The difference between Holladung A, B & C for the German 7,5 cm KwK 40 and StuG 40 cartridges can be observed in the following way:
HL-A: a round (sphere) cone with a long thin aluminuium flame guidance pipe ending over the duplex cap. Penetration; 70mm steel plate.
Hl-B: a conical steel cone with a larger dia. aluminium flame guidance pipe connected to the base of the cone by a full rim. Penetration; 75mm steel plate.
Hl-C: a full cast zinc alloy cone, cone and flame guidance pipe are one cast piece. Penetration; 100mm steel plate.
All three types use the PIBD (Point Ignited Base Detonated) method of ignition (also called "spit back fuze"). This means the AZ38 nose fuze which is activated upon impact sends a flame down the pipe into the booster in the base of the projectile. This will enshure the detonation wave of the explosive charge moves from the base to the nose.
The B type has a disc with a hole above the shaped charge cone, the C type has a "funnel" type disc/pipe combination above the cone. On some websites it is claimed to be anti spall, however this is incorrect. The disc and funnel disc are meant to protect the shaped charge cones from splinters from the duplex detonator during impact, and so prevent a premature detonation which makes the shaped charge useless.
The A & B type use the Aluminium AZ 38. This is a simple fuze with a firing pin being fixated in the upper position by six centrifugal segments held inward by an expanding spring ring. Upon firing , the centrifugal segments are thrown outward, -overriding the expanding spring ring-, releasing the firing pin. Above the firing pin, a wooden hammer pin is placed, which hammers the firing pin into the duplex detonator upon impact.
The C type uses the AZ38 St, the steel version of the AZ38, simplified for production purposes. It has however a longer hammer pin, kept under a pressed steel cap.
Regards DJH
HL-A: a round (sphere) cone with a long thin aluminuium flame guidance pipe ending over the duplex cap. Penetration; 70mm steel plate.
Hl-B: a conical steel cone with a larger dia. aluminium flame guidance pipe connected to the base of the cone by a full rim. Penetration; 75mm steel plate.
Hl-C: a full cast zinc alloy cone, cone and flame guidance pipe are one cast piece. Penetration; 100mm steel plate.
All three types use the PIBD (Point Ignited Base Detonated) method of ignition (also called "spit back fuze"). This means the AZ38 nose fuze which is activated upon impact sends a flame down the pipe into the booster in the base of the projectile. This will enshure the detonation wave of the explosive charge moves from the base to the nose.
The B type has a disc with a hole above the shaped charge cone, the C type has a "funnel" type disc/pipe combination above the cone. On some websites it is claimed to be anti spall, however this is incorrect. The disc and funnel disc are meant to protect the shaped charge cones from splinters from the duplex detonator during impact, and so prevent a premature detonation which makes the shaped charge useless.
The A & B type use the Aluminium AZ 38. This is a simple fuze with a firing pin being fixated in the upper position by six centrifugal segments held inward by an expanding spring ring. Upon firing , the centrifugal segments are thrown outward, -overriding the expanding spring ring-, releasing the firing pin. Above the firing pin, a wooden hammer pin is placed, which hammers the firing pin into the duplex detonator upon impact.
The C type uses the AZ38 St, the steel version of the AZ38, simplified for production purposes. It has however a longer hammer pin, kept under a pressed steel cap.
Regards DJH
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