Ukrainian military forces almost regularly share videos and other graphics showing the aftermath of SMArt 155 bullet attacks. What are they, and why are they so effective? Is it really possible to destroy two targets with one shot?
Image credit: GIWS
For example, see previously published video on Twitter illustrates a successful battle and destroys enemy tanks. This is done with a specialized shell called SMArt 155, which is also produced by two of Germany’s leading ammunition manufacturers, Rheinmetall AG and Diehl Group. The goal of this heavy ammunition is to deal with armored vehicles.
The abbreviation ‘SMArt’ stands for “Sensor-fused Munition for Artillery”, while the number means 155mm caliber. There are sources that SMArt 155 ammunition is used to destroy two targets at the same time with just one shot. These claims coincide with the technical capabilities of this countermeasure: one munition carries two separate high-performance automatic projectiles, while each has an integrated intelligent targeting subsystem. bright.
In the video below, you can also clearly see the two shells separating from the main case and then hitting separate targets:
🇺🇦Give us weapons, we’ll do the rest!
Destroy Russian armored vehicles on the go. (Probably German SMArt 155 shells)#ArmUkraineNow #actforukraine pic.twitter.com/idz5a3B7wt
– Country of Resistance: Ukraine (@ResistUA) July 30, 2022
After firing, these two sub-munitions are separated in mid-air and then distributed in the air and then search for a target independently using built-in sensors. As the manufacturer says, it is a “fire and forget” shell. It does not matter what type of enemy vehicle it is, the type of environment or weather conditions in which it is used. SMArt 155 can disable even main battle tanks.
Image credit: GIWS
The electronics inside uses a multi-mode sensing system that not only detects the target, but also rejects the drone. This function is also combined with a large active trace, resulting in a high probability of hitting. After initial firing and separation, the projectiles were suspended by parachutes and descended relatively slowly. During this time, they search for targets.
When a target is detected, the additional explosion fires a so-called penetrating element, or impact element, which is accelerated to a velocity of more than 5000 m/s. Several rounds can be fired in very short order. Even when fired at a distance of 40 km, this projectile was only a few meters off target.
According to Pentagon experts, one SMArt 155 shell achieves an effect comparable to what can be achieved using 10-50 conventional 155 mm rounds. It can also be fired from any standard 155 mm gun.
SMArt 155 – Subunit for Artillery – by GIWS – Cutaway. Image credit: M.begenat qua WikimediaCC-BY-SA-3.0
SMArt also uses a self-destruct mechanism for safety purposes, in case any unexploded ordnance suspended from a parachute falls less than 20 meters above the ground. Or if this mechanism fails, the bomb or ammunition will explode after hitting the ground, when the battery’s voltage drops below a predetermined level.
Today the SMArt 155 is used by the militaries of at least a few countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Greece and Australia. This model is often confused with the 155 BONUS high-precision 155 mm cluster cannon. Although, their principle of operation is similar.
