Imperial Japanese Navy Ammunition - 80mm Projectiles

Imperial Japanese Navy Ammunition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8cm (76.2mm)(3 Inch) Complete Round (Semi-fixed)

 

 

   

Case:

-Length: 15.06 inches

-Diameter at base: 4.13 inches

-Material: Brass (recovered); steel (documentary)

 

Propellant:

- 20 C3 (Type 89 propellant) 1.98 lbs  (0.9 kg).

 

Unperforated cylindrical sticks, approximately 2mm by 12.75 inches, amber-colored double-base powder.  The propellant sticks are enclosed in a bag of heavy brownish silk.

 

Primer:  Mk I case percussion primer, Model 4

 

Weapon used in: "AN" (Armstrong) type 8cm/40 gun (low angle)

 

Except for minor changes, this is an exact copy of a British naval gun, and guns of both British and Japanese manufacture have been found ashore in Japanese emplacements for coastal defense.  The gun is pedestal-mounted.  The breech is closed by a two-step interrupted-thread block.

 

 

 

 

 

8cm (76.2mm)(3 Inch) (Ordinary Mk 2 Mod 2) High-Explosive Projectile

 

  

 Weight of filled projectile (without fuze): 11.46 lbs

Weight of porjectile: 10.75 lbs

Weight stamped on rotating band (sample): 4.86 kg (varies with individual projectiles)

 

Length of projectile (without fuze): 9.49 inches

Diameter at bourrelet: 3 inches

Distance from base to rotating band: 0.44 inch

Width of rotating band: 1 inch

Radius of ogive: 6 cal.

 

Filling: Cast picric acid (Shimose) .71 lb

 

The charge consists of a single block of explosive cast and sealed in a waxed paper container, encased in a heavy cotton flannel bag and sealed in the projectile with paraffin.

 

Fuzing: Type 5-year point detonating fuze

 

Weapon used in: "AN" (Armstrong) Type 8cm/40 gun (low angle)

 

 

 

 

 

 8cm (76.2mm)(3 Inch) Shrapnel Projectile

 

 

Assembled round:

-Weight of complete round (without fuze): 19 lbs

-Length of complete round (without fuze): 23.75 inches

Projectile:

-Weight of filled projectile (without fuze): 10.5 lbs

-Weight of projectile (empty): No data

 Weight stamped on rotating band (sample): 2.86kg (Varies with individual projectiles)

Dimensions:

-Length of projectile (without fuze): 8.38 inches

-Diameter at bourrelet: 2.97 inches (75.5mm)

-Distance from base to rotating band: 0.75 inch

-Width of rotating band: 1 inch

-Radius of ogive: 4 cal

Filling: Black powder and shrapnel balls

Fuzing: 30-second time fuze

Weapons used in: Type 3-Year 8cm/40 dual-purpose gun

Type 88-Year 8cm/40 dual-purpose gun

Type 98-Year 8cm/60 dual-purpose gun 

 8cm (76.2mm)(3 Inch) Complete Round (Fixed)

 

 

Case:

-Length: 16.06 inches

-Diameter at base: 4.13 inches

-Material: Brass

-Weight (empty): 6.25 lbs

The case is crimped tightly into a groove in the base of the projectile by a single continuous crimp.

Propellant:

20 C3 (Type 89 propellant): 2.039 lbs

Unperforated cylindrical sticks, approximately 2mm by 12.9 inches, amber-colored double-base powder.

The propellant sticks are enclosed in a bag of heavy brownish silk.  Primer Mk 2 case percussion primer, Model 4.

Weapons used in:  Type 88 8cm/40 dual-purpose gun; 8cm/40 Type 4-Year dual-purpose gun.

The latter gun is a pedestal-mounted gun with a breech block sliding diagonally down to the right.  Although designed as a ship-board mount, it is commonly found mounted in fixed emplacements ashore for anti-aircraft and coastal defense.

 

 

 

 

8cm (76.2mm)(3 inch)(Ordinary Mk 3 Mod 1) High Explosive

   

 

Assembled round:

-Weight of complete round: 19.25 lbs

-Length of complete round, with Type 89 fuze: 28.25 inches

Projectile:

-Weight of filled projectile (without fuze): 9.5 lbs

-Weight, empty: 8.6 lbs

-Weight stamped on rotating band (Sample) 4.865 kg (varies with individual projectiles)

Dimensions:

-Length of projectile (without fuze or adapter): 9.25 inches

-Diameter at bourrelet: 2.97 inches

-Distance from base to rotating band: 0.7 inch

-Width of rotating band: 1 inch

-Radius of ogive: 4 cal

Filling: Cast picric acid (Shimose): 0.9 lb

The charge consists of a single block of explosive cast and sealed in a waxed paper container, encased in a heavy cotton flannel bag and sealed in the projectile with paraffin.

Fuzing:

-A. Army Type 89 powder time fuze (30 seconds)

-B. Type 5-Year point detonating fuze (instantaneous) with adapter

Weapons used in:

Type 3-Year 8cm/40 dual-purpose gun

Type 88 8cm/40 dual-purpose gun

8cm(76.2mm)(3 inch)(Armor-Piercing Type 1) Special Common

 

  

Assembled round:

-Weight of complete round: 21.04 lbs

-Length of complete round: 25.31 inches

Projectile:

-Weight of filled projectile (with fuze): 12.7 lbs

-Weight, empty: 11.72 lbs

-Weight stamped on rotating band (sample): 5.31 kg (varies with individual projectiles

Dimensions:

-Length of projectile: 9.875 inches

-Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

-Distance from base to rotating band: 0.75 inch

-Width of rotating band: 1 inch

-Radius of ogive: 4 cal

Filling: Trinitroanisole (Type 91 explosive): 0.41 lb

The charge consists of a single block of explosive cast and sealed in a waxed paper container, encased in a heavy cotton flannel bag and sealed in the projectile with paraffin.

Fuzing: Type 1 fuze

Weapons used in:

-Type 3-Year 8cm/40 dual-purpose gun

-Type 88 8cm/40 dual-purpose gun

 

8cm(76.2mm)(3 inch) Time Practice Projectile

 

Assembled Round:

-Weight of complete round: No Data

-Length of complete round: 28.06 inches

Projectile:

-Weight of filled projectile: No Data

-Weight of projectile, empty: 12.3 lbs

-Weight stamped on rotating band (Sample): 5.2 kg (varies with individual projectiles)

Dimensions:

-Length of projectile: 12.69 inches

-Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

-Distance from base to rotating band: 0.69 inch

-Width of rotating band: 1 inch

-Radius of ogive: 4 cal

Filling: No Data.  Possibly smoke compound or spotting dye.

Fuzing: Type 98 time fuze

Weapons used in:

-Type 98 8cm/60 dual-purpose gun

-8cm short dual-purpose gun

Next Time: 10cm and 12cm Projectiles (Part 1)

Soviet Explosive Ordnance - 122mm Projectiles (Part 2)

 

Soviet Explosive Ordnance



 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, CP, VG-471

 

 

This concrete-piercing round is fired from the 122mm corps guns M1931 and M1931/37 (A-19), and from the self-propelled guns M1944 (D-25S) and M1931/44 (A-19S).  The M1944 (D-25S) and M1931/44 (A-19S) are mounted in the JSU-122.
 

This round is used primarily against concrete and reinforced-concrete fortifications.  The projectiles are made of heat-treated steel and contain a bursting charge weighing from 7 to 18 percent of the total projectile weight.

 
The KTD-2 fuze is used in this round.  For purposes of illustration, the fuze nomenclature is shown on the side of the fuze; in reality, it is stamped on the base of the fuze.

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 in)

Weight of complete round: 39.32kg (86.5 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 25kg (55 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 6.82kg (15 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 2.2kg (4.84 lbs)

 

Packaging

 

 
This ammunition is packed in a one-round box, as illustrated, with a gross weight of about 56kg   (123 lbs).



 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Smoke, VD-462

  

 

  

This smoke round is fired from the 122mm howitzers M1910 and M1909/37.  These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army but are still used in Finland.

  

Smoke rounds are used by the Soviets for denying observation to enemy firing points and observation posts, for laying wide smoke screens over entire sectors, for target spotting, and for other purposes. 

The common smoke compositions used in Soviet smoke rounds are phosphorus, sulfur trioxide, and chloride of tin.  Although the principal purpose of phosphorus is to produce smoke, it is an incendiary and casualty-producing agent as well.  It ignites spontaneously upon contact with the air and continues to burn even when embedded in the flesh.
 

The D-462 projectile in this round contains a 2.6kg (8 lb) phosphorus composition and a small TNT bursting charge.

  

The KT-2 and KTM-2 fuzes are used with the D-462 projectile in this round.  Information on color markings of smoke rounds is conflicting and outdated; however, it is believed smoke projectiles have a gray body and a black band below the bourrelet, as illustrated.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 in)

Weight of complete round: 24.6kg (54.12 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 22.4kg (49.3 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.17kg (2.58 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Phosphorus and TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 3.76kg (8.26 lbs)

 

 

 

Packaging

 

 

This ammunition is packed in a two-round wooden box.  Projectiles and cartriddge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden box.
 

Note.  The first propellant data line "4/1 CB 10/44 K" shown on the cartridge case of this round normally would appear just above the second propellant data line on the packing box.  It has been omitted in the above drawing because of insufficient space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Illuminating, VS-463

 

This illuminating round is fired from the 122mm howitzer M1938 (M-30), which is standard in the Soviet and Satellite Armies.  The weapon is also used in Yugoslavia, Hungary, Rumania, Finland, and Bulgaria.

 

Illuminating rounds are used at night to facilitate observation of the enemy and of the results of firing.  They were employed comparatively seldom in World War II, since illuminating devices dropped from aircraft served the same purpose more effectively.  Mixtures of powdered magnesium, aluminium, and barium nitrate are used in the illuminating composition.
 

The S-462 projectile shown above contains an illuminant assembly attached to a parachute, a small expelling charge, and an ignition charge (to ignite the illuminant and the expelling charge).

 

The T-6 fuze, with adapter, is used with the S-462 projectile in this round.

Note.  Two propellant data lines normally appear on the cartridge case shown above, one line usually pertaining to powder in the base charge, and the other line pertaining to powder in the supplemental charges.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 in)

Weight of complete round: 24kg (53 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 21.3kg (46.3 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.07kg (4.58 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Illuminating composition and explosive

Weight of projectile filler: 0.1kg (0.22 lbs)

 

 

 

Packaging

 

 

The illustrated 2-round wooden packing box weighs 68kg (150 lbs) when packed.  The gross weight may be stenciled on the box in the form БРУТТО 68 КГ.  Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Shrapnel, VSh-462

   

 

This ball shrapnel round is fired from the 122mm howitzers M1910/30 and M1909/37.  These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army but are still used in Finland.

 

Shrapnel normally is used for close defense, against exposed personnel.  The Sh-360 projectile in this round contains an 8.75kg (19.25 lbs) shrapnel filler, consisting of 478 lead balls, and a small bursting charge of fine-grained black powder.
 

The 45-sec and T-6 (with adapter) fuzes are used with the Sh-460 projectile.  A light metal safety cap is crimped onto the 45-sec fuze for shipping purposes, and must be removed before firing.  The T-6 fuze has a threaded brass shipping cover which must be removed before firing.
 

The VSh-462T, with a Sh-460T projectile using a 45-sec or T-6 (with adapter fuze), is a variant of the illustrated round.  It is basically the same as the VSh-462 and is fired from the same weapons.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 in)

Weight of complete round: 26.1kg (57.4 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 23.3kg (51.25 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.17kg (2.58 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Ball shrapnel (478 lead balls) and black powder

Weight of projectile filler: 9.02kg (19.85 lbs)

 

 

 

Packaging

 

 

This ammunition is packed in a two-round wooden box. Projectiles and cartriddge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden box.

 

Note. The first propellant data line "7/7 CB 19/40 K" shown on the cartridge case of this round normally would appear just above the second propellant data line on the packing box. It has been omitted in the above drawing because of insufficient space.

 

  

  

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Propaganda, VA-463

 

   

This propaganda round is fired from the 122mm howitzer M1938 (M-30), which is standard in the Soviet and in Satellite Armies.

 

This type of ammunition is used to dsitribute propaganda leaflets behind enemy lins.  Very few such rounds were used in World War II, since aircraft proved to be a more effective means of distributing leaflets. m The A-462 projectile shown above contains a 0.76kg (1.67 lb) leaflet filler and a small bursting charge.

 

The T-6 fuze, with adapter, is used with the A-462 projectile in this round.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 in)

Weight of complete round: 24kg (53 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 21.55kg (47.41 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.17kg (2.6 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Leaflets and explosive

Weight of projectile filler: 0.86kg (1.89 lbs)

 

 

 

Packaging

 

 

The illustrated 2-round wooden packing box weighs 68kg (150 lbs) when packed. The gross weight may be stenciled on the box in the form БРУТТО 68 КГ. Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden box.

 

 

Next Time: 152mm Projectiles



Imperial Japanese Navy Ammunition - 30mm Projectiles

 

 

 

Imperial Japanese Navy Ammunition

 

 

 

 

30mm Ammunition

 

 

 

 

Two 30mm aircraft cannon, the Type 2 and the Type 5, were in use by the Japanese.  These guns are of Oerlikon design and use similar ammunition.  The Type 5 gun uses a longer case and a slightly heavier projectile than the Type 2.

 

 

Case:  The case for the Type 2 gun is of typical Oerlikon design.  It is a comparatively short brass reduced-rim case slightly necked.

 

The case for the Type 5 gun is longer, has a more pronounced neck, and is of the rimless type.

 

 

Length of Case 

Type 2: 3.58 inches

Type 5: 4.81 inches

 

 

Projectiles:  Like the 20mm ammunition, the type of projectile is indicated by painting the projectile body a solid color.  However, some of the Type 5 projectiles were unpainted except for a narrow band behind the nose fuze.

 

The following dimensions are common to all projectiles:

Type 2 ----- Type 5

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.18 in ----- 1.18                                         

Width of rotating band: 0.24 in ----- 0.31 in                                       

 

 

  

30mm Type 5 High-Explosive Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Rotor type fuze

 

Lenght of projectile (without fuze): 3.53 inches

Lenght of complete round: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: Pentolite

 

Color and Markings:  Maroon overall

 

Remarks: The pentolite is in a precast block surrounded by cardboard.

 

 

 

30mm Type 2 and Type 5 High-Explosive Incendiary Projectiles

 

 

Fuzing: Rotor type fuze

 

Length of projectile (without fuze):

-Type 2: 2.83 inches

-Type 5: 3.53 inches

 

Length of assembled round (fuzed):

-Type 2: 6.57 inches

-Type 5: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: Pentolite and White Phosphorus

 

Weight of filling (Type 2):

-Pentolite: 3.56 grams

-White Phosphorus: 19.94 grams

 

Color and Markings: Greenish-Yellow overall.

The Type 5 projectile is sometimes unpainted except for a greenish-yellow band at the nose.

 

Remarks:  The one-piece projectile contains only one cavity.  The H.E. is surrounded by a cardboard below which is contained the W.P. in a metal canister.

 

 

 
 

Type 5 30mm High-Explosive Tracer Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Rotor type fuze

 

Length of projkectile (without fuze): 3.53 inches

Length of complete round: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: Pentolite

 

Color and Markings:  Red overall, or a red band at the nose.

 

Remarks:  The body of the projectile contains two cavities separated by a steel septum.  The upper cavity contains the H.E. filling, while the lower contains the tracer.

 

 

 
 

Type 5 30mm Tracer Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Nose Plug

 

Length of projectile (without fuze): 3.53 inches

Length of complete round: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: None

 

Color and Markings: Red overall, or a red band at the nose

 

 

 

 
 

Type 2 and Type 5 30mm Practice Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Dummy fuze

 

Length of projectile (without fuze):

-Type 2: 2.83 inches

-Type 5: 3.53 inches

 

Length of assembled round (fuzed):

-Type 2: 6.57 inches

-Type 5: 8.28 inches

 

Filling: Blind loaded

 

Color and Markings:

-Type 2: Black overall with a red dummy fuze

-Type 5: Not painted

 

Remarks:  The projectile body and case are the same in appearance as the H.E.I. round.  This is used as the first round in the magazine, to clear the gun bore.

 

 

40mm Armor-Piercing Projectile

Weight of complete round (without fuze): 1.17kg
Weight of projectile, filled (without fuze): 0.78kg
Weight of filling: 0.023kg
Filling: Cast TNT

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.57 inches
Length of projectile (without fuze): 5.24 inches
Length of assembled round: 10.33 inches
Length of propellant case: 6.18 inches
Propellant: Cylindrical lengths of smokeless powder, 95.9g
Width of rotating band: 0.63 inch
Diameter of base of propellant case: 1.89 inches

 Fuzing: Small A/P base fuze

Color and Markings: White with a green tip

Remarks: This round indicates use of the 40mm Vickers-Armstrong as a dual-purpose gun.

 


40mm High-Explosive Anti-Aircraft Projectile

Weight of complete round (without fuze): 1.18kg
Weight of projectile, filled (without fuze): 0.79kg
Weight of filling: 0.07kg
Filling: Cast TNT

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.57 inches
Length of projectile (without fuze): 5.01 inches
Length of assembled round: 10.4 inches
Length of propellant case: 6.18 inches
Propellant: Cylindrical lengths of smokeless powder, 95.9g
Width of rotating band: 0.63 inch
Diameter of base of propellant case: 1.89 inches

Fuzing: A.A. powder time fuze

Color and Markings: Maroon with 12mm green band around ogive

Remarks: This round was evidently designed only for anti-aircraft work, having no impact or tracer element.  It is used in the Navy's Vickers-Armstrong guns, which are belt-fed with automatic fuze cutters attached.




40mm Tracer Projectile

Weight of complete round (with nose cap): 1.28kg
Weight of projectile, filled (with tracer and nose cap): 0.9kg
Weight of filling: 0.07kg
Filling: None

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.57 inches
Length of projectile (with nose cap): 6.61 inches
Length of assembled round (with nose cap): 11.3 inches
Length of propellant case: 6.18 inches
Propellant: Cylindrical lengths of smokeless powder, 95.9g
Width of rotating band: 0.63 inch
Diameter of base of propellant case: 1.89 inches

Fuzing: None

Color and Markings: Orange overall

Remarks: This round is similar in shape to the A.A. type.  The nose, of solid construction with two large wrench flats, screws into the projectile body just before the bourrelet with right-hand threads.  The inside is lacquered.  The tracer element is screwed into the base with left-hand threads.  It is used in the Vickers-Armstrong guns.





5cm (47mm) Complete Round and Common Projectile

 
Assembled round:
-Weight of complete round: 3.2 lbs
-Length of complete round: 9.25 inches

Projectile:
-Weight of filled projectile (with fuze): 2.4 lbs
-Weight of projectile (empty): 2.1 lbs

Dimensions:
-Length of projectile (without fuze): 5.31 inches
-Diameter at bourrelet: 1.84 inches
-Distance from base to rotating band: 1.25 inches
Width of rotating band: 1.69 inches

Filling: Loose granular black powder (50 grams)

Fuzing: Hotchkiss patent fuze screwed (R.H.) into base; a simple setback arming base fuze presumably of British manufacture.  The base of the fuze is stamped "Hotchkiss Patent DOC"
Weight of fuze: 2 oz

Case:
-Length: 5.19 inches
-Diameter at base: 2.38 inches
-Material: Brass (recovered); Steel (documentary)
-Weight (empty): No Data

The case is crimped into a groove in the base of the projectile by several short crimps.

Propellant: 5 C2 (Type 2 Year propellant) weighing 2.4 oz unperforated cylindrical sticks, approximately 0.5mm by 25.4mm, amber-coloured double-base powder.

The propellant sticks are enclosed in a compartmented bag of heavy brownish silk.

Primer: Small flush type (designation unknown)

Used in: Short 5cm gun
 
This gun, mounted on wooden-spoked wheels as a field piece, corresponds to old U.S. "landing guns" and is probably a copy of an obsolete British gun.  The breech block is the vertical sliding type.



 

Next Time: 80mm Projectiles

Soviet Explosive Ordnance - 122mm Projectiles (Part 1)

 

 

 

Soviet Explosive Ordnance

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, HE, VF-462

   

 

This high-explosive round is fired from the 122mm howitzers M1910/30 and M1909/37.  This projectile has a relatively thin-walled casing and large bursting charge.  The F-460 projectile shown above has a more powerful blast effect, but gives less fragmentation, than does the Frag-HE projectile of the VOF-462 complete round.

 

The RG-6 and RGM fuzes are used with the F-460 projectile of this round.

 

The following complete rounds are variants of the illustrated round: VF-462U, with the F-460U projectile using a UGT-2 (or, with a supplementary booster, the RG-6 or RGM) fuze; VF-462K, with the F-460K projectile using the UGT-2 (or, with a supplementary booster, the RG-6 or RGM) fuze;  VF-462N, with an F-460N projectile using the UGT-2 (or, with a supplementary booster, the RG-6 or RGM) fuze;  and VF-452A, with an F-460A projectile using the RG-6 fuze.  These variants are basically the same as the VF-462 and are fired from the same weapons.

 

    

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 inches)

Weight of complete round: 25.58kg (56.3 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 22.5kg (49.5 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.17kg (2.58 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 4.812kg (10.6 lbs)

 

 

Packaging

 

This ammunition is packed in a two-round wooden box, as illustrated.  Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden packing box.

 

Note.  The second propellant data line "7/7 CB 14/44 K" shown on the cartridge case of this round normally would appear just below the first propellant data line on the packing box.  It has been omitted from the above drawing because of insufficient space.

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Frag-HE, VOF-462

 

  

This fragmentation high-explosive round is fired from the 122mm howitzers M1910/30 and M1909/37.  These weapons are obsolete in the Soviet Army, but are still used in Finland.  The setting of the fuze determines whether the projectile will give maximum blast or maximum fragmentation effect.
 

The RG-6 and RGM fuzes are used with the OF-460 projectile of this round.  As a component of other complete rounds, however, the OF-462 projectile has also been found with the RGM-2, RGM-3, and D-1 fuzes.
 

The VOF-462A complete round, with the OF-462A projectile using the RGM or RG-6 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round.  It is basically the same as the VOF-462 and is fired from the same weapons.

 

The following projectiles are basically the same, and are fired from the same weapons, as the OF-462: OF-462AG with the RGM-3 fuze; OF-462L, with the RG-6 or RGM fuze; and OF-462M, with the RGM fuze.  The specific differences between them and the OF-462 are not known.

 
 
  Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 inches)

Weight of complete round: 23.7kg (52.1 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 21.76kg (47.9 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.17kg (2.58 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Amatol 80/20

Weight of projectile filler: 3.68kg (8.10 lbs)

 
 
Packaging
 

 

This ammunition is packed in a two-round wooden box, as illustrated. Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden packing box.
 

Note. The second propellant data line "7/7 CB 14/44 K" shown on the cartridge case of this round normally would appear just below the first propellant data line on the packing box. It has been omitted from the above drawing because of insufficient space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Frag-HE, VOF-463
 

 

This fragmentation high-explosive round is fired from the 122mm howtizer M1938 (M-30), which is standard in the Soviet and Satellite Armies.
 

The D-1, RG-6, RGM, RGM-2, and RGM-3 fuzes are used with the OF-462 projectile in this round.

The following projectiles are bascially the same and are fired from the same weapons, as the OF-462A: OF-462, using the RGM or GVMZ fuze; OF-462AG, using the GVMZ fuze; and OF-462G with the GVMZ fuze.  The specific differences between them and the OF-462 are not known.

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 inches)

Weight of complete round: 25.6kg (56.33 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 21.76kg (47.9 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.08kg (4.58 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Amatol 80/20

Weight of projectile filler: 3.68kg (8.10 lbs)

 
 
Packaging
 

 

This ammunition is packed in a two-round wooden box. Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden packing box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Frag-HE, VOF-471N
   

  

This fragmentation high-explosive round is fired from the 122mm corps guns M1931 and M1931/37 (A-19); from the tank gun M1943 (D-25); and from self-propelled guns M1944 (D-25S) and M1931/44 (A-19S).  The tank gun M1943 (D-25) is mounted on the JS-1*, JS-2, and JS-3 heavy tanks.  The self-propelled guns M1944 (D-25S) and M1931/44 (A-19S) are mounted in the JSU-122.

 

The RGM, RGM-2, and D-1 fuzes are used with the OF-471N projecitle in this round.  There are two types of OF-471N projectile, which apparently are not distinguished from one another by any code marking.  One (shown in the above drawing) is a one-piece projectile; the other is a "two-piece" projectile having a threaded adapter.  The latter type, according to documentary evidence, is about 0.5 inch longer than the former and has a bursting charge which is about 1.2 lbs heavier, although the total weight of each projectile is the same.
 

The complete round VOF-471, using the OF-471 projectile with the RGM or D-1 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round.  The OF-471 projectile has a bursting charge weighing 3.605kg (7.93 lbs), and its unfuzed length is somewhat greater than that of either type of OF-471N projectile.  The round, however, is basically the same as the VOF-471N and is fired from the same weapons.

*: Not actually used on the JS-1

 
 

Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 inches)

Weight of complete round: 40.78kg (89.73 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 25.53kg (56.17 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 6.58kg (14.53 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Cast TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 4.85kg (10.7 lbs)

 
 
Packaging
  

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round box, with a gross weight of about 56kg (123 lbs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, AP-T, VBR-471B

 

 

This armor-piercing tracer round is fired from the 122mm corps guns M1931 and M1931/37 (A-19); from the tank gun M1943 (D-25); and from self-propelled guns M1944 (D-25S) and M1931/44 (A-19S). The tank gun M1943 (D-25) is mounted on the JS-1*, JS-2, and JS-3 heavy tanks. The self-propelled guns M1944 (D-25S) and M1931/44 (A-19S) are mounted in the JSU-122. 

 

This type of ammunition is used against tanks and other armored targets.  The BR-471B projectile shown above has a small cavity filled with high-explosive, and uses the MD-8, DR-1, and DR-5 fuzes.
 

The VBR-471 complete round, using the BR-471 projectile with the MD-8 fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round.  The BR-471 projectile has a pointed nose and no windshield, whereas the BR-471B has a blunt nose with a windshield.

*: Not actually used on the JS-1

 
 
Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 inches)

Weight of complete round: 39.32kg (86.5 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 25kg (55.12 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 6.3kg (13.89 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: RDX and aluminum (74/22)

Weight of projectile filler: 0.156kg (0.34 lbs)

 
 
Packaging

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round box.  The gross weight of the box is about 56kg (123 lbs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122mm Complete Round, Separate (Cartridge Case) Loading, HEAT, VBP-463A
 

 

This HEAT round is fired from the 122mm howitzer M1938 (M-30), which is standard in the Soviet and the Satellite Armies.  HEAT ammunition is used chiefly against tanks and other armoured targets.

 
The V-229 fuze is used with the BP-460A projectile in this round.

 
 
Characteristics

Caliber: 121.9mm (4.8 inches)

Weight of complete round: 26kg (57 lbs) (approx.)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 13.2kg (29.14 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 0.45kg (1 lb)

Type of projectile filler: RDX/TNT (50/50)

Weight of projectile filler: 1.45kg (3.19 lbs)

 
 
Packaging
   

 

This ammunition is packed in a two-round wooden box, with a gross weight of 66kg (145 lbs).  The gross weight may be stenciled on the packing box in the form БРУТТО 66 КГ.  Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed separately, 3 projectiles or 20 cartridge cases to a wooden box.

 

Note. The first propellant data line "9/7 CB 11/44 ТСФ B/B" shown on the cartridge case of this round normally would appear just above the second propellant data line on the packing box. It has been omitted from the above drawing because of insufficient space.

Next Time: 122mm Projectiles (Part 2)