Panzerungsdurchschlagskraft

Panzerungsdurchdringung, or armor penetration, is the ability of a weapon to defeat armored targets by breaching the protective layer. It encompasses two main mechanisms: kinetic energy penetration using elongated projectiles at high velocity that deform and shear armor, and shaped-charge penetration, where a high-velocity jet formed by converging explosive force erodes armor. The effectiveness depends on projectile velocity, impact angle, and armor properties, such as thickness, density, and composition (rolled homogeneous armor, face-hardened steel, composite and ceramic armor, or reactive armor). The angle of impact increases the effective thickness; obliquity reduces penetration. For kinetic penetrators, higher velocity and mass improve penetration up to limits; for shaped charges, jet performance depends on standoff and explosive properties.

History: Armor penetration emerged with early anti-tank weapons and evolved through World War II with armor-piercing rounds and HEAT. Later developments included armor-penetrating fin-stabilized rounds, subcaliber projectiles, and advanced explosives. Modern systems include composite and reactive armor designed to defeat or disrupt penetrators, requiring evolved munitions.

In assessments and records, penetration is often described in units of millimeters of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) equivalent at a specified velocity and obliquity. Overall, armor penetration remains a central consideration in arms design, balancing projectile performance against armor resilience.