Would you like to see this in game?
In the mid-1980s, the USMC wanted a upgrade in penetration for their machine guns. This resulted in 2 new rounds being developed (Not counting the tracer versions). One of the two was the 7.62x51 millimeter M948 round. This cartridge failed miserable and was known to cause catastrophic damage to the M60s that were being used to fire the round from. This is not the one I’m interested in this post, though. The second round was M903 12.7x99 millimeter round. This cartridge entered service with the USMC in 1985, and seeing service in Operation Desert Storm, and onwards. This round was designed to massively improve the penetration of the M2. It was able to penetrate 35 millimeters of RHA at 1500 meters, which would suggest something to 50-60 millimeters of RHA point blank. If anyone knows more specific information on the M903 SLAP round, that would be very useful.
As said before, the round served in Operation Desert Storm with the Marine Corps, meaning that it was used on the M2HB on the M1A1 HC as well. Which that is my suggestion. Add the M903 (And M962 [The tracer version of the round]) SLAP round to the M1A1 HC as a researchable modification to the vehicle.
5 Likes
It’s already in game , and is used by the GAU-19 (.50 cal Gatling pod) on the AH-6M / AH-58D / MH-60L DAP.
Some characteristics can be found at the following link;
https://web.archive.org/web/20240906163002/http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/MILITARY/united_states_army_tm_43-0001-27%20-%2029_april_1994.pdf#page=142
Also similar, the 20mm NATO APDS (Mk.149 & later Mk.244) rounds exist, which are compatible with both the M197 (GPU-2/A , AH-1W / -1Z), and M61 Vulcan (e.g. M163 (Product Improved) VADS).
And are both significant improvements over the existing M53 AP-I rounds that they are currently equipt with.
4 Likes
Okay, yes; but practically useless unless going against SPAA’s
1 Like
I guess it could more reliably deal with IFVs like BMP
One problem. While the M903 did see USMC service but only with for special operation use which is why its available for the AH-6.etc.
Each round is several times more expensive than standard M2 cartridges (iirc 7x) and production is limited. Providing them for general use would be an expensive proposition. Its very doubtful they would be supplied to M1 units by the dozens of cases for a few mm extra penetration when you already have a 120mm alternative.
So whilst a nice idea theres a lack of evidence to support it.
Guess so, .50 is still enough as of right now to deal with БМП’s
