How do APFSDS rounds work?

Sabot design APFSDS rounds generally operate in the range of 1,400 to 1,800 m/s (4,593 to 5,906 ft/s). The sabot, necessary to fill the bore of the cannon when firing a long, slender flight projectile, is parasitic weight that subtracts from the potential muzzle velocity of the entire projectile.

Why do some tanks have smooth bore guns?

The reason tank guns are smoothbore is the switch from HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) to kinetic energy rounds sabot as the primary anti-tank round. Kinetic energy rounds are subcaliber rounds (smaller than the bore) and aren’t effective if the spun by rifling.

What type of cannons are used in APFSDS ammunition?

Nevertheless, in the early development of APFSDS ammunition, existing rifled barrel cannons were used, (and are still in use), such as the 105 mm M68/M68E1 cannon mounted on the M60/A1/A3 main battle tank or the British 120 mm Royal Ordnance L30 of the Challenger 2 tank.

Can APFSDS be fired from a low twist barrel?

Even smooth-bore fired APFSDS projectiles incorporate fins that are slightly canted to provide some spin rate during flight; and very low twist rifled barrels have also been developed for the express purpose of firing APFSDS ammunition.

What is the muzzle velocity of an APFSDS round?

Typical velocities of APFSDS rounds vary between manufacturers and muzzle length/types. As a typical example, the American General Dynamics KEW-A1 has a muzzle velocity of 1,740 m/s (5,700 ft/s). This compares to 914 m/s (3,000 ft/s) for a typical rifle (small arms) round. APFSDS rounds generally operate in the range of 1,400 to 1,900 m/s.

Are rifled guns still used in tanks?

Rifled guns are still in use, but technology has caught up that allows the advantages of Smooth-bore guns to come into play while mitigating the disadvantages. Rifled Guns. Rifled guns were originally the mainstay of the majority of tank cannons.