Rh 120 LLR L/47 Tank Gun (Light-Low Recoil)
12 February 2005 11:52
Due to weight restrictions, air portable weapon platform systems for out-of-area operations have to be equipped with lightweight main armament. A line-of-sight (LOS) 120mm cal. tank gun can only be integrated into a lightweight platform vehicle if – along with the weight – the recoil force affecting the vehicle during firing is reduced compared with previously fielded standard 120mm tank guns.
The Rh 120 LLR L/47 from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition (RWM) meets these requirements, while simultaneously maintaining the internationally agreed interface for 120mm ammunition. It is thus fully capable of firing contemporary the new 120mm KE (DM 63) rounds, as well as future HE ammunition equipped with time-adjustable fuses.
Thanks to experience gained in the use of advanced materials employed in 140mm cal. weapon components, Rheinmetall technicians were able to use heat-treated material for the barrel and breech of the new gun. Together with the newly developed compact breech, the weight of the recoil mass can be reduced by more than 10% compared with the standard main gun of the Leopard 2 A4 main battle tank. In the process, the FDP value increased to 700 MPa.
In addition to the longer recoil path – typical in lightweight fighting vehicles – the highly effective muzzle brake reduces the recoil energy (and thus the stress on the vehicle) by some 40%.
The design of the barrel, recoil mechanism and cradle are based on the results of an in-depth technology study, thus ensuring a high degree of accuracy.
The advent of the Rh 120 LLR L/47 tank gun means that the essential prerequisites have been met for equipping lightweight forces with the latest 120mm weapon and ammunition technology.
The new weapon is currently being manufactured and also available.
For more information on this company:
Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH - Large Calibre Weapon Systems and Ammunition
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