- Yes
- No
XM1211 High Explosive Proximity (HEP) rounds
Specification
LENGTH: 199.99 mm
CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 340 g
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 230 g
PROPELLANT WEIGHT: 52 g
PROPELLANT TYPE: Ball
PRIMER: M36A2 Percussion or PA520 Electric
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,641 fps / 805 m/s
DISPERSION: 1.35 m radial maximum
The XM1211 High Explosive Proximity (HEP) round is designed for the M230 Chain Gun, a 30x113mm automatic cannon used primarily on platforms like the AH-64 Apache helicopter. This advanced ammunition combines a high-explosive warhead with a proximity fuse, allowing it to detonate near targets, increasing effectiveness against aerial threats.
The shell’s proximity fuse is self sufficient to operate, means that it doesn’t need external device like AHEAD ammunition, meaning that every M230(or M230LF) can fire it without modification.
The current HEDP rounds fired by the M230 Chain Gun are not well-suited for air-to-air combat due to their low velocity. The XM1211 addresses this issue. However, since it is a fragmentation round, it has little to no armor penetration capability, making it less effective for striking ground targets. For ground engagement, the HEDP round would be the better choice.
While the XM1211 is used on the AH-64E, this is because the AH-64 currently in service with the U.S. is the Guardian variant. The AH-64E’s chain gun is essentially the same as that of the AH-64A, so the ammunition specifications remain unchanged. Even if the AH-64E and XM1211 are not yet featured in War Thunder, I suggest considering this round for future reference.
Demonstration of HEP rounds on M230LF
https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/ammunition-medium-caliber/