| Kinetic Energy Tungsten | |
|---|---|
| Type | Tank round |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Used by | United States |
| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems |
| Designed | 1992 |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems[1] |
| Unit cost | $8,500 USD[1] |
| Produced | 1993-present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 19.6 kg (with casing) 4 kg (penetrator) |
| Length | 22.45 in (with casing)[1] |
| Barrel length | 16.45 in (penetrator)[1] |
| Diameter | 120mm (with casing)[1] |
| Cartridge | 120x570mm NATO[1] |
| Cartridge weight | 15.6 kg[1] |
| Caliber | 120x570mm[1] |
| Rate of fire | 5.6 seconds (average) |
| Muzzle velocity | 1740 m/s[1] |
| Effective firing range | 3 km[1] |
| Maximum firing range | 6 km[1] |
The KE-W APFSDS (Kinetic Energy, Tungsten)[2] round is a type of armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) ammunition made out of tungsten. It is designed for large-caliber guns, such as those found on main battle tanks.
Overview
The KE-W round is known for its exceptional armor-penetrating capabilities, utilizing kinetic energy to defeat armored targets. It is commonly used by modern main battle tanks as their primary anti-tank ammunition. The round is mainly used on the NATO 120x570mm cannons. The main users are the American Abrams tank, and the German Leopard[3] tank.
Design and components
The round consists of a sub-calibre penetrator made of tungsten, enclosed in a discarding sabot. The sabot provides stability during the initial stages of flight and is discarded upon exiting the barrel, allowing the penetrator to continue towards the target with high velocity.
| Round | Year Introduced | Description |
|---|---|---|
| KE-W Terminator | 1996 | |
| KE-W A1 | 1999–2000 | DM43 |
| KE-W A2 | 2003 | based on the M829A2.[4] |
| KE-W A3 | A2 with more powerful propellant | |
| KE-W A4 | 2022 | DM63 |
Performance
Due to its high muzzle velocity[1] and dense tungsten penetrator, the KE-W APFSDS round can penetrate thick armor, making it effective against heavily armored vehicles. The kinetic energy transfer upon impact contributes to its effectiveness in defeating armored targets.
Usage
The KE-W APFSDS round is widely used by various military forces around the world. It is a crucial component of a tank's ammunition loadout, providing the capability to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles at extended ranges. It is also used by the M1 Abrams Main battle tank.[1]
References
- "120mm-KE-W-A1-APFSDS-T" (PDF). General Dynamics Ordnance Tactical Systems. 30 September 1999. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
- Fisette, Michael (24 July 1990). "Kinetic Energy Penetrator Long Term Strategy Study" (PDF). dtic.mil. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
- "Rheinmetall". Rheinmetall. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
- "120MM KE-W A2 APFSDS-T" (PDF). October 2023. (revised Oct 23, approved for public release on: September 28 2000)