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High-explosive incendiary/armor-piercing ammunition (HEIAP) is a form ofshell which combines armor-piercing capability and ahigh-explosive effect. In this respect it is a modern version of anarmor-piercing shell. The ammunition may also be calledsemi-armor-piercing high-explosive incendiary (SAPHEI).[1]
Typical of a modern HEIAP shell is theRaufoss Mk 211[2] designed for weapons such asheavy machine guns andanti-materiel rifles.
The primary purpose of these munitions is armor penetration with better beyond-armor effects.[3] Similarly to SLAP rounds (saboted light armor penetrator) which get their armor-piercing ability from the propulsion of a 7.62 mmtungsten heavy alloybullet from a 12.7 mm barrel (.50 caliber) using asabot with much more energy than is usually possible from a 7.62 mm round, HEIAP munitions utilize a similar theory with an added explosive effect at the end. The special effect is developed when the round strikes the target. The initial collision ignites theincendiary material in the tip, triggering thedetonation of the HE charge. The second (zirconium powder) incendiary charge will also ignite. This burns at a very high temperature, is not easily extinguished, and can last up to 15 minutes.[citation needed]
The remaining element of the round is thetungsten carbide penetrator. This has a large amount ofkinetic energy and will penetrate the armor as asolid-cored armor-piercing shot would. This takes the incendiary material and about 20 steel fragments (created by the explosives), delivering them in a 25–30 degree cone through the armor, increasing lethality.[3]
The triggering of the explosive charge is dependent upon the resistance of the target. If the target offers little resistance then the lack offrictional heating will prevent the incendiary from igniting and the high explosive from detonating.
Exploding ammunition was used by both Allied and German forces duringWorld War II.
