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odd 120mm experimental APDS

R

Rrickoshae

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
here's another one of those oddities - its an experimental 120mm APDS. I've shown it between a 120mm L1 Conqueror APDS and standard Chieftain. The only markings are; on the base, C12 39 SA (the last 4 digits under a broad arrow as if it were an umbrella), each of the 3 segments that make the forward end of the sabot are also stamped C12. Good eh?
apds.jpg
 
Ooh better than "nice" and highly experimental I would guess-does it come with any sort of pedigree/history ?
And having four segments was a sign of early experimenta rounds before it was decided that three segments were more reliable (although harder to produce!)
 
Still no idea about that speciman?

IMHO there are two possibilities. Experimental development from UK is pretty obvious idea. There were experimental 120 mm guns in UK, developed in 1970s, for new MBTs. The problem is that round looks very different than British line, with bulky projectile and strange sabot, with copper ring.

Another possibility, it is US. There are few materials and patents from 1940s sabot ammunition programme. Projectiles were pretty bulky, seat deep in sabot, with prominent copper ring. In 1950s there was experimental APDS for US 120 mm guns, designated HVAP-DS T102. If it was based on earlier American work (not UK or Canadian), it could be that one.
 
Przezdzieblo said:
Still no idea about that speciman?

IMHO there are two possibilities. Experimental development from UK is pretty obvious idea. There were experimental 120 mm guns in UK, developed in 1970s, for new MBTs. The problem is that round looks very different than British line, with bulky projectile and strange sabot, with copper ring.

Another possibility, it is US. There are few materials and patents from 1940s sabot ammunition programme. Projectiles were pretty bulky, seat deep in sabot, with prominent copper ring. In 1950s there was experimental APDS for US 120 mm guns, designated HVAP-DS T102. If it was based on earlier American work (not UK or Canadian), it could be that one.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions.
The copper looking ring is brown plastic.
Dave.
 
Is it possible to get few more shots of that mystery APDS shot? From above, under the base? What is diameter of subprojectile?
 
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