 mm | ⌀ 26 × 685 mm[54][unreliable source?] | 26:1 | WSM 4-1 tungsten alloy | 8.35 kg[23] / 5 kg | 21.4 kg | 8.9 kg of L1 (DM53) 8.45 kg of L15190 SCDB (DM53A1)[23] |
545 MPa[23] | 1670 m/s (L/44)[4] 1720 m/s (L/55)[55] |
55 m/s (at 1000 m) 110 m/s (at 2000 m) |
Development in Germany continued after the Swiss purchase, the German DM53 round includes a minor geometric modification and the replacement of the tracer element with an incendiary cartridge to add behind-armour effect. The DM53A1 version differs from the DM53 by its SCDB propellant firstly introduced with the DM63. | ||
| KE-W A1 | USA |
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | 1999 or 2000 | Tungsten alloy | / 4 kg | 8.4 kg of L1/M2400 (double-base) | 580 MPa[23] | 1740 m/s[23] (L/44) | 100 m/s (at 2000 m) | US export variant of the French-German DM43 | ||||||
| M338 | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 984 mm[30] | Tungsten alloy | 21 kg[30] | 8 kg of LOVA (double-base)[30] | 1680 m/s (L/44)[30] | 3rd generation Israeli APFSDS-T.[30] | ||||||||
| M829A3 | USA |
Alliant Techsystems (ATK), Armtech Defense, Aerojet GenCorp and Northrop Grumman | 2003 | 924 mm[56] | Main Rod
⌀ 25 x 670 mm Tip Section ⌀25 x 100 mm[57] |
37:1 / 31:1 | Depleted Uranium alloy Main Rod with Tungsten Alloy Tip Section[58] | 10 kg[56] / 7.2 kg | 8.1 kg[59] or 8.15 kg[56] of RPD-380 sticks | 566 MPa | 1555 m/s[56][59] (L/44) | Features an improved penetrator using a special tip assembly to overcome newer types of heavy ERA. | ||||
| KEW-A2 | USA |
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | 2003 | 780 mm | ⌀ 21.6 × 695 mm | 35:1 / 32:1 | Tungsten-nickel-iron alloy | 7.6 kg[38] | 8.6 kg of JA-2 (double-base)[23] | 580 MPa[23] | 1700 m/s[23] (L/44) | 660 mm at 2000 m | Export version of the M829A2 round, it features a tungsten penetrator | |||
| DM63 | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 2005[60] | 745 mm | 26:1 | WSM 4-1 tungsten alloy | 8.35 kg[23] / 5 kg | 21 kg[61] | 8.45 kg of L15190 SCDB[23] | 545 MPa[23] | 1650 m/s (L/44) 1720 m/s (L/55)[61] |
55 m/s (at 1000 m) 110 m/s (at 2000 m) |
Based on the DM53, it features a Temperature Independent Propulsion System (TIPS) utilizing the SCDB technology. Those modifications improve the accuracy through a wide operational temperatures ensuring safe operation extreme climate zones, and minimizing the erosion of the barrel. The DM63A1 is a 2014 version of the DM63 designed to be compatible with all 120 mm smoothbore guns without modifications. | |||
| K279 | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 2008 | 998 mm[43] | 761.6 mm[44] | 27:1 | Tungsten alloy | 8.27 kg[44] / 5 kg | 21.3 kg[43] | 8.6 kg of L15190 (SCDB)[62][63] | 1760 m/s[44] (L/55) | 120 m/s (at 2000 m) | >700 mm (LoS at 60° obliquity) at 2000 m[46] | The penetrator is manufactured of a composite material consisting of tungsten, nickel, iron, and molybdenum.[48] | ||
| Type 10 |  Japan |
DAIKIN, CHUGOKU-KAYAKU | 2010 | ⌀ 24 mm × 630 mm[citation needed] | 26:1 | Tungsten alloy | 7.8 kg / 4.2 kg | 1780 m/s (L/44)[citation needed] | A Japanese APFSDS round only dedicated to Type 10 MBT. Although this is a NATO-standard round, it can only be used with the Type 10 Cannon due to the increased load and resulting increased pressure when fired.[64] | |||||||
| 120 OFLE F2 | France |
Nexter | 2013 | Depleted uranium alloy | Qualified in 2009, 3000 rounds ordered in 2010, 500 were to be delivered in 2013.[65] | |||||||||||
| KET | USA |
Orbital ATK | before 2015 | Tungsten alloy | 9.67 kg | 8.1 kg of RPD-380 or SCDB | 1562 m/s[66] | Not to be confused with the older KE-T from Alliant Techsystems, the KET features a lightweight composite sabot, consistent performance across full temperature range and improved defeat capability against heavy explosive reactive armor. | ||||||||
| Pz-531 |  Poland |
WITU | 2015 | Tungsten alloy | 6.6 kg / | 8.2 kg | 490 MPa | 1650 m/s[67] (L/44) | ≥500 mm at 2000 m[68] | Features a segmented penetrator made of two rods. | ||||||
| K279 Improved | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 2016 | 998 mm[43] | 761.6 mm[44] | 27:1 | Tungsten alloy | 8.27 kg[44] / 5 kg | 21.3 kg[43] | 8.6 kg of 19-hole cylinder-type DNDA-57 (SCDB)[69] | 690 MPa[69] | 1800 m/s[ii][69] (L/55) | 122 m/s (at 2000 m) | Produced with a new SCDB propellant based on Solventless powder coated with polyester developed by Poongsan Corporation.[70][71][72] | ||
| M829A4 | USA |
General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems and Alliant Techsystems | 2016 | depleted uranium alloy | SCDB granules, 19-perforated stick of DEGN | 1650 m/s[73] (L/44) | The M829A4 subprojectile has comparable characteristics to its predecessor, the M829A3, in length, weight, and center of
gravity.[74] The visible difference between the two cartridges is the Ammunition Data Link (ADL) interface rings on the base of the M829A4. | |||||||||
| AKE-T | USA |
2021 | Main rod
⌀ 25 x 670 mm Tip section ⌀25 x >100 mm[57] |
Tungsten alloy Main rod with a Steel Tip Section | Consist of the in-service M829A4 and the new Advanced Kinetic Energy - Tungsten round replacing the A4's depleted uranium penetrator[75] | |||||||||||
| KE-W A4 | USA/ Germany |
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Rheinmetall | c. 2022 | Tungsten alloy | temperature insensitive propellant | Visually identical to the German DM63 120 mm APFSDS. | ||||||||||
| SHARD Mk. 1 | France |
Nexter Munitions | qualified in late 2023 | 984 mm | Plansee D10 tungsten alloy[76] and another tungsten alloy | 22 kg | EURENCO low-erosion double base propellant | 520 MPa | 1720 m/s[77] (L/52) 1734 m/s (L/55)[78] |
SHARD stands for Solution for Hardenered ARmour Defeat. It is said to have 15% performance increase over current APFSDS ammunition. Barrel wear is reduced by 25%. | ||||||
| SHARD Mk. 2 | France |
Nexter Munitions | Plansee D10 tungsten alloy and another tungsten alloy | >520 MPa | >1720 m/s (L/52) | The SHARD Mk. 2 will use a more energetic propellant than the double-base propellant featured on the Mk. 1.[79] | ||||||||||
| DM73 | Germany |
Rheinmetall | late 2023 | 745 mm | ⌀ 26 × 685 mm[54][unreliable source?] | 26:1 | WSM 4-1 tungsten alloy | 8.35 kg / 5 kg | 21 kg[61] | SCDB | 1780 m/s (L/55)[61] | The DM73 reuse the same penetrator of the DM63[80] but achieves an 8%[81] uplift in performance regarding the combat range[82] through the use of a more powerful propellant. The DM73 requires the high-pressure L55A1 gun and cannot be used in either L44 and L55 gun systems. | ||||
| KE2020Neo | Germany |
Rheinmetall | serial production foreseen for 2025 | tungsten alloy | The KE2020Neo forecasted increase in performances should reach 20% compared to current APFSDS ammunition thanks to the use of a lighter sabot and a more energetic propellant, the latter is allowed by the raised chamber pressures of the improved Rh-120 L55A1 gun.[83] |
High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)
| Designation | Origin | Designer & producer | Year | Cartridge length (mm) | Weight, complete round (kg) | Projectile weight (kg) | Explosive filling (kg) | Fuzing | Propellant type & weight | Muzzle velocity (m/s) | Perforation at normal and oblique incidences | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DM12 MZ | Germany |
1979 | 23.2 kg | 13.5 kg | 1.62 kg | 1140 m/s | not in production | |||||
| DM12A1 MZ | Germany |
Rheinmetall DeTec | 23.2 kg | 14.1 kg | 1.627.2 kg | 5.57.2 kg | 1140 m/s | 480 mm or 220 mm at 60° at all ranges[84] | DM12 fitted with a fragmentation sleeve. Produced under licence by the US as M830 with exception of the fuze and the explosive. Produced under licence by Japan as JM12A1. | |||
| OCC 120 G1 | France |
Nexter Munitions | 1981 | 28.5 kg | 14.2 kg | 5.7 kg of B19T | 1050 or 1080 m/s | Defeat the Triple heavy NATO target | significant anti-personnel effects | |||
| M830 HEAT-MP-T | USA |
General Dynamics | 1985 | 981 mm | 24.2 kg | 13.5 kg | 1.662 kg of Comp-B | M764 | 5.4 or 5.5 kg of DIGL-RP (Double-base) | 1140 m/s | not in produce. technology transfer from the German DM12A1 except for the M764 fuze, double safety, and propellant containment bag.[85] | |
| M325 HEAT-MP-T | Israel |
Elbit Systems | late 1980s | 984 mm[30] | 25 kg[30] | 15 kg | 1.8 kg of Comp-B[30] | PIBD (electric)[30] | 5.6 kg of M26 (Double-base) or M30 (Triple-base)[30] | 1078 m/s (L/44)[30] | 1st generation Israeli HEAT-MP-T and qualified in Leopard 2, Ariete, K1A1/A2, M60A3 and other MBTs.[30] Also known as CL-3105 on the export market. | |
| OECC 120 F1 | France |
Nexter Munitions | early 1990s | 983 mm | 24.3 kg | 14.4 kg | Comp-B | Single-base | 1100 m/s | 450 mm[51] Defeat the Single heavy and Triple heavy NATO targets[86] | improved anti-personnel effects over the OCC 120 G1 | |
| M830A1 HEAT-MP-T (a.k.a. MPAT) | USA |
Alliant Techsystems (ATK) | 1994 | 981 mm | 24.68 kg | 11.4 kg | Comp-A3[87] | M774 | 7.1 kg of 19 Perf JA-2 (Double-base) | 1410 m/s | 20% performance increase against bunkers and a 30% performance increase against light armored vehicles.[88] | 80 mm sub-caliber warhead fitted with a multifunction fuzing system with airburst capability[88] |
| K277 HEAT-MP-T | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 1996 | 989 mm | 24.5 kg | 14.31 kg | Comp-B | M509A2 | K682 (Triple-base) | 1130 m/s (L/44) | 600 mm[47] | 1st generation South Korean HEAT-MP-T developed for K1A1 |
| K280 HEAT-MP-T | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 2008 | 998 mm | 23 kg | 11.38 kg | 2.1 kg of Comp-B | K595 | K684 (Double-base) | 1400 m/s (L/55) | It is a 2nd generation South Korean HEAT-MP-T developed for K2 Black Panther and has a built-in radio proximity fuze that explodes within 7 meters to counter low-flying aircraft such as helicopters.[89] | |
| MOD 310 HEAT-MP-T |  Turkey |
MKE | 2018 | 984 mm[90] | 25 kg[90] | 1.76 kg of Comp-B[90] | CEP-2 (Double-base)[90] | 925 m/s[90] | 400 mm at 34° at 200 m[90] | Modified based on Israeli M325 HEAT-MP-T but fitted with a new multi-function fuze and filled with CEP-2 propellant for the low vulnerability ammunition developed by IMI Systems.[90][91] |
High Explosive (HE)
| Designation | Origin | Designer & producer | Year | Cartridge length (mm) | Weight, complete round (kg) | Projectile weight (kg) | Propellant type & weight | Muzzle velocity | Explosive filling (kg) | Fuzing | Effects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slsgr 95 [31] |  Sweden |
1995 | 977 mm | 25 kg | 17.5 kg | 3.4 kg M-30 | 736 m/s | 2.7 kg
Composition B |
ÖFHKSAR M/95 | Rebuilt 120 mm mortar round | ||
| M908 HE-OR-T | USA |
General Dynamics-OTS | 2003 | 983 mm | 22.7 kg | 11.4 kg | 7.1 kg 19 Perf Hex JA-2 (Double-base) | 1400 m/s | 3.2 kg[92] Composition A3 Type II[93] | Base detonating, delay fuze | did as well as, if not better than, the 15.8 kg 165 mm HEP warhead at reducing obstacles[94] | Converted M830A1 HEAT-MP-T with a steel nosecone and a delay fuze, used to destroy concrete obstacles. |
| IM HE-T |  Norway |
Nammo | 26.7 kg | 15.9 kg | 1030 m/s | 3.2 kg IM (Insensitive Munition) explosive | Dual-mode: Superquick and delay[95] | Produced under license by GD-OTS Canada[96] | ||||
| OE 120 F1 | France |
Nexter | 2005 | 25.5 kg | 15.5 kg | 1050 m/s | PD fuze | |||||
| DM11 HE temp | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 2009 | 29 kg | 19 kg | 5.5 kg | 950 m/s (L/44) or 1100 m/s (L/55) | 2.17 kg HE with 600 tungsten balls[97] | 3 modes: PD, PDwD and AB | 80 m cone-shaped fragmentation pattern | In service with the US Marine Corps under the Mk. 324 designation[98] | |
| 120 EXPL F1 | France |
Nexter | 2011 | 27 kg | 16.8 kg | 1000 m/s | 3 kg HE-frag | programmable | ||||
| M339 HE-MP-T | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 984 mm[30] | 27 kg[30] | 17 kg[30] | 4.5 kg of NC-NG (Double-base)[30] | 900 m/s (L/44)[30] | 2.3 kg of CLX663[30] | 3 modes: PDD, PD and AB[30] | capable of penetrating 200 mm double reinforced concrete walls[30] | ||
| RH31 HE SQ | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 2012 | impact function with or without delay | low-cost variant of the DM11, the cartridge can be fired with no need for modifying existing systems.[99] | |||||||
| Pz-511 | Poland |
2015 | 28.65 kg[100] | 19 kg | 5.7 kg | 950 m/s | 2.3 kg of TNT | |||||
| 120 mm HE M3M | France |
Nexter | 2016 | 945 mm | 28 kg | 18 kg | 1050 m/s | LOVA (Double-base) | 3 modes: SQ, AB and delay[101] | |||
| MOD 300 HE-T | Turkey |
MKE | 2018 | 984 mm[102] | 27.5 kg[102] | CEP-2 (Double-base)[102] | 870 m/s (L/44)[102] | 4.24 kg of TNT[102] | MOD 305[102] | Modified based on Israeli M339 HE-MP-T | ||
| M1147 AMP | USA |
Northrop Grumman | 2024[103] | 919 mm[104] | 27.68 kg[104] | 1150 m/s (L/44)[105] | approx. 2.3 kg of PAX-3[106] with embedded tungsten fragments | 3 modes: PD, PDD, and AB[107] |
High Explosive Plastic (HEP)
| Designation | Origin | Designer & producer | Year | Cartridge length (mm) | Weight, complete round (kg) | Projectile weight (kg) | Explosive filling (kg) | Fuzing | Propellant type & weight | Muzzle velocity (m/s) | Perforation at normal and oblique incidences | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1084 | Belgium |
Nexter Arrowtech | 2025 | 912 mm | 24.5 kg | 13.7 kg | 3.6 kg insensitive explosive | base detonating (BD) | 6.4 kg | 1180 m/s | Fin-stabilized high-explosive squash head, under development[108] |
Canister (CAN)
| Designation | Type | Origin | Designer & producer | Year | Cartridge length (mm) | Weight, complete round (kg) | Projectile weight (kg) | Propellant type & weight | Muzzle velocity | Filling | Fuzing | Effects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1028 | canister | USA |
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | 22.9 kg | 15.9 kg | 1410 m/s | 1100 tungsten balls | no | 500 m effective range | Produced under license by Nexter as OEFC 120 F1 and Nammo as 120 mm IM Canister. | |||
| M337 STUN | less-than-lethal ammunition | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 814 mm[30] | 13.5 kg[30] | 3.5 kg[30] | 6 kg of M30 (Triple-base)[30] | plastic flakes[30] | no | creates a flash, bang and blast effect and also disperses plastic flakes in the vicinity of the tank[30] |
Guided munition
| Designation | Type | Guidance | Origin | Designer & producer | Year | Weight, complete round (kg) | Weight (kg) | Warhead | Muzzle velocity | Cruise speed | Maximum range | Effects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAHAT | GLATGM | semi-active laser-guided | Israel |
IAI | 1992-1999 | 16 kg | 13 kg | tandem HEAT | 300 m/s | 280 m/s | 6000 m (8000 m in indirect fire) | not in service | |
| XM943 STAFF | beyond line of sight, top-attack smart munition | inertial + millimeter wave radar | USA |
Alliant Techsystems | 1990-1998 | downward-firing EFP | program was terminated in FY 98 with final close-out in FY00 | ||||||
| POLYNEGE | beyond line of sight, top-attack smart munition | Fire-and-forget | France |
Nexter Systems | early 2000s | 28 kg | 20 kg | hollow charge / downward-firing EFP | 600 to 700 m/s | up to 8000 m | not in service | ||
| KSTAM-I | beyond line of sight, top-attack smart munition | Terminal guidance | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 2004 | tandem HEAT | 750 m/s | from 2500 m to 5000 m | not in service | ||||
| KSTAM-II | beyond line of sight, top-attack smart munition | Fire-and-forget | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 2005 | 21.5 kg | 9.03 kg | downward-firing EFP | from 2000 m to 8000 m | Developed for the K2 Black Panther's CN08 120 mm gun | |||
| Falarick | GLATGM | semi-automatic by laser beam | Belgium and  Ukraine |
CMI Defence and Luch | 2013 | 28 kg | tandem HEAT | 300 m/s | beyond 5000 m | 700 mm RHA behind ERA | spin-off version of the Konus GLATGM, proposed on the export market | ||
| TANOK | beyond line of sight, smart munition | semi-active laser seeker | Turkey |
Roketsan | 2019 (design)[109] | 11 kg | tandem HEAT | from 1000 m to 6000 m | It features two attack modes : direct and top attack. Use a "soft launch" engine. | ||||
| Akeron MBT 120 | BLOS missile | EO/IR | France |
MDBA | 2025 (design) | 20-25 kg | low supersonic | up to 5000 m | top attack and fire and forget guidance[110] |
Target Practice Tracer (TP-T)
Notes on notation:
- Table includes information on ballistically-matched combat ammunition for each practice round if possible.
- TP-T stands for target practice, tracer. Some nations add a parenthetical to indicate the class of ammunition being emulated, e.g. TP-T (HEAT).
- TPCSDS-T stands for target practice, cone stabilized, discarding sabot, with tracer. It is commonly used to match the ballistics of an APFSDS round.
| Designation | Type | Origin | Designer & producer | Year | Weight, complete round (kg) | Length, complete round (mm) | Propellant type & weight | Muzzle velocity | Filler type & weight | Fuzing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M831 | TP-T | USA |
? | early 1980s | 24.2 kg | 5.4 or 5.5 kg of DIGL-RP | 1140 m/s | Surrogate for M830. Virtually identical to DM18, the practice round for DM12A1. Fin-stabilized. | |||
| M831A1 | TP-T | USA |
? | 1990s | ? | M14 | 1410 m/s | Surrogate for M830A1 HEAT-MP-T. Cheaper than M831 thanks to the removal of fins.[111] | |||
| DM38 | TPCSDS-T | Germany |
Rheinmetall | before M865 (2002) | 1690 m/s | not in produce | |||||
| M865 | TPCSDS-T | USA |
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems | 2002 | 17.2 kg | 881 mm | M14 | 1700 m/s | Projectiles with aluminum sabot | Surrogate for M829 APFSDS-T. | |
| K282 | TP-T (HEAT) | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 2004 | 24.5 kg | 989 mm | K682 (Triple-base) | 1130 m/s (L/44) | K611 (Electric) | Surrogate for K277 HEAT-MP-T. | |
| K287 | ARTP-T (HEAT) | South Korea |
Poongsan Corporation | 2013 | 22.9 kg | 980 mm | KM30 (Double-base) | 1130 m/s (L/44) | Fe powder sintered | K604 (Electric) | Surrogate for K277 HEAT-MP-T. Anti-ricochet practice round developed to minimize accidental damage caused by the ricochet. In service in Poland. |
| DM48 | TPCSDS-T | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 17.5 kg | not in produce | ||||||
| DM88 | TPCSDS-T | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 21 kg | 1720 m/s (L/44) 1790 m/s (L/55) |
||||||
| DM98 | TP-T (HE) | Germany |
Rheinmetall | 21 kg | 1140 m/s (L/44) 1185 m/s (L/55) |
||||||
| M324 | TPCSDS-T | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 18.3 kg[30] | 925 mm[30] | 7.8 kg of NC-NG (Double-base)[30] | 1730 m/s (L/44)[30] | Steel[30] | M45112 (Electric) | Surrogate for "typical" APDSFS projectiles (not specifically given).[112] Produced under licence by Turkey as MOD 291[113] | |
| M326 | TP-T (HEAT) | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 25 kg[30] | 984 mm[30] | 5.6 kg of M26 (double-base) or M30 (triple-base)[30] | 1078 m/s (L/44)[30] | Inert[30] | Surrogate for M325 HEAT-MP-T.[30] | ||
| M340 | TP-T (HE-MP) | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 27 kg[30] | 984 mm[30] | 4.5 kg of NC-NG (Double-base)[30] | 900 m/s (L/44)[30] | Inert[30] | Surrogate for M339 HE-MP-T.[30] | ||
| M303 | TP-T "Affordable" | Israel |
Elbit Systems | 22 kg[112] | 984 mm[112] | 5.6 kg of NC-NG (Double-base)[112] | 1150 m/s (L/44)[112] | Inert[112] | Low cost round without a specified match.[112] | ||
| 120 mm IM TP-T | TP-T | Norway |
Nammo | 26.7 kg | 1030 m/s | Surrogate for Nammo IM HE-T. Inert fuse settable in delay or superquick mode. Qualified in Leopard 2 and M1. The round is in service in several countries. | |||||
| 120 mm KE-TP | KE-TP | Norway |
Nammo | 18.3 kg | 1700 m/s | Surrogate for a "typical" APFSDS. Qualified in Leopard 2 and M1. The round is in service in several countries. | |||||
| PZ-521 | HE-TP | Poland |
Mesko | 19 kg | 980 mm | L-2 | 950 m/s | 488 g of gunpowder | C-88 | Qualified in Leopard 2. The round is in service in Poland. Self-detonation after 4–5 km.[114] | |
| PZ-541 | APFSDS-T-TP | Poland |
Mesko | 4.8 kg | 980 mm | 1715 m/s | Qualified in Leopard 2. The round is in service in Poland. 1.9 kg penetrator with a diameter of ⌀68mm[115] | ||||
| MOD 292 | TP-T (HEAT) | Turkey |
MKE | 22 kg (L/44) 22.2 kg (L/55)[116] |
933.5 mm[116] | NC-NG (Double-base)[116] | High pressure practice round developed based on Israeli M322 (MOD 290) APFSDS-T.[116] | ||||
| MOD 301 | TP-T (HE) | Turkey |
MKE | 27.5 kg[117] | 984 mm[117] | CEP-2 (Double-base)[117] | 870 m/s[117] | 4.2 kg of sorel cement[117] | MOD 305[117] | Practice HE round modified based on MOD 300 HE-T.[117] |
Weapon platforms
- Rh-120 L44 (
Germany), used on the Leopard 2 and Type 90 MBTs
- Rh-120 L44A1 ( Germany), low-recoil, proposed on the CV90120 Mk. IV.
- Rh-120 L55 ( Germany), used on later Leopard 2 variants including the Leopard 2E
- Rh-120 L55A1 ( Germany), foreseen for the Challenger 3
- Rh-120 L44A1 (
- M256 (
United States), used on the M1 Abrams and M60-2000
- M256E1 ( United States)
- M256E1 (
- XM360 ( United States)
- XM360E1 ( United States)
- XM360E1 (
- CN120-25 (
France), used on the AMX-32, AMX-40, and EE-T1 Osório - CN120-26 ( France), used on the Leclerc
- 120 FER ( France), low-recoil, tested on the VEXTRA POLE prototype
- MG251 (
Israel), used on the Merkava III - MG251-LR ( Israel) used on the Merkava IV
- MG253 ( Israel) used on the M60 Sabra
- OTO Melara-Breda 120/44 (
Italy), used on the C1 Ariete - OTO Melara-Breda 120/45 ( Italy), low-recoil, used on the B2 Centauro
- Leonardo 120/55 ( Italy), proposed for tracked vehicles only, such as the future Italian i-MBT.[118]
- CTG (
Switzerland), low-recoil, used on the CV90120 and WPB Anders - CN03 (
South Korea), used on the K1A2 - CN08 ( South Korea), used on the K2 Black Panther
- MKE 120 mm tank gun (
Turkey), used on the Altay (main battle tank) - Type 10 (
Japan), used on the Type 10
See also
- 105×617mm tank gun ammunition
- 125 mm smoothbore ammunition used by Russia, China and Eastern Bloc