Description
Inert 30mm Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot Tracer Projectile Replica
Item Overview
This inert 30mm Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot Tracer projectile is a detailed replica of modern kinetic-energy ammunition. It uses a CNC-machined stainless-steel penetrator and fin with a precision 3D-printed sabot and obturating rings.
The replica is inspired by modern 30x173mm APFSDS-T ammunition used in autocannons such as the Mk44 Bushmaster II. It shows the shape, construction, and operating concept of a long-rod penetrator without the hazards of live ammunition.
This projectile can be taken apart into eight separate pieces. Its disassemblable design makes it useful for museums, classrooms, training displays, and military ordnance collections.
How APFSDS-T Ammunition Works
APFSDS-T stands for Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot Tracer.
A live APFSDS-T round uses a narrow, high-density penetrator carried inside a lightweight sabot. The sabot fills the cannon bore and helps transfer the force of firing to the smaller penetrator.
After the projectile leaves the muzzle, the sabot petals separate and fall away. The narrow penetrator continues toward the target at high speed. Rear fins help keep the penetrator stable and pointed forward during flight.
Unlike explosive anti-armor ammunition, APFSDS-T projectiles defeat armor through speed, mass, and concentrated kinetic energy. A live tracer element helps the gunner follow the projectile during flight.
Modern 30mm APFSDS-T ammunition is commonly associated with infantry fighting vehicles, armored combat vehicles, and some naval weapon systems.
Replica Construction
This inert replica was designed to show the main parts of a modern 30mm APFSDS-T projectile. The machined and printed components provide a detailed external appearance while allowing the complete assembly to be taken apart.
CNC-Machined Stainless-Steel Penetrator
The long-rod penetrator is CNC machined from stainless steel. Its shape includes the pointed nose, narrow body, and rear attachment area commonly seen on modern kinetic-energy penetrators.
Stainless steel provides weight, strength, and resistance to corrosion. This replica does not contain tungsten, depleted uranium, or other live penetrator materials.
CNC-Machined Stainless-Steel Fin
A separate stainless-steel fin assembly attaches to the rear of the penetrator. It shows how fins help keep a real penetrator stable after the sabot separates.
3D-Printed Sabot Petals
Four separate sabot petals fit around the penetrator. Together, they form the full-caliber outer body that carries and supports the smaller penetrator inside the cannon bore.
The removable petals help show how a sabot surrounds the penetrator before separating after muzzle exit.
Top and Bottom Obturating Rings
The replica includes separate upper and lower obturating rings. These parts hold the sabot assembly together and represent the sealing and alignment components used in modern projectile designs.
Eight Disassemblable Components
The projectile separates into the following parts:
- Four 3D-printed sabot petals
- One upper obturating ring
- One lower obturating ring
- One stainless-steel penetrator
- One stainless-steel fin assembly
The disassemblable design allows each part of the APFSDS-T system to be examined and displayed.
Condition and Inert Status
This is a newly made and completely inert projectile replica.
It contains no primer, propellant, explosive material, tracer compound, tungsten, or depleted uranium. It is non-functional and cannot be fired.
This item is sold only for display, collection, training, and educational use.
Ideal For
- Military and ordnance museums
- Armor and ammunition classes
- Military training displays
- Modern autocannon collections
- 30x173mm ammunition displays
- Mk44 Bushmaster II displays
- Film and educational exhibits
- Hands-on demonstrations of sabot technology
- Displays comparing 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, and tank-caliber ammunition
- Collectors interested in modern kinetic-energy projectiles
Approx length 8", Approx width 1.5", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight 0.5 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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