ARTILLERY PROJECTILES DATABASE

Generated: 2026-03-28 | Classification: OSINT Scope: Russian/Soviet and Western (Ukraine-fielded) artillery projectiles, all calibers Purpose: EOD identification, hazard assessment, and field reference

SAFETY WARNING: All items described are ARMED AND DANGEROUS until confirmed otherwise by qualified EOD personnel. Visual identification is the FIRST step -- it does NOT constitute a render-safe assessment. NEVER approach, touch, or move suspected UXO.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. 122mm PROJECTILES (D-30 / 2S1)
   • OF-462 HE-Frag
   • OF-462Zh (Sintered Iron Band Variant)
   • 3OF56 HE-Frag (Modern)
   • 3Sh1 Shrapnel / Flechette
   • D-462 Smoke (WP)
   • S-463 Illumination
   • 3-O-13 Cargo / Cluster
2. 130mm PROJECTILES (M-46)
   • OF-482M HE-Frag
3. 152mm PROJECTILES (2S3 / 2A65 / 2S19 / 2S35)
   • OF-540 HE-Frag
   • OF-25 HE-Frag
   • OF-45 HE-Frag (Modern)
   • 3OF39 Krasnopol Laser-Guided
   • 3-O-13 (152mm) Cargo / Cluster
   • 152mm Smoke and Illumination
4. 203mm PROJECTILES (2S7 Pion)
   • ZOF-43 HE-Frag
   • 3BV2 Nuclear-Capable
   • 3-O-14 Cargo / Cluster
5. WESTERN 155mm PROJECTILES (Ukraine)
   • M107 HE
   • M795 HE
   • M549A1 HE-RAP
   • M864 DPICM
   • SMArt 155 Sensor-Fuzed
   • BONUS Sensor-Fuzed
   • M982 Excalibur GPS-Guided
6. RUSSIAN FUZE REFERENCE TABLE
7. COLOR CODING AND MARKINGS
8. DUD BEHAVIOR AND BURIAL DEPTH
9. EOD HAZARD QUICK-REFERENCE

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122mm PROJECTILES (D-30 / 2S1)

<a name="122mm-projectiles"></a>

Weapon Systems: D-30 (2A18) towed howitzer, 2S1 Gvozdika SP howitzer, M-30 (legacy) Driving Band Diameter: ~122mm -- key field caliber estimation measurement

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<a name="of-462-he-frag"></a>

OF-462 HE-Frag

Identification

• Designation(s): 53-OF-462 (steel body/copper band), 53-OF-462A (cast-iron/steel mix body, copper band), OF-462Zh (sintered iron band variant -- see below)
• Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-Frag), spin-stabilized
• Category: Artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• Manufacturer: Multiple Soviet/Russian arsenals (factory number stenciled on body)
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, former Soviet states, ~50+ export customers worldwide
• Export Status: Widely exported; license-produced in Bulgaria (Kintex, Arsenal), Romania (Romarm), China, Egypt, India, Iran, Pakistan, DPRK, and others

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~480mm (projectile body without fuze)
• Diameter: 121.9mm (body); driving band ~122mm
• Weight: 21.76 kg (fuzed)
• Body Material: Forged steel (53-OF-462); steel/cast-iron mix (53-OF-462A -- one-piece or two-piece nose variants)
• Warhead Type: HE-Fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: 3.528 kg TNT (cast)
• Driving Band: Copper alloy, single band, positioned near base of cylindrical section above boattail
• Boattail: Short boattail with base plate; no base bleed
• Fuzing:
  • Primary Nose Fuzes: RGM-2, RGM-2M (PD/Delay, mechanical, setback-armed)
  • Alternate Nose Fuzes: RGM-3, D-1, RG-6, AR-5 (proximity), AR-139 (proximity)
  • Base Fuze: None (nose-fuzed only)
• Arming Mechanism: Setback (inertia) armed on firing; spin-armed safety

Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: 690 m/s (full charge, D-30)
• Maximum Range: 15,300 m (full charge)
• Fragmentation: Produces ~800-1,000 lethal fragments; casualty radius ~30m

Delivery / Launch

• Launch Platform(s): 122mm D-30 (2A18), 2S1 Gvozdika, M-30 (M1938) howitzer
• Complete Rounds: 3VOF5 (full charge), 3VOF6 (reduced charge)

Color Coding and Markings (Russian Convention)

• Body Color: Dark gray (peacetime); may be olive/dark green (wartime field finish)
• Markings: Black Cyrillic stencil -- includes: projectile designation, lot number, factory number, year of manufacture, explosive fill type, weight deviation class
• Bands: Identifying color band(s) between bourrelet and driving band indicate type/manufacture method
• Bourrelets and Driving Band: Unpainted (bare metal)

Visual ID Features

• Caliber Estimation: Measure driving band diameter -- ~122mm confirms caliber class
• Nose Profile: Ogival (rounded taper), accepts standard nose fuze well
• Body: Smooth cylindrical with visible machining marks; two bourrelets (forward and aft)
• Boattail: Short, tapered base
• Key Discriminator from 130mm: Shorter body, lighter (~22kg vs ~33kg), shorter boattail; 122mm band vs 130mm band diameter
• Key Discriminator from 152mm: Significantly smaller diameter and lighter; 122mm band unmistakable vs 152mm

Commonly Confused With

• 130mm OF-482M: Similar shape but noticeably longer and heavier (33.4 kg); driving band diameter ~130mm
• 122mm 3OF56: Modern replacement -- boat-tailed design distinguishes it
• 122mm D-462 Smoke: Same external profile but different color coding (black band above bourrelet)

Dud Behavior

• Burial Depth: 0.5-3m in soft soil depending on impact angle and velocity; shallow (<0.5m) in hard/rocky ground
• Impact Angle: Low-angle impacts may skip/ricochet; high-angle impacts penetrate deeper
• Fuze Exposure: Nose fuze may be visible or buried; if RGM-2 fuze is exposed, the arming mechanism may be in any state
• Fuze State: Setback-armed fuze may be fully armed but unfired -- EXTREMELY SENSITIVE to handling
• Propellant Residue: Burning/unburned propellant granules may surround impact point

EOD Hazard Warnings

• PRIMARY HAZARD: Armed nose fuze (RGM-2 series) -- sensitive to vibration, tilting, or shock
• Proximity Fuze Hazard: If fitted with AR-5/AR-139, RF emissions can cause function -- maintain radio silence within 100m
• Fragmentation Hazard: 3.5 kg TNT produces lethal fragmentation to ~30m; maintain minimum safe distance per SOP
• White Phosphorus Confusion: Verify projectile type carefully -- D-462 WP smoke round shares similar external dimensions
• DO NOT: Roll, tilt, or attempt to remove fuze from dud projectile

Sources

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<a name="of-462zh"></a>

OF-462Zh (Sintered Iron Driving Band Variant)

Identification

• Designation(s): 53-OF-462Zh (53-OF-462ZH)
• Type: HE-Fragmentation, spin-stabilized
• Note: "Zh" (Cyrillic: ZH) stands for zhelezokeramicheskiy -- "iron-ceramic" (sintered iron)

Key Differences from OF-462

• Driving Band: Sintered iron (NOT copper) -- this is the PRIMARY visual identification difference
• Visual ID: Sintered iron band appears dull gray/dark, rougher texture vs bright copper-colored band on standard OF-462
• Field Significance: Sintered iron bands indicate later production; copper bands indicate older/original production
• Ballistic Differences: Slightly different rifling engagement characteristics; functionally identical terminal effects
• All other specifications: Same as OF-462 (weight, explosive fill, fuze compatibility, body dimensions)

EOD Relevance

• Driving Band as Caliber ID Feature: Sintered iron band may be harder to distinguish from body color when corroded -- use calipers on band diameter for caliber confirmation
• Same hazards as OF-462

Sources

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<a name="3of56-he-frag"></a>

3OF56 HE-Frag (Modern)

Identification

• Designation(s): 3OF56, 3OF56IM-1P (improved variant)
• Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation (HE-Frag), spin-stabilized, boat-tailed
• Category: Artillery projectile, modern production (introduced ~1985)
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: ~21.8 kg (fuzed) -- maintains standard 122mm projectile weight class
• Body Material: Hollow forged steel
• Warhead Type: HE-Fragmentation
• Body Design: Truncated ogival nose, varying-diameter body, boat-tailed base
• Driving Band: Copper alloy or sintered iron (production-dependent)
• Boattail: Pronounced boattail (key visual discriminator from OF-462)
• Fuzing: Compatible with RGM-2, AR-5 (proximity), and modern fuze types

Visual ID Features

• Key Discriminator from OF-462: Boat-tailed base design -- OF-462 has a shorter, less pronounced boattail
• Modern Production: Cleaner machining, sharper ogive profile
• Nose Profile: Truncated ogival, similar to OF-462 but slightly more streamlined

Commonly Confused With

• OF-462: Same caliber and similar weight; check boattail shape -- 3OF56 has a longer, more pronounced boattail
• 122mm cargo rounds: 3OF56 is solid HE-Frag, not a carrier projectile

Dud Behavior

• Same burial/dud characteristics as OF-462

Sources

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<a name="3sh1-shrapnel"></a>

3Sh1 Shrapnel / Flechette

Identification

• Designation(s): 3Sh1 (projectile); 3VSh1, 3VSh3, 3VSh4, 3VSh6 (complete rounds)
• Type: Shrapnel / Flechette (anti-personnel), spin-stabilized
• Nickname: "Beehive shell"
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• In Service With: Russia, documented use in Ukraine (Bucha, 2022)

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: ~22 kg (fuzed, similar to OF-462 weight class)
• Body Material: Steel body filled with flechettes in wax binder
• Payload: Thousands of steel flechettes -- each 39mm long, 2.5mm diameter, with fins spanning 5mm
• Fuzing: DTM-75 mechanical time (MT) / mechanical time superquick (MTSQ) fuze
• Arming: Time-fuzed; fuze functions at preset time, ejecting flechettes forward in cone pattern
• Driving Band: Copper alloy

Visual ID Features

• Nose Fuze: DTM-75 time fuze is visually distinct from RGM-2 PD fuze -- longer, graduated timing ring
• Body: Externally similar to standard HE-Frag round
• Weight Feel: Similar to OF-462 but flechettes create a distinctive sound when shaken (DO NOT shake suspected UXO)

Commonly Confused With

• OF-462 HE-Frag: Nearly identical external dimensions; fuze type (DTM-75 vs RGM-2) is key discriminator
• 122mm Smoke/Illumination: DTM-75 time fuze is also used on smoke and illumination rounds

Dud Behavior

• Time Fuze Failure: If DTM-75 fails to function, projectile impacts intact with full flechette payload plus expelling charge
• Impact Dud: Flechette rounds that fail to function are EXTREMELY hazardous -- expelling charge may be sensitive
• Burial: Similar to standard 122mm projectile burial depth

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Flechette rounds with unfired DTM-75 fuzes are UNPREDICTABLE
• Expelling charge inside body may be sensitive to shock
• Scattered unfired flechettes around impact area are a secondary hazard (sharp, penetrating)

Sources

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<a name="d-462-smoke"></a>

D-462 Smoke (White Phosphorus)

Identification

• Designation(s): D-462 (bursting smoke, WP)
• Type: Smoke, bursting type, white phosphorus fill
• Category: Artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: ~22 kg (similar to OF-462 class)
• Body Material: Steel
• Fill: White phosphorus (WP) -- pyrophoric; ignites on contact with air
• Burster: Central burster tube running length of projectile body
• Driving Band: Copper alloy
• Fuzing: RGM-2 or similar PD fuze (nose)

Color Coding and Markings

• Body Color: Dark gray
• Markings: Black stencil (Cyrillic)
• Identifying Band: BLACK band above forward bourrelet (key discriminator from HE)
• Bourrelets and Driving Band: Unpainted

Visual ID Features

• Black Band: Most important visual feature distinguishing from OF-462 HE-Frag
• Body Shape: Essentially identical to OF-462 externally
• Nose Fuze: Same RGM-2 type

EOD Hazard Warnings

• PRIMARY HAZARD: WHITE PHOSPHORUS
  • WP is pyrophoric -- ignites spontaneously on contact with oxygen
  • Burns at ~800C / ~1500F
  • Produces toxic white smoke (phosphorus pentoxide)
  • WP particles embed in flesh and continue burning
• Dud D-462: If casing is cracked or breached, WP will ignite on exposure to air
• DO NOT: Cut, drill, or open casing of suspected WP rounds
• Approach: From upwind; wear respiratory protection
• Water: WP fragments can be suppressed with water (prevents air contact) but will reignite when dried
• Disposal: WP rounds require specialized RSP (render safe procedures)

Sources

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<a name="s-463-illumination"></a>

S-463 Illumination

Identification

• Designation(s): S-463, S-463Zh (sintered iron driving band variant)
• Type: Illuminating, base-ejection, parachute-suspended
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: ~22 kg class
• Body Material: Steel (thin-walled carrier)
• Payload: Illuminant canister(s) with parachute; base-ejected by expelling charge
• Driving Band: Copper alloy (S-463) or sintered iron (S-463Zh)
• Fuzing: DTM-75 mechanical time (MT) fuze or T-7 time fuze

Color Coding and Markings

• Body Color: Dark gray
• Identifying Band: WHITE band behind forward bourrelet (indicates illumination)
• Markings: Black Cyrillic stencil

Visual ID Features

• White Band: Key discriminator -- HE has no color band or different band; WP smoke has black band
• Time Fuze: DTM-75 or T-7 visible in nose -- different from RGM-2 PD fuze on HE rounds
• Base Plate: Visible base closure/ejection plate at rear (base-ejection design)

Dud Behavior

• Intact Duds: If time fuze fails, projectile impacts with unfired expelling charge and illuminant canister inside
• Partial Function: Parachute may deploy but illuminant canister fails to ignite -- will be found on ground surface
• Illuminant Hazard: Burning composition can spontaneously ignite if disturbed

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Expelling charge is sensitive to shock
• Illuminant composition may be pyrotechnic (magnesium-based) -- fire/burn hazard
• Do NOT attempt to open or disassemble

Sources

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<a name="3-o-13-cargo"></a>

3-O-13 Cargo / Cluster (122mm)

Identification

• Designation(s): 3-O-13 (dispenser/carrier projectile); complete round: 3VO13
• Type: Cargo (cluster) projectile, base-ejection
• Category: DPICM carrier, artillery projectile
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• Note: The 3-O-13 is a 152mm projectile, not 122mm. For 122mm, the primary cargo round is the 9M218 series via BM-21 rocket system. See 152mm section for 3-O-13 details.

See 152mm 3-O-13 section below.

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130mm PROJECTILES (M-46)

<a name="130mm-projectiles"></a>

Weapon System: M-46 (M1954) towed field gun; Chinese Type 59 copy Driving Band Diameter: ~130mm

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<a name="of-482m-he-frag"></a>

OF-482M HE-Frag

Identification

• Designation(s): 53-OF-482M (standard HE-Frag)
• Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation, spin-stabilized
• Category: Artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, China (Type 59), Egypt, India, Iran, DPRK, Syria, Vietnam, Cuba, ~40+ countries
• Export Status: Massively exported; M-46 gun system is one of the most widely distributed Soviet-era guns

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 676mm (projectile body)
• Diameter: 130mm (body); driving band ~130mm
• Weight: 33.4 kg (fuzed)
• Body Material: Forged steel
• Warhead Type: HE-Fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: 3.6 kg TNT
• Driving Band: Copper alloy, single band near base
• Boattail: Moderate boattail; longer body-to-diameter ratio than 122mm rounds
• Fuzing:
  • Nose Fuzes: RGM-2, RGM-2M, D-1, RG-6, AR-5 (proximity)
  • Base Fuze: None

Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: 930 m/s
• Maximum Range: 27,500 m (standard HE); up to 38,000 m (ERFB-BB extended-range variants)

Color Coding and Markings

• Body Color: Dark gray or dark green
• Markings: Black Cyrillic stencil (same convention as 122mm)
• Bourrelets/Band: Unpainted

Visual ID Features

• Caliber Estimation: Driving band diameter ~130mm (8mm larger than 122mm -- difficult to distinguish visually without measurement)
• Body Length: Noticeably LONGER than 122mm OF-462 (~676mm vs ~480mm)
• Weight: Significantly heavier (~33kg vs ~22kg) -- two-hand lift vs one-hand possible for 122mm
• Nose Profile: Similar ogival shape to OF-462 but more elongated
• Key Discriminator from 122mm: Length and weight; 130mm is a GUN projectile (higher velocity, flatter trajectory) vs 122mm HOWITZER projectile

Commonly Confused With

• 122mm OF-462: Smaller, lighter, shorter -- check driving band diameter
• 152mm OF-540: Larger diameter (152mm band), heavier (43.5kg), but similar length range
• Chinese/DPRK copies: Functionally identical; may have different marking systems (Chinese numerals, Korean script)

Dud Behavior

• Higher Impact Velocity: M-46 gun fires at 930 m/s -- projectiles penetrate DEEPER into soil than lower-velocity howitzer rounds
• Burial Depth: 1-5m typical in soft soil; deeper than 122mm howitzer rounds due to velocity
• Fuze State: Same RGM-2 concerns as 122mm -- armed but unfired fuze is EXTREMELY sensitive

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Same hazards as 122mm OF-462
• ADDITIONAL: Higher residual velocity means greater penetration and potentially more deeply buried duds
• North Korean Ammunition: DPRK-supplied OF-482M variants documented in Ukraine (2023-2025) -- quality control issues mean HIGHER dud rates and unpredictable fuze behavior

Countries in Service / Combat Use

• Active Combat (2022-present): Russia and DPRK-supplied ammunition used extensively in Ukraine
• Historical: Vietnam War (NVA), Indo-Pakistani Wars, Iran-Iraq War, Middle East conflicts, Angola, Ethiopia-Eritrea
• Current Operators: 40+ countries across Africa, Asia, Middle East, South America

Sources

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152mm PROJECTILES (2S3 / 2A65 / 2S19 / 2S35)

<a name="152mm-projectiles"></a>

Weapon Systems: 2S3 Akatsiya (SO-152), 2A65 Msta-B (towed), 2S19 Msta-S (SP), 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV (SP), D-20 gun-howitzer, ML-20 (legacy) Driving Band Diameter: ~152mm Note: 152mm is the PRIMARY Russian/Soviet artillery caliber for division/corps-level fires

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<a name="of-540-he-frag"></a>

OF-540 HE-Frag

Identification

• Designation(s): 53-OF-540 (steel body, copper band); 53-OF-540Zh (sintered iron driving band variant)
• Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation, spin-stabilized
• Category: Artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine, former Soviet states, most Warsaw Pact legacy nations

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 706mm (projectile body)
• Diameter: 152.4mm (body); driving band ~152mm
• Weight: 43.56 kg (fuzed)
• Body Material: Forged steel (OF-540); steel with sintered iron band (OF-540Zh)
• Warhead Type: HE-Fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: 5.76 kg TNT
• Driving Band:
  • OF-540: Copper alloy, single band near base
  • OF-540Zh: Sintered iron (dull gray, rougher texture) -- "Zh" designation
• Boattail: Short boattail
• Fuzing:
  • Nose Fuzes: RGM-2, RGM-2M, RGM-3, D-1, AR-5 (proximity), AR-139 (proximity)
  • Base Fuze: None standard (nose-fuzed only)

Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: 655 m/s (full charge, 2S3)
• Maximum Range: 17,000-18,500 m (weapon-dependent)
• Fragmentation: Heavy fragments capable of penetrating 20-30mm armor plate; lethal casualty radius ~40m

Color Coding and Markings

• Body Color: Dark gray (peacetime); olive/dark green (wartime)
• Markings: Black Cyrillic stencil (lot, factory, year, charge class)
• Bands: Type-indicating color band between bourrelet and driving band
• Sintered Iron Band ID: OF-540Zh -- band appears dull gray vs bright copper on OF-540; use color and texture to distinguish

Visual ID Features

• Caliber Estimation: 152mm driving band -- significantly larger than 130mm (22mm difference, visible)
• Weight: ~43.5 kg -- requires two-person lift (vs ~33kg for 130mm, ~22kg for 122mm)
• Body Proportions: Thick-bodied, heavy -- clearly larger class than 122/130mm
• Key Discriminator from 122mm OF-462: 30mm larger diameter, double the weight, noticeably bulkier
• Key Discriminator from 130mm OF-482M: 22mm larger diameter, ~10kg heavier; shorter for its weight (152mm is howitzer vs 130mm gun trajectory)

Commonly Confused With

• OF-25: Same caliber and similar weight; OF-25 may have different boattail configuration
• OF-45: Modern 152mm with longer boattail; higher muzzle velocity (810 m/s)
• 155mm NATO (M107/M795): Very similar caliber range (3mm difference); markings/color coding are primary discriminators

Dud Behavior

• Burial Depth: 1-4m in soft soil; heavier projectile penetrates deeper than 122mm
• Orientation: May be found nose-down, on side, or base-up depending on impact angle
• Fuze Exposure: Nose fuze may or may not be visible in partially buried dud

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Same general hazards as 122mm but LARGER blast and fragmentation radius
• 5.76 kg TNT charge: Minimum safe distance for unprotected personnel is GREATER than for 122mm
• Proximity Fuze (AR-5/AR-139): If fitted, maintain RF silence; fuze may still be armed even in dud state
• OF-540Zh Sintered Iron Band: When corroded, may be difficult to distinguish from body -- use measurement for caliber confirmation

Sources

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<a name="of-25-he-frag"></a>

OF-25 HE-Frag

Identification

• Designation(s): OF-25
• Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation, spin-stabilized
• Category: Artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• Primary Platform: 2S3 Akatsiya (alongside OF-540)

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 43.56 kg (same weight class as OF-540)
• Explosive Fill: ~5.7 kg TNT (comparable to OF-540)
• Body Material: Forged steel
• Driving Band: Copper alloy
• Fuzing: RGM-2, D-1, AR-5 series

Performance

• Maximum Range: 18,500 m (2S3 platform)
• Muzzle Velocity: 655 m/s

Visual ID Features

• Externally similar to OF-540 -- caliber, weight, and general proportions match
• Markings (Cyrillic stencil): Designation "OF-25" on body is the definitive identifier
• Interchangeable with OF-540 on 2S3 and D-20 platforms

Sources

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<a name="of-45-he-frag"></a>

OF-45 HE-Frag (Modern)

Identification

• Designation(s): OF-45; OF-61 (base bleed variant)
• Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation, spin-stabilized
• Category: Modern artillery projectile for 2A65 Msta and later systems
• Country of Origin: Russian Federation

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 43.56 kg (OF-45); 42.86 kg (OF-61 base bleed)
• Explosive Fill: Estimated 5-7 kg (comparable to OF-540 class)
• Body Material: Forged steel
• Boattail: Configurable -- various screw-on boattail options; OF-61 has base bleed unit
• Driving Band: Copper alloy or sintered iron
• Fuzing: Modern Russian fuze suite

Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: 810 m/s (OF-45, Msta platform); 828 m/s (OF-61 base bleed)
• Maximum Range: 24,700 m (OF-45); 29,000 m (OF-61 base bleed)
• Complete Rounds: OF-72 (long range), OF-58 (full charge), OF-73 (reduced charge)

Visual ID Features

• Key Discriminator from OF-540: More streamlined profile, longer boattail, higher velocity round
• Base Bleed (OF-61): Visible base bleed unit at rear -- cylindrical ring at base of boattail
• Interchangeable boattails: May see different base configurations on same projectile type

Combat Use

• Active (2022-present): Standard ammunition for 2A65 Msta-B and 2S19 Msta-S in Ukraine
• 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV: Compatible with newest Russian SP howitzer

Sources

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<a name="krasnopol-3of39"></a>

3OF39 Krasnopol Laser-Guided

Identification

• Designation(s): 2K25 Krasnopol (system); 3OF39 (projectile); Krasnopol-M (improved); Krasnopol-M2 (latest)
• Type: Cannon-launched, fin-stabilized, semi-automatic laser-guided, HE-Frag
• Category: Precision-guided munition (PGM), artillery projectile
• Country of Origin: Russian Federation
• Manufacturer: KBP Instrument Design Bureau (Tula)
• In Service With: Russia, India, China, Algeria, and others
• System Components: 3OF39 projectile + laser target designator (1D22/1D20/1D15) + 1A35 shot synchronization system

Physical Characteristics

• Length: ~1,200mm (two-section projectile, assembled)
• Diameter: 152mm
• Weight: 50 kg (assembled, fuzed)
• Body Material: Steel (multi-section)
• Warhead Type: HE-Fragmentation
• Warhead Weight: 20.5 kg warhead section; 6.5-8 kg explosive fill
• Construction: TWO-PART PROJECTILE (key visual ID feature):
  • Front Section: Target seeker + guidance module (stored separately in sealed container)
  • Rear Section: Warhead + rear compartment with four folding stabilizer fins
  • Joined immediately prior to firing
• Fuzing: T-90 mechanical time fuze on nose cone (shrouds guidance package); after preset time, nose cone is shed to expose laser seeker
• Stabilization: Fin-stabilized (NOT spin-stabilized) -- four pop-out canard fins for control, four rear stabilizer fins
• Base Bleed: Yes -- base bleed unit for extended range

Performance

• Maximum Range: 20 km (standard); extended range variants to 25+ km
• Guidance: Semi-active laser homing (SALH) -- requires external laser designator
• Target Seeker Range: Acquires laser spot at ~1 km from target
• CEP: ~1-3m (precision hit capability)
• Target Speed: Can engage moving targets up to 36 km/h

Visual ID Features

• DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT from standard artillery rounds:
  • TWO-PIECE construction (if found unfired/separated, two distinct sections)
  • LASER SEEKER WINDOW on nose (if nose cone is shed)
  • FOUR POP-OUT CANARD FINS near nose
  • FOUR STABILIZER FINS at rear (folded during storage, deployed in flight)
  • NO DRIVING BAND (fin-stabilized, not spin-stabilized)
  • Base bleed residue at rear
• Key Discriminator from Standard 152mm: No driving band; multi-section; fins; seeker window
• Key Discriminator from M982 Excalibur: Russian markings; different seeker arrangement; 152mm vs 155mm

Commonly Confused With

• M982 Excalibur (155mm): Both are precision-guided artillery projectiles with fins; Krasnopol uses LASER guidance vs Excalibur GPS/INS; Krasnopol is 152mm, Excalibur is 155mm
• Standard 152mm HE: Only superficially similar in caliber; Krasnopol is much longer with visible fins and guidance section

Dud Behavior

• Complex Fuzing: Multiple failure modes -- T-90 time fuze failure, seeker failure, guidance failure, warhead fuze failure
• Intact Duds: May be found with fins deployed, nose cone shed or intact
• Guidance Electronics: Battery-powered electronics in seeker section -- may have residual charge
• HIGH VALUE INTELLIGENCE ITEM: Intact Krasnopol duds are of significant intelligence value

EOD Hazard Warnings

• COMPLEX MUNITION -- MULTIPLE HAZARDS:
  • HE warhead (6.5-8 kg explosive)
  • Thermal battery/electronic components in seeker
  • Base bleed unit (may contain unburned propellant)
  • Multiple fuzing systems (time fuze + warhead fuze)
• DO NOT attempt to disassemble guidance section
• Electronics may retain charge -- treat as electrically fuzed item

Sources

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<a name="3-o-13-152mm-cargo"></a>

3-O-13 Cargo / Cluster (152mm)

Identification

• Designation(s): 3-O-13 (carrier projectile); 3VO13 (complete round with full charge); 3VO14 (reduced charge variant)
• Type: Cargo (cluster/dispenser) projectile, base-ejection
• Submunitions: 8x 3-O-16 HE-Frag submunitions
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 41.4 kg (carrier, loaded with submunitions)
• Body Material: Thin-walled steel (carrier shell -- not designed for fragmentation)
• Submunition Weight: 4.1 kg each (8 submunitions)
• Fuzing: DTM-75 mechanical time (MT/MTSQ) fuze -- TIME-FUZED for base ejection
• Ejection Mechanism: Time fuze functions at preset time; expelling charge ejects submunitions from base
• Driving Band: Copper alloy

Visual ID Features

• Time Fuze (DTM-75): Key visual indicator -- NOT a PD fuze like RGM-2 on HE rounds
• Body: Slightly lighter (~41 kg vs 43.5 kg for HE) for its size due to thin walls
• Base Plate: Visible base closure/ejection plate (base-ejection design)
• Markings: Should indicate cargo/cluster designation in Cyrillic stencil

Submunition Details (3-O-16)

• Type: HE-Fragmentation bomblet
• Weight: 4.1 kg each
• Hazard: Each submunition has its own fuzing and explosive fill
• Dud Rate: Submunitions have significant dud rates (estimated 5-20%)

Also Related: OF-23 Cargo Projectile

• Designation: OF-23
• Weight: 42.8 kg
• Range: 26,000 m
• Payload: 42 HEAT bomblets (each can penetrate 100mm armor)
• Platform: 2A65 Msta-B and later systems

Commonly Confused With

• 3-O-14 (203mm): Larger caliber version with 24x 3-O-16 submunitions; ~110 kg
• Standard 152mm HE (OF-540/OF-25): Similar external size but different construction (thin-walled vs thick-walled)

EOD Hazard Warnings

• CLUSTER MUNITION HAZARDS:
  • Unexpelled submunitions inside carrier body (if DTM-75 fails)
  • Scattered dud submunitions across impact area (if time fuze functions but submunitions fail to detonate)
  • Each 3-O-16 submunition is independently hazardous
• Area Denial: Cluster munition impact areas require systematic clearance
• Dud Submunitions: 3-O-16 duds are EXTREMELY sensitive to handling -- impact-fuzed bomblets

Sources

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<a name="152mm-smoke-illum"></a>

152mm Smoke and Illumination

Smoke (D-540 / WP variant)

• Type: Bursting smoke (white phosphorus), same construction philosophy as 122mm D-462
• Body Color: Dark gray with identifying bands
• Fuzing: RGM-2 or equivalent PD nose fuze
• Hazards: Same WP hazards as 122mm D-462 -- pyrophoric, burn hazard, toxic smoke

Illumination (S-540 type)

• Type: Base-ejection illuminating, parachute-suspended
• Fuzing: DTM-75 or similar time fuze
• Body Color: Dark gray with white identifying band (illumination indicator)
• Hazards: Expelling charge; pyrotechnic illuminant composition (magnesium-based)

Jamming (HS30)

• Type: Electronic jamming/interference round (documented for Msta platform)
• Limited information available -- specialized EW application

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203mm PROJECTILES (2S7 Pion)

<a name="203mm-projectiles"></a>

Weapon System: 2S7 Pion (SO-203) / 2S7M Malka -- 203mm (2A44 gun) Driving Band Diameter: ~203mm Note: Largest conventional caliber in active Russian service; very heavy projectiles

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<a name="zof-43-he-frag"></a>

ZOF-43 HE-Frag

Identification

• Designation(s): ZOF-43 (3VOF34 complete round, long range); ZOF-42 (3VOF42 complete round, short range)
• Type: High-Explosive Fragmentation, spin-stabilized
• Category: Super-heavy artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• In Service With: Russia, Ukraine (limited numbers), Belarus, Poland (retired)

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 110 kg (projectile)
• Diameter: 203mm
• Body Material: Forged steel, heavy-walled
• Warhead Type: HE-Fragmentation
• Explosive Fill: 17.8 kg explosive (TNT or equivalent)
• Driving Band: Copper alloy, single band
• Fuzing: Nose fuze (type information limited in open sources)

Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: 960 m/s (maximum)
• Maximum Range: 37,500 m (standard HE); 47,500 m (rocket-assisted variant, 103 kg)

Visual ID Features

• SIZE: Unmistakable -- 203mm diameter, 110 kg weight; requires mechanical handling
• Caliber Estimation: 203mm driving band is over 8 inches in diameter -- drastically larger than 152mm
• Body Proportions: Very heavy, thick-walled, massive projectile
• Cannot be confused with smaller calibers -- size and weight are definitive

Dud Behavior

• Deep Burial: 110 kg at 960 m/s will penetrate VERY deep into soft soil (3-8m+ possible)
• High Velocity Impact: May fragment on hard surfaces, partially detonating
• Fuze State: Due to extreme setback forces, fuze may be in unpredictable state

EOD Hazard Warnings

• MASSIVE EXPLOSIVE HAZARD: 17.8 kg of explosive -- equivalent to a very large IED
• Minimum safe distances are SIGNIFICANTLY larger than for smaller calibers
• Weight: 110 kg -- cannot be manually moved; requires mechanical assistance for any RSP
• Nuclear-Capable Platform: 2S7 is also capable of firing nuclear rounds (3BV2) -- see below

Sources

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<a name="3bv2-nuclear"></a>

3BV2 Nuclear-Capable

Identification

• Designation(s): 3BV2 (nuclear artillery round)
• Type: Nuclear warhead artillery projectile
• Category: Tactical nuclear weapon
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation
• Year Introduced: 1977

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: ~110 kg (similar to conventional round)
• Diameter: 203mm
• Warhead: Plutonium-based nuclear device
• Yield: Estimated 0.5-1.0 kiloton (KT)
• Fuzing: Specialized nuclear arming and firing system (details classified)

Performance

• Range: 18-30 km (original); up to 37 km (2S7M Malka variant)
• Delivery Platform: 2S7 Pion (2A44 gun); also compatible with towed B-4M 203mm howitzer

Visual ID Features

• External Appearance: Likely similar in size/shape to conventional ZOF-43 but with different internal configuration
• Markings: Nuclear rounds would have specialized markings and handling procedures
• Field Identification: EXTREMELY UNLIKELY to encounter as UXO -- nuclear artillery rounds are subject to strictest security and control measures

EOD Hazard Warnings

• NUCLEAR WEAPON: If suspected, IMMEDIATELY establish maximum cordon and contact national-level EOD/CBRN assets
• DO NOT APPROACH under any circumstances without authorization from highest command authority
• Radiological Hazard: Even unfired, nuclear material presents radiation exposure risk
• Intelligence Significance: Recovery of nuclear munition is a NATIONAL SECURITY EVENT

Sources

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<a name="3-o-14-cargo"></a>

3-O-14 Cargo / Cluster (203mm)

Identification

• Designation(s): 3-O-14 (carrier projectile); 3VO15, 3VO16 (complete rounds)
• Type: Cargo (cluster/dispenser) projectile, base-ejection
• Submunitions: 24x 3-O-16 HE-Frag submunitions (same submunition as 152mm 3-O-13)
• Country of Origin: USSR / Russian Federation

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 110 kg (loaded carrier)
• Submunition Load: 24x 3-O-16 submunitions (each has ~230g explosive, shaped charge + fragmentation)
• Fuzing: Time fuze (mechanical)
• Ejection Mechanism: Base ejection at preset time/altitude

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Same cluster munition hazards as 152mm 3-O-13 but with 3x more submunitions (24 vs 8)
• Area denial is significantly larger
• Each 3-O-16 submunition dud is independently hazardous

Sources

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WESTERN 155mm PROJECTILES (Ukraine-Fielded)

<a name="western-155mm"></a>

Weapon Systems: M777 (towed), M109 (SP), PzH 2000, CAESAR, Krab, AHS Krab, Archer, Zuzana 2, AS-90, K9 Thunder, and others supplied to Ukraine Driving Band Diameter: ~155mm Note: NATO standard caliber; 155mm is 3mm larger than Russian 152mm

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<a name="m107-he"></a>

M107 HE

Identification

• Designation(s): M107
• Type: High-Explosive (HE), spin-stabilized
• Category: Artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: General Dynamics OTS, various
• In Service With: US, NATO, 50+ allied nations, supplied to Ukraine
• Status: Legacy round; being replaced by M795 but still in massive stockpile quantities

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 800mm (31 inches)
• Diameter: 154.9mm (6.1 inches)
• Weight: 43.2 kg (95 lbs) with fuze
• Body Material: Hollow forged steel (single-piece, no welded components)
• Warhead Type: High-Explosive
• Explosive Fill: 6.6 kg (14.6 lbs) Composition B (standard); some lots filled with TNT
• Explosive Percentage: 15.8% of total weight
• Driving Band: Swaged (crimped) copper alloy rotating band
• Boattail: Short, standard boattail
• Fuzing: (Wide compatibility -- accepts most NATO 155mm fuzes):
  • Point Detonating: M557, M739 series
  • Mechanical Time: M565 series
  • Proximity (VT): M728, M732 series
  • Electronic Time: M767
  • MTSQ: M546 series
  • Other: MK399 Mod 1, M582 series

Performance

• Maximum Range: ~18,000 m (M119 propelling charge); ~22,000 m (M203 propelling charge)
• Muzzle Velocity: Charge-dependent

Color Coding and Markings (NATO/US Convention)

• Body Color: Olive drab (OD)
• Marking Color: Yellow stencil (indicates HE fill)
• Stenciling: English text -- projectile designation, lot number, manufacturer, month/year of manufacture, explosive fill type
• Band: Yellow band near nose indicates HE
• Nomenclature Example: "PROJ 155MM HE M107 LOT XX-XXX-XXXX"

Visual ID Features

• Caliber Estimation: 155mm driving band -- 3mm larger than Russian 152mm (indistinguishable visually; requires measurement)
• Color: Olive drab body with yellow markings (vs Russian gray with black markings)
• Script: English/Latin alphabet stenciling (vs Russian Cyrillic)
• Swaged Band: M107 has a swaged (crimped) rotating band -- visible as a series of crimps/indentations in the band
• Key Discriminator from Russian 152mm: Color (OD vs gray), markings (English vs Cyrillic), band type (swaged vs machined)

Commonly Confused With

• M795: Replacement for M107; M795 has welded band (not swaged), IMX-101 fill option
• Russian 152mm OF-540: Same weight class (~43 kg); 3mm diameter difference; markings/color are definitive
• M549A1 HE-RAP: M549A1 is longer, has rocket motor housing visible at base

Dud Behavior

• Similar to Russian 152mm -- burial depth 1-4m in soft soil
• Fuze-Dependent: Wide variety of fuze types means wide variety of failure modes
• Proximity Fuze (M728/M732): If fitted, maintain RF silence; battery-powered fuze may retain charge
• Note: M107 has been in service since 1960s -- stockpile age means some rounds may have deteriorated fuzes or fills

EOD Hazard Warnings

• 6.6 kg Comp B: More sensitive than TNT; Comp B is susceptible to sympathetic detonation
• Fuze Diversity: Must identify specific fuze type before determining RSP
• Proximity Fuze Hazard: M728/M732 VT fuzes -- RF emitting; maintain radio silence
• Aging Stockpile: Some M107 rounds in Ukrainian service come from 1970s-1980s production -- increased unreliability

Sources

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<a name="m795-he"></a>

M795 HE

Identification

• Designation(s): M795
• Type: High-Explosive, High-Fragmentation (HE/HF), spin-stabilized
• Category: Artillery projectile, separate-loading
• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: General Dynamics OTS, American Ordnance LLC
• Status: Current-production replacement for M107

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 46.7 kg (103 lbs) approximately
• Body Material: High-fragmentation steel (HF1) -- produces more and more lethal fragments than M107
• Explosive Fill: 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs) TNT (standard) or IMX-101 insensitive munition explosive (Army standard)
• Explosive Percentage: ~23% of total weight (significantly more than M107's 15.8%)
• Driving Band: WELDED rotating band (key visual discriminator from M107's swaged band)
• Boattail: Improved streamlined boattail
• Fuzing: Same wide compatibility as M107: M557, M739, M728, M732, M767, M546, M582 series

Performance

• Maximum Range: 6,000m GREATER than M107 due to welded band (allows use with M119/M203 propelling charges at higher pressures)
• Lethality: Significantly more lethal than M107 -- more explosive fill + HF1 steel body = more fragments

Visual ID Features

• Welded Band: Most important visual discriminator from M107 -- smooth welded band vs M107's crimped swaged band
• Body Color: Olive drab with yellow markings (same NATO convention as M107)
• Stenciling: "PROJ 155MM HE M795" designation
• IMX-101 Fill: Rounds with IMX-101 insensitive explosive may have additional markings indicating IM compliance

EOD Hazard Warnings

• 10.8 kg explosive fill -- nearly DOUBLE the M107 (6.6 kg); greater blast and fragmentation radius
• IMX-101 vs TNT: IMX-101 fill is LESS sensitive to shock/bullet impact (insensitive munition) -- SAFER in handling but same detonation potential when properly initiated
• TNT Fill: Standard TNT-filled M795 has same sensitivity profile as other TNT-filled rounds

Sources

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<a name="m549a1-he-rap"></a>

M549A1 HE-RAP (Rocket-Assisted Projectile)

Identification

• Designation(s): M549A1 (improved); M549 (original)
• Type: High-Explosive, Rocket-Assisted Projectile (HE-RAP)
• Category: Extended-range artillery projectile
• Country of Origin: United States

Physical Characteristics

• Length: 858mm (33.78 inches) -- LONGER than standard M107/M795
• Weight: 43.5 kg (96 lbs) without fuze
• Explosive Fill:
  • M549A1: 6.8 kg (15 lbs) TNT (cast)
  • M549 (original): 7.26 kg (16 lbs) Composition B
• Rocket Motor: Internal solid-propellant rocket motor (13.5 kg motor body, ~3.2 kg propellant)
• Motor Length: 266.7mm
• Driving Band: Standard NATO type
• Fuzing: Standard NATO 155mm fuze cavity; lifting plug replaced before firing

Performance

• Maximum Range: ~30,000 m (rocket-assisted)
• Rocket Motor Ignition: Motor ignites in flight after launch; provides additional velocity during mid-flight

Visual ID Features

• Length: Noticeably LONGER than M107/M795 due to rocket motor section
• Base: Rocket nozzle visible at base (distinguishes from standard HE rounds)
• Motor Section: Visible machining/joint where rocket motor section meets warhead body
• Weight: Despite longer body, similar weight to M107 (~43 kg) because warhead is smaller to accommodate motor
• Color/Markings: Olive drab, yellow markings, "HE-RAP M549A1" designation

Commonly Confused With

• M107/M795 HE: M549A1 is longer with visible rocket nozzle at base
• M864 DPICM: Both are extended-range 155mm rounds; M549A1 is HE (single warhead) vs M864 (submunitions)

Dud Behavior

• Rocket Motor: Unfired/partially fired rocket propellant is a SECONDARY hazard
• Motor Ignition Failure: If rocket motor fails to ignite, projectile falls short with live motor propellant + HE warhead
• Nozzle: Hot/residual combustion products at base

EOD Hazard Warnings

• DUAL HAZARD: HE warhead + unburned rocket propellant
• DO NOT approach from base -- rocket motor nozzle area is hazardous
• Propellant Burns: Rocket propellant is Class 1.1 explosive when unconfined

Sources

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<a name="m864-dpicm"></a>

M864 DPICM (Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions)

Identification

• Designation(s): M864 (base-burn DPICM); predecessor: M483A1
• Type: Cargo/DPICM carrier with base bleed, base-ejection
• Category: Cluster munition, 155mm artillery
• Country of Origin: United States
• In Service With: US, supplied to Ukraine (2023-present)

Physical Characteristics

• Body Material: Streamlined forged steel ogive + low-drag steel body (1340 or 4190 alloy) + steel base closure
• Submunition Payload: 72 DP (dual-purpose) grenades:
  • 48x M42 grenades (upper layers)
  • 24x M46 grenades (aft 3 layers -- thicker walls to withstand setback loads)
• Base Bleed: Base burn unit (NOT rocket-assisted); produces negligible thrust, reduces base drag
• Fuzing: Mechanical time fuze for base ejection at preset time
• Ejection: Base plate opens at preset time; submunitions ejected and dispersed

M42 Submunition Specifications

• Weight: 213g (7.5 oz)
• Diameter: 38mm
• Body: Tubular steel, scored inner walls for fragmentation optimization
• Warhead: Shaped charge (copper liner) + fragmentation
• Armor Penetration: >2.5 inches (63mm) RHA
• Fuzing: Simple impact fuze; ribbon-stabilized descent
• Arming: Spin-armed during descent; ribbon provides drag stabilization

M46 Submunition Specifications

• Weight: Heavier than M42 (thicker body walls)
• Diameter: 38mm
• Body: Tubular steel, smooth inner wall (vs M42's scored wall) -- thicker for setback resistance
• Warhead: Same shaped charge + fragmentation capability as M42
• Fuzing: Same impact fuze as M42

Performance

• Maximum Range: 28,400 m (base-burn assisted)
• Area Coverage: >200% improvement over M483A1 predecessor
• Footprint: Submunitions disperse over significant area (weapon-dependent, typically 100-200m x 50-100m)

Visual ID Features (Carrier Projectile)

• Base Bleed: Visible base burn unit at rear (cylindrical ring)
• Base Plate: Visible ejection base plate/closure
• Body Color: Olive drab with yellow markings (NATO convention)
• Stenciling: "M864 DPICM" designation; lot info

Visual ID Features (M42/M46 Submunitions -- UXO CONCERN)

• Shape: Small cylindrical body with ribbon/streamer (if unfired)
• Size: ~38mm diameter, small enough to hold in one hand (DO NOT handle)
• Copper Liner: Visible copper-colored shaped charge liner at one end
• Fuze: Small impact fuze at opposite end from liner
• Color: Typically OD or gray
• Ribbon: Fabric ribbon streamer (drag stabilizer) may be attached or nearby

Commonly Confused With

• Russian 3-O-13 (152mm cargo): Similar concept (cargo/cluster) but Russian design, 152mm, different submunitions
• M483A1: Predecessor to M864; no base bleed, 88 submunitions (64 M42 + 24 M46), shorter range
• M107/M795 HE: M864 is base-ejection cargo round, not solid HE

Dud Behavior

• CARRIER PROJECTILE: If time fuze fails, intact carrier impacts with full submunition load -- EXTREME hazard
• M42/M46 SUBMUNITIONS: 2-5% dud rate (higher on soft/wet ground, snow, mud, vegetation)
  • Duds lie on or just below ground surface
  • Impact fuze may be in ARMED state -- EXTREMELY SENSITIVE to touch, vibration, heat
  • Ribbon may catch on vegetation, fences, debris -- submunition suspended and accessible
  • Self-destruct fuze retrofit (M42/M46 with SD) reduces but does not eliminate dud problem

EOD Hazard Warnings

• CLUSTER MUNITION -- AREA DENIAL WEAPON:
  • 72 submunitions per round; at 2-5% dud rate = 1-4 duds per round fired
  • Impact area may contain DOZENS of armed dud submunitions
  • Each dud M42/M46 has a shaped charge capable of penetrating armor -- LETHAL to personnel
• M42/M46 Duds: Do NOT touch, kick, step on, or drive over
• Systematic Clearance Required: Cluster munition impact areas require deliberate, systematic EOD clearance
• Anti-disturbance: Some reports suggest armed M42/M46 duds may function with minimal disturbance (vibration, temperature change)

Countries in Service / Combat Use

• Ukraine (2023-present): US-supplied M864 provided to Ukraine; controversial due to cluster munition concerns
• US Military: Standard inventory (being phased in favor of precision munitions)
• Gulf War (1991): Extensively used by US forces

Sources

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<a name="smart-155"></a>

SMArt 155 Sensor-Fuzed Munition

Identification

• Designation(s): SMArt 155 (Suchzuender Munition fuer die ARTillerie -- Search-Fuse Munition for Artillery)
• Type: Sensor-fuzed top-attack, carrier projectile with autonomous submunitions
• Category: Anti-armor, smart munition, 155mm artillery
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Manufacturer: GIWS (Gesellschaft fuer Intelligente Wirksysteme) -- joint venture of Diehl Defence and Rheinmetall; currently GD-OTS
• In Service With: Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Australia, supplied to Ukraine

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 47 kg
• Body Material: Thin-walled steel shell body + base plate + ejection unit
• Submunition Payload: 2x sensor-fuzed submunitions (EFP warheads)
• Fuzing: Time fuze (for carrier ejection)
• Submunition Warhead: 4.2 kg (9.7 lbs) shaped-charge explosive each -- produces Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP)

Submunition Operation

1. Time fuze ejects two submunitions from carrier body
2. Each submunition deploys parachute, begins rotating descent
3. Infrared (IR) sensor + millimeter-wave (MMW) radar scan ground below
4. When target (vehicle/armor) detected, EFP warhead fires downward through roof armor
5. If no target detected, self-destruct activates (reduces dud risk)

Performance

• Range: 22,500 m (39/47-caliber barrels); up to 27,500 m (52-caliber barrel, e.g., PzH 2000)
• Target Detection: IR + MMW radar dual-sensor; programmable target database
• EFP Penetration: Capable of defeating top armor of MBTs (main battle tanks)

Visual ID Features (Carrier Projectile)

• External: Standard 155mm projectile shape; base ejection plate visible at rear
• Color: NATO standard (OD with yellow or appropriate markings)
• Key Discriminator: Markings will indicate "SMArt 155" or GIWS designation

Visual ID Features (Submunitions -- if unfired/dud)

• Shape: Disc/puck-shaped sensor-fuzed munition with parachute canopy
• Size: Small disc approximately 100-150mm diameter
• Sensor Window: IR sensor window visible on bottom face
• Parachute: Fabric parachute attached (may be deployed or packed)
• EFP: Copper or tantalum EFP liner on bottom face
• Self-Destruct: If self-destruct fails, submunition is ARMED and HAZARDOUS

Commonly Confused With

• BONUS 155: Very similar concept (sensor-fuzed, 2 submunitions, EFP warhead); BONUS uses winglets instead of parachute; different sensor suite (multi-frequency IR + LiDAR)
• Standard 155mm HE: SMArt carrier looks externally similar; markings are key

Dud Behavior

• Self-Destruct Feature: SMArt 155 submunitions have self-destruct mechanism -- REDUCES but does not eliminate dud risk
• Self-Destruct Failure: If SD fails, armed submunition with EFP and sensor electronics is on the ground
• Electronics: Battery-powered sensors may retain charge
• Parachute: May be visible draped over vegetation/structures

EOD Hazard Warnings

• EFP WARHEAD: Each submunition contains a 4.2 kg shaped charge that forms an EFP -- capable of penetrating MBT roof armor
• SENSOR ELECTRONICS: Battery-powered IR/radar sensors -- treat as electrically-initiated item
• Self-Destruct Mechanism: May function at any time if it hasn't already
• DO NOT approach from directly above or below -- EFP fires downward
• RF Hazard: MMW radar component -- maintain RF silence

Sources

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<a name="bonus-155"></a>

BONUS 155 Sensor-Fuzed

Identification

• Designation(s): 155 BONUS (Bofors/Nexter BONUS); BONUS Mk2 (latest variant)
• Type: Sensor-fuzed top-attack, carrier projectile with autonomous submunitions
• Category: Anti-armor, smart munition, 155mm artillery
• Country of Origin: Sweden / France (joint development)
• Manufacturer: BAE Systems Bofors (Sweden) + Nexter (France)
• In Service With: Sweden, France, Norway, Finland, US Army (adopted), supplied to Ukraine

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 47 kg (same as SMArt 155)
• Body Material: Thin-walled steel carrier body
• Submunition Payload: 2x sensor-fuzed submunitions (EFP warheads)
• Fuzing: Time fuze (for carrier ejection)

Submunition Operation

1. Time fuze ejects two submunitions from carrier
2. Each submunition deploys two WINGLETS (NOT parachute -- key difference from SMArt 155)
3. Winglets cause rotation and controlled descent
4. Multi-frequency IR sensors + LiDAR scan ground below
5. Programmable target database compares detected signatures
6. When target identified, EFP warhead fires downward
7. Self-destruct if no target detected

Performance

• Range: Up to 35 km (52-caliber barrel)
• Search Footprint: Up to 32,000 square meters per round
• Target Detection: Multi-frequency IR + LiDAR (more advanced than SMArt 155's IR + MMW radar)
• EFP Penetration: Defeats top armor of heavy AFVs including MBTs

Visual ID Features

• Carrier Projectile: Standard 155mm external profile; base ejection design
• Submunitions (Key Differences from SMArt 155):
  • WINGLETS (two pop-out wings) instead of parachute
  • Disc-shaped with wing elements
  • IR sensor windows on bottom
  • EFP liner visible (copper/tantalum)

Commonly Confused With

• SMArt 155: Very similar in concept and appearance; key difference is WINGLET (BONUS) vs PARACHUTE (SMArt) descent mechanism
• Standard 155mm HE/Cargo rounds: Carrier externally similar

EOD Hazard Warnings

• Same hazards as SMArt 155:
  • EFP warhead
  • Electronic sensors with battery
  • Self-destruct mechanism
  • DO NOT approach from above/below

Sources

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<a name="m982-excalibur"></a>

M982 Excalibur GPS-Guided

Identification

• Designation(s): M982 Excalibur (Block Ia-1, Ia-2); M982A1 (current production)
• Type: GPS/INS-guided, extended-range, precision artillery projectile
• Category: Precision-guided munition (PGM), 155mm
• Country of Origin: United States / Sweden
• Manufacturer: Raytheon (now RTX) + BAE Systems Bofors
• In Service With: US Army/Marines, Canada, Australia, Sweden, supplied to Ukraine
• Cost: ~$68,000-$112,000 per round (high unit cost)

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 48 kg
• Diameter: 155mm
• Body Material: Multi-section steel/aluminum construction
• Warhead: 22 kg HE warhead
• Guidance Section: GPS receiver + INS (inertial navigation system) in nose section
• Control Surfaces: Folding glide fins (canards) -- deploy in flight for course correction and extended glide range
• Fuzing: Multi-mode:
  • Airburst
  • Point-detonating (impact)
  • Delay (for penetration of hardened structures)
• Stabilization: Fin-stabilized with canard control surfaces

Performance

• Range: 40-57 km (depends on configuration, barrel length)
• CEP: 4 meters (GPS-aided) -- PRECISION WEAPON
• Minimum Safe Distance: 75-150m from friendly troops (close support capable)

Visual ID Features

• DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT from standard artillery rounds:
  • Folding Glide Fins: Canard fins visible near nose (folded flush during storage, deploy in flight)
  • GPS Antenna: Receive antenna window/panel on body
  • Multi-Section Body: Visible joints between guidance, warhead, and control sections
  • Longer Profile: Extended length compared to standard M107/M795
  • NO DRIVING BAND in traditional sense (fin-stabilized guidance)
• Color/Markings: NATO standard; specific Excalibur markings and handling warnings
• Key Discriminator from Krasnopol: GPS/INS guidance (no laser seeker window); 155mm vs 152mm; NATO markings vs Russian Cyrillic

Commonly Confused With

• Krasnopol 3OF39: Both are precision-guided artillery projectiles with fins; Excalibur uses GPS, Krasnopol uses laser; different caliber and markings
• Standard 155mm HE: Excalibur is clearly different -- fins, guidance section, multi-body construction
• M549A1 RAP: Both extended-range; Excalibur has fins and guidance vs M549A1 rocket motor

Dud Behavior

• Complex Electronics: Multiple failure modes -- GPS, INS, fuze, guidance computer
• Battery-Powered: Internal thermal battery powers electronics; may have residual charge in dud state
• Intact Duds: May be found with fins deployed (post-launch) or stowed (pre-launch storage)
• HIGH INTELLIGENCE VALUE: Intact Excalibur duds are significant intelligence targets (Russian forces actively seek recovered Excalibur guidance components)
• GPS Jamming: Russian GPS jamming has caused Excalibur guidance failures in Ukraine -- increasing dud/miss rate

EOD Hazard Warnings

• 22 kg HE WARHEAD -- large explosive charge
• ELECTRONIC FUZING AND GUIDANCE: Treat as electrically-initiated device at ALL times
• Battery: Internal thermal battery may retain charge -- electrical hazard
• Multi-Mode Fuze: Delay setting means fuze may be armed for delayed detonation
• Canard Fins: May have sharp edges; but more importantly, deployed fins indicate the round was FIRED and guidance was active
• DO NOT attempt to access guidance section -- contains sensitive electronics that may be booby-trapped or have anti-tamper features
• Intelligence Sensitivity: Report any intact or partial Excalibur finds through intelligence channels

Countries in Service / Combat Use

• Ukraine (2022-present): Extensively used; some effectiveness reduced by Russian GPS jamming
• Afghanistan/Iraq: Used by US forces with high effectiveness
• Canada: Used in Afghanistan operations

Sources

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RUSSIAN FUZE REFERENCE TABLE

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FUZE IDENTIFICATION HAZARD NOTE

• RGM-2 (PD): Short cylindrical nose fuze with setting ring -- most common on HE rounds
• DTM-75 (Time): Longer fuze body with graduated timing ring/scale -- indicates cargo, shrapnel, smoke, or illumination round
• AR-5 (Proximity): Distinctive ogival nose profile with internal RF antenna -- RADIO SILENCE REQUIRED within 100m
• If fuze type cannot be determined: Treat as MOST HAZARDOUS type (proximity) -- maintain radio silence and maximum safe distance

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COLOR CODING AND MARKINGS

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Russian/Soviet Color Coding Convention

Russian Stenciling Convention (Cyrillic)

• Top line: Projectile designation (e.g., OB-462, D-462)
• Middle: Lot number, factory index, year of manufacture
• Bottom: Explosive fill type, weight deviation class
• Script: Russian Cyrillic alphabet (key identifier for Russian vs NATO origin)
• Factory Index: Numerical code identifying production facility

NATO/Western Color Coding Convention (STANAG 2321 / MIL-STD 709C)

NATO Stenciling Convention (English)

• Format: "PROJ [CALIBER] [TYPE] [DESIGNATION] LOT [NUMBER]"
• Script: Latin alphabet (English)
• Includes: Manufacturer code, month/year, explosive fill type, weight zone

CRITICAL FIELD DISCRIMINATION: Russian vs NATO

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DUD BEHAVIOR AND BURIAL DEPTH

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General Principles of Artillery Projectile Dud Behavior

Factors Affecting Burial Depth

1. Projectile Weight: Heavier projectiles penetrate deeper (203mm > 152mm > 130mm > 122mm)
2. Impact Velocity: Higher velocity = deeper penetration (130mm M-46 at 930 m/s penetrates deeper than 122mm D-30 at 690 m/s)
3. Impact Angle: Steep (high-angle) impacts penetrate deeper; shallow angles cause skipping/ricocheting
4. Soil Type:
   • Sand: Moderate penetration (penetrability index 5-8)
   • Clayey sand: Moderate-deep penetration
   • Clay: Deep penetration when wet; moderate when dry
   • Rocky/frozen ground: Shallow penetration; may fragment on impact
   • Soft mud/marsh: Very deep penetration (may be unrecoverable)
5. Soil Moisture: Wet soil allows deeper penetration than dry soil

Estimated Burial Depths by Caliber (Soft Soil)

Fuze State Assessment (Field Indicators)

Fuze Failure Modes

• Low-Velocity Impact: Setback force insufficient to fully arm fuze
• Soft Ground: Insufficient deceleration force to trigger PD fuze
• Shallow Trajectory: Oblique impact may not provide adequate nose-on force
• Fuze Malfunction: Manufacturing defect, age deterioration, corrosion
• CRITICAL: ALL dud fuzes should be treated as ARMED and READY TO FUNCTION regardless of apparent state

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EOD HAZARD QUICK-REFERENCE

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Universal Hazards (ALL Artillery Projectiles)

Caliber-Specific Minimum Safe Distances (GENERAL GUIDANCE)

NOTE: These are GENERAL OSINT guidelines only. Actual minimum safe distances are determined by national EOD procedures and specific situation assessment.

Submunition-Specific Hazards

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3B30 DPICM Submunition (Russian -- Detailed)

Identification

• Designation: 3B30 (3-B-30)
• Type: DPICM -- dual-purpose anti-armor/anti-personnel, impact-fuzed, drag-stabilized
• Country of Origin: Russian Federation
• Enhanced Variants: ADP77 (enhanced penetration); ADP77-1 (zirconium liner for improved behind-armor effects)

Physical Characteristics

• Type: Shaped charge (HEAT) + fragmentation
• Armor Penetration: Up to 70mm (ADP77-1 variant with zirconium liner)
• Stabilization: Drag-stabilized (ribbon/vane)
• Fuzing: Impact-fuzed
• Liner Material: Copper (standard) or Zirconium (ADP77-1 -- creates less-focused plasma stream for greater behind-armor damage)

Delivery Systems

• Primarily rocket artillery warheads (BM-21 Grad, BM-27 Uragan, BM-30 Smerch)
• Also carried by 152mm cargo projectiles and guided rockets

Dud Rate

• Estimated 5-20% depending on terrain, impact conditions, and lot quality

Sources

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End of Artillery Projectiles Database Last Updated: 2026-03-28 Classification: OSINT -- Unclassified