The 120mm M865 Target Practice, Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot - Tracer (TPCSDS-T) cartridge is a range limited kenetic energy (KE) type training cartridge. It was a direct technology transfer from the German model DM38, but has been significantly modified from that configuration. Major changes include use of M14 propellant (versus LKL), propellant containment bag, short sabot, and an aluminum slotted conical fin. The M865 utilizes a slotted tail cone which limits the subprojectile range to a maximum of 8000 meters at 10 degrees elevation. In addition to limiting range, the tail cone provides stabilization for the steel subcaliber projectile. The M865 propulsion system is the same as the M829 except that the M865 utilizes a single-base solvent type propellant. The major components of the M865 are:
- M865 Projectile
- Combustible Cartridge Case /Case Base & Seal Assembly
- M125 Primer
- M14 Propellant, Single Base
- Tracer
The 120mm M865E2 is a Target Practice, Fin Stabilized, Discarding Sabot - Tracer (TPFSDS-T) cartridge, produced through means of recovery of M829 cartridges and converting to a training cartridge. The M865E2 is functionally indistinguishable from the standard M865 in that it is a kinetic energy training cartridge. The major components are:
- M865E2 Projectile
- Combustible Cartridge Case w/Case Base & Seal Assembly
- M125 Primer
- M1 Propellant
- Tracer
The M865E2 TPCSDS-T Cartridge is intended to supplement production of the M865 TPCSDS-T target practice training cartridge. The objective of the program is to produce a cartridge that performs as well as and costs no more than a new M865 cartridge. This objective is achieved by reutilizing components from M829 APFSDS-T cartridges and reutilizing M1 propellant from Army surplus M4A2 artillery charges. In addition, most of the components are reutilized as a unit as opposed to individual components, thus avoiding the cost and effort of assembly. The remaining components to be manufactured to complete the M865E2 Cartridge are minor modifications of existing tank ammunition components. Production of this cartridge will be limited. The scheduled buy for this effort is 65,000 cartridges over a three-year period (15,000 the first year, 25,000 the second and third years). The number of M829 Cartridges in existence limits the maximum possible number of M865E2 Cartridges that could be produced. Program benefits include removing unneeded tactical cartridges and propellant from the Army inventory (avoiding storage and maintenance costs), and producing high-quality yet low-cost tank training ammunition.
Cartridge, 120mm, Form Fit & Function (F3), M865 The 120mm M865 Form Fit & Function (F3) Cartridge is a Target Practice, Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot - Tracer (TPCSDS-T) cartridge, produced to a Performance Specification rather than to a standard government technical data package (TDP). The F3 M865 is functionally indistinguishable from the standard M865 in that it is a range limited, kinetic energy, training cartridge, however, the actual configuration is unique to the individual producer, responsible for his individual design. The major components are:
- M865 F3 Projectile
- Combustible Cartridge Case w/Case Base & Seal Assembly
- Primer
- Propellant
- Tracer
