Rheinmetall unveils new HE DM11 secondary ammunition for
MBT 120mm smoothbore gun
Rheinmetall recently revealed a new 120m HE round to a group of international
experts at its proving ground in Unterlüß, Germany. It can be fired from any in-service
120mm smoothbore gun (L44 and L55). Dubbed the DM11, the new ammunition was
developed on behalf of the German Ministry of Defence. It enables main battle tanks
to respond more effectively to a variety of contemporary threats.
The round has already been fielded by the US Marine Corp, which refers to it as the
Multipurpose (MP) DM11. The Marines use it primarily for engaging non-armoured
and lightly armoured targets in asymmetric encounters. Its long range makes a
significant contribution to protecting friendly forces from attack by enemy combatants
armed with short- and medium-range weapons.
From the technical standpoint, the HE DM11 stands out in two ways: it is
programmable when loaded and features an airburst detonation capability.
Modularly designed, the 120mm x 570 HE Temp DM11 consists of an IHE
(Insensitive High Explosive) warhead with a programmable fuse and ballistic cap, a
tail unit, driving band, a combustible case with a propelling charge, a newly designed
stub case with primer and an integrated data link cable for programming.
Interfaces between the propulsion system and the warhead and between the
propulsion system and the fuse ensure that the propulsion system can be exchanged
once its service life expires; it will also be possible to exchange the fuse in future at
reasonable cost. A further unique feature of the DM11 is that it safe to fire in all
climate zones (-46oC to + 71oC).
The HE DM11 is principally used for engaging non-armoured and lightly armoured
vehicles, antitank positions (both dug-in and in the open) and field fortifications.
Furthermore, it can be employed – thanks in part to its high precision and long range
– for penetrating walls and taking out targets in buildings, as well as for creating
breaches and avenues of approach in built-up areas to support dismounted troops.
