125 mm smoothbore ammunition
The following is a list of ammunition fired by the 125 mm smoothbore gun series used in the T-64, T-72, T-80, M-84, T-90, PT-91, T-14 Armata, and other tanks derived from those designs, as well as the 2A45 Sprut anti-tank gun.
APFSDS-T
Armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot using a sabot and tracer. Typically used against other modern tanks.There are different ways to measure penetration value. NATO uses the 50% criteria against 260BHN Steel, while the Soviet/Russian standard is higher.
3VBM3/3BM9/10
Entered service in 1962. The projectile is Maraging steel.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 410 mm 10: 1 L/dProjectile weight : 5.67 kgProjectile weight: 3.6 kgMuzzle velocity: 1800 m/sMuzzle energy: 5.8 MJPenetration: 245 mm at 0° at 2000 m, 140 mm at 60° at 2000 m,3VBM6/3BM12/13
Entered service in 1968. Essentially the same as the 3BM9 projectile with a tungsten carbide plug.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 410 mm 10: 1 L/dProjectile weight : 5.67 kgProjectile weight: 3.6 kgMuzzle velocity: 1800 m/sMuzzle energy: 5.8 MJPenetration: ?3VBM7/3BM15/16
Entered service. A slightly longer 3BM12 projectile.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 435 mm 12: 1 L/dProjectile weight : 5.9 kgProjectile weight: 3.9 kg including 2.9 kg and 0.27 kg tungsten carbide plugMuzzle velocity: 1785 m/sMuzzle energy: 6.2 MJPenetration: 400 mm at 0° at 2000 m, 150 mm at 60° at 2000 m3VBM8/3BM17/18
Entered service. An export version of the 3BM-15 without the tungsten carbide plug. Hence, it is an all-steel penetrator with inferior performance.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 450 mm 12: 1 L/dProjectile weight : 5.9 kgProjectile weight: 3.9 kgMuzzle velocity: 1780 m/sMuzzle energy: 6.2 MJPenetration: 150 mm at 60° at 2000 m3VBM9/3BM22/23 (3BM22 "Zakolka")
Entered service 1976. Tungsten carbide penetrator core sheathed in steel. Enlarged cap help to increase positive normalization and hold a much larger penetrator.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 400 mm 11: 1 L/dProjectile weight : 6.55 kgProjectile weight: 4.485 kgMuzzle velocity: 1785 m/sMuzzle energy: 7.0 MJPenetration: 420 mm at 0° at 2000 m, 170 mm at 60° at 2000 m3VBM10/3BM29/30 (3BM29 "Nadphil-2)
Entered service 1982. Depleted uranium-nickel-iron alloy sheathed in steel.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 450 mm 12: 1 L/d - including 250 mm coreProjectile weight : 6.55 kgProjectile weight: 4.85 kgMuzzle velocity: 1700 m/sMuzzle energy: 7.0 MJPenetration: 360 mm at 0° at 2000 m, 210 mm at 60° at 2000 m3VBM11/3BM26/27 (3BM26 "Nadezhda-R)
Entered service 1983. Tungsten-nickel-iron alloy penetrator core sheathed in steel. Utilised new 4Zh63 high-energy propelling charge. Penetrator is base-installed to prevent deflection during penetration against multi-layered composite armour. Improved penetrator cap made of aluminium alloy.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 395 mm 11: 1 L/dProjectile weight : 7.05 kgProjectile weight: 4.8 kgMuzzle velocity: 1720 m/sMuzzle energy: 7.5 MJPenetration: 410 mm at 0° at 2000 m, 200 mm at 60° at 2000 m3VBM13/3BM32/33 (3BM32 "Vant")
Entered service in 1985. The projectile is an integrated depleted uranium-nickel-zinc alloy penetrator.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 380 mm 13: 1 L/dProjectile weight : 7.05 kgProjectile weight: 4.85 kgMuzzle velocity: 1700 m/sMuzzle energy: 7.0 MJPenetration 395 mm at 0° at 2000 m, 230 mm at 60° at 2000 m3VBM17/3BM42 (3BM42 "Mango")
Entered service in 1986. The projectile is double tungsten alloy rod sheathed in low melting point alloy covered with steel, intended to increase penetration against non-explosive reactive armour such as Chobham armour. Is slowly being replaced by newer models such as 3BM59/60.Country of origin: Soviet UnionPenetrator dimension: 532 mm 17: 1 L/dRound weight: 20.4 kgProjectile weight: 4.85 kg Projectile weight : 7.05 kgMuzzle velocity: 1700 m/sMuzzle energy: 7.1 MJPenetration: 230mm @ 2000m at 60° and 520mm @ 2000m at 0° against standard 260BHN Steel Target3VBM19/3BM42M (3BM44M "Lekalo")
From 1994, remained experimental and eventually evolved into the 3BM-59/60 meaning the outside design remained the same, the length of cartridge remained pretty much unchanged but the penetrator was further improved from the initial jacketed design which was improvement over the standard 3BM-42Country of origin: RussiaPenetrator dimension: 570 mm 25: 1 L/dRound weight: ? kgProjectile weight : 6.95 kgProjectile weight: 4.6 kgMuzzle velocity: 1750 m/s?Muzzle energy: 7.04 MJ Penetration: 270mm @ 2000m at 60° against standard 260BHN Steel Target3BM42-2 (3BM44-2 "Mango-2")
Currently in Experimental Phase, most famously seen at the Expo 2019 alongside 3BM-42 and 3BM-60. Uses the initial jacketed 3BM-42M penetrator but the cartridge is shorter over the Lekalo, designed to fit in the standard autoloader and is most likely to replace the standard 3BM-42 as main service round soonCountry of origin: RussiaCartridge dimension: 685mmPenetrator dimension: 570 mm 26: 1 L/dRound weight: ? kgProjectile weight : ?Penetrator weight: ?Muzzle velocity: 1700 m/sMuzzle energy: ?Penetration: 520mm 0° at 2000m 280 mm at 2000m at 60° against standard 260BHN Steel Target3VBM20/3BM46 (3BM48 "Svinets")
Entered service in 1991.Uses a new advanced high elongation uranium Monoblock penetrator.Country of origin: Soviet UnionPenetrator dimension: 546 mm 21.84: 1 L/dRound weight: ?; kgProjectile weight : ?Projectile weight: 4.85 kgMuzzle velocity: 1700 m/sMuzzle energy: 7.4 MJPenetration: ~300mm @ 2000m at 60°, ~660mm @ 2000m at 0°
3VBM23/3BM60 (3BM60 "Svinets-2")
Entered service : 2016.The new round uses a new sabot design, and a Tungsten Alloy penetrator of increased length compared to prior generation Russian APFSDS ammunition. Used on 2A46M-4/5 with new autoloader.Cartridge dimension: 735 mmPenetrator dimension: 640 mm 28-29: 1 L/DRound weight: ? kgProjectile weight : 8.4 kgPenetrator weight: Muzzle velocity: 1660 m/sMuzzle energy: 12.1 MJ?Penetration: 300mm at 2000m at 60° against standard 260BHN Steel Target
3VBM22/3BM59 (3BM59 "Svinets-1")
Entered service: 2016.Uses a new sabot design, and a new depleted uranium penetrator. Used on 2A46M-5 with new autoloader. Country of origin: RussiaCartridge dimension: 735mmPenetrator dimension: 640 mm 28-29: 1 L/DRound weight: 22.0 kgProjectile weight : 8.5 kg Penetrator weight: Muzzle velocity: 1650 m/sMuzzle energy: 12.1 MJPenetration: ~315-330mm at 60° at 2000m
3VBM?/3BM69 "Vacuum-1"
Uses a new sabot. Reported to be uranium alloy. For use on 2A82-1M cannon on T-14 Armata.Country of origin: RussiaProjectile dimension: ?Round weight: ?Projectile weight : ?Projectile weight: estimated 11 kgMuzzle velocity: 2050 m/sMuzzle energy: 15–24 MJ Penetration: estimated 850 to 1,000 mm at 0° at 2000m3VBM?/3BM70 "Vacuum-2"
Uses a new sabot. Identical to 3BM69 in dimensions, the difference being that the projectile is made out of tungsten.Country of origin: RussiaProjectile dimension: ?Round weight: ?Projectile weight : ?Muzzle velocity: ?Muzzle energy: ?Penetration: ~900mm at 0° 2000m steel target125-I
First-generation Chinese sabot round in service since 1993, also license produced by Pakistan.Country of origin: ChinaProjectile dimension: 554 mmRound weight: 21.3 kgProjectile weight : 7.37 kgMuzzle velocity: 1730 m/sMuzzle energy: ?Penetration: 220mm @ 2000m at 61.5° against 4340 SteelDTW-125
Second-generation Chinese sabot round introduced in 1999. Initially 125-IIM acted as the export version with reduced velocity but with the introduction of DTC10-125, the DTW-125 itself became exported under the name “BTA4”Country of origin: ChinaProjectile dimension: 642 mmRound weight: 21.36 kgProjectile weight : 4.1 kgMuzzle velocity: 1740 m/sMuzzle energy: ?Penetration: 230mm @ 200 at 68.5° against 4340 SteelDTC10-125
Third-generation Chinese sabot round which was introduced in 2010 and the subject of a data leak on the War Thunder forum in June 2022. This performance value is identical to value shown on Chinese state media, CCTV7. Country of origin: ChinaProjectile dimension: 670 mmRound weight: ?Projectile weight : ?Muzzle velocity: 1760 m/sMuzzle energy: ?Penetration: 220mm @ 2000m at 71.12° against 4340 SteelTAPNA
Produced by MSM Group in Slovakia. The penetrator is made from tungsten alloy.Country of origin: SlovakiaProjectile dimension: 610mmRound weight: 20 kgProjectile weight : 7.15 kgMuzzle velocity: 1690 m/sMuzzle energy: ?Penetration: 270 mm @ 2000 m at 60° against standard 260BHN Steel TargetHEAT-FS
High-explosive anti-tank fin stabilized rounds. Typically used against lighter or older tanks and armoured personnel carriers.3VBK7/3BK12
Entered service 1962.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 680 mmProjectile weight: 19 kgMax dispersion: 0.21 mil Muzzle velocity: 905 m/sCharge: shaped charge, steel liner, A-IX-1, I-238 detonatorPenetration: 420 mm RHA at 0 degrees3BK12M
Entered service 1968, replacing steel liner with a copper liner. "M" means медь Uses 3V-15 detonator. Due to Soviet Union's copper economize policy production of the model is limited. Penetration performance claimed to be 10% higher than steel liner version.Country of origin: Soviet Union3VBK10/3BK14
Entered service 1968.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 680 mmProjectile weight: 19 kgMax dispersion: 0.21 mil Muzzle velocity: 905 m/sCharge: shaped charge, steel liner, Okfol ; 3V-15 detonatorCharge weight: 1.62 kgPenetration: 450 mm RHA at 0 degrees3BK14M
Improved version, replacing steel liner with a copper liner.3VBK16/3BK18
Entered service estimated 1975. Introduced wave-shaping booster.Country of origin: Soviet UnionRound weight: 29.0 kgProjectile dimension: 680 mmProjectile weight: 19 kgMax dispersion: 0.21 mil Muzzle velocity: 905 m/sCharge: shaped charge, steel liner, Okfol ; 3V-15 detonatorPenetration: 500 mm RHA at 0 degrees3BK18M
Improved warhead. Entered service estimated 1978, replacing steel liner with a copper liner. Improved wave-shaping booster.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile weight: 19.02 kgMuzzle velocity: 905 m/sPenetration: 550 mm RHA at 0 degrees3VBK17/3BK21
Entered service estimated 1980. Enhancements to improve reliability of the copper jet formation.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 680 mmProjectile weight: 19 kgMax dispersion: 0.21 mil Muzzle velocity: 905 m/sCharge: shaped charge, copper liner, Okfol ; 3V-15 detonatorPenetration: 550 mm RHA at 0 degrees3BK21B
Entered service estimated 1982. "Material B" depleted uranium alloy liner to enhance penetration of advanced composite armours like Chobham.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile dimension: 680 mmProjectile weight: 19 kgMuzzle velocity: 905 m/sPenetration: 750 mm RHA at 0 degrees3VBK21/3BK25
Entered service estimated 1985.Country of origin: Soviet UnionMuzzle velocity: 905 m/s3VBK25/3BK29 "Breyk"
Entered service estimated 1988. A new type of explosive-filling was applied, which improved focusing of the jet stream.Country of origin: Soviet UnionRound weight: 28.4 kgProjectile dimension: 680 mmProjectile weight: 18.4 kgMuzzle velocity: 915 m/sPenetration: 350mm to 400mm RHA at 60 degree tandem-charge3VBK25M/3BK29M
Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile weight: 18.4 kgCharge weight: 1.62 kgMuzzle velocity: 915 m/sPenetration: Estimated at 800 mm tandem-charge HEAT3VBK27/3BK31 "Start"
First seen publicly in 1998. Reportedly a triple charge warhead intended to reduce efficiency of NERA elements.Country of origin: RussiaProjectile weight: 18.4 kgCharge weight: 1.62 kgMuzzle velocity: 915 m/sPenetration: Estimated at 800 mmHE-frag-FS
High explosive fragmentation fin stabilised. General purpose rounds, for use against infantry, bunkers and light vehicles and other "soft" targets.3VOF22/3OF19
Entered service in 1962. Uses the 3V-21 detonator. The 90% lethal zone for infantry is reported to be 40 m wide and 20 m deep.Country of origin: Soviet UnionRound weight: 33.0 kgProjectile weight: 23.0 kgMuzzle velocity: 850 m/sMax dispersion: 0.23 mil Charge weight: 3.148 kgCharge: TNT3VOF36/3OF26
Entered service in 1970. Uses the 3V-21 detonator. The projectile creates between 600 and 2,000 fragments. The body is made up of 45Kh1 steel or 60S2 high-fragmentation steel for modern projectiles. Modern projectiles creates up to 2,500 effective fragments.Country of origin: Soviet UnionRound weight: 33.0 kgProjectile weight: 23.0 kgMuzzle velocity: 850 m/sMax dispersion: 0.23 mil Charge weight: 3.4 kgCharge: A-IX-2 3.4 kg3VOF128/3OF82
Entered service in 2014. Uses the 3VM-18 programmable detonator. The projectile contains 450 tungsten rods, each weighing 3 grams and creates 2,500 fragments in a cone formation ahead of the projectile when air burst mode is set. Air burst mode for use against infantry, light vehicles and helicopters, delayed mode use against bunkers and other constructions. Is currently used on the 2A46M-5 gun, mounted on the T-90M.Country of origin: RussiaRound weight: 33.0 kgProjectile weight: 23.0 kgMuzzle velocity: 850 m/sMax dispersion: 0.23 mil Charge weight: 3.0 kgCharge: A-IX-2 3.0 kgShrapnel-FS
3VSh7/3Sh7 "Voron"
Entered service in 1975. Uses the 3VM-17 time detonator. For use against wide area infantry and light vehicles. Time of detonation setting is mechanical, for modernization, the shell fuze could be set automatically by improved "Ainet" systems or "Kalina" systems, which are available on the T-90K commander tank or the regular main battle tanks such as the T-90A, T-90M, T-80UA, and the T-14 Armata main battle tank.Country of origin: Soviet UnionRound weight: 31.3 kgProjectile weight: 21.3 kgMuzzle velocity: 900 m/sProjectiles contain: 4,700 flechette weighing 1.26 g eachCharge weight: 0.08 kg3VSh8/3Sh8 "Ainet"
Entered service in 1988. Uses the 3VM-12 programmable detonator. A part of Remote detonation system "Ainet" on T-80UK commander tank.Country of origin: Soviet UnionRound weight: 31.3 kgProjectile weight: 21.3 kgMuzzle velocity: 900 m/sProjectiles contain: 4,700 flechettes weighing 1.26 g eachCharge weight: 0.08 kgATGW/ATGM
9M112 Kobra
The 9K112 Kobra is also fired from the 125 mm main guns of the T-64 and T-80 series of tanksCountry of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile weight: 23.2 kgWarhead weight: 4.5 kgGuidance system: Radio-command guidedRange: 100 – 4000 mPenetration: Estimated at after ERA tandem-charge HEAT9M119 Refleks
The 9M119 Svir and 9M119M Refleks anti-tank guided missile has semi-automatic command to line of sight laser beam riding guidance and a tandem shaped charge HEAT warhead. It has an effective range of 75 m to 5000 m, and takes 17.6 seconds to reach maximum range. Refleks can penetrate about of steel armour and can engage low-flying air targets such as helicopters.Country of origin: Soviet UnionProjectile weight: 16.5 kgWarhead weight: 4.5 kgGuidance system: Laser beam ridingRange: 75 – 5000 mPenetration: Estimated at after ERA tandem charge HEAT3UBK21 Sprinter
Designed for the 2A82-1M gun on T-14 Armata tanks, the 3UBK21 Sprinter has millimeter wave semi-automatic command to line of sight guidance and a tandem shaped-charge HEAT warhead. It has an effective range of 50 m to 12000 m. and can penetrate of steel rolled homogeneous armour after explosive reactive armour. It can also engage low-flying air targets such as helicopters.Country of origin: RussiaProjectile weight: ?Warhead weight: ?Guidance system: millimeter waveRange: 50 – 12000 mPenetration: Estimated at after ERA tandem charge HEATGuided shell
Sokol-1
The Sokol-1 guided shell is fired from the 125 mm main gun, it borrowed design from the 152mm artillery shell 3OF75 Santimetr-M and both have very similar appearance, but with an added shaped charge cap into its design similar to the M712 Copperhead, intended to defeat heavily armoured targets. It uses the technique that is referred to as the Russian concept of impulse corrections (RCIC), an impulse steering flight control system to correct the projectile's trajectory.Country of origin: RussiaProjectile weight: 23.0 kgMuzzle velocity: 850 m/sGuidance system: Semi-Active Laser/Passive target contour-basedRange: 0.1 – 5.0 km12 km Warhead: High-explosive/ penetration shaped charge