German company Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH recently revealed a new 120mm HE ammunition to a group of international experts at its proving ground in Unterlüß, Germany. It can be fired from the L44 and L55 120mm smoothbore guns fitted on Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG Leopard 2 battle tanks.
Dubbed the DM11, the new ammunition was developed on behalf of the German Ministry of Defence.
Modularly designed, the 120mm x 570 HE Temp DM11 round consists of an IHE (Insensitive High Explosive) warhead with a programmable fuse and ballistic cap, a tail unit, driving band, a combustible case with a propelling charge, a newly designed stub case with primer and an integrated data link cable for programming.
The DM11 is principally used for engaging non-armoured and lightly armoured vehicles, anti-tank positions and as well as field fortifications.
Furthermore, it can be employed for penetrating walls and taking out targets in buildings, as well as for creating breaches and avenues of approach in built-up areas to support dismounted troops.
