M1745 special munition
| M1745 special munition components M1745 special munition components displayed during testing at Fort Rakesh Maziar Ackbar, 1745 AN | |
| Type | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-tank shaped-charge warhead |
| Place of origin |
 Benacian Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1745 AN–present |
| Used by | Imperial Constancian Armed Forces |
| Wars | Fourth Euran War |
| Production history | |
| Designer |
Gaelen Technologies Corporation (Avalnes) Royal University of Parap |
| Designed | 1744 AN–1745 AN |
| Manufacturer | Gaelen Technologies Corporation (Avalnes) |
| Produced | 1745 AN |
| Number built | 500 (initial production) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.2 kg (7.1 lb) |
| Length | 450 mm (17.7 in) |
| Diameter | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Warhead | Alexandrium-enriched shaped charge |
| Warhead weight | 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) |
| Detonation mechanism | Dual-mode proximity/impact fuze |
| Effective firing range | 300 m (980 ft) |
| Armor penetration | 800 mm (31 in) RHA equivalent |
The M1745 special munition is an Alexandrium-enriched shaped-charge tandem warhead developed by Gaelen Technologies Corporation (Avalnes), a subsidiary of the Honourable Company, in collaboration with the Royal University of Parap. Created in response to an urgent operational requirement from the Trans-Euran Continental Theatre Command ahead of the Fourth Euran War, the munition represents the first successful military application of Alexandrium technology in conventional weapons systems.
The weapon was specifically designed for use with the standard Hornet 84 mm Recoilless Rifle employed throughout the Raspur Pact, providing dramatically enhanced armor penetration capabilities through the incorporation of radioactive Alexandrium isotopes in its shaped-charge liner.
Development
The M1745 project originated in late 1744 AN following intelligence assessments indicating that potential adversaries had developed significantly enhanced armor protection systems. Conventional anti-tank munitions were proving insufficient against these new defensive technologies, prompting the Trans-Euran Command to request development of advanced penetrator warheads. The collaboration between Gaelen Technologies and the Royal University of Parap began when Dr. John Fersen, head of the university's Department of Advanced Energy and Materials Science (DAEMS), proposed incorporating Alexandrium into shaped-charge designs. His team had been studying the element's unique properties since its discovery in 1729 AN and recognized its potential military applications.
Researchers at the Royal University of Parap discovered that incorporating trace amounts of Alexandrium-240 isotope into copper-based shaped-charge liners could dramatically amplify penetration capabilities. The element's extraordinary energy density of 30 MJ/kg, combined with its superconducting properties, enabled the creation of what researchers termed a "plasma channel effect." When the conventional explosive detonates, the Alexandrium-enriched liner forms a superheated jet maintaining coherence over greater distances while achieving temperatures exceeding 7,000°C, approximately 40% higher than traditional shaped charges. Computer modeling at the Royal University demonstrated that this approach increased penetration by 65% compared to conventional designs.
The DAEMS team developed a revolutionary "gradient composition" design for the shaped-charge liner, with Alexandrium concentration varying from 0.8% at the apex to 2.1% at the base. This configuration optimizes jet formation while maximizing the element's energy contribution. The gradient approach reduced total Alexandrium requirements by 23% while maintaining superior performance. Each warhead incorporates approximately 2.3 grams of Alexandrium-240 processed into a specialized alloy with copper and molybdenum. The metallurgy department at the Royal University developed proprietary techniques for achieving uniform distribution of the radioactive isotope throughout the liner material.
Technical specifications
Warhead design
The M1745 utilizes a tandem warhead configuration consisting of a smaller precursor charge designed to defeat reactive armor, followed by the main Alexandrium-enhanced shaped charge. The design ensures optimal standoff distance for maximum penetration effectiveness against various target configurations.
Advanced electronics developed by ESB Research provide dual-mode sensors capable of detecting both proximity and impact conditions. The fuzing system automatically adjusts for target characteristics and approach angle, ensuring consistent performance across diverse engagement scenarios.
Performance characteristics
Field testing at Fort Rakesh Maziar Ackbar demonstrated the M1745's ability to defeat up to 800mm of rolled homogeneous armor equivalent, a significant advancement over conventional 84mm anti-tank rounds. The Alexandrium-enhanced jet maintains effectiveness at standoff distances up to 15% greater than traditional warheads.
The munition achieves muzzle velocities comparable to standard rounds while maintaining accuracy standards within acceptable parameters. Careful weight distribution and aerodynamic optimization ensure compatibility with existing Hornet 84 mm Recoilless Rifle systems without requiring launcher modifications.
Safety and handling
Due to the presence of radioactive Alexandrium isotopes, the M1745 requires specialized handling protocols developed by DAEMS. Personnel must utilize protective equipment including radiation detection badges and follow strict time-limit exposure guidelines, and pursue treatment with AlexPrevent. Storage facilities require radiation shielding and continuous monitoring systems. The Royal University of Parap conducted extensive safety studies demonstrating minimal radiation exposure risk during normal handling and storage.
Upon detonation, dispersed Alexandrium particles require specialized cleanup procedures in training environments. Combat employment guidelines specify that firing positions should be evacuated for a minimum of 72 hours following engagement to allow for radioactive decay of short-lived isotopes produced during detonation.
Production and deployment
Initial production was limited to 500 units manufactured at the Gaelen Technologies facility in Avalnes, with Alexandrium supplied through the Alexandrium Nexus Ventures consortium. The Royal University of Parap provided quality control oversight, ensuring each warhead met precise specifications for Alexandrium content and distribution.
Production costs exceeded conventional munitions by approximately 4,300% due to specialized materials and manufacturing processes. The Trans-Euran Command received the first operational batch in III.1745 AN, with deployment initially restricted to elite anti-tank units within the Imperial Constancian Armed Forces.
Operational history
A prototype munition was demonstrated to the Constancian Imperial General Staff at Fort Rakesh Maziar Ackbar training grounds on 14.III.1745 AN. The demonstration successfully proved the weapon's enhanced penetration capabilities against various armor configurations, leading to formal adoption for specialized units.
Training protocols developed by the Royal University emphasized tactical advantages of enhanced penetration while ensuring proper safety procedures during field operations. The weapon's limited production numbers restricted deployment to high-priority missions requiring maximum armor penetration capability such as the hunt for Lion 1 Main Battle Tanks.
The munition would be strictly controlled by the Constancian Imperial Guard.
