120×570mm NATO

120×570mm NATO tank ammunition (4.7 inch) also known as 120×570 R is a common, NATO-standard (STANAG 4385), tank gun semi-combustible cartridge used by 120mm smoothbore guns.

120×570mm NATO tank ammunition
120×570mm ammunition manufactured by IMI.
Typetank gun
Place of originFederal Republic of Germany
Service history
In service1979–present
Used byWestern Bloc and developing nations.
Production history
Designedearly 1970s
Specifications
Bullet diameter120 mm (4.7 in)
Base diameter160 mm (6.3 in)
Rim diameter169 mm (6.7 in)
Case length570 mm (22 in)
Overall length984 mm (38.7 in)
Rifling twistnone
Primer typeelectric

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]

120×570mm ammunition

Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding sabot (APFSDS)
Designation Origin Designer & producer Year Sub-projectile length Penetrator dimension L/D ratio (sub-projectile / penetrator only) Penetrator material & weight Sub-projectile weight with sabot / without sabot Propellant type & weight Muzzle velocity Velocity drop at 1000 m Perforation at normal and oblique incidences Notes
DM13  Germany Rheinmetall 1979 457.7 mm (18.02 in) ⌀ 38-26 × 315 mm 8:1 tungsten alloy 7.22 kg / 4.64 kg 7.3 kg 1650 m/s 75 m/s Licensed to Japan as JM13.
OFL 120 G1  France GIAT 1981 ⌀ 26 mm 18 density tungsten alloy 6.2 kg / 3.8 kg 7.45 kg of B19T 1630 m/s (1981)
1650 m/s (upgraded, 1987)
1780 m/s[lower-roman 1] (all L/52)		 420 mm at 1000 m,[4] defeat the NATO Single heavy target at 8000 m and the Triple heavy target at 7000 m or 8400 m Utilize 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.[5]
DM23  Germany Rheinmetall 1981 or 1983 457.7 mm (18.02 in) ⌀ 32 × 360 mm 12:1 tungsten alloy 7.2 kg / 4.3 kg 1650 m/s 420 mm at 2000 m Produced under licence by Switzerland as PfeilPat 87
M829  USA Alliant Techsystems 1984 475 mm (18.7 in) ⌀ 27.05 × 407.3 mm depleted uranium alloy, 3.94 kg[6] 7.16 kg / 4.5 kg[7] 8.1 kg of JA-2 1675 m/s 540 mm at 2000 m[8]
DM33  Germany Rheinmetall 1987 ⌀ 28[9] × 510 mm 20:1 / 19:1[10] tungsten alloy 7.3 kg / 4.6 kg[11] 7.6 kg of 7-hole grain-type 1650 m/s 75 m/s[12] 480 mm at 2000 m Produced under licence by Japan as JM33
M829A1  USA Alliant Techsystems 1988 615.9 mm (24.25 in) depleted uranium alloy, 4.64 kg[13] 8.165 kg[14] / 4.88 kg 7.9 kg of JA-2 1575 m/s Nicknamed the "silver bullet" by US tank crews in Operation Desert Storm.
KE-T  USA Alliant Techsystems 1988 658 mm (25.9 in) tungsten alloy 7.16 kg 8.1 kg of JA-2 "solventless" 1690 m/s 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.
DM43A1  Germany and  France Rheinmetall and GIAT 1996 ⌀ 26 × 600 mm 27:1 tungsten alloy 7.3 kg / 4 kg 7.6 kg of L1/M2400 1740 m/s (L/44) 560 mm at 2000 m[lower-roman 2] French-German development, never adopted by the Bundeswehr
M1080  Belgium MECAR 1990s tungsten alloy 7.2 kg / 1675 m/s (L/44) 540 mm of RHA at 0°[15] Features an advanced-design tungsten penetrator. In 1995, the firm began development of an enhanced version of the M1080 which became available in 1999.[16]
M321  Israel Elbit Systems tungsten alloy approx. 8 kg of M26[17] 1650 m/s (L/44)
M322  Israel Elbit Systems 1990s tungsten alloy 8 kg / 5.6 kg[18] 8 kg of NC-NG 1705 m/s (L/44) Also known as CL-3143 (Italy) and SLPPRJ95[19] (Sweden) on the export market.
M829A2  USA General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems 1994 780 mm (31 in) depleted uranium alloy, 4.81 kg 7.9 kg[20] / 8.7 kg of JA-2 1675 or 1680 m/s (L/44) 61 m/s
KE-W Terminator  USA Olin Defense System Groups
General Dynamics Ordnanceand Tactical System (later)		 1996 778 mm (30.6 in)[21] ⌀ 22 mm 20:1 C2 tungsten alloy 8.2 kg / 4 kg 7.9 kg of JA-2 1585 m/s (L/44)
DM53  Germany Rheinmetall 1999 760 mm (30 in) ⌀ 26 × 685 [22] 26:1 WSM 4-1 tungsten alloy 8.35 kg / ~5 kg 1670 m/s (L/44) and 1750 m/s (L/55) 55 m/s 715mm @2000m The DM53A1 version differs from the original DM53 by its SCDB propellant firstly introduced with the DM63.
KE-W A1  USA General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems 2000 tungsten alloy /4 kg 8.4 kg of L1/M2400 1740 m/s (L/44) US export variant of the French-German DM43
M338  Israel Elbit Systems tungsten alloy 8 kg of LOVA 1680 m/s (L/44) 3rd generation Israeli APFSDS
M829A3  USA Alliant Techsystems (ATK) and Northrop Grumman 2003 depleted uranium alloy 10 kg[23] / 7.2 kg 8.1 kg or 8.15 kg of RPD-380 sticks 1555 m/s (M256) Feature an improved penetrator using a special tip assembly to overcome newer types of ERA.
KEW-A2  USA General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems 2003 tungsten alloy 7.6 kg[24] / 8.6 kg of JA-2 1700 m/s (L/44) Export version of the M829A2 round, it features a tungsten penetrator
Type 10  Japan DAIKIN, CHUGOKU-KAYAKU 2010 ⌀ 24mm ⌀ 630mm tungsten alloy, 4.2 kg 548 mm at 2000m
AKE-T  USA 2021 tungsten alloy Consist of the in-service M829A4 and the new Advanced Kinetic Energy - Tungsten round replacing the A4's depleted uranium penetrator[25]
SHARD Mk. 1  France Nexter Munitions 2022[26] tungsten alloy

HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank)
Designation Origin Designer & producer Year Weight, complete round (kg) Projectile weight (kg) Explosive filling (kg) Propellant type & weight Muzzle velocity Perforation at normal and oblique incidences Notes
DM12 MZ West Germany 23.2 kg 13.5 kg 1.62 kg 1140 m/s
DM12A1 MZ West Germany 23.2 kg 14.1 kg 1.62 kg 1140 m/s 480 mm or 220 mm @ 60° at all ranges DM12 fitted with a fragmentation sleeve. Produced under licence by the US as M830 with exception of the fuze and the explosive
OCC 120 G1 France 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
OECC 120 F1 France 24.3 kg 14.4 kg RDX-TNT 1100 m/s Defeat the Single heavy and Triple heavy NATO targets[27] improved anti-personnel effects over the OCC 120 G1
M830 HEAT-MP-T USA General Dynamics 1985 24.2 kg 13.5 kg 1.662 kg 5.5 of DIGL-RP sticks 1140 m/s technology transfer from the German DM12A1 except for the M764 fuze, double safety, and propellant containment bag[28]
M830A1 HEAT-MP-T (a.k.a MPAT) USA 1994 24.68 kg 11.4 kg Comp. B 7.1 kg of 19 Perf JA-2 1400 m/s 20% performance increase against bunkers and a 30% performance increase against light armored vehicles.[29] 80 mm sub-caliber warhead fitted with a multifunction fuzing system with airburst capability[30] Produced under license as K280 HEAT-MP-T by Poongsan, South-Korea.
M325 HEAT-MP- Israel Elbit Systems 25 kg 1.8 kg Comp. B 5.6 kg of M26/M30 1078 m/s (L/44)

High Explosive (HE) and anti-personnel
Designation Origin Designer & producer Year Weight, complete round (kg) Projectile weight (kg) Propellant type & weight Muzzle velocity Explosive filling (kg) Fuzing Effects Notes
IM HE-T Norway Nammo 26.7 kg 15.9 kg 1030 m/s Dual-mode: Superquick and delay[31] Produced under license by GD-OTS Canada[32]
OE 120 F1 France Nexter 2005 25.5 kg 15.5 kg 1050 m/s
120 EXPL F1 France Nexter 2011 27 kg 16.8 kg 1000 m/s 3 kg HE-frag programmable
DM11 HE temp Germany Rheinmetall 2009 29 kg 19 kg 950 m/s (L/44) or 1100 m/s (L/55) 2.17 kg HE with 600 tungsten balls[33] 3 modes: PD, PDwD and AB 80 m cone-shaped fragmentation pattern In service with the US Marine Corps under the Mk. 324 designation[34]
M339 HE-MP-T Israel Elbit Systems 27 kg 17 kg 4.5 kg of NC-NG 900 m/s 2.3 kg of CLX663 3 modes: PDD, PD and AB capable of penetrating 200 mm double reinforced concrete walls[35]
120 mm HE M3M France Nexter 2016 28 kg 18 kg 1050 m/s 3 modes: SQ, AB and delay[36]

Close Combat
Designation Type Origin Designer & producer Year 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 13.5 kg 3.5 kg 6 kg of M30 plastic flakes no creates a flash, bang and blast effect and also disperses plastic flakes in the vicinity of the tank[37]

120 mm smoothbore guns using 120x570mm ammunition

See also

Notes
  1. According to the markings (v0 1780) written on the cartridge of an OFL 120 G1 displayed at the Saumur Armored Museum.
  2. Estimated according to the Lanz-Odermatt equation.

References
    1. Hunnicutt, R.P. (February 1991). Abrams: A History of the American Main Battle Tank. Presidio Press. p. 320. ISBN 978-0891413882.
    2. "NATO - STANAG 4385 120mm x 570 Ammunition for Smooth Bore Tank Guns". standards.globalspec.com. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Retrieved 25 December 2020.
    3. Ogorkiewicz, Richard M. (1 April 1991). Technology of Tanks (Jane's Information Group ed.). London. p. 76. ISBN 978-0710605955.
    4. Hilmes, Rolf (1988). Kampfpanzer - Die Entwicklungen der Nachkriegszeit. Frankfurt am Main Bonn: Report Verlag GmbH. p. 38.
    5. "Satory XI - collaborative programs show through". International Defense Review. 20 (9): 1244. 1987.
    6. Fahey, Dan. "SCIENCE OR SCIENCE FICTION? Facts, Myths and Propaganda In the Debate Over Depleted Uranium Weapons" (PDF). wise-uranium.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
    7. "Americká tanková protitanková munice s kinetickým účinkem". mainbattletanks.czweb.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
    8. "120 mm M829 APFSDS-T cartridge (United States), Tank and anti-tank guns". Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
    9. "AUSA '86 anti-armour, air-defense and small-arms development dominate a good show". International Defense Review. 19 (12): 1809. 1986.
    10. "AUSA '86 anti-armour, air-defense and small-arms development dominate a good show". International Defense Review. 19 (12): 1809. 1986.
    11. Foss, Christopher (June 1993). Jane's Armoured Fighting Vehicle Retrofit Systems 1993-94. Jane's Information Group. p. 97. ISBN 978-0710610799.
    12. "AUSA '86 anti-armour, air-defense and small-arms development dominate a good show". International Defense Review. 19 (12): 1809. 1986.
    13. Fahey, Dan. "SCIENCE OR SCIENCE FICTION? Facts, Myths and Propaganda In the Debate Over Depleted Uranium Weapons" (PDF). wise-uranium.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
    14. "Americká tanková protitanková munice s kinetickým účinkem". mainbattletanks.czweb.org. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
    15. Foss, Christopher (June 1993). Jane's Armoured Fighting Vehicle Retrofit Systems 1993-94. Jane's Information Group. p. 72. ISBN 978-0710610799.
    16. "Tank Gun Ammunition (Europe)". docplayer.net. Forecast International. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
    17. "AmmunitionskatalogData och bild" (PDF). www.imisystems.com. IMI. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
    18. "AmmunitionskatalogData och bild" (PDF). hemvarnet.se. FMV. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
    19. Alexandersson, Anders. "Today's explosive reactive armour –is it possible to defeat it with the Swedish tank ammunition?" (PDF). diva-portal.se. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
    20. "M829A2 APFSDS-T 120MM KE TACTICAL CARTRIDGE" (PDF). alternatewars.com. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
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    22. https://cdn-live.warthunder.com/uploads/9b/56/76/bae46f3ada2ab5e29c9a1c6d8c04f049e7_mq/IMG_4483.JPG.a248c8f17f29ef012c1baba30e9d5441.jpg
    23. "120mm M829A3 APFSDS-TARMOR PIERCING FIN STABILIZED DISCARDING SABOT w/TRACER" (PDF). fbcinc.com. Northrop Grumman. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
    24. "M829A2 APFSDS-T 120MM KE TACTICAL CARTRIDGE" (PDF). alternatewars.com. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
    25. "kinetic energy ammunition". defencetechnologyreview.partica.online. Defence Technology Review. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
    26. "Nexter 120 mm SHARD: towards tailored APFSDS solutions". European Defence Review. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
    27. Chassillan, Marc (April 2005). Char Leclerc de la guerre froide aux conflits de demain. E-T-A-I. p. 191. ISBN 978-2726894385.
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    34. "press release" (PDF). rheinmetall-defence.com. Rheinmetall Defence. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
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