Introduction to a new type of terminal-sensitive ammunition for tanks and armored vehicles

【Abstract】This article analyzes the current development of tank and armored vehicle technology both domestically and internationally. It focuses on the characteristics, composition, working principle, and main applications of a new type of tank armor designed to counter the threat of terminal-sensitive projectile attacks. Finally, it provides a forward-looking perspective on the future of armored vehicle countermeasures and protection methods.

【Keywords】Tank Armored Vehicle | Terminal Sensitive Attack | Interference Protection

I. Current Development Status of Tank and Armored Vehicle at Home and Abroad

In 1915, Britain, based on the suggestion of Swinton, utilized automobile, tractor, gun manufacturing, and metallurgical technologies to develop a prototype of a tank. The "Mark I" tank was successfully developed in 1916 and made its debut in the Battle of the Somme. During World War I, Britain, France, Germany, and other countries collectively produced nearly 10,000 tanks. During World War II, the United States produced the "Sherman" tank, and the Soviet Union produced the "T-34" tank, which were widely used during the war and had a significant impact on the outcome. During the Cold War, tank designs further modernized, including the equipping of better fire control systems and more powerful artillery. Modern tanks such as the American "Abrams" and the Russian "T-90" have not only improved in firepower, mobility, and protection but also come equipped with advanced electronic devices and communication systems.

In 2015, Russia showcased the new T-14 "Armata" main battle tank during the Moscow Victory Day Parade, which greatly shocked European countries. In June 2022, at the Eurosatory International Defense Exhibition in Paris, Germany displayed the "Leopard" main battle tank, France showcased the European Main Battle Tank, the United States exhibited the "Abrams" main battle tank, and the United Kingdom presented the "Challenger" main battle tank. These tanks represent the highest technological level of modern main battle tanks.

The development history of typical Chinese tanks and armored vehicles can be divided into four generations. The first generation of domestically produced medium tanks, such as the Type 59 series, provided our military with world-class armored forces. The Type 59 medium tank was the first medium tank independently developed by China, marking the transition from imitation to independent development of our main battle tanks. The Type 80 main battle tank was China's first mature second-generation tank. The successful development of the second-generation Type 80 series tanks signified that China had broken free from the shackles of Soviet tank design concepts and embarked on a path of developing main battle tanks with Chinese characteristics, with the technical level of tanks beginning to align with world-class standards. The Type 99 main battle tank is the main assault force of the Chinese Army's armored divisions and mechanized infantry divisions, known as China's land warfare ace and the third-generation main battle tank. Its comprehensive combat capabilities are at a world-leading level, making it China's first informationized tank, dubbed the "King of Land Warfare." In a ranking of the world's top ten strongest tanks by the German magazine Focus, the Type 99 tank ranked third, surpassing the renowned Russian T-90 and British Challenger, and placed behind Germany's Leopard and the U.S. M1 Abrams.

II. Introduction to the Interference Ammunition of New-Type Terminal Sensitive Projectiles

In the various wars and conflicts that have erupted in modern times, to counter the attacks from the enemy's main battle tank armored clusters, countries around the world have been accelerating the development of various precision-guided countermeasures against anti-tank armored targets. Among the various anti-tank armored weapons, the smart submunition that appeared at the end of the century poses the greatest threat to tank armored targets. The smart submunition is a highly cost-effective anti-tank armored weapon, with its efficiency in destroying armored targets being several times higher than that of ordinary cluster bombs or conventional mortar shells, yet its cost is only about one-third of precision-guided artillery shells.

The new terminal-sensitive ammunition jamming system operates in an integrated mode of terminal-sensitive ammunition approach warning, analysis, decision-making, and launching of jamming ammunition. When an enemy terminal-sensitive ammunition approaches, the warning device on top of the tank or armored vehicle detects the millimeter-wave radar ranging signal emitted during the operation of the approaching terminal-sensitive ammunition, calculates the warning information, and launches several rounds of jamming ammunition through the millimeter-wave launchers on both sides of the tank or armored vehicle. These jamming rounds deploy multiple interference bullets around the tank or armored vehicle, creating a composite interference of millimeter-wave and infrared signals, which detonates the enemy's terminal-sensitive ammunition or prevents it from functioning normally, thereby protecting our tank and armored targets.

(I) Structural Composition

The new type of terminal-sensitive ammunition interference ammunition is launched using the standard -type millimeter launcher installed on tanks and armored vehicles. The new terminal-sensitive ammunition interference ammunition primarily consists of a pull ring, waterproof cap, barrel, millimeter wave/infrared composite interference bullets (two), deceleration mechanism, and tail fin assembly. The millimeter wave/infrared composite interference bullets are mainly composed of an interference bullet base, millimeter wave interference component, infrared interference component, energy component, and alignment mechanism. The millimeter wave interference component is mainly composed of a / millimeter wave composite interference source, antenna assembly, controller, attenuator, and environmental sensor. According to the millimeter wave detection system of terminal-sensitive bullets, due to the difference in millimeter wave radiation brightness temperature between armored targets and the ground, when the millimeter wave sensor (radiometer) of terminal-sensitive bullets scans an armored target, it generates a signal waveform. By comparing this signal waveform with the recognition template inside the sensor in terms of amplitude, width, and slope, the target is identified and attacked. When the millimeter wave sensor of terminal-sensitive bullets scans a millimeter wave jammer, it produces a signal waveform similar to that of an armored target, forming a decoy interference, generating a trigger signal, detonating the warhead, or causing the millimeter wave sensor to output a saturated waveform, forming saturation interference, thereby reducing the probability of the millimeter wave sensor identifying armored targets. The infrared interference component is mainly composed of an energetic shell, infrared interference block, and electric igniter. After the infrared interference component is activated, it can form an infrared surface source decoy similar to the infrared radiation distribution characteristics of armored targets. When the infrared sensor of terminal-sensitive bullets scans it, the generated signal waveform meets the internal template requirements and the recognition circuit judgment conditions, causing a misjudgment, thereby deceiving the infrared sensor of terminal-sensitive bullets and reducing the probability of identifying armored targets.

(2) Operating Principle

When an enemy wave of terminal-sensitive munitions approaches for stable scanning and activates the millimeter-wave radar for ranging, the warning device on the main battle tank detects the millimeter-wave radar ranging signal, calculates the warning information, and through the millimeter-wave launcher on the tank armored vehicle, launches several new terminal-sensitive munition jamming projectiles. Each new terminal-sensitive munition jamming projectile opens in mid-air, releasing two millimeter-wave/infrared composite jamming bullets. Under the action of the deceleration mechanism, the two jamming bullets land upright at corresponding distances around the tank. Simultaneously, the millimeter-wave jamming component and the infrared jamming component are fixed at separate distances and powered by the energy component to function normally. The millimeter-wave jammer operates to generate millimeter-wave jamming signals; the electric igniter activates the infrared jamming block, producing infrared interference. At this moment, the millimeter-wave/infrared composite jamming bullets emit active millimeter-wave and dual-color infrared radiation signals towards the terminal-sensitive bullets that are scanning steadily in the air. When the terminal-sensitive bullets detect these signals, they mistakenly identify them as armored targets and detonate, or the signal processing becomes saturated, preventing them from issuing an attack command until they self-destruct upon landing, thereby protecting our armored targets.

(3) Key Technologies

The scanning angle of the terminal-sensitive projectile is such that to achieve interference with the terminal-sensitive projectile, it is necessary to concentrate the direction of the millimeter wave/infrared composite interference bullet's interference energy radiation primarily in the direction, while also requiring the interference bullet to provide conditions for stabilization to ensure the upward posture of the millimeter wave jammer. Therefore, the stabilization of the interference bullet upon landing is a key technology. The interference bullet employs a spring-deployed stabilization structure, which mainly includes a support spring structure to prevent inversion and a spring release mechanism. Experimental verification has confirmed that the design of the spring-deployed stabilization structure of the interference bullet is reasonable, and the stabilization angle meets the requirements.

(IV) Main Uses

The new type of terminal-sensitive projectile decoy ammunition is primarily equipped on millimeter-caliber launch tubes mounted on various types of tanks and armored vehicles. It is used to deceive and interfere with enemy terminal-sensitive projectiles targeting our main battle tanks and armored targets, significantly reducing the probability of enemy terminal-sensitive projectiles hitting our tanks and armored vehicles, thereby enhancing the combat effectiveness of our main battle tanks.

III. Prospects for the Future

With the changing landscape of modern warfare, the primary threats to tanks on land battlefields are various drones, armed helicopters, and infantry squads equipped with anti-tank weapons. When the threat targets are kilometers away from our tanks, using millimeter rifled cannons can accurately destroy enemy bunkers, machine gun emplacements, and anti-tank missile positions from a distance. The more agile and flexible tanks have stronger maneuverability to find cover when facing anti-tank missile attacks from a distance. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has proven that to enhance battlefield survivability against three-dimensional air strikes, tanks must improve their mobility, possess active defense capabilities, and strong electronic jamming capabilities to increase their chances of survival against guided weapons. Their primary weapons need to be capable of reconnaissance and strike against enemy targets from a distance, with the proportion of various gun-launched missiles, anti-infantry grenades, and explosive shells being increased. Additionally, to enhance survivability, upgrades to observation and targeting equipment are necessary, such as imaging, chassis transparency, and real-time target display functions, moving towards multi-functional and multi-purpose development.

Future tank armored vehicles should adopt modular design, allowing for the integration of different sensors and weapon stations based on varying combat requirements. A laser emitter and millimeter-wave radar should be installed at the junction of the barrel and turret for ranging, positioning, and guidance purposes. Additionally, a millimeter-wave battlefield IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system should be equipped.