| Kinetic Energy Tungsten | |
| Origin: | United States |
| Type: | Tank Ammunition |
| Is Ranged: | Yes |
| Used By: | United States |
| Wars: | Operation Desert Storm Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine |
| Designer: | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems |
| Design Date: | 1992 |
| Manufacturer: | General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems |
| Unit Cost: | $8500 USD |
| Production Date: | 1993-present |
| Weight: | 19.6 kg (with casing) 4 kg (penetrator) |
| Length: | 22.45 in (with casing) |
| Part Length: | 16.45 in (penetrator) |
| Diameter: | 120mm (with casing) |
| Cartridge: | 120x570mm NATO |
| Cartridge Weight: | 15.6 kg |
| Caliber: | 120x570mm |
| Rate: | 5.6 seconds (average) |
| Velocity: | 1740 m/s |
| Range: | 3 km |
| Max Range: | 6 km |
The KE-W APFSDS (Kinetic Energy, Tungsten)[1] round is a type of armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) ammunition designed for tank guns.
The KE-W round is known for its exceptional armor-penetrating capabilities, utilizing kinetic energy to defeat armored targets. It is commonly used by modern main battle tanks as their primary anti-tank ammunition. The round is mainly used on the NATO 120x570mm cannons. The main users are the American Abrams tank, and the German Leopard[2] tank.
The round consists of a sub-calibre penetrator made of tungsten, enclosed in a discarding sabot. The sabot provides stability during the initial stages of flight and is discarded upon exiting the barrel, allowing the penetrator to continue towards the target with high velocity.
Due to its high muzzle velocity[3] and dense tungsten penetrator, the KE-W APFSDS round can penetrate thick armor, making it effective against heavily armored vehicles. The kinetic energy transfer upon impact contributes to its effectiveness in defeating armored targets.
The KE-W APFSDS round is widely used by various military forces around the world. It is a crucial component of a tank's ammunition loadout, providing the capability to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles at extended ranges. It is also used by the M1 Abrams Main battle tank.