152 mm FRAG-HE 3OF45

cent). This explosive payload, combined with the high-fragmentation steel body, is claimed to provide the 152 mm FRAG-HE 3OF45 with an on-target effect 1.5 to 2 times that of the 152 mm FRAG-HE OF-540 (see previous entry), even though the projectile weights are virtually identical. The nose of the projectile is threaded to accept a variety of fuzes but no firm information is yet forthcoming regarding the models or types involved; mention has been made of PD KZ-88 and RGM-2 delay (0.027 to 0.055 second) fuzes. The cartridge cases involved with the three propellant charges are lacquered steel with a KV-4 percussion primer in the base. The Full Charge is 8.17 kg of NgTp (NDT-3); the Reduced Charge weighs 4.14 kg. The Reduced charge is made up of a base charge plus five increments, all in linen or cambric bags. Maximum muzzle velocity using the Long Range propellant charge is 810 m/s and maximum range 24,700 m. Corresponding figures for the Full Charge are 667 m/s and 19,400 m, while for the Reduced Charge they are 516 m/s and 14,370 m. The 152 mm FRAG-HE 3OF45, may be regarded as the latest Russian Federation and Associated States (CIS) FRAG-HE ammunition development intended for general operational use with the latest generation of RFAS 152 mm long-barrelled gun-howitzers. It consists of three rounds which vary in the preloaded propellant charge involved. The 3VOF72 uses a long cartridge case with a Long Range charge. The 3VOF73 has a shorter cartridge case containing a Reduced charge. The 3VOF58 uses the same length case as the 3VOF73 but containing the Full Charge. Artillery pieces firing 152 mm 3OF45-type rounds can also fire existing rounds such as the 152 mm FRAG-HE OF-540.