The E320D's main gun is a 120mm smoothbore cannon, renowned for its accuracy, range, and destructive power.
The smoothbore design allows for improved muzzle velocity and better armor-piercing capabilities compared to rifled barrels. With its advanced ballistics and targeting systems, the main gun can accurately engage targets at extended ranges.
The main gun's primary ammunition includes armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and high-explosive (HE) rounds. APFSDS rounds are specifically designed to defeat heavily armored targets by utilizing a kinetic energy penetrator. HEAT rounds are effective against armored vehicles and fortifications, utilizing a shaped charge to penetrate and incapacitate the target. HE rounds provide the tank with the ability to engage soft targets, such as infantry or light vehicles.
The main gun is equipped with an autoloader system, reducing the need for a dedicated loader crew member. This enhances crew safety by minimizing the crew's exposure to potential threats during ammunition reloading. The autoloader system also increases the rate of fire, allowing for rapid engagement of multiple targets in a short amount of time.
To ensure accurate and precise targeting, the main gun is integrated with a sophisticated fire control system (FCS). The FCS incorporates various sensors, such as a laser rangefinder, thermal imaging, and a ballistic computer, to provide real-time data to the gunner. This enables the tank crew to quickly acquire and engage targets with a high degree of accuracy, even under adverse conditions.
In addition to its primary function as a direct-fire weapon, the main gun can be utilized for indirect fire support.
By adjusting the elevation and utilizing specialized ammunition, the tank can engage targets beyond direct line of sight, providing fire support to friendly forces and disrupting enemy positions.
The main gun's stabilization system allows for accurate firing while the tank is on the move. This capability is crucial in modern warfare, where maneuverability and speed are vital for survivability. The stabilization system minimizes the effects of the tank's movement, ensuring that the main gun remains on target even when the tank is traversing rough terrain or engaging in high-speed maneuvers.
Furthermore, the main gun can be integrated with a variety of advanced technologies, such as thermal sights, muzzle reference systems, and advanced ammunition types. These enhancements further enhance the tank's combat effectiveness, enabling it to adapt to different operational scenarios and engage a wide range of targets with precision.
