IIT Madras Developing Ramjet-Powered FSAPDS Shells with High-Speed and 9km Range for Main Battle Tanks

In a move that could redefine armored warfare, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is developing a revolutionary new ammunition system for main battle tanks. Led by Major General Rajiv Narayanan, a Professor of Practice at the institute, and in collaboration with Lieutenant General Shankar, the project focuses on creating ramjet-powered Fin Stabilized Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) shells. This ambitious endeavor seeks to significantly boost the range and effectiveness of tank weaponry against modern armored threats.

Traditional FSAPDS rounds, while currently the most potent kinetic energy ammunition for tanks, have limitations in range and velocity. Their effectiveness is further challenged by the advent of advanced Active Protection Systems (APS) on modern tanks, designed to intercept incoming projectiles.

The innovative ramjet-powered FSAPDS rounds aim to overcome these limitations by leveraging ramjet technology to achieve significantly higher speeds and extend the effective range to an unprecedented 6 to 9 kilometers.

This extended range offers several tactical advantages. Firstly, it allows tank crews to engage enemy armor from a safer distance, reducing their vulnerability to counter-fire. Secondly, the increased speed of the projectile decreases the reaction time for enemy APS, making interception significantly more difficult.

Ramjets are air-breathing engines that generate thrust by utilizing the oxygen in the surrounding air, allowing for sustained propulsion over extended distances. This technology, successfully implemented in this project, promises to propel FSAPDS rounds to significantly higher speeds, extending their lethal range to 6-9 kilometers.

The IIT Madras team is currently focused on rigorous testing and validation of the new ammunition system. The project involves intricate engineering challenges, including the integration of advanced materials and precision manufacturing techniques to ensure the rounds can withstand the extreme forces involved.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Doubting ramjet in tank shell. Ramjet is not ideal requirement in 9 km range. Ramjet is to extend range. Sabot round is high speed and effective enough for close range.

Say DRDO develops a reliable 155 mm Ramjet shell. Each shell is going to be exponentially more expensive than regular 155 mm Shells. The jet and fuel is going to take up space and reduce explosive carried by each shell. So each shell is going to do less damage. Question we have to ask? Can it deliver high explosives on target cheaper than say the Pinaka MLRS?

 

[Cyrus]

This is a unique concept. Hats off to the engineers who have conceived it.
A regular shell will be attached to a hydrogen fired Ramjet fitted in the front.
The shell after firing will take the Ramjet to a supersonic Mach 2 which will then spring the Ramjet engine into action and boost the velocity to Mach 5.
This will extent the range of a standard shot from 5 km to 9 km and provide very high terminal velocity.
It is like having a mini unguided Brahmos fired from a Tank, cheap but very effective.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Say DRDO develops a reliable 155 mm Ramjet shell. Each shell is going to be exponentially more expensive than regular 155 mm Shells. The jet and fuel is going to take up space and reduce explosive carried by each shell. So each shell is going to do less damage. Question we have to ask? Can it deliver high explosives on target cheaper than say the Pinaka MLRS?

Excalibur is 100cm long and has 5.4 kg warhead. Valac ramjet shell being tested has length 125 gm with 6.5 kg warhead. Krasnopol shell is 130 cm.So ramjet can fit in 155 mm howitzer and carry required warhead weight.