Projectile M898 SADARM
Contents
M898 SADARM — projectile with seeking submunitions
M898 SADARM (Sense and Destroy Armor) — cargo type with two seeking submunitions. Designed to engage armored vehicles from above, where the armor is thinnest. The main task is counter-battery fire: the SADARM is intended for self-propelled howitzers and other lightly armored vehicles.
The M898 projectile combines millimeter-wave technology, infrared sensors and signal processing. By destroying enemy self-propelled artillery capable of returning fire, friendly forces gain more freedom of maneuver. According to test results, one SADARM projectile can destroy two armored vehicles.
Technical specifications
Projectile M898
- Caliber - 155 mm
- Weight - 44 kg
- Length - 805 mm
- Maximum range: 22.5 km
- Number of submunitions - 2
SADARM submunition
- Weight - 11.77 kg
- Warhead - 1.5 kg LX-14
- Length - 204.4 mm
- Diameter - 147 mm
- Ejection velocity - 17 m/s
- Rotation speed while scanning - 456 rpm
- Sensors: millimeter-wave and infrared array
- Type of effect: explosively formed penetrator (EFP)
- Maximum target detection accuracy - up to 150 m
Usage notes
The M898 projectile is used with a standard 155 mm howitzer. At the required point of the trajectory, the expelling charge ejects two submunitions from its base.
1. Braking. After separation, the submunition deploys a braking device similar to a parachute and reduces its descent speed.
2. Stabilization. At a set height above the ground this device is jettisoned. In its place another opens, which stabilizes the submunition and imparts rotation.
3. Target search. During the descent the submunition rotates and scans the terrain below with a millimeter-wave sensor and an infrared array. The detection logic works with both channels, so the munition recognizes targets using countermeasures in various climatic conditions.
4. Engagement. When a target is found, the sensor determines its center. The submunition fires an explosively formed penetrator (EFP), which pierces the vehicle's relatively vulnerable top armor.
5. Self-destruction. If there is no target, the submunition self-destructs.
Maximum engagement range — about 150 m from target detection. According to test results, one SADARM projectile can destroy two armored vehicles.
See also projectiles with a similar principle of operation: DM702 SMArt 155, BONUS Mk. Other guided projectiles: M712 Copperhead, M454 S-HE.
Oleh Syrota (Georgich©) for the Armed Forces of Ukraine /
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