Propellant charge TCME 100, TCME 101 
Contents
Photo: bk155.com.ua
TCME 101, TCME 100 — propellant charges for 155 mm guns
Propellant charges TCME 101 and TCME 100 are modular charges for 155 mm guns. TCME 101 is the lower module (zones 1–2), TCME 100 is the upper module (zones 3–6). In purpose and assembly order they are matched with the M231, BC-E and DM82 charges (the lower modules) and with M232, M232A1, TC-F, DM72 and DM92 (the upper modules).
All DM variants are described on the Propellant charge DM page, and the general operating principle is covered in the article on the modular and bi-modular charge systems.
What is known about TCME charges:
- TCME 101 is the lower module, zones 1–2: one or two modules are used.
- TCME 100 is the upper module, zones 3–6: from three to six modules. It has a locating groove for joining the modules to one another.
Manufacturer: Nexter (France)
TCME 101 and TCME 100 modules
| Module | Zones | Modules per charge | Matched with | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCME 101 | 1–2 | 1–2 | M231, BC-E, DM82 | Lower module. Charges KTA 5927 and KTA 5928; charge 1 conditionally corresponds to charge 2 made up of TCME 101 modules |
| TCME 100 | 3–6 | 3–6 | M232, M232A1, TC-F, DM72, DM92 | Upper module with a locating groove for joining. Charges KTA 5927 and KTA 5928; charge 2 conditionally corresponds to charge 3 made up of TCME 100 modules |
The matching is conditional: the weight, propellant composition and muzzle velocities of the TCME modules are not known, so an exact replacement cannot be chosen from these data.
Range with projectiles on TCME 100 charges
| Projectile | 4 modules | 5 modules | 6 modules | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OFd MKM, HE ER-BT MKM | 19.9 km | 24.8 km | 31.1 km | — |
| M77B (India) | 19.2 km | 24 km | — | 39-caliber gun |
The maximum range is close to that of the M231 and M232 charges. It also depends on the gun, the projectile and the charge temperature.
Charges and conversion
Technical specifications of TCME
- Type: modular charges for 155 mm guns
- TCME 101: lower module, zones 1–2 (1–2 modules)
- TCME 100: upper module, zones 3–6 (3–6 modules), has a locating groove
- Manufacturer: Nexter, France
- Weight of one module: 2.8 kg
- Weight of six modules: 16.8 kg
Usage notes on TCME
Guns. In Kropyva, TCME 100 charges are offered for the M777 gun with the OFd MKM projectile.
2S22 Bohdana. From experience of use on the 2S22 Bohdana: the L10A1 charge was used instead of 5 TCME modules, there was a significant overshoot, so a correction of +30 was applied.
The TCME modules are best compared with M231 and M232. In practice the DM, BC-E and TC-F modules are more powerful than TCME.
Comparison with the M11 charge. The page on the M11 Zone 10 charge states that, at a weight of 17 kg, it is less powerful than 6 TC-F modules or TCME weighing 16.8 kg.
Combining modules. For BC-E and TC-F the manufacturer expressly forbids combining the modules with other types of charges. For TCME there is no such statement in open sources.
Modular charge system. Video
A demonstration video of the modular charge system, using the DM72 propellant charge as an example.
What is the difference between the Modular Charge System (MCS) and the Bi-Modular BMCS
Oleh Syrota (Georgich©) for the Armed Forces of Ukraine /
Share your experience of working with 155 mm ammunition.
Send comments and suggestions by email: entropiaw@gmail.com
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