Cluster projectiles

The M864 Extended Range (Base Bleed) projectile features a base bleed unit at the base of the munition. It is used to engage personnel and lightly armored vehicles with dual-purpose grenades, at ranges exceeding the capabilities of the M483A1 projectile.

After firing, the base bleed unit activates, creating a vacuum in the rear part of the projectile, thus increasing the flight range.

The projectile is equipped with 72 submunitions, including 48 M42 and 24 M46.

The submunitions are fragmentation type with a shaped-charge effect. The M46 differs from the M42 by having a thicker casing.

After firing, at a predetermined time, the fuze activates an ejection charge. Centrifugal force disperses the grenades radially from the projectile’s flight path.

The impact elements activate upon contact with the surface.

Type – Fragmentation with Shaped Charge Effect

Maximum Range (39-caliber barrel):

• With M4A2 Charge: 17,180 m

• With M119A1 Charge: 22,000 m

• With M119A2 Charge: 22,000 m

• Weight with fuze: 42.3 kg

• Length with fuze: 920 mm

• Number of Submunitions:

  • M42: 48 pcs
  • M46: 24 pcs

• Compatible Charges: M4A2, M119A1, M119A2, M203, M203A2, and others.

• Temperature Range: -51°C to +62°C

In the “Kropyva” system, the M864 is described for use with M777 systems.

It does not activate on impact.

There are examples of barrel rupture when using M119A1 propellant (Zone 8) from manufacturer LOT 37-AMB-23 (which is not a standard LOT according to NATO classification). Here is detailed information on NATO LOT classification.

For the first shot, it is recommended to reduce the fuze setting by 0.2 seconds. The ideal ejection charge activation height is about 300 m, at which point distinctive white spots of detonations are visible from a drone. Analyze and experiment with the timing (detonation height).

There is experience in destroying an enemy BMP, where the engine caught fire.

Do not use it against bunkers, heavily armored vehicles, or targets like “tractor hidden behind a tree line.”

The M483A1 projectile from the DPICM series is used to engage personnel and lightly armored vehicles with fragmentation and shaped charge grenades.

It is equipped with 88 submunitions, including 44 M42 and 44 M46.

The submunitions are fragmentation type with a shaped charge effect. The M46 differs from the M42 by having a thicker casing.

After firing, the fuze activates the ejection charge at a predetermined time. Centrifugal force disperses the grenades radially from the projectile’s flight path.

The impact elements activate upon contact with the surface.

Other projectiles from this series with similar ballistic characteristics: M1122, M1123, M1124, M110A3, M1125

Type — Fragmentation with Shaped Charge Effect

• Weight with fuze: 46.9 kg
• Length without fuze: 843 mm
• Number of Submunitions:
  • M42: 44 pcs
  • M46: 44 pcs
• Compatible Charges: M4A2, M119A1, M119A2, M203, M203A2, M232, and others
• Temperature Range: -51°C to +63°C

Range Table with Different Charges (M109 Gun):

• M3A1 Charge 1: 3,640 m
• M3A1 Charge 2: 4,570 m
• M3A1 Charge 3: 5,590 m
• M3A1 Charge 4: 7,080 m
• M3A1 Charge 5: 9,050 m
• M4A2 Charge 3: 6,490 m
• M4A2 Charge 4: 7,720 m
• M4A2 Charge 5: 9,420 m
• M4A2 Charge 6: 11,730 m
• M4A2 Charge 7: 14,320 m

Four yellow weight marks in the “Kropyva” system indicate “normal.”

It does not activate on impact.

For the first shot, it is recommended to reduce the fuze setting by 0.2 seconds. The ideal ejection charge activation height is around 300 m, which results in characteristic white spots of detonations visible from a drone. Analyze and experiment with the timing (detonation height).

The DM642 is an extended range cluster projectile (Base Bleed, BB) from the German manufacturer Rheinmetall, designed to replace the DPICM M483A1, offering greater range and increased destructive power compared to its predecessor.

The DM642 is intended for the destruction of lightly armored vehicles and enemy personnel.

This projectile carries 63 DM1383 submunitions. The ejection charge is located below the nose fuze area and within the streamlined body of the projectile. Upon firing, the fuze (ideally DM163 or M577) activates at the chosen time, ideally at an altitude of 300-500 meters above the target area. Once the ejection charge is activated, the submunitions are expelled and dispersed over the target area due to centrifugal forces created by the rotation of the carrier shell.

The 155-mm DM642 contains 63 DM1383 submunitions, grouped into nine columns, with seven such stacks. Each DM1383 submunition has a steel body containing a small shaped charge and a sensitive impact fuse.

The submunitions are designed to detonate upon impact, but if for any reason they fail to do so, a self-destruct mechanism activates after approximately 15 seconds. If both detonators fail, there is a backup safety fuse.

Type — Fragmentation with Shaped Charge Effect

• Projectile Weight: 47 kg
• Submunition Weight: 20.79 kg
• Weight per Submunition: 290 g
• Length: 899 mm
• Contents: 63 DM1383 submunitions
• Submunition Diameter: 42 mm
• Submunition Height: 95 mm
• Maximum Muzzle Velocity (with M203 charge): 802 m/s
• Maximum Range: 22,400 m
• Operating Temperature: -46 to +63°C
• Authorized Fuzes: M577 or DM163

Maximum Range (39-caliber barrel):

• With M4A2 Charge: 17,200 m
• With M119A1 Charge: 22,000 m
• With M119A2 Charge: 22,000 m
• With M203 Charge: 22,400 m

Four yellow weight marks in the “Kropyva” system indicate “normal.” Ballistic characteristics are similar to the M864 projectile.

It does not activate on impact.

Here is detailed information on NATO LOT classification.

For the first shot, it is recommended to reduce the fuze setting by 0.2 seconds. The ideal ejection charge activation height is around 300 m, resulting in characteristic white spots of detonations visible from a drone. Analyze and experiment with the timing (detonation height).

The M449 is an anti-personnel cluster projectile designed to effectively engage enemy personnel over a wide area. Below is the detailed information about this projectile:

Type: Anti-Personnel Cluster Projectile

• Intended Purpose: The M449 is designed to disperse multiple anti-personnel submunitions, effectively engaging and neutralizing enemy forces in open areas or trenches. It is particularly effective against infantry formations and lightly armored targets.

General Characteristics:

• Weight: Approximately 43 kg (depends on version and payload configuration).
• Length: Approximately 850 mm (without fuze).
• Caliber: 155 mm.
• Number of Submunitions: Equipped with several anti-personnel bomblets (typically more than 60). These bomblets are housed within the main projectile casing and released at a predetermined height.

Payload Details:

• Submunition Type: Fragmentation bomblets, designed to produce a large number of lethal fragments upon detonation. These bomblets use a fragmentation casing and a high-explosive charge.
• Deployment Mechanism: After firing, the projectile is designed to disperse its submunitions at a specific altitude, which is programmed via the fuze settings. This allows the bomblets to spread over a wide area, increasing the effectiveness against scattered infantry targets.
• Activation: The submunitions are equipped with impact fuzes, which detonate upon contact with the ground or target, releasing shrapnel over the target area.

Fuze and Safety Features:

• Recommended Fuzes: Fuzes such as M577 or DM163 can be used, with settings adjusted to determine the exact point of submunition release.
• Safety Mechanism: The projectile includes several safety features to ensure it does not detonate prematurely. This includes arming only after the projectile reaches a specific distance from the gun, and a time delay feature that activates the submunitions after a specific interval.

Performance:

• Maximum Range: When fired from a 155 mm artillery gun, the M449 can achieve ranges up to approximately 20 km (depending on the type of charge used).
• Effective Area Coverage: When deployed, the bomblets cover an area of several hundred square meters, effectively neutralizing personnel within the target zone.

Tactical Use:

• Target Type: Best used against enemy infantry units, light vehicles, and other lightly protected targets.
• Limitations: Not suitable for engaging fortified bunkers, heavily armored vehicles, or structures. The effectiveness is reduced in dense forest or built-up areas where bomblet dispersal may be impeded.

Operational Considerations:

• Temperature Range: Operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -46°C to +63°C.
• Deployment Height: The ideal deployment height of submunitions is around 300-500 meters, depending on the tactical situation and desired dispersion.

Notes for Use:

• Fuze Setting: For the first shot, it is recommended to reduce the fuze setting by 0.2 seconds to optimize submunition dispersion.
• Observation: When correctly deployed, characteristic fragmentation patterns can be observed from aerial platforms such as drones. Adjustments may be necessary based on environmental factors.

Similar Projectiles:

• The M449 shares similar features with other cluster munitions such as the M483A1, but is specifically optimized for anti-personnel use rather than dual-purpose anti-personnel/anti-armor capabilities.

The M449 anti-personnel cluster projectile is an effective artillery solution for engaging enemy personnel at extended ranges, providing wide-area coverage through the deployment of multiple bomblets designed to maximize fragmentation effects on the battlefield.

Type — Fragmentation (HE)

• Weight with fuze: 43 kg
• Length with fuze: 698 mm
• Number of Submunitions: 10 canisters containing 6 High-Explosive (HE) M43 grenades each, for a total of 60 grenades
• Compatible Propellant Charges: M4A2, M119A1, M119A2, M203, M203A2, M232, and others
• Compatible Fuzes: M565, M577, M762
• Temperature Range: -54°C to +74°C

Range Table with Different Charges (M109 Gun):

• M3A1 Charge 1: 3,640 m
• M3A1 Charge 2: 4,570 m
• M3A1 Charge 3: 5,590 m
• M3A1 Charge 4: 7,080 m
• M3A1 Charge 5: 9,050 m
• M4A2 Charge 3: 6,490 m
• M4A2 Charge 4: 7,720 m
• M4A2 Charge 5: 9,420 m
• M4A2 Charge 6: 11,730 m
• M4A2 Charge 7: 14,320 m
• M119A1: 17,740 m

The projectile does not activate on impact.

For the first shot, it is recommended to reduce the fuze setting by 0.2 seconds. The ideal ejection charge activation height is around 300 m, which results in characteristic white spots of detonations visible from a drone. Analyze and experiment with the timing (detonation height).

The 155-mm armor-piercing projectile BONUS Mk is designed to target a variety of stationary or mobile armored vehicles. Its mission is to neutralize or destroy armored targets by combining multiple shots. A key feature of the BONUS Mk projectile is its high hit probability, which has been demonstrated during numerous acceptance tests.

These 155-mm projectiles are a joint French-Swedish development. Each BONUS projectile carries two warheads, which separate from the main projectile. The two individual warheads use fins to slow their descent. Each submunition rotates around its axis and functions as a radar, searching for targets using its sensors.

The projectile can distinguish real targets from decoys based on shape using an optical sensor. Each submunition is equipped with an optical height-measuring sensor and an infrared sensor for target detection. When a target is identified, it is attacked using the infrared sensor, directing an explosive charge at a velocity of 45 m/s towards the target.

Type — Armor-Piercing

• Weight with fuze: 44.6 kg
• Length with fuze: 898 mm
• Number of Submunitions: 2 armor-piercing
• Active Target Search Area: 32 km per submunition (64 km per projectile)
• Firing Range:
  • 39-caliber barrel: 27 km
  • 52-caliber barrel: 35 km

The BONUS projectile is described in the “Kropyva” system for use with M777 and CAESAR artillery systems.

Do not use the projectile against targets in forested areas or those covered by protective metal meshes, etc.