L27A1 APFSDS

Also known as

CHARM 3
CHARM 3A1
120 mm Tk APFSDS CHARM 3

The L27A1 APFSDS is a British 120 mm depleted-uranium projectile for the Challenger 2's L30A1 rifled tank gun. Jane's described it as CHARM 3, entering service in 1999 and using the L16A1 CCC charge, with a CHARM 3A1 variant for the L17 bag charge.

L27A1 APFSDS, 120 mm depleted-uranium APFSDS round, Munitions

Image source: L28A1 APFSDS.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United Kingdom
Built by: RO Defence
Type: 120 mm depleted-uranium APFSDS round
Service note: Late 1990s-present

ammunition projectile tank ammunitionapfsds120 mm anti-tank

Specifications

Calibre: 120 mm
Projectile type: APFSDS
Penetrator: Depleted uranium long rod
Muzzle velocity: 1,650 m/s
Charge: L16A1 CCC; CHARM 3A1 uses the L17 bag charge
Service entry: 1999

Firing Platforms

Jane's lists L27A1 APFSDS as Challenger 2 ammunition for the L30A1 gun, with service use beginning in 1999.

Firing weapon

Weapon type

Firing evidence

Challenger 2, Main battle tank, Tanks

Main battle tank

RO Defence's 120 mm tank gun ammunition coverage identifies the L27A1 APFSDS round as Challenger 2 ammunition, and the L30A1 page lists it as the gun's CHARM 3 projectile.

Sources: RO Defence 120mm tank gun ammunition

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Entered British Army Challenger 2 service in 1999 as the CHARM 3 APFSDS round.

Media

L27A1 APFSDS Images

L27A1 APFSDS, 120 mm depleted-uranium APFSDS round, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Challenger 2 Tank Firing a Shell MOD 45157421

L27A1 APFSDS, 120 mm depleted-uranium APFSDS round, Munitions - view 2 — Source: Challenger 2 Tank MOD 45154622

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Sources

RO Defence 120mm tank gun ammunitionPublisher: Jane's Defence News | Note: Supports the L27A1 APFSDS designation, CHARM 3 alias, British Challenger 2 ammunition relationship, DU penetrator description, L16A1 CCC and L17 charge variants, 1999 service entry, and RO Defence / British origin context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 L28A1 APFSDS.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a freely licensed photo of the closely related L28A1 APFSDS round for Challenger 2 at the Bovington Tank Museum. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Challenger 2 Tank Firing a Shell MOD 45157421Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a freely licensed Challenger 2 firing photograph used as contextual gallery imagery. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Challenger 2 Tank MOD 45154622Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a freely licensed Challenger 2 tank photograph used as contextual gallery imagery. | Accessed: 2026-06-27