How fast is an Apfsds round?

1,400 to 1,800 m/s
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 1,800 m/s (4,593 to 5,906 ft/s).

When were Apfsds invented?

In mid-1944, the resulting APDS (the ‘D’ standing for “discarding”) projectile type was introduced into service for the UK’s QF 6 pounder anti-tank gun and later in September 1944 for the QF 17 pounder anti-tank gun.

How does a HEAT round work?

HEAT rounds use explosive firepower, rather than momentum, to penetrate armor. At its nose, the round has an extended impact sensor. When the impact sensor collides with a target, it ignites an explosive, which melts surrounding copper.

How does explosive armor work?

An element of explosive reactive armour is made out of a sheet or slab of high explosive sandwiched between two plates, typically metal, called the reactive or dynamic elements. On attack by a penetrating weapon, the explosive detonates, forcibly driving the metal plates apart to damage the penetrator.

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.

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.

What is APFSDS and how does it work?

APFSDS, also known as Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot, is a type of tank round that uses sheer kinetic energy focused on an extremely narrow point to punch it’s way through enemy armour. The shot separating from its shell. You can see that it’s extremely narrow and utilizes an extremely sharp and pointed edge, a bit like a dart.

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.