Description
This cartridge is a kinetic energy, target practice round for use with the 120mm smooth bore M256 cannon. It is designed to simulate the service round characteristics at reduced maximum ranges to allow practice firings on short range proving grounds and training areas.
The cartridge, 120mm, TPCSDS-T, M865 contains a propulsion system consisting of a stub metal case with combustible sidewall, granular propellant, and electric M125 primer, while the projectile consists of subprojectile and aluminum sabot. The core is a one-piece steel design with a tail cone assembly which is assembled into the sabot by means of threads. The tail cone contains nine holes, or six slots, which in conjunction with the conical shape provide stabilization. Reduced range is achieved by the aerodynamic blocking effect of the holes, or slots. The tail cone assembly also contains a tracer. The aluminum sabot is composed of three 120° noninterchangeable segments with internal screw threads matching those on the outer diameter of the subprojectile. The sabot has a silicone rubber seal at the rear to prevent gas leakage.
The projectile is blue with white markings.
Functioning
The M865 is loaded and fired from the 120mm tank gun in the normal manner. Upon initiation of the electric primer in the breech of the weapon, the resulting flash ignites the propelling charge and combustible case generating gases which drive the projectile from the gun and ignites the tracer. The rear seal of the sabot prevents gas leakage between the sabot segments and the driving forces (gases) propelling the subprojectile down bore. Upon leaving the gun, aerodynamic forces cause the sabot to separate from the subprojectile allowing the subprojectile to continue to target, while the sabot segments fall quickly to earth. The tail cone segment of the subprojectile, due to the nine hole (old design) or six slot arrangement, causes aerodynamic slowing of the subprojectile to limit its range to 8000 meters.
Hazardous Components
Propellant - M14 (16.28 lb, 7.4 kg) or LKL (19.03 lb, 8.65 kg)
Primer - M125
Physical Data
Length, overall - 34.7 in, 881.4 mm
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
