M256 120mm Smoothbore Gun

M256 120mm Smoothbore Gun
http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/weapon/M256.html[10/19/2014 10:01:22 AM]

Gary's Combat Vehicle Reference Guide
Alternative Designations L44 (original German version)
Country of Origin Germany
Weight 6,800 lb (3,084 kg)
Firing Impulse 7,000 lb-sec
Barrel Length 208.7 in (5,301 mm)
Breech Safe Service Life 4,500 rounds
Barrel Effective Full Charge (EFC) Life 1,500 rounds
Performance
Maximum Effective Range 3,280 yd (3,000 m)
NOTES
The M256 120mm gun is the primary armament on the U.S. M1A1 and M1A2 series of main
battle tanks. The M256 is a high velocity, quick-firing, accurate, direct fire weapon used primarily
against enemy tanks and hard targets.
Characteristics and features:
Fires NATO STANAG 4385 ammunition.
Has a bore evacuator.
Has no muzzle brake or blast deflector.
Has a thermal shroud.
Has a static muzzle reference sensor (MRS).
Requires manual breech operation on first round - no remote capability.
Is not concentrically balanced.
VARIANTS
M256
U.S. version of the German Rheinmetall 120mm L44 smoothbore gun. See data above.
M256E1
U.S. version of the German Rheinmetall 120mm L55 smoothbore gun. Part of the Advanced Tank Armament System
(ATAS) research project.
OPERATION
Cradle. Supports the piston, gun tube, and breech, and allows them to recoil during firing.
The piston clamps to the breech via a series of bolts while supporting the gun tube at
several locations.
A dampened recoil spring between the cradle and piston absorbs the gun's recoil energy.
The cradle connects to the tank turret through the mantlet which has a pair of trunnions
supported by the turret and the elevation mechanism (a hydraulic actuator). The trunnions
allow the cradle to rotate, controlled by elevation mechanism.
Gun Tube. The gun tube slides inside the breech and is then rotated 45. Opposing threads
on the breech and gun tube connect the two parts. The gun tube has a thermal shroud to
reduce the effects of bending and the bore is chrome plated.
Breech. The breech mechanism is a semi-automatic sliding wedge design. The breechblock
contains the electrical contact firing mechanism and circuitry needed to send the electrical
signal to the firing mechanism probe, which comes in contact with the ammunition cartridge
primer.
The breechblock is manufactured from an alloy steel forging which is heat treated to develop
ultra-high strength (1030 MPa). The heat treated forging is machined and subsequently
nitrided using an ion nitride process.
The breechblock is slightly offset from the gun tube's center line. The top of the breech is
cut at an angle so the gun can be depressed without the breech hitting the top of the turret.

The breechblock moves upward and locks behind the rear of the cartridge's stub case
following loading into the gun tube's chamber.
Camming of the operating crank on counter-recoil or counterclockwise rotation of the
breech opening handle rotates the operating shaft and causes the breechblock crank to
lower the breechblock.
When the breechblock nears the open-end position, extractors eject the ammunition
stub case simultaneously with the locking of the breechblock in the opened position
until tripped by the loading of another cartridge.
The breechblock also causes retraction of the firing mechanism probe as the
breechblock cycles from its closed (firing) position to the open position. To accomplish
this, a driver is actuated by the breechblock crank, which actuates the cam in the firing
mechanism assembly causing the probe to protrude through the faceplate of the
breechblock and contact the rear face of the cartridge.
The adapter, bearing, king nut, and thrust nut connect and clamp the gun tube to the
piston.
The gun tube, breech, and piston recoil approximately 11 inches (279 mm) during firing. The gun
recoils about 1.5 inches (38 mm) before the projectile leaves the gun tube.
AMMUNITION
The 120mm ammunition cartridge case is made of a combustible (cellulose fiber) material.
KEW Armor Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot - Tracer (APFSDS-T)
The KEW family of 120mm rounds was developed for the Egyptian Army's Abrams fleet. The
rounds use a tungsten alloy anti-armor penetrator. Although there is no intent for these rounds
to be released to the U.S. Army, they were all subjected to substantially the same testing, with
the exception of U.S. Army User tests, required by the U.S. Army for its own ammunition.
KEW: 1996. Tungsten Kinetic Energy round for Egypt.
KEW-A1: 2000.
KEW-A2: 2003.
M829 Armor Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot - Tracer (APFSDS-T)
Use:
The M829 is a kinetic energy, armor-piercing anti-tank round intended for use with the 120mm
smooth bore M256 cannon.
Function:
The M829 is loaded and fired from the 120mm tank gun in the normal manner. Upon initiation of
the electric primer in the breech of the weapon, the resulting flash ignites the propelling charge
and combustible case, generating gases which drive the projectile from the gun and ignite the
tracer. The rear seal of the sabot prevents gas leakage between the sabot segments and the
driving forces (gas) propelling the subprojectile downbore. Upon leaving the gun, aerodynamic
forces cause the sabot to separate from the subprojectile allowing the subprojectile to continue
on a true course to target while the sabot segments fall quickly to earth. Target penetration is
affected strictly by the high kinetic energy of the subprojectile's high density core when it
impacts.
Description:
The M829 is a U.S. designed and developed 120mm APFSDS-T cartridge ("sabot round"). The
complete round contains a propulsion system consisting of a metal cartridge case base with
combustible sidewall, granular propellant within a containment device to prevent spillage, and
M125 primer, while the projectile consists of the subprojectile and aluminum sabot. The depleted
uranium (DU) penetrator is a one piece design which is assembled into the sabot by means of
grooves. There is a six bladed aluminum fin with tracer assembly fitted to the rear of the
subprojectile and a windshield fitted to the front. The aluminum sabot is composed of four 90
noninterchangeable segments with internal grooves matching those on the outer diameter of the
subprojectile. The sabot has a silicone rubber seal at the rear to prevent leakage of gases.
The M829 is a full service round which may only be fired during war emergency.
Type Classification Date: November 1984.
Length: 36.8 in (934 mm)
Weight: 41.2 lb (18.7 kg)
Projectile Color: Black with white markings.
Peak Chamber Pressure: 73,950 psi at 70F (5,100 bars at 21C)
Nominal Velocity: 5,510 ft/sec (1,679 m/s)
M829A1 Armor Piercing, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot - Tracer (APFSDS-T)
Use:
The M829A1 is a kinetic energy, armor-piercing anti-tank round intended for use with the
120mm smooth bore M256 cannon. This round was dubbed the "Silver Bullet" by soldiers during
Operation Desert Storm.
Function:
The M829A1 is loaded and fired from the 120mm tank gun in the normal manner. Upon initiation
of the electric primer in the breech of the weapon, the resulting flash ignites the propelling
charge and combustible case, generating gases which drive the projectile from the gun and ignite
the tracer. The rear seal of the sabot prevents gas leakage between the sabot segments and the
driving forces (gas) propelling the subprojectile downbore. Upon leaving the gun, aerodynamic
forces cause the sabot to separate from the subprojectile allowing the subprojectile to continue
on a true course to target while the sabot segments fall quickly to earth. Target penetration is
affected strictly by the high kinetic energy of the subprojectile's high density core when it
impacts.
Description:
The M829A1 is a U.S. designed and developed 120mm APFSDS-T cartridge ("sabot round"). The
complete round contains a propulsion system consisting of a metal cartridge case base with
combustible sidewall, granular propellant within a containment device to prevent spillage, and
M129 primer, while the projectile consists of the subprojectile and aluminum sabot. The depleted
uranium (DU) penetrator is a one piece design which is assembled into the sabot by means of
grooves. There is a six bladed aluminum fin with tracer assembly fitted to the rear of the
subprojectile and a windshield fitted to the front. The aluminum sabot is composed of three 120
noninterchangeable segments with internal grooves matching those on the outer diameter of the
subprojectile. The sabot has a silicone rubber seal at the rear to prevent leakage of gases.
Peak Chamber Pressure: 96,000 psi @ 120F. 82,650 psi @ 70F.
The 120mm M829A2 cartridge was designed to be the most effective anti-armor kinetic energy
round fired by the M256 120mm smooth bore cannon of Abrams Main Battle Tank. The propellant
system consists of a combustible cartridge case mounted on a steel stub base and filled with
kerfed propellant. The propellant is ignited by a M129 electric primer. The projectile incorporated
a segmented graphite reinforced plastic sabot held in place by a plastic band which separates in
flight to allow the discarding of the sabot from the super depleted uranium (SDU) penetrator. A
synthetic rubber seal is molded to the base of the sabot assembly to prevent the forward escape
U.S. Army Photo, 1060x451, 27K, JPG
of hot propellant gases. The M829A2, although using similar components of the M829A1 APFDS-
T, has been technologically improved to provide significantly greater armor penetration capability
than the older round.
The M829A2's performance gains, while classified, result from several novel features. These
include the use of new manufacturing process to improve the structural quality of the depleted
uranium penetrator, the use of a carbon-epoxy composite for the sabot (a world-wide first in a
projectile this large) and a special manufacturing process which partially cuts the propellant
charge to allow it to behave ballistically like a granular propellant bed, while loading like a stick
charge. Combined, these features increase the muzzle velocity of the M829A2 approximately 100
m/sec greater than the M829A1, while operating at slightly lower pressure.
Type Classification Date: September 1992. Unit cost: $4,000 (Fiscal Year 2000).
Weight: 44.88 lb (20.4 kg)
The 120mm M829A3 cartridge is the follow-on to the M829A2 APFSDS-T
cartridge. The M829A3 is the most effective anti-armor kinetic energy round fired
from the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon mounted on the Abrams Main Battle
Tank. This cartridge has been specifically developed to counter advances in
armor protection technologies, to include explosive reactive armor.
The propulsion system consists of a high-energy propellant and a combustible
cartridge case with an electric primer.
The projectile system consists of a Depleted Uranium (DU) penetrator mated to a
drag reducing windshield and flight stabilizing multi-bladed tail fin, all secured for
launch by a composite sabot.
The M829A3 utilizes similar components to the M829A1 and M829A2 series of
APFSDS-T cartridges, but incorporates technological advancements to provide
significantly more effective anti-armor capability than the predecessor designs.
This round incorporates revolutionary advances in technology and represents the
most lethal anti-armor tank cartridge in production/inventory.
This is a war reserve item used in
combat.
Type Classification Date: March
2003. Unit cost: $8,508 (Fiscal Year
2009).
M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose Tracer (HEAT-MP-T, or MPAT)
Use:
The M830 120mm tank cartridge is a high explosive multi-purpose cartridge which has anti-
armor and anti-personnel capabilities.
Function:
The M830 is loaded and fired in the normal manner from the 120mm M256 smoothbore tank
gun. When the electric primer in the breech of the weapon is initiated, the resulting flash ignites
the propelling charge and combustible case. This generates gases which drive the projectile from
the gun and ignite the tracer element. Upon impact, one of the fuze sensors is initiated. The fuze
then detonates the high explosive shaped charge which collapses the cone assembly creating a
high velocity focused shock wave and a jet of metal particles that penetrate the target. Anti-
personnel capability results from fragmentation of the projectile body sidewall.
The round has both nose and shoulder activation capability to provide full frontal area plus graze
initiation. Therefore the round will function even where bar armor is employed. The round's blast
and fragmentation effects make it effective against targets other than armor such as bunkers and
anti-personnel.
Description:
The M830 cartridge is a direct translation of the German DM12A1 round with the exception that a
U.S. designed fuzing system and explosive (Comp A3, Type II) is used.
The round consists of a steel body loaded with explosive surrounding a copper shaped charge
liner and wave shaper. The projectile embodies a steel spike with a shoulder and nose switching
mechanism for full frontal area functioning and graze impact which initiates a base detonating
fuze. The fuse is located at the rear of the projectile body. The projectile body has a copper
obturator, boom and fin assembly for flight stabilization. The fin contains a tracer for projectile to
target visual tracking.
The propellant system utilizes a metal cartridge case base with a rubber obturator at the stub
case mouth. M123A1 primer and a combustible wall which encapsulates stick propellant within
six containment devices to prevent spillage should breakage or separation occur.
Type Classification Date: November 1984.
Projectile Color: Black with yellow markings.
Peak Chamber Pressure: 69,600 psi at 70F (4,850 bars at 21C).
M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose Tracer (HEAT-MP-T, or MPAT)
The 120mm M830A1 cartridge is effective against light armor, air defense and materiel. This
round is fired from the M256 120mm cannon mounted on the Abrams tank. Appropriate targets
include lightly armored vehicles with reactive armor, helicopters, buildings, and bunkers, the side
and rear aspects of tanks, and dismounted anti-tank and automatic weapons teams. The fixed
round utilizes a combustible cartridge case affixed to a steel stub and loaded with granular
propellant. The fin-stabilized, high chrome alloy steel projectile body is press-loaded with
explosive, a precision copper liner and booster. The base element is armed during launch and
initiated by an impact switch, or proximity sensor, depending upon the operational mode selected
by the tank crew. Arming is accomplished through the ballistic environment of firing, set back,
and deceleration.
When fired in the air mode, a black puff of smoke is produced when the proximity sensor and
fuze function. This permits the crew to observe when and where the round functions in relation to
the target.
The production and fielding of the M830A1 provides increased accuracy when compared to the
currently fielded M830 HEAT-MP-T cartridge, due to reduced time of flight. The M830A1 provides
the individual tank crew with the self-defense capability to engage and defeat attacking
helicopter platforms. The M830A1 replaces the currently fielded M830 round to provide
significantly enhanced capability to the 120mm gun tank fleet.
Type Classification Date: September 1992. Unit cost: $4,659 (Fiscal Year 2000).
Projectile Color: Black with yellow markings.
M831 Target Practice - Tracer (TP-T)
Use:
This cartridge is a target practice round to simulate the ballistics of the M830 HEAT-MP-T.
Function:
The M831 is loaded and fired in the normal manner from the 120mm M256 smoothbore tank
gun. When the electric primer in the breech of the weapon is initiated, the resulting flash ignites
the propelling charge and combustible case. This generates gases which drive the projectile from
the gun and ignites the tracer element. The flight characteristics simulate those of the service
round, but does not result in an explosion or penetration upon target impact.
Description:
The M831 cartridge external appearance is identical to that of the M830 HEAT-MP-T service
round. Internally the round does not contain any explosives, shaped charge liner base fuze or
nose cap. The round consists of a steel body with aluminum spike and copper obturator, in
addition to a fin and boom assembly with tracer. The complete round propellant system
comprises a stub metal case with combustible sidewall and M123A1 primer. The propellant is a
single perforated stick propellant and is bagged with additional segments fitted over each fin.
The propellant system utilizes a metal cartridge case with a rubber obturator at the stub case
mouth, M123A1 primer, and a combustible wall which encapsulates stick propellant within six
containment devices to prevent spillage should breakage or separation occur.
Type Classification Date: April 1984.
Projectile Color: Blue with white markings.
Peak Chamber Pressure: 69,600 psi at 70F.
M831A1 Target Practice - Tracer (TP-T)
The 120mm M831A1 cartridge is a target practice round that simulates the ballistics of the M830
chemical energy service round. The M831A1 replaced the earlier M831 TP-T round. This round is
fired from the M256 120mm smoothbore cannon on the M1A1/M1A2 Abrams tank. The projectile
is inert and is composed of a steel spike aluminum body, ring, stabilizer, nylon obturator and
tracer. The stabilizer spins the round in flight. The projectile has no energetic components except
for the tracer.
The M831A1 is the successor to the M831 training cartridge. The M831A1 is a re-design of the
M831 that provided a substantial cost saving.
This is a training unique item; not used in combat. Tank crews conduct live fire training with this
round to meet and maintain gunnery proficiency.
Type Classification Date: 1993. Unit cost: $721 (Fiscal Year 2005).
M865 Target Practice Cone Stabilized Discarding Sabot - Tracer (TPCSDS-T)
Use:
The M865 cartridge is a kinetic energy, target practice round for use with the 120mm
smoothbore M256 cannon. It is designed to simulate the M829-series APFSDS-T service round
characteristics at reduced maximum ranges to allow practice firings on short-range proving
grounds and training areas.
Even though this is a target practice round, the core can cause damage and penetrate armored
vehicles.
Function:
The M865 is loaded and fired from the 120mm tank gun in the normal manner. Upon initiation of
the electric primer in the breech of the weapon, the resulting flash ignites the propelling charge
and combustible case generating gases which drive the projectile from the gun and ignite the
tracer. The rear seal of the sabot prevents gas leakage between the sabot segments and the
driving forces (gases) propelling the projectile down bore. Upon leaving the gun, aerodynamic
forces cause the sabot to separate from the subprojectile allowing it to continue to target, while
the sabot segments fall quickly to earth. The tail cone segment of the subprojectile, due to the
nine hole (old design) or six slot arrangement, causes aerodynamic slowing of the subprojectile
to limit its range to 8,000 m.
Description:
The M865 contains a propulsion system consisting of a stub metal case with combustible
sidewall, granular propellant, and electric M125 primer, while the projectile consists of the
subprojectile and aluminum sabot. The core is a one-piece steel design with a tail cone assembly
which is assembled into the sabot by means of threads. The tail cone contains nine holes or six
slots which in conjunction with the conical shape provide stabilization. Reduced range is achieved
by the aerodynamic blocking effect of the holes or slots. The tail cone assembly also contains a
tracer. The aluminum sabot is composed of three 120 noninterchangeable segments with
internal screw threads matching those on the outer diameter of the subprojectile. The sabot has
a silicone rubber seal at the rear to prevent gas leakage. The weight of the complete cartridge is
approximately 19.0 Kg (41.9 lb) and the weight of the subprojectile is approximately 3.2 Kg (7.1
lb).
This is a training unique item not used in combat. Training with this round simulates the firing of
the Army's most lethal armor-defeating kinetic energy round in support of Army readiness
objectives.
Type Classification Date: July 1984. Unit cost: $1,121 (Fiscal Year 2009).
Peak Chamber Pressure: 70,325 psi at 70F (4,850 bars at 21C).
M908 High Explosive Obstacle Reduction (HE-OR-T, or MPAT-OR)
Use:
The M908 round is primarily used to reduce concrete obstacles into rubble that is small enough to
be cleared by either unit organic equipment or external support. Live-fire test results have shown
that this round is also effective against concrete bridge pylons. Units now have the capability to
destroy bridges or damage them enough to greatly hinder their carrying capacities. This action
could be used to create an obstacle that would greatly restrict or impede enemy movement.
Function:
Loading and firing procedures for the M908 are basically the same as those used for all 120mm
tank rounds. The M908 contains a high-explosive filler with a three-part fusing system. This
fusing system consists of the M774 base element, flexible communications circuit, and frontal
impact switch assembly. Upon impact, the steel nose penetrates the target, and a firing signal is
sent to the M774 fuze. This initiates the firing sequence and full detonation occurs. The steel
nose penetration allows the munition to explode inside the target. When firing at concrete
obstacles, this penetration will reduce the obstacle more efficiently.
Description:
The M908 is produced by replacing the proximity switch nose of existing M830A1 rounds with a
hard steel nose. The round is similar in appearance to the M830A1 MPAT round. The weight of
the round and center of gravity are nearly identical to the M830A1 MPAT round. Major differences
include:
A steel nose cap painted yellow in place of the proximity sensor.
Markings on the projectile.
Markings on the case base that identify the round as the HE-OR-T M908.
Projectile Color: Black with yellow letters and a yellow steel nose.
M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose Projectile - Tracer (TPMP-T, or MPAT-TP-T)
The 120mm M1002 is a target practice cartridge that simulates the size, weight, ballistics and
the loader's function of setting the nose switch of the M830A1 multi-purpose chemical energy
cartridge. This cartridge is fired from the M256 120mm smooth bore cannon on the
M1A1/M1A2/M1A2 SEP Abrams Tank. The projectile is inert and composed of an aluminum body,
steel nose with dummy plastic switch, aluminum conical stabilizer, aluminum sabot, nylon
obturators and tracer. The stabilizer imparts spin to the projectile in flight for stabilization and
provides the mechanism to limit the projectile's maximum range.
This is a training unique item not for use in combat. The M1002 will replace the M831A1
cartridge. Tank crews will conduct live fire training with the cartridge to achieve and maintain
gunnery proficiency.
Type Classification Date, Limited Production: June 2004.
Type Classification Date: June 2006. Unit cost: $1,650 (Fiscal Year 2009).
165x650, 137K, PNG
Projectile Color: Black with yellow markings and yellow tip.
M1028 Canister
The 120mm M1028 Canister is a muzzle action anti-personnel tank cartridge. This cartridge is
fired from the 120mm main gun of the M1A1/M1A2 Abrams tank and is effective at ranges less
than 700 meters. The baseline design utilizes a payload of approximately 1,100 tungsten balls
that are expelled from the projectile casing upon muzzle exit, similar to a shotgun shell.
Unlike previous antipersonnel cartridges, the M1028 does not have a fuze; it is intended to be a
low-cost, low-technology cartridge.
The M1028 uses a combustible cartridge case and propulsion-ignition system common to the
current 120mm tank ammunition.
This is a training standard item used in both training and combat.
Type Classification Date: December 2004. Unit cost: $2,000 (Fiscal Year 2009).
Weight: 50.51 lb (22.9 kg)
Projectile Color: Olive drab with white markings.
WEAPON CAPABILITIES
The primary role of the tank cannon during urban combat is to provide heavy direct-fire against
buildings and strongpoints that are identified as targets by the infantry. Only large earth berms
and heavy mass construction buildings can provide protection against tank fire. The preferred
main gun rounds in the urban environment are MPAT (ground mode) and MPAT-OR, which
perform much better than sabot rounds against bunkers and buildings.
When the M256 fires, it creates a large fireball and smoke cloud. In the confines of a built-up
area, dirt and masonry dust are also picked up and added to the cloud and the target is further
obscured by the smoke and dust of the explosion. Depending on the conditions, this obscuration
could last as long as 2 or 3 minutes.
The overpressure from the 120mm cannon can kill a dismounted infantryman within a 90 arc
extending from the muzzle of the gun tube out to 200 meters. The overpressure can also cause
glass in surrounding buildings to shatter.
Sabot petals, including those on APFSDS, MPAT, and MPAT-OR rounds, endanger accompanying
infantry elements. From 200 to 1,000 meters along the line of fire, on a frontage of about 400
meters, dismounted infantry must be aware of the danger from discarding sabot petals, which
can kill or seriously injure personnel.

APFSDS (M829-
series) round target
effects:
Use kinetic energy to
penetrate the target,
no explosives are
needed.
Work best against
armored vehicles.
Are the most accurate
of all tank
ammunition.
Do not need to arm and, therefore, can be fired at almost any range. The discarding portions
of tank rounds can be lethal to exposed infantry forward and to the side of the tank.
Can penetrate deeply into a structure but do not create as large a hole or displace as much
spall behind the target.
Shots striking the target at angles of up to 25 experience little reduction in penetration, but
angles greater than 45 greatly reduce penetration.
MPAT (M830, M830A1), MPAT-OR (M908) round target effects:
Depend on chemical energy and not striking velocity.
Used primarily against lightly armored targets, field fortifications, and personnel. Are
secondary armor-defeating ammunition.
Due to slower muzzle velocity, these rounds are not as accurate as APFSDS rounds at ranges
beyond 2,000 meters.
Rounds arm approximately 60-100 feet from the muzzle of the gun. Because of the shape
and metal components of the projectiles, however, this ammunition remains effective at
ranges of less than 100 feet.
Heavy Armor. Because of a relatively small explosive warhead, MPAT effectiveness against
heavy armor (tanks) is limited to attacks from the side and rear. Mobility kills of heavy
armor can be achieved when fired at from these orientations (especially if tracks and or road
wheels are struck); however, the vehicle armament is likely to remain operational.
Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs). The heavy nose of the MPAT projectile makes it
extremely effective against LAVs. Vehicle kills can be achieved with an impact on varying
locations on the hull or (if so equipped) the turret. Mobility kills can be achieved if the
wheels or tracks are struck, and it is likely that a road wheel or track impact will also
produce penetration of the hull structure. MPAT is effective when it impacts targets from
perpendicular to highly oblique, but will function with a reduced reliability when striking
excessively oblique surfaces (nearing that of a graze impact).
Bunkers. The heavy nose of the MPAT projectile makes it extremely effective against
earthen, timber, and or sandbag bunkers with the projectile "burying" itself into the bunker
structure before warhead detonation. When this occurs, the projectile detonation produces
not only lethal effects to personnel within, but a highly-destructive effect to the bunker
structure itself.
Buildings. MPAT is effective against buildings with wooden walls over 1 inch thick. Impact
against a thinner wall structure (plywood sheathing without striking supporting members)
may produce only a small hole as the projectile passes through the wall without detonating.
Impact against a supporting structure (roof rafter, wall stud) causes detonation of the
warhead and a subsequent hole and lethal fragmentation effects to personnel located inside.
Impact against concrete walls yield holes of about 24 inches in diameter, but reinforcing
bars embedded within the concrete are not likely to be cleared from the hole, unless struck
directly. One MPAT round normally creates a breach hole in all but the thickest masonry
construction - a single round demolishes brick veneer and wood-framed constructions. The
round is large enough to displace enough spall to inflict casualties inside a building.
Helicopters - M830A1. The M830A1 MPAT, when switched to the "A" or "air" mode, is
effective against attack helicopters because of its proximity switch, which can produce
mission abort kills without actually impacting the aircraft. The design of the proximity switch
is such that if the projectile (set in the "A" mode) is fired against a helicopter, and is on a
direct impact flight path, the projectile warhead will not function in the proximity mode, but
will be detonated when the projectile strikes the target. If the projectile, however, strikes
lightly armored parts of the structure (such as windows or the aluminum skin of the
aircraft), it is likely to pass directly through the aircraft without detonating. Impact with
heavier structures, such as the engine or transmission components, will cause detonation of
the warhead.
Concrete Obstacles - M908. The M908 HE-OR-T projectile, because of its steel nose, is
effective against large concrete obstacles. This effectiveness comes from the projectile's
striking the face of the obstacle and penetrating several inches before the warhead is
U.S. Marine Corps M1A1 Abrams.
Live fire training mission.
An Najaf Province, Iraq.
24-JAN-2005
U.S. Marine Corps Photo
1500x977, 367K, JPEG
Last updated: 06-APR-2009: Added M908, M1002, M1028 line drawings.
Copyright 2008-2009 Gary W. Cooke
To the best of my knowledge all military data and images presented in these pages are UNCLASSIFIED, NON-SENSITIVE, and approved for public release.
Sources:
FM 3-06.11: Combined Arms Operations in Urban Terrain.
FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad.
IN0535: Vehicle Recognition (Friendly Armor), Edition C.
MCWP 3-12: Marine Corps Tank Employment.
TB 9-1315-253-14: Operator and Maintenance Information for Cartridge, 120mm, TPCSDS-T, M865.
TB 9-2350-320-14: Operator and Maintenance Information for Cartridge, M829 (APFSDS-T), M829A1 (APFSDS-T), M830 (HEAT-MP-T), M831 (TP-T), and
M865 (TPCSDS-T).
TM 9-1300-251-20&P Rev. 4: Artillery Ammunition Maintenance Manual.
TM 9-1300-251-34&P Rev. 11: Artillery Ammunition Maintenance Manual.
U.S. Army ARDEC ARCCB-TR-94013: "Qualification of M256 Breechblock Repair Procedure."
U.S. Army ARDEC 120mm XM360 Gun Briefing for 2006 Guns & Missiles Symposium.
U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory BRL-TR-3 172: "Computation of the Roll Characteristics of the M829 Kinetic Energy Projectile and Comparison with
Range Data."
U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal, "The Voice," 28-MAR-2003: "M829A3 Achieves TC-STD Milestone."
U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal, "The Voice," 10-OCT-2003: "FMS Tank Munition Achieves Key Milestone."
U.S. Army RDECOM Magazine, August 2005, "120mm canister round moves forward."
U.S. Army Research Laboratory ARL-TR-182: "M256 Static Load Test."
FY 2001, 2009 Army Procurement of Ammunition Budget Estimates.
U.S. Army Cannon Caliber Heavy Armaments Branch website.
detonated. This penetration fractures the concrete obstacle from within, breaking it into
smaller blocks, which can be cleared with an M9 Armored Combat Earthmover (ACE). A
concrete block 6 feet in diameter and 6 feet long is broken up into rubble, which can be
cleared by a tank equipped with a bulldozer blade.
M256 Photos - Click on image sample to see full size image.

M256 120mm Smoothbore Gun

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