The JM12A1 120mm tank shell used by all Type-90, Type 10 and TKX is not classified correctly. The shell is not HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank), it is HEAT-MP (High Explosive Anti Tank MultiPurpose) as seen in this picture:
This image can be found on page 13 of the source:
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What exactly is the difference, other than the designation?
HEAT-MP can be set to different fuzes, just like on the american M830A1, it can be set to detonate with a impact fuze, or it can be set to detonate with a radio fuze (Which is useful for taking down air targets sometimes)
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Is that in the brochure anywhere? Or is that from a different source
That info is not in this source, though there is no reason to call it HEAT-MP with no other purpose than only one.
Being MP does not mean that it has special fuzes, it can merely mean that it is also meant to be used against soft targets or infantry (due to a fragmentation sleeve or whatever)
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I can try to find proof it can be used against air targets later.
Considering it’s Japan and this is quite normal for em to do.
Doesn’t surprise me.
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It does not have a proxy fuse iirc there was a whole discussion about this a while back. Unaware if it can set a fuse but the multipurpose is simply that the charge is effective for tanks, infantry and light vehicles
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I’m assuming it’s not a Proximity fuse but perhaps a time fuse. Those do still get used, albeit far less.
It being called “Multi-Purpose” does not mean its programmable.
JM 12 A1 is a licensed version of DM 12, which, as you can see, does not feature a proximity fuze.
This aside, the ability to program such ammunition is necessary if it was present, which is not the case for standard Rh 120 L/44, L/55 (and technically L/55A1 but nobody who bought it has not opted to install the programmer) without additional programming units.
Taking a look at M830 vs M830A1:
Both are called “HEAT-MP-T”, yet only M830A1 is fitted with a proximity-/time & impact-fuze, wheras M830 only has the impact-fuze.
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Multi-purpose might also just mean it is effective against any armor and infantry
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