Understanding the Differences Between APFSDS ATGM and HEAT Rounds for Tanks and Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs)

When it comes to armoured warfare, understanding the different types of ammunition used in tanks and armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) is crucial. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rounds, Anti-Personnel High Explosive (APHE) shells, and Armoured Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) ammunition as well as Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).

High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) Rounds

The HEAT round is a type of armour-piercing shell designed specifically to penetrate the heavily armoured sections of tanks and other armoured vehicles. Instead of containing explosive that detonates on impact, the HEAT round has a conical shaped tip that focuses the blast of its explosive charge into a narrow beam of energy. This increases the round's penetration power, making it highly effective against modern tank armour.

Anti-Personnel High Explosive (APHE) Shells

While not as commonly discussed in the context of tank armament, it's important to understand that anti-personnel high explosive shells are designed with a hollow charge or explosive that detonates on impact. These shells are particularly effective against troops in open areas or in structures. They can be used for both direct fire and anti-personnel purposes, providing infantry with support in combat scenarios.

Armoured Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS) Ammunition

APDS ammunition is another type of armour-piercing shell that uses a smaller diameter "dart" projectile surrounded by a sabot. The sabot helps keep the dart aligned in the barrel, and it is fired from a rifled gun. The spinning motion of the sabot stabilizes the projectile, enhancing accuracy and effectiveness. This type of ammunition is effective against less heavily armoured targets but may be less effective against thick armour.

Anti-Personnel Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) Ammunition

APFSDS ammunition is a variant of the APDS, but it is much longer and designed for firing from smooth-bore guns. The APFSDS projectile's elongated shape allows it to be stabilized by the rifling in the barrel. However, when fired from rifled guns, the special sabot can reduce performance due to friction. There are now special sabots that can negate the need for spin stabilization in rifled barrels. These rounds are incredibly effective against heavily armoured targets, especially armour-piercing capabilities are crucial.

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) are a type of armour-piercing ammunition that uses a missile to penetrate enemy armour. These missiles were developed to counter the increasing use of armour in military vehicles, such as tanks. Since the 1980s, all Soviet tank main guns have had integrated missile launching systems, such as Sheksna, Kobra, Svir, Refleks, and Agona. More recent tank models, like the T-80 UM, feature a dual gunner's sight setup, with one sight for traditional projectile rounds and another for ATGMs. Other tanks, such as the T-80 BVM, combine these functions in a single device, the Sosna-U, which integrates both thermal and laser sighting capabilities.

Main Advantages of Modern Russian Tank Ammunition Systems

The Soviet/Russian tanks, like the T-80 UM and T-80 BVM, have advanced ammunition systems that integrate multiple functions. The T-80 UM, for example, is equipped with two types of gunner's sights. The "main" 1PN96MT-02 thermal sight is used for aiming at targets with conventional projectiles, while the "auxiliary" 1G46 day/night sight features a laser range finder for both aiming and guiding ATGMs.

The Sosna-U, used in the T-80 BVM, is a single device that combines these functions into one, making it a highly efficient and versatile system. The main advantage of the Sosna-U is its ability to switch between traditional projectile rounds and guided missiles, providing the tank crew with more options during combat operations.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of ammunition and their specific uses is crucial for military strategists, tank commanders, and armament experts. Whether it's HEAT rounds, APDS shells, APFSDS projectiles, or ATGMs, each type has its unique advantages and applications. The modern tank ammunition systems, such as those found in the T-80 UM and T-80 BVM, offer a robust array of options to the tank crews, enhancing their combat capabilities and effectiveness.