It's still sad that T-72s could be penetrated so easily and at such a long range. The longest range T-72 kill on record was at 4,500 meters by a M-1A1 of the 2nd ACR. Longest range kill on an Iraqi T-55 was at 5,200 by an M-1A1 from the 1st Armored Division. It's even more amazing because both kills were done with APDSDU rounds.
For the non-tankers, APDS is a high velocity, low-trajectory round that normally bleeds off speed fairly rapidly. Our gunner's manuals stated that it was not to be used beyond 2,500 meters due to uncertain penetration. The perferred long-range antitank round is the HEAT, which is a medium velocity, high-trajectory round. Do to this, the lead-off is so great that it was expected to have to fire 2-3 HEAT rounds in order to score a hit. As you can see, the performance of the APDSDU was a pleasant surprise for the Allies.
Didn't forget that the Bimp has a chance of loading the gunner's left arm, although this was always more of a chance thing, in that the round has to grab the gunner's coveralls. Besides, if you maneuvered to the left front and nailed the Bimp with a HEAT, who have a better chance of catching the main gun ammo racks.
Call me old fashioned, but I like ammo explosions, you get to see the pretty fireworks!!!
