20MM VS SAFES - finally caught them all

Published on July 25, 2017
Duration: 10:52

This guide details a ballistic test conducted by Edwin Sarkissian and Mark Serbu, evaluating the penetration capabilities of three 20mm ammunition types against safes. The Serbu 20mm Cannon, weighing 82 lbs, was used to fire Target Practice, Armor Piercing Tracer, and SAPOT rounds. The tests demonstrated increasing penetration power from TP to AP-T to the tungsten-cored SAPOT rounds, providing valuable data on their effectiveness against hardened targets.

Quick Summary

Expert ballistic testing evaluated 20mm ammunition against safes using a Serbu 20mm Cannon. Target Practice rounds penetrated six safes, Armor Piercing Tracer rounds pierced eight, and SAPOT tungsten rounds defeated four thick safe gates, demonstrating increasing terminal ballistics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Ammunition Types
  2. 01:11Serbu 20mm Cannon Specs & Setup
  3. 01:21TP Round Test
  4. 04:23AP-T Round Test
  5. 08:14SAPOT Tungsten Round Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of 20mm ammunition were tested against safes?

The test featured three types of 20mm ammunition: Target Practice (TP) rounds, Armor Piercing Tracer (AP-T) rounds, and SAPOT rounds equipped with tungsten penetrators, often used in systems like the Phalanx CIWS.

How did the different 20mm rounds perform against the safes?

The Target Practice round penetrated six safes. The AP-T round demonstrated superior performance, piercing eight safes. The SAPOT tungsten round, designed for heavy armor, penetrated four thick safe gates before stopping in the fifth.

What is the weight of the Serbu 20mm Cannon?

According to Mark Serbu, the Serbu 20mm Cannon weighs 82 pounds. This substantial weight contributes to its stability during firing and its capability to handle the powerful 20mm caliber.

What insights were gained from examining the recovered 20mm projectiles?

Examination of recovered projectiles, like the AP-T round, revealed distinct rifling marks, confirming their passage through the cannon's barrel. The tungsten penetrator from the SAPOT round remained intact, showcasing its extreme hardness and penetration capability.

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