SAPCBC on ZTZ88A and ZTZ59D1

Machinery of War Discussion
,
1

ZTZ88A has a slightly longer barrel than the ZTZ88B, and (from what I can tell) a slightly longer barrel than the ZTZ59D1.
The ZTZ59D1’s dart has a muzzle velocity of 1455m/s, whereas ZTZ88A’s dart has a muzzle velocity of 1500m/s. They are both the same dart, as well.
ZTZ59D1’s:
image
ZTZ88A’s:
image

The extra penetration makes sense, due to the higher muzzle velocity from the longer barrel.

From what I can understand, SAPCBC is a kinetic penetrator, like APFSDS / APHE, so it should also increase in penetration (at least somewhat) due to higher muzzle velocity from the longer barrel.

However, not only does the SAPCBC round of the ZTZ88A not penetrate more (than the ZTZ59D1’s), but it somehow has the same muzzle velocity.
image
image

Can someone explain, or is this unintended?

1 Like
2

it’s probably unintended? Assuming that the pen would increase the same amount between the APFSDS and SAP, it should go to 101mm (so it’s not that the increase in pen is <1mm).

1 Like
3

Even if the penetration increase wasn’t substantial enough to change it, I’d say the extra muzzle velocity should be.