Tank Guns of Present and Future..

[Smok]

Great thread!
Do you have any informations about maximum penetration and accuracy of these guns? I found, that Russian 125 mm have lower max pressure, but I think, that they have heavier projectiles. I'm curious which guns have better accuracy and penetration. Is 2A46M comparable with 120 mm L44?

[dbamil]

Great thread!
Do you have any informations about maximum penetration and accuracy of these guns? I found, that Russian 125 mm have lower max pressure, but I think, that they have heavier projectiles. I'm curious which guns have better accuracy and penetration. Is 2A46M comparable with 120 mm L44?

I'd think such discussion should involve the shells in use. Obviously depleted uranium shells by US were more effective (and more toxic) than the lower quality shells used by iraqis (sold by russians). And I heard S Korea's tungsten shells are quite effective also (slightly less than depleted uranium shells though).

[Jippo]

I'd think such discussion should involve the shells in use. Obviously depleted uranium shells by US were more effective (and more toxic) than the lower quality shells used by iraqis (sold by russians). And I heard S Korea's tungsten shells are quite effective also (slightly less than depleted uranium shells though).

It's a very complicated matter in all aspects. I believe 2A46M was able to produce more energy than the older Rheinmetal gun. It is also able to shoot heavier projectiles which matters mostly with HE rounds, but is not that important with AP rounds.

Thing that makes a difference with AP's is the two part ammunition Russian tanks use. Western 120mm ammunition has penetrators that run the entire length of the cartridge, from tip to primer, and one of the determining factors of APFSDS penetration is the length/diameter ratio of the penetrator. Russians have not been able to use as long penetrators due to the autoloader dimensions on their tanks. They have not considered it worthwhile to design a new tank just to allow longer penetrators on their guns.

Accuracy is not an issue with either gun type, as both are capable of hitting a tank sized target right out to their maximum range. We would be talking about dispersion in the class of .2mrad.

[corran.pl]

Slovak 2A46MS

[Kunal Biswas]

Currently in Poland there is performed research and development work on new 120mm smoothbore gun. It's characteristics are currently not known, but if program will be success it might be interesting alternative for Rhinemetall Rh-120, Take a note that this is still experimental design, barrel might be in the end longer, and it's design might change after tests.

Information shared by : Damian90

[IDF_TANKER]

No bore evacuator?

[Kunal Biswas]

Yes, noticed that but again this is in experimental stage..

[Damian90]

To clear some things. This gun made in Poland is currently in early development stage, and it's primary function at the moment, is to test new 120mm ammunition. But, there is clearly visible potential, that this test gun might be in the future be base, for a new tank gun of this calliber, developed and manufactured in Poland.

So future is not certain, but there are interesting possibilities.