Tanks are evolving, albeit slowly. Tank armour and protection systems have come a long way. However, cannons haven't changed much. Tank barrels have increased in diameter, with this trend continuing in the latest generation of tanks. However, the limit for practical round size has more or less climaxed. So what could be the next step to increase the lethality of cannons?
Firstly, let's look at why tank cannons are still relevant in the age of guided missiles.
While anti-tank guided-missiles (ATGMs) can knock out practically any tank, most newer tanks can resist 120mm HEAT, APFSDS or other barrel launched projectiles (in a frontal impact). So why not ditch tank cannons altogether? Here are some reasons why:
Velocity: Rounds fired from tank barrels are much faster than ATGMs. For instance, the Rheinmetall Rh-120 can launch rounds at over 1700 meters per second. In comparison, the AGM-114 Hellfire travels at around 450 meters per second. Although unguided, there are circumstances...
- UK Is there any British officer or British military personnel here that I can discuss with?
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