Saboted light armor penetrator


The saboted light armor penetrator family of firearm ammunition is designed to penetrate armor more efficiently than standard armor-piercing ammunition. In the US it was developed by the Marine Corps during the mid/late 1980s and was approved for service use in 1990 during Operation Desert Storm. It uses a reduced caliber, heavy metal, thinner penetrator wrapped in a light, plastic sabot of greater diameter ; the.308 SLAP round was a.223 inch diameter penetrator core within a.308 inch plastic sabot. It can penetrate light tanks and vehicles.

Design and use

The SLAP design incorporates a polymer sabot, which allows for the use of a tungsten penetrator projectile of a lesser diameter than the original bore. By using the casing of a large cartridge with a lightweight projectile, the velocity of the projectile is greatly increased and the sectional density in flight is improved without requiring a increase in chamber pressure.
SLAP rounds have been designed for use against lightly armored vehicles and aircraft.
Saboted ammunition should not be used in firearms with muzzle brakes unless the muzzle brake has been specifically designed for such use. For example,.50 SLAP ammunition is completely interoperable with M2 machine guns with a stellite liner.

Types of SLAP ammunition

CaliberCountryDesignationDescription
7.62×51mm NATOUnited StatesSWE

Production

U.S. SLAP ammunition is produced by the Winchester Cartridge Company and Olin Manufacturing. The team began production of the ammunition in 1985. The sabot that contains the sub-caliber is manufactured by Cytec Industries.