LOSAT vs T-80BVM | MGM-166 Kinetic Energy Missile vs Relict ERA | Armour Penetration Simulation

The simulation presents the Line-of-Sight Anti-Tank (LOSAT) missile impacting at T-80BVM at its maximum velocity, with the T-80BVM featuring Relikt heavy-ERA. The MGM-166 missile relied on a long-rod penetrator to penetrate armour, rather than shaped charges. This required it to accelerate to a high velocity of ~1520m/s. It is uncertain at what range the maximum velocity is achieved at, and for how long this can be sustained, so the range of this engagement has not been provided. Additionally, sources vary on the penetrator design for the missile, with the simulation presenting one likely option -the Depleted Uranium (DU) penetrator of the 140mm FTMA study. The missile is simulated coming in at an angle of ~3°, as all available test footage shows the missile travelling in an arc, regardless of range (however, this may depend on the launcher used). *The T-80BVM upper glacis armour (50-35-50-35-50) has been modelled with 400BHN Rolled Homogenous Armour (RHA) steel and textolite. The Relikt ERA dimensions have been approximated based on images and patents, with the flyer plates being modelled as 20mm thick 500BHN High Hardness Armour (HHA) steel. The explosive amount has been approximated based on 2 layers of 4S23 explosive elements, each with ~ of explosive. For computational efficiency, a variable pressure load, based on the Gurney and Flis equations, has been used in the place of explicitly simulating the explosive material. Assessment: Based on information from the Soviet Armour Blog, at 68°, the T-80BV’s 50-35-50-35-50 upper glacis array provides ~555mm RHAe protection based on a mass effectiveness of (roughly 492mm at the impact angle of 65°). Mass effectiveness is a measure of how much better an armour arrangement is over a solid RHA plate of equal mass. The DU penetrator is able to perforate 782mm at 65° (Lanz-Odermatt Equation). As perforation is almost achieved (~20mm more penetration required), the LOSAT only managed to penetrate ~472mm RHAe, meaning the Relikt ERA decreased the long-rod’s penetrative capabilities by ~40% (310mm). Based on this simulation, the T-80BVM’s armour has a mass effectivness of ~. Evidently, this effectiveness can vary based on obliquity, projectile dimensions, projectile velocity, and impact point on the ERA. Amazing Thumbnail Artwork From: Pr0st0Danya