Description
125 mm HEAT-T M17 – High-Explosive Anti-Tank with Tracer
The M17 HEAT-T is a 125 mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) projectile equipped with a tracer, designed to defeat armored targets, such as main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and fortified positions. It is used in tanks armed with the 125mm 2A46 smoothbore gun, such as the T-72 and M-84.
Ammunition Overview
- Caliber: 125 mm
- Type: HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank)
- Tracer: Yes (visible flight path for correction)
- Designation: M17
- Compatibility: 2A46 125mm smoothbore tank guns
- Loading: Separate-loading (projectile + propellant charge for autoloader)
- Stabilization: Fin-stabilized (not spin-stabilized to preserve shaped charge effect)
Technical Specifications (Typical)
- Projectile Weight: ~17–19 kg
- Muzzle Velocity: ~905–915 m/s
- Effective Range: Up to 3,000 meters (direct fire)
- Penetration Capability: Approx. 500–550 mm RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armor), regardless of distance
- Fuze: Nose-mounted piezoelectric point-detonating fuze
- Warhead Type: Shaped charge with copper liner
- Charge: Semi-combustible case (typical for Soviet tank rounds)
Function
- The HEAT warhead uses a shaped charge liner that creates a high-velocity metal jet upon detonation, capable of penetrating thick armor.
- Since penetration is based on explosive force, not kinetic energy, it is equally effective at both short and long distances.
Tactical Use
- Primary Role: Defeat heavily armored vehicles
- Secondary Role: Destroy bunkers, walls, light vehicles, and reinforced positions
- Tracer: Assists the gunner with aim adjustment in low-visibility or moving combat situations
Platforms
- T-72 MBT (all variants using 2A46)
- M-84 MBT (Yugoslav/Serbian modification of T-72)
- Other tanks using 125mm smoothbore guns (e.g., T-90, M-84AB1)
Advantages
- High armor penetration at all ranges
- Effective against composite and sloped armor (except ERA or modern APS)
- Integrated with autoloader systems
- Lighter than kinetic energy APFSDS rounds
Limitations
- Ineffective against Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) without tandem warhead
- Angle of impact affects penetration (optimal at 90°)
- Lower accuracy at long range compared to guided munitions
- Cannot be used for area effect — strictly anti-armor
