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APFSDS vs APDS: What's the surprising difference between the two?
As modern combat vehicle technology advances, the design of weapon systems has become increasingly complex. In this process, the two bullet types, Armor Piercing Fire Slug (APFSDS) and Armor Piercing Disposable Fire Slug (APDS), took the lead in performance. This article aims to explore the basic definitions of the two, the current market situation, and the major differences between them.
Core Technology of APFSDS
Armor-piercing projectiles (APFSDS) are a type of kinetic energy penetrating munition designed specifically to attack the armor of modern combat vehicles. With the improvement of vehicle power systems and suspension systems after World War II, the armor of modern main battle tanks has become thicker and thicker, which makes the need for deep armor penetration more and more urgent.
The key to this type of ammunition is its long, thin shape, which increases its molecular density and thus concentrates kinetic energy into a smaller area.
In order to make up for the shortcomings of short gunpowder bullets, APFSDS ammunition uses smooth bore barrel technology, which can reduce the rotation speed and avoid the friction and energy conversion problems caused by traditional rifling.
History and Design of APDS
Before the advent of APFSDS, the Armor Piercing Disposable Disposable (APDS) was the primary kinetic ammunition design. The design concept of APDS is similar to APFSDS, but its ammunition carrier is shorter and does not have the performance characteristics of modern APFSDS ammunition. APDS ammunition remains important in small or medium caliber weapon systems.
Both types of ammunition are made of high-density and high-hardness materials, but APFSDS has stronger penetration capabilities.
APFSDS ammunition has a significant advantage in external design - it can use special stabilization technology such as fins, which can improve its stability in flight.
Material selection and its impact
APFSDS ammunition usually uses copper alloy and uranium alloy as the main materials. The thermal ignition properties of uranium alloys allow the flames they create when they explode to cause greater destruction. There are also obvious performance differences between the two in terms of penetration.
According to research, uranium alloys usually have smaller diameter through holes when in contact with steel targets, which makes their penetration ability more prominent than that of steel of equivalent length.
Although uranium alloys have high penetrating power, the use of this material in the social field will cause political and humanitarian controversy, which is an important consideration in military decision-making.
Speed and efficiency of ammunition
In actual operation, the APFSDS usually has a speed between 1400 and 1800 meters per second, which is enough to effectively deal with the protection of many modern armors. This is closely linked to the shape and materials of its design, which promote the lowest possible air resistance.
For example, the initial velocity of General Dynamics' KEW-A1 can reach 1,740 meters per second, demonstrating the powerful power of APFSDS ammunition.
When meeting different usage requirements and conditions, the correct ammunition selection is particularly important because it affects the ultimate shooting accuracy and penetration ability.
Conclusion: Future Development and Challenges
APFSDS and APDS ammunition continue to evolve as technology advances. Key challenges include balancing munitions performance with social responsibility in material selection and ensuring that military use does not escalate conflict.
Will future ammunition design move towards a more environmentally friendly and humane direction?
