Changing natures of tank ammunition: at one time tank ammunition development was almost entirely devoted to improving the means of punching holes in the armour of other tanks. Other functions were given scant attention. While hole punching remains a prime function of tank gunnery it is no longer the only application. Tank ammunition now has to be much more versatile for the very nature of the tank is changing.

Summary

---

Technology

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Changing natures of tank ammunition: at one time tank ammunition development was almost entirely devoted to improving the means of punching holes in the armour of other tanks. Other functions were given scant attention. While hole punching remains a prime function of tank gunnery it is no longer the only application. Tank ammunition now has to be much more versatile for the very nature of the tank is changing.

Without many of the personnel involved appreciating or liking the fact, the main battle tank is reverting to its original role, that of being a mobile protected gun platform. As tanks evolved historically, the main opponent of the tank emerged as other tanks; therefore, they became the primary targets to be engaged. Entire ammunition loads of many battle tanks were devoted to armour penetration in some form or another, with little or no provision made for other natures. That situation has now been altered, as high explosive projectiles are once again becoming familiar to tank crews, along with other ammunition novelties.

Tanks are being called upon more and more to provide close support for infantry. If the tanks concerned manage to keep enemy tanks at bay in the process, all is well and good. Yet recent operations have witnessed combat scenarios where urban warfare or combat in built-up areas is the...

See the full content of this document

---