Rheinmetall reveals new 130mm tank gun

IHS Jane’s is reporting that Rheinmetall has revealed their new 130mm tank cannon at the Eurosatory 2016 in Paris.  Development of the gun started in 2015 and firing trials will start after Eurosatory 2016.  According to Rheinmetall, the gun is a 130mm L/51 smoothbore cannon with a vertical sliding breech mechanism and chrome lined.  The barrel weighs 1,400 kg and the entire gun with recoil system will weigh 3000 kg.  The gun on display at Eurosatory features a thermal sleeve and muzzle reference system.  Rheinmetall is also introducing a new generation of armor piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) ammunition with combustible cartridge case.  This will be followed by a new 130mm high-explosive air-bursting munition (HE ABM) round.

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