M103 vs IS-6 Simulation | THE MOST POWERFUL TANK CANNON EVER | 120mm M358 Armour Piercing Simulation

Описание: The M103 was developed as a direct counter to Soviet heavy tanks, being fitted with the massive 120mm M58 cannon. This simulation presents the impact of its 23.1kg M358 APBC round against the upper plate of an IS-6.

The M58 is the most powerful tank cannon (by energy) to ever enter service, with M358 having a muzzle kinetic energy of 13.15MJ (0.5*23.1*1067^2). Interestingly, despite being higher than modern MBTs, the 130mm fitted to the Object 279 boasts an even higher muzzle energy than the M103 (however it never entered service).

The M358 round was especially effective against sloped armour, outperforming the Conqueror's 120mm APDS at angles above ~55°. This effectiveness was due to the controlled fracturing of the nose, allowing the base of the shell to burrow into the plate rather than being deflected away. The need for this fracturing is likely why an armour piercing cap is not present, as this reduces projectile shattering. (The ballistic cap is just for aerodynamics).

Regarding the simulation, the result matches with US army testing of the round, with the protection limit of a 100mm RHA plate at 65° being at the velocity in the simulation (see community tab).
A witness plate was not included as the simulation was taking too long, however its safe to assume the shrapnel shown would perforate a thin aluminium sheet. The range at which this velocity is achieved has been approximated as 1250m (based on velocity charts of similar calibre ballistic-capped projectiles).

Amazing thumbnail artwork from: Warthunder