Fiddle's Green

[dragoon500ly]

Originally Posted by Panther Al

True enough: But only if there is enough propellent to make use of the longer barrel. I am tempted to say that there is judging by the muzzle flash I've always seen, but...


I don't know for certain.

Except that the new 120mm still uses NATO standard 120mm ammo. What happens is that a significant amount of propellent isn't burned up during firing, the L/55 simply burns up more of the propellent hence more oomph to the projectile.

[Panther Al]

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

Except that the new 120mm still uses NATO standard 120mm ammo. What happens is that a significant amount of propellent isn't burned up during firing, the L/55 simply burns up more of the propellent hence more oomph to the projectile.

I was hoping that was the case: I didn't see the Germans making either a tube that was longer than the charge would allow, or making special rounds for the long tubes.

[Legbreaker]

The RAAC Memorial and Army Tank Museum at Pukapunyal in Victoria has a display showing the effects of various rounds on armour plate which had been cut from a naval ship in the process of decommissioning. Everything from a 2 pounder up through an early guided missile and 105mm AP.
I think there's about a dozen plates one behind the other with about an inch or so between them. Some rounds only penetrate one or two plates, while the larger ones bore through several feet of hardened armour before stopping.
It's a shame they don't have those plates (which are located just outside the front door) on their website.
http://www.armytankmuseum.com.au/i-vd.htm
On the other hand, one of the friendly staff might take a few photos of them if you were to ask nicely.