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To better prepare the Leclerc tanks to cope with
asymmetric and urban warfare, the French Army is buying 1,000 new
120mm HE-T Mk II high explosive rounds, capable of destroying all
types of constructions, light and medium armored vehicles. GIAT is
studying the addition of a time fuze to enable indirect (overhead)
activation when engaging dug-in targets.
 IMI introduced the M-337 High Explosive Multi-Purpose
120mm round, designed for similar roles. The new HE-MP-T inherits
components, such as fuse and stabilizers, from IMI's
Anti-Personnel/Anti-Material (APAM) cartridge, which has become
standard 105mm ammunition with the IDF. Its 120mm derivative is
currently in final development, under a $60 million development and
multi-year procurement program awarded by the Israel MOD. The 120mm
APAM is scheduled for fielding by 2009.
 Newly introduced ammunition is the
PELE, from Rheinmetall defense
reduced lethality ammunition. PELE uses non-explosive frangible
warheads, designed to fragmentize as a result of the impact's
pressures, scattering fragments over a short, confined radius avoiding
further damage. PELE can be optimized for close-in urban combat.
Development started in 2002, under cooperation with GEKE Technologies.
Improvements are made with conventional KE ammunition. Rheinmetall
Defense introduced the DM63 tungsten based KE round which uses new
temperature independent powder, suitable for use in extreme climatic
zones, without limitation. This round will improve the KE capability
of the L44 gun, used with Leopard 2A4. So far, these capabilities were
limited only to the L55 120mm gun fitted to the latest Leopard 2A6
tanks.
IMI introduced a similar round designated M-338, which improves the KE
performance of its 120mm KE rounds, and is suitable for all types of
guns (including L44). M-338 uses a tungsten core designed for improved
penetration and performance. Using new Low Vulnerability (LOVA)
propellant enabled IMI to increase the M-338's muzzle velocity with
large safety margin while maintaining precision and operability over
the entire temperature range defined by STANAG criteria. IMI used a
uniquely designed tungsten alloy core, with unique mechanical
properties and sabot design to improve accuracy at all combat ranges. |
