20mm AT Rounds

[Dr. Jones And The Addiction]

This question actually pertains to a Japanese 20mm AT Gun, but I don't think the nationality is going to matter. When a 20mm AT round struck a vehicle, did it explode, or was it intended to pierce the vehicle and just rattle around inside?

[Bone_Vulture]

I'm sure the forum grunts can give a more verbose response, but here's a brief reply:

small caliber AT gun rounds rarely had any explosive charge. The round was a solid slug (or "shot"), and was meant to penetrate the armor and damage the crew either directly, or indirectly via spalling. The shots can also cause explosions if they ignite the fuel tanks or loose ammunition inside the vehicle.

If an AT round has an explosive charge with a delayed detonator, it will likely eliminate the crew if it penetrates their compartment. But a solid shot alone is enough to rattle a crew if it penetrates.

[flamingknives]

The difference between shot and shell is that steel is more dense and stronger than HE, so a solid shot would have superior penetration, while APHE (Armour Piercing HE - uses a delayed fuse to explode within the target) will get through less armour but will do more damage to the interior.