Description
This cartridge is a target practice round to simulate the ballistics of the M830 High Explosive Antitank Multipurpose with Tracer ammunition. The cartridge is fired from the 120-mm smooth bore M256 cannon.
The M831 cartridge external appearance is identical to that of the M830 HEAT-MP-T service round. Internally the round does not contain any explosives, shaped charge liner base fuze or nose cap. The round consists of a steel body with aluminum spike and plastic obturator, in addition to a fin and boom assembly with tracer. The complete round propellant system comprises a stub metal case with combustible sidewall and M123 primer. The propellant is a single perforated stick propellant both bagged and unbagged with additional segments fitted over each fin.
The projectile is blue with white markings.
Functioning
The M831 is loaded and fired in the normal manner from the 120-mm M256 smooth bore tank gun. When the electric primer in the breech of the weapon is initiated, the resulting flash ignites the propelling charge and combustible case. This generates gases which drive the projectile from the gun and ignites the tracer element. The flight characteristics simulate those of the service round, but does not result in an explosion or penetration upon target impact.
Hazardous Components
Primer - M123
Physical Data
Length, overall - 38.6 in, 980.4 mm
Length, projectile - 33.15 in, 842 mm
See Also
Cartridge, 120mm HEAT-T-MP, M830
Source(s)
