- Yes
- No
Rheinmetall 120mm DM73 - Not what you Think but still Want
Hi and welcome to my 121th suggestion, which is about the 120mm DM73 APFSDS, hope you like it. 
Basic Background
The DM73 belongs to the ammunition family for the Rh120 smoothbore gun, which was developed from 1965 onwards and was completed in 1975. The ammunition was developed in parallel with the gun from the outset. Rheinmetall themself state that it has been developing uranium-free, tungsten-based kinetic energy ammunition since the mid-1970s. Accordingly, the KE series began with the DM13, followed in the 1980s by the DM23 and DM33. The DM53 and DM63 were subsequently introduced for the Leopard 2A6, which features the longer L/55 gun. The DM53A1 and DM63 differ only slightly from the DM53, but feature a temperature-independent propellant (TIPS) and impact-resistance.
The DM73 was developed for the L/55A1 gun and as an inbetween upgrade while waiting for the KE2020Neo (DM83). This gun is designed for higher gas pressures, was qualified at the end of 2017 and has been delivered with the Leopard 2A7 and later models since 2018.
Technically, the DM73 is a further development of the DM63. It retains the tungsten penetrator (LKE II) of the DM53/DM63 series, but uses a more powerful propellant that increases performance by around six to eight per cent. In 2021, it was reported that development had been completed and that qualification firing had begun at the WTD 91 in Meppen.
According to Rheinmetall, the DM73 is the most advanced version in service with the Bundeswehr, deployed with the L/55A1 high-pressure gun - at least until DM83 enters service in the near future.
The 120mm DM73 Overall
The DM73 is a 120×570 mm armour-piercing fin-stabilised disc-charge (APFSDS) round manufactured by Rheinmetall. It was developed for the L/55A1 high-pressure gun, which is fitted to the Leopard 2A7 family and Leopard 2A8. According to the manufacturer, it utilises the higher pressure level of this gun to achieve a higher muzzle velocity than the DM63A1 in the L/55, increasing the engagement range against modern main battle tanks.
The DM73 is not a new design of the penetrator, but rather a performance enhancement achieved through an improved propulsion. A Rheinmetall representative confirmed to EDR that the penetrator is exactly the same as that of the DM63/A1, the main benefit therefore lies in the velocity. Rheinmetall cites an energy increase of overall around 8% compared with the DM53/A1 and DM63/A1.
- Muzzle velocity: 1780 m/s
- Accuracy: less than 0.2 mil
- Cartridge weight: approx. 21 kg
- Propellant: SCDB technology; according to Rheinmetall, the world’s first and only propellant of this kind. It is designed to ensure performance across the entire temperature range.
Comparison: the DM53 achieves a velocity of around 1,750 m/s in the L/55A1, so the DM73 is around 30 m/s faster.
Rheinmetall does not publish any penetrator dimensions or penetration performance figures for the DM73. The values are based on the DM53 data, as the penetrator (LKE II) remains the same:
- Penetrator length: approx. 685 mm
- Diameter: approx. 23 mm
- Material: tungsten heavy metal (WHA), density approx. 17,500 kg/m³
- Penetration according to the Lanz-Odermatt formula:
- approx. 663 mm at 0° and 0 m distance
- approx. 387.2mm Plate at 60°, 0m (774.4mm LoS)
The 120mm DM73 in Game - Personal thoughts
As we can see, contrary to what some people believe, the performance gain would be minimal and, in some instances, probably not even noticeable.
However, we do know that even the round is supposed to feature the ‘anti-ERA jacketing’ method (tip designed to prevent ERA activation when hit via very narrow penetration), which should at very least help against Kontakt-5 and other modern ERA up to medium ranges. This feature could be added to the DM73 to provide at least some improved penetration and to close the gap in the anti-ERA department - even with this feature, the performance gain would still be within acceptable limits and comparable to whats already in-game anyway; until we talk about the DM83 (KE2020Neo), but thats a different topic for another time.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
https://www.rheinmetall.com/Rheinmetall%20Group/brochure-download/Weapon-Ammmunition/B195e0423-Rheinmetall-120mm-system-house.pdf
bundeswehr-journal Die Bundeswehr soll eine neue Generation von Panzermunition erhalten, Rheinmetallsoll dazu zunächst Qualifikationsmuster liefern.
Qualification samples of new tank ammunition for the Bundeswehr and British Army | Rheinmetall
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/more-on-rheinmetall-tank-guns-and-ammunition-evolution
https://www.edrmagazine.eu/new-120-mm-gun-and-ammunition-a-20-performance-increase-in-the-coming-years
Defense Munitions International: 120mm KE DM63/DM53A1 - Public Relations Rheinmetall AG
