Hubbry Logo
M830M830Main
Open search
M830
Community hub
M830
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
M830
M830
M830
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The M830 is an American 120×570mm NATO high explosive anti-tank multi purpose (HEAT MP-T) cartridge which has anti-armor and anti-personnel capabilities.[1] This round is meant for the 120 mm M256 main gun of the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams. The round was praised for its performance during the 1991 Gulf War.[2]

The M830 HEAT-MP-T, 120-mm cartridge is a direct translation of the German DM12A1 round with the exception that a United States design fuze system and explosive (Composition A3, Type 11) is used. The propellant system utilizes a metal cartridge case base with a rubber obturator at the stub case mouth, M123A1 Primer, and a combustible casing which encapsulates stick propellant within six containment devices to prevent spillage should breakage or separation occur. The cartridge is black with yellow markings, weighs approximately 53.4 lb (24.2 kg), and has a length of 38.6 inches (981 mm).[3]

M830 has been in the US inventory since the early 1980s. It is no longer manufactured and has been replaced by the M830A1.[4]

M830A1

[edit]

The M830A1 HEAT-MP-T, the M830's successor, provides greater lethality through a higher initial velocity and a multi-purpose fuse. It is capable of engaging helicopters thanks to its dual-purpose fuze that offers impact or proximity modes.[5]

The M830A1 is a fin-stabilized round with a discarding sabot and tactical service round with tracer. The aluminum sabot allows for a lighter projectile and hence a higher initial velocity.[6]

The baseline design contains a propulsion system consisting of a metal case base, a combustible cartridge case, case adapter, nineteen perforated hexagonal JA2 propellant, a propellant containment device (cloth bag), and an M129 primer (all are currently used on the M829A1). The conical nose of the projectile consists of the frontal impact switch assembly (FISA) coupled to the warhead body and the M74 Proximity Switch coupled to the FISA. The FISA is a secondary switch which closes upon impact against ground target. The M74 Proximity Switch (primary switch) contains two parallel "switches", either of which, when closed, will complete the M774 firing circuit. One switch closes upon direct impact with a target. The other is an electronic switch (a transistor) which "closes" when the proximity switch senses the presence of an air target. For all modes, a flexible electrical cable provides a path between the switches and M774 base element. In any of the functioning modes of the M830A1 fuzing system, the J1 connector of the M774 fuze is returned to "ground potential" which completes the fuze firing circuit.[3] The cartridge is black with yellow markings, weighs 49.2 lb (22.3 kg), with the projectile accounting for 25.1 lb (11.4 kg), and has a length of 38.74 inches (98.4 cm).[7]

The M830A1 was first fielded in 1994.[6]

Replacement

[edit]

The M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round to replace the M830A1 has been in development since 2012.[8] In January 2017, Orbital ATK was selected to complete development of the AMP.[9]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

M830

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The M830 is a 120 mm high explosive anti-tank multi-purpose tracer (HEAT-MP-T) cartridge designed for anti-armor and anti-personnel roles in the M256 smoothbore gun of the M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks. It consists of a body filled with Composition A5 , a shaped-charge liner for armor penetration, and a point-initiating base-detonating (PIBD) for impact detonation to enable direct-impact anti-vehicle effects and fragmentation against personnel or light targets. The round measures 38.6 inches in length, weighs 53.4 pounds, and achieves a maximum of 2,500 meters with visible tracer for fire adjustment. Key features of the M830 include its dual-purpose , which combines shaped-charge jet formation for defeating armored vehicles with secondary fragmentation for suppressing , making it versatile for operations. The cartridge employs a charge compatible with the tank's system, delivering a sufficient for engaging targets at tactical ranges while maintaining stability through fin-stabilized flight. As the standard multi-purpose round for U.S. and Marine Corps Abrams tanks, it has been produced at facilities like the to meet operational demands in direct-fire engagements. An improved variant, the M830A1, was developed to supersede the original M830, incorporating a multi-function fuze with selectable point detonating, proximity, and delay modes for airburst fragmentation, and greater effectiveness against bunkers (20% improvement) and light armored vehicles (30% improvement). The M830A1 maintains similar dimensions but reduces weight to 50.1 pounds and adds proximity fuze options for air defense against low-flying threats, with an effective range of 2,500 meters (maximum up to 8,000 meters). Both rounds underscore advancements in tank ammunition for modern warfare, prioritizing multi-role lethality without requiring separate specialized munitions.

Development

Origins and Design Basis

The M830 120 mm high explosive anti-tank multi-purpose tracer (MP-T) round was developed in the late 1970s by the U.S. Army to arm the tank's M256 gun, aligning with NATO's 120×570 mm standard (STANAG 4385) for cross-alliance compatibility in tank gun systems. This effort coincided with the Abrams program's shift from 105 mm rifled guns to the licensed German L/44, necessitating a new generation of versatile projectiles to replace earlier high-explosive options. In 1979, (ATK) was awarded a program for Rheinmetall's 120 mm technology. The design drew directly from the German DM12A1 HEAT-MP-T round, introduced in 1979 for the 2 tank by , serving as a "direct translation" with U.S.-specific adaptations to enhance safety and efficacy. Key modifications included integration of the American M764 base-detonating , which provided impact and delay modes for flexible target engagement, and Composition A3 Type II explosive filler, selected for its superior stability and detonation consistency compared to the DM12A1's Octol charge. Central to the M830's conception were goals of dual-role performance: delivering shaped charge jet penetration against armored vehicles while enabling blast and fragmentation effects for suppression of light vehicles, field fortifications, and personnel, thereby reducing the logistical burden of multiple specialized rounds. The U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) oversaw initial testing and certification in the early , evaluating projectile integrity under launch stresses via finite element analysis and live-fire trials to validate fuze function, warhead lethality, and ballistic stability prior to type classification in December 1984. This foundational work positioned the M830 for operational integration, with the later M830A1 variant building upon its core architecture for further refinements.

Introduction and Early Production

The M830 120mm high-explosive anti-tank multi-purpose tracer (HEAT-MP-T) cartridge entered U.S. Army service in the early as a versatile chemical-energy round designed for anti-armor and anti-personnel roles in the main battle tank's M256 gun. Production followed the 1979 technology transfer from , with the round achieving type classification in December 1984 and subsequent manufacturing led by (ATK), which handled the majority of the U.S. Army's 120mm ammunition program. The cartridge's propulsion system consists of a semi-combustible case with a metal base featuring a rubber obturator for gas sealing, paired with the M123A1 electric primer and granular (typically JA-2 or similar). This design minimizes residue in the gun breech while providing reliable ignition and propulsion at muzzle velocities around 1,140 m/s. Over its production life, an estimated hundreds of thousands of M830 rounds were manufactured before the type was phased out in favor of improved variants, supporting extensive stockpiling for armored units. Integration with the ' fire , including the and ballistic computer, necessitated adjustments for the round's multi-mode settings (impact, delay, and point-initiating/base-detonating) to ensure accurate targeting up to 2,500 meters. The M830 drew its design basis from the German DM12A1 projectile, as detailed in the origins subsection, adapted for standardization.

Design and Technical Specifications

Projectile and Propulsion

The M830 is a full-caliber 120 mm multipurpose tracer (HEAT-MP-T) cartridge designed for use in tank guns such as the M256 on the . The complete round measures 981 mm (38.6 inches) in length and weighs 24.2 kg (53.4 lb), with the projectile body painted black and featuring yellow markings along with a red band to identify the HEAT warhead configuration. Propulsion is provided by approximately 7.1 kg of JA-2 double-base encased in a combustible cartridge case with a metal base and rubber obturator, ignited by an M123A1 electric primer. This system imparts a of approximately 1,140 m/s (3,740 ft/s) to the projectile when fired from standard 120 mm tank guns at and 21°C (70°F). The charge is optimized for consistent performance across a range of environmental conditions, contributing to the round's of up to 2,500 m. The is fin-stabilized for flight stability, employing an aluminum assembly with six equally spaced, canted fins that impart spin via aerodynamic interaction in the smoothbore gun. The original M830 design does not incorporate a discarding sabot—unlike later variants. The subcomponents include a body housing the , with the fixed fins maintaining accuracy against moving or stationary targets. The warhead's copper-lined shaped charge liner forms a high-velocity metallic jet upon , enabling penetration of approximately 600–700 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) at typical ranges, providing effective defeat of armored vehicles while the multipurpose design also supports anti-personnel fragmentation effects. This capability stems from the focused explosive energy directed through the conical liner geometry, optimized for both direct-impact and indirect target .

Fuze, Explosive Filler, and Tracer

The M830 employs a point-initiating, base-detonating (PIBD) system, such as the M782, which uses a at the nose to detect impact and initiate the sequence at the base. This design ensures reliable functioning against hard and soft targets while incorporating safety features to prevent arming until the has traveled a minimum distance from the muzzle, approximately 15–40 meters. The fuze's graze sensitivity allows even at low-angle impacts, enhancing effectiveness against armored vehicles and fortifications. The contains approximately 2 kg of Composition A3 explosive filler, an RDX-wax composition optimized for high in applications. Upon initiation, the filler collapses the copper liner to form a focused, high-velocity metal jet capable of penetrating up to 700 mm of rolled homogeneous armor, providing the primary anti-armor capability. A tracer element, integrated into the fin assembly, ignites upon firing to emit a visible for observation and ballistic correction. This tracer supports tracking at extended ranges, aiding gunners in adjusting fire during engagements. The M830's multi-purpose design leverages the casing for fragmentation effects alongside the blast and jet, delivering anti-personnel lethality through sidewall breakup upon .

Operational History

Gulf War Deployment

The M830 120mm round was issued to U.S. Army M1A1 Abrams tank units deploying for Operation Desert Storm in 1991, serving as a key non-depleted uranium option alongside armor-piercing sabot rounds like the series. During the 100-hour ground campaign, Abrams tanks fired over 10,000 120mm rounds in total. Abrams crews achieved first-round catastrophic kills in the majority of engagements against Iraqi and tanks, thanks to superior thermal imaging and fire control systems that enabled long-range, low-light targeting unaffected by dust and smoke. These engagements contributed to the destruction of hundreds of Iraqi vehicles. The M1A1's 120mm gun, including multi-purpose rounds like the M830, demonstrated high reliability under high-tempo operations. The M830's shaped-charge warhead was capable of penetrating Soviet-era tank armor at ranges up to 2,500 meters. Tactically, Abrams platoons employed 120mm ammunition, including the as the primary anti-tank round and the M830 for multi-purpose roles, in coordinated volleys to suppress and neutralize enemy armor during advances through Iraqi defensive positions. This approach allowed rapid exploitation of breakthroughs, minimizing exposure to return fire from less capable Iraqi tanks. experience with the M830 revealed limitations in its impact-only against non-armored targets like bunkers, , and light vehicles, where fragmentation effects were suboptimal despite the round's multi-purpose design intent. This gap influenced post-war upgrades, prompting development of the M830A1 with enhanced multi-purpose fuzing for better lethality across target types.

Post-Gulf War Usage

Following the , the M830 continued as part of U.S. Abrams tank ammunition inventories during operations such as the (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and limited deployments to () from 2010 onward, supporting multi-purpose roles in varied combat environments. The M830 remained a standard component of Abrams gunnery qualifications and live-fire training exercises through the mid-2010s, including at facilities like the National Training Center at Fort Irwin and the Udairi Training Range in , where crews practiced against simulated armored and fortified targets using stockpiled rounds. These applications drew on existing inventories to maintain proficiency without new production, supporting routine crew certifications until the introduction of replacement munitions. The M830 supported NATO STANAG 4385 ammunition interoperability standards for 120mm tank guns. In 2023, the U.S. approved the sale of 13,981 M830A1 rounds—an improved variant of the original M830—to for an estimated $106.5 million, enhancing compatibility with tanks in ongoing operations. New production of the original M830 ended by the late 1990s as the U.S. Army prioritized variants like the M830A1 and successors, with remaining stocks depleted through training and limited operational use into the 2020s. As of 2025, the U.S. Army has approved full-rate production of the M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round in December 2024, which is replacing the M830, M830A1, and related munitions.

Variants

Original M830

The original M830 is a 120mm multi-purpose tracer (HEAT-MP-T) cartridge designed primarily for direct-fire engagement of armored vehicles using the effect of its . It features a body filled with Composition A5 explosive, a liner forming the cone, and a point-initiating base-detonating (PIBD) that functions only on impact, providing both anti-armor penetration and limited anti-personnel fragmentation upon detonation. Optimized for the M256 gun on tanks, it achieves an effective direct-fire range of up to 2,500 meters with a of approximately 1,140 m/s. This impact-only fuze limits the round's versatility, as it lacks a proximity mode and thus offers reduced effectiveness against low-flying helicopters or dispersed soft targets like , where airburst detonation would be advantageous. Additionally, at 53.4 pounds (24.2 kg) per complete round, it is heavier than subsequent variants, which can constrain storage and transport logistics in tank autoloaders limited to 40 rounds. Production of the original M830 ceased in the early following its replacement by improved models, with remaining legacy stocks now reserved primarily for and purposes rather than operational deployment. At its introduction in the mid-1980s, the M830 offered significant advantages over the older 105mm M456 round used in prior U.S. tanks, including greater armor penetration (approximately 600 mm RHA equivalent versus around 400 mm for the M456) and enhanced tracer visibility for improved fire control at extended ranges.

M830A1 Improvements

The M830A1 variant was introduced in 1994 to overcome limitations of the original M830, particularly in multi-role engagements, offering a lighter overall cartridge weight of 49.2 lb (22.3 kg) and a length of 38.74 inches (984 mm). These reductions in mass and refined dimensions improved handling and storage efficiency on M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams tanks while maintaining compatibility with the 120mm M256 smoothbore gun. The design enhancements focused on expanding tactical versatility beyond primary anti-armor roles, addressing evolving threats like low-altitude aerial assets and personnel in cover. A primary upgrade was the integration of the M774 multi-purpose fuze, which supports selectable impact and proximity (airburst) modes, enabling effective anti-helicopter and anti-personnel operations. This fuze system includes a frontal impact switch assembly and M74 proximity switch, allowing crew adjustment for direct ground strikes or airburst detonation at optimal heights against hovering or low-flying targets. Muzzle velocity was increased to approximately 1,410 m/s compared to the original M830, enhancing range and accuracy for engaging low-flying aircraft in self-defense scenarios. The projectile features a fin-stabilized steel body with a copper-lined shaped charge for armor defeat, complemented by a tracer for ballistic tracking. Propulsion improvements included a refined charge using 19-perforated hexagonal , paired with a three-piece aluminum discarding sabot that optimizes sub-caliber stability and reduces dispersion for superior accuracy. The explosive filler consists of 2.5 kg of Composition A3, providing enhanced blast and fragmentation effects in multi-purpose modes while ensuring reliable detonation across fuze settings. These modifications extended operational effectiveness against low-flying up to 3,000 meters in proximity mode, broadening the round's utility in dynamic combat environments. Production of the M830A1 continues, with recent approvals, such as 13,981 units to in 2023 valued at $106.5 million, underscoring its ongoing relevance.

Successors

M1147 AMP Development

The U.S. Army initiated the Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) program in the mid-2010s to develop a single 120mm tank round capable of replacing four legacy munitions: the M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (HEAT-MP-T), the M830A1 HEAT-MP-T, the M1028 canister round, and the M908 High Explosive Obstacle Reduction with Tracer (HE-OR-T). This consolidation aimed to enhance combat versatility for M1 Abrams tanks while streamlining supply chains by reducing the variety of rounds crews needed to carry. Key design features of the XM1147 (later standardized as M1147) include a multi-mode programmable that supports point-detonation for direct impacts on armor and personnel, point-detonation delay for penetrating barriers before exploding, and airburst for engaging dismounted or teams at range. The round incorporates technology to minimize accidental detonation risks from heat, shock, or nearby blasts, improving safety during storage and transport. Orbital ATK, later acquired by , led the development under contracts awarded starting in 2015. Development milestones began with a $16 million in October 2015 for the initial engineering phase, focusing on prototype design and testing. This was followed by a $45 million award in February 2017 for engineering and manufacturing development, targeting completion by 2019-2020 to refine lethality and performance. The program achieved low-rate initial production in December 2020 after successful live-fire lethality testing, allowing limited field evaluation. Full-rate production was approved on December 20, 2024, by the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, enabling scaled manufacturing to meet operational demands. The M1147's capabilities address limitations in prior rounds like the M830A1 by providing integrated multi-target defeat in one package, effective against light armor, bunkers, obstacles, and formations up to extended ranges. By merging functionalities, it reduces the logistical burden on Abrams units, simplifying resupply and increasing onboard ammunition flexibility without sacrificing lethality.

Transition and Current Status

The transition to the M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round represents a key evolution in U.S. Army tank ammunition, with full-rate production approved on December 20, 2024, enabling initial integration into inventories beginning in 2025. This shift addresses the need to consolidate capabilities from legacy rounds, including the M830 and M830A1, into a single versatile munition to enhance combat flexibility and reduce logistical burdens. The M1147's entry into service follows successful low-rate initial production and operational testing, marking a milestone in modernizing Abrams firepower. The M1147 integrates seamlessly with the existing M256 120mm gun mounted on M1A1 and M1A2 Abrams tanks, as well as the vehicle's through the Ammunition Data Link for programmable settings. Initial fielding prioritizes active-duty armored units for operational evaluation, allowing crews to leverage the round's multi-mode detonation—such as point-detonate, delay, and airburst—against diverse threats like armored vehicles, , and fortifications. Produced by Ordnance and Tactical Systems,1 the round maintains compatibility without requiring modifications to the tank's propulsion or sighting systems, facilitating a smooth process. Full-rate production began following the 2024 approval, supporting distribution across armored formations to bolster overmatch capabilities for near-peer conflicts. While the programmable components introduce complexities in and , the Army's focus on —drawn from broader modernization efforts—aims to mitigate potential delays in scaling production. Crew training emphasizes the new modes to maximize effectiveness, building on established Abrams gunnery protocols.

Footnotes

  1. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/18/2025-20067/arms-sales-notification ↩

References

  1. https://aollc.biz/tank.htm
  2. https://jpeoaa.army.mil/Portals/94/JPEOAA/Documents/JPEOAAPortfolioBook_2017.pdf
  3. https://defense-update.com/20041020_120mm-tank-gun-he-ammunition.html
  4. https://www.fbcinc.com/source/Northrop_Resources/120mm_M830A1.pdf
  5. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1009661.pdf
  6. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2009/10/mil-091005-atk02.htm
  7. https://archive.org/stream/milmanual-tm-43-0001-28-army-ammunition-data-sheets/tm_43-0001-28_army_ammunition_data_sheets_djvu.txt
  8. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/html/tr/ADA210403/index.html
  9. https://bulletpicker.com/cartridge_-120mm-heat-t-mp_-m8.html
  10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235045289_Report_on_the_Development_of_Nondestructive_Testing_Criteria_for_the_120-mm_XM830_Projectile_Body
  11. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/m830a1.htm
  12. https://man.fas.org/dod-101/sys/land/m830a1.htm
  13. https://www.army.mil/article/161228/advanced_120mm_round_gives_tank_crews_more_versatility
  14. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA567897.pdf
  15. https://www.gichd.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Explosive_Ordnance_Guide_for_Ukraine__GICHD___Third_Edition.pdf
  16. https://www.gulflink.osd.mil/du/du_tabf.htm
  17. https://www.wise-uranium.org/dhap992.html
  18. https://en.defence-ua.com/events/us_fired_only_60000_shells_during_the_entire_war_in_1991_which_explains_a_lot-8870.html
  19. https://www.gao.gov/assets/nsiad-92-94.pdf
  20. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/portals/7/military-review/archives/english/militaryreview_20141231_art006.pdf
  21. https://www.army.mil/article/195224/high_explosive_versatility
  22. https://asc.army.mil/docs/wsh2/2010-wsh.pdf
  23. https://militaryleak.com/2023/12/13/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-120mm-m830a1-heat-mpat-tank-cartridges-to-israel/
  24. https://www.army.mil/article/282607/m1147_120mm_advanced_multi_purpose_round_enters_full_rate_production
  25. https://www.steelbeasts.com/sbwiki/index.php/M830
  26. https://bulletpicker.com/cartridge_-120mm-heat-mp-t_-m2.html
  27. https://www.wrk.ru/forums/attachment.php?item=340554
  28. https://www.quora.com/How-effective-is-the-M830A1-MPAT-air-burst-mode-against-infantry
  29. https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2020/army/2020_120mm-amp.pdf?ver=SPTvLIk0uiFxSsopP243RQ%253D%253D
  30. https://thedefensepost.com/2025/01/21/abrams-tank-ammo-production/
  31. https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/advanced-weapons/ensuring-mission-readiness-for-the-us-army
  32. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/orbital-develop-120mm-multi-purpose-ammunition/
  33. https://www.army-technology.com/news/newsorbital-atk-to-develop-multi-purpose-tank-ammunition-for-us-army-5735606/
  34. https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2022/army/2022_120mm-ampM1147.pdf?ver=mtmp_8yy11tIcl_-71UuPA%253D%253D
  35. https://jpeoaa.army.mil/Portals/94/Documents/JPEOAAPortfolioBook_2025.pdf
  36. https://usfcr.com/search/opportunities/?oppId=223ad9db52484d14889ce4adc78e3ff9
  37. https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/defence-security-industry-technology/focus-us-army-approves-full-rate-production-of-m1147-amp-replacing-four-tank-rounds-with-one
  38. https://sofrep.com/army/revolutionizing-tank-firepower-the-us-armys-m1147-amp-round-enters-full-rate-production/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.