The M829A4 is a fifth-generation APFSDS-T cartridge using a depleted-uranium penetrator with a three-petal composite sabot; the penetrator includes a low-drag fin with a tracer and a windshield and tip assembly.[12] Its propellant maintains consistent muzzle velocities across operational temperatures from −25 to 145 °F (−32 to 63 °C). The new Advanced Combustible Cartridge Case is similar to previous models but has a relocated skive joint placement for better crew-member safety during handling. The initial order for 2,501 M829A4 rounds in 2014 had a unit cost of $10,100 each.On 20 July 2015, Orbital ATK announced that the M829A4 had passed First Article Acceptance Testing and was entering production.On 12 October 2015, Orbital ATK announced the round had recently received type classification as the M829A4 and was awarded a full-rate production contract to begin in early 2016.
The M829A4 APFSDS-T round, with depleted uranium penetrator and programmable fuze, pierces 800mm+ RHA at 2 km-ideal against Russian T-90s-while the new M1147 AMP (full-rate production approved January 2025) combines HEAT, MPAT, canister, and obstacle-reduction in one, boosting logistics for Ukraine’s 31 M1A1s (22 lost per Oryx). This amps up Abrams’ urban punch, but drone vulnerabilities (e.g., FPV strikes) highlight the need for APS upgrades. A timely boost for Kyiv’s push-raw power meets modern grit!
Now the question is, what kind of an APFSDS-round have been developed that can utilize such information? Adjustable fins? Guess we gotta wait and see for more information.
important to note that everything ive seen points to the comparable german rounds having a longer primer (so a shorter dart) and being loaded less hot, so this manages comparable or superior performance out of the slightly shorter barrel
Soviet and China already use inferior rounds in-game.
You don’t need to be able to lolpen UFPs to do well, just ask T-80BVM, Chally 2, ZTZ-99A players.