Description
Inert 25mm Oerlikon APDS Armor-Piercing Discarding-Sabot Round, 25×137mm
Item Overview
This inert 25×137mm Oerlikon Armor-Piercing Discarding-Sabot round represents a major step in modern autocannon ammunition design. APDS ammunition was developed to give 25mm guns greater speed and armor penetration than conventional full-caliber projectiles. This cartridge is intended for collecting, study, and display and is not live ammunition.
Identification and Features
APDS stands for Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot. Many service cartridges in this family also included a tracer and were designated APDS-T, but the exact model and tracer configuration should be identified from the markings on the individual round.
- Caliber: 25×137mm
- Manufacturer family: Oerlikon
- Cartridge type: Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot
- Abbreviation: APDS
- Possible tracer designation: APDS-T when equipped with a tracer
- Primary application: Oerlikon KBA 25mm autocannon
- Purpose: Defeating armored vehicles and protected equipment
- Operating principle: High-velocity subcaliber penetrator carried inside a full-bore sabot
- Fuze: None
- Status: Inert display cartridge
How APDS Ammunition Worked
The sabot held a smaller armor-piercing penetrator in the center of the cannon bore. When fired, the sabot sealed the bore and transferred the force of the propellant to the penetrator. After leaving the muzzle, the sabot sections separated and fell away while the smaller penetrator continued toward the target at high speed. The projectile defeated armor through speed and kinetic energy rather than an explosive warhead.
Weapon Applications
The 25×137mm cartridge was developed with the Oerlikon KBA and became a widely used NATO medium-caliber cartridge. Related ammunition was qualified for weapons including the Oerlikon KBA and M242 Bushmaster, with applications on armored vehicles, reconnaissance vehicles, naval gun mounts, and air-defense systems. Individual cartridges still require the correct primer, link, feed, and weapon configuration.
Historical Background
The 25×137mm cartridge family grew from U.S. autocannon work during the 1960s. Oerlikon continued developing the gun and ammunition as the KBA system, with production beginning during the 1970s. APDS ammunition gave early 25mm guns useful performance against armored personnel carriers, light fighting vehicles, equipment, and some aircraft. Later APFSDS long-rod ammunition improved penetration against newer armor, but APDS remains an important part of 25mm autocannon history.
Condition
This is an inert military-surplus display cartridge. It may show scratches, dents, paint loss, discoloration, oxidation, handling marks, or other signs of age and storage. Markings, case finish, sabot color, primer style, and minor details may vary between available rounds. This listing is for one inert 25×137mm APDS round only; the cannon, ammunition links, container, and other accessories are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This round is well suited for collections and exhibits covering Oerlikon weapons, armored-vehicle ammunition, and the development of modern sabot projectiles.
- 25mm ammunition collections
- Oerlikon KBA displays
- Armored-vehicle exhibits
- APDS ammunition research
- NATO autocannon collections
- Military museums and educational displays
Approx length 9", Approx width 1.5", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight .8 lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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