Description
Inert 40mm M81 Armor-Piercing Tracer Projectile for Bofors L/60, 40×311R
Item Overview
This inert 40mm M81 Armor-Piercing Tracer projectile represents American 40×311R ammunition developed for Bofors-pattern antiaircraft guns. The M81 was designed to strike armored vehicles, protected equipment, and other hard targets. This listing is for a loose inert projectile rather than a complete cartridge.
Identification and Features
Official designation: Projectile, AP-T, M81
AP-T meaning: Armor-Piercing Tracer
Caliber: 40mm
Cartridge family: 40×311R
Primary weapon application: 40mm Automatic Gun M1 and other compatible Bofors L/60 systems
Original projectile weight: Approximately 1.96 pounds
Original service color: Black with white markings
Explosive filler: None by design
Nose fuze: None by design
Current status: Inert military ordnance collectible
Projectile Construction
The M81 body was machined from hardened bar steel to provide armor-piercing strength. Its original design included a copper rotating band, a crimping cannelure, a rounded sheet-metal windscreen, and a windscreen adapter attached to the projectile nose. A cavity in the base held the original tracer assembly, which allowed the gun crew to observe the projectile’s path; this inert item contains no live tracer composition.
Original Service Configuration
The complete M81 round used fixed ammunition with the projectile secured in a rimmed 40×311R cartridge case. Wartime technical data lists the original complete cartridge at approximately 17.62 inches long, 4.53 pounds, and a muzzle velocity of about 2,870 feet per second. These figures describe the original complete service round and do not represent the dimensions or weight of this loose inert projectile.
Original Purpose
The hardened M81 projectile relied on its weight, speed, and solid steel construction to penetrate armor and other protected targets. Unlike a high-explosive shell, it did not carry a bursting charge or impact fuze. The original base tracer provided a visible flight path but did not change the projectile’s basic armor-piercing action.
Bofors L/60 History
The Bofors L/60 was developed by the Bofors company of Sweden before World War II. The United States adopted an American version as the 40mm Automatic Gun M1 in 1941. The gun was loaded with four-round charger clips and could fire approximately 120 rounds per minute, making it effective against low-flying aircraft and dive bombers.
History of Use
The 40mm Bofors became one of the most important Allied antiaircraft weapons of World War II. U.S. Army guns defended airfields, ports, military bases, and troop positions, while naval versions served aboard many classes of warships. Armor-piercing ammunition such as the M81 also allowed Bofors crews to engage armored vehicles, protected ground positions, landing craft, and other hard surface targets when needed.
Condition
This is an original inert military-surplus projectile that may show finish wear, scratches, oxidation, discoloration, pitting, tool marks, or other evidence of age, storage, and demilitarization. This listing is for one projectile only; the cartridge case, primer, propellant, live tracer, charger clip, ammunition container, and Bofors gun are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Ideal For
This M81 projectile is suitable for World War II ordnance collections, Bofors ammunition displays, antiaircraft exhibits, armored-warfare collections, military museums, veterans’ displays, and educational presentations.
Approx length 6", Approx width 1.5", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight 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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