A little context on & a few examples of, Russian Federation BMP-3 & BDM-4 series IFVs' catastrophic disruptions. This due to full or partial ‘en masse’ detonation of their 100 mm 2A70 gun’s non-insensitive munitions (IM) compliant munitions
Failure of these IFV families is down to three main factors; a lack of adequate armour protection; the non-IM explosive fills used in their 100 mm munitions; & the format of their ammunition stowage system (examples attached). Trooper-carried munitions may also be problematic.
The IFV carry a combination of 9M117-series GL-ATGM & HE-frag rounds, which include the 3UOF17, 3UOF19 & 3UOF26 families. The GL-ATGM are Okfol-3.5 filled, the HE-frag A-IX-2. The fills aren't IM-compliant, nor are their propellants, or their fuze’s boosters.
Perforation of the armour allows their munitions to be struck. If struck with sufficient impetus, the HE & likely their propellant fills will detonate. The lack of shielding between munitions allows the propagation of detonation by direct contact or fragment strikes.
The result of a full or even partial ‘en masse’ detonation is, as mentioned, catastrophic, with almost certain death for all crew members & carried troopers. Death is via multiple fragment impact & blast effects, the result of which is very little left of the personnel.
As to the 30 mm 3UOF6 HEI ammunition, this has a low propensity for en masse detonation. Even if en masse detonation occurs the likelihood of catastrophic disruption of the vehicle is next to zero. The frag & blast effects from these rounds in a confined space is however lethal.
Examples, with all but a few thanks to Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons), as are follows. Firstly a good view inside an intact BMD-4M from the 30th April 2022, showing the problems due to its ammo stowage.
The first rather catastrophic example is from the IAA Forum (forum.cartridgecollectors.org). Internal fragment strikes from what are likely its HE-frag projectile rounds are present on most internals surfaces.
12th March 2022
13th March 2022
22nd March 2022
29th March 2022
1st April 2022
5th April 2022
5th April 2022
Just a corrective note - as there's still no minor edit function - the 30 mm HEI round is the 3UOF8. not the 3UOF6. I was half asleep & feeling rather rough (a cold) when putting this together & mixed up the designations 3UOR6 HEI-T with the 3UOF8 HEI.
fenix-insight.online
fenix-insight.online
In reference to a reply by @millenboy and to give further context, I had to research the historical & scientific data on IM up to the date the article below was published... some +17 years ago as of now. Further free info at the website linked below.
insensitivemunitions.org
insensitivemunitions.org
Loading suggestions...