High-explosive incendiary
{{Short description|Type of ammunition}}
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In warfare, high-explosive incendiary (HEI) is a type of ammunition specially designed to impart energy and therefore damage to its target in one or both of two ways: via a high-explosive charge and/or via its incendiary (fire-causing) effects. Each round—by definition—has both capabilities.
HEI ammunition is fused either mechanically or chemically. The armor-piercing ability can vary widely, allowing for more focused fragmentation or larger scatter.
History
HEI ammunition was originally developed for use in large-caliber cannon, howitzer and naval artillery.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}} Currently, HEI rounds are most commonly made in medium-caliber sizes of 20, 25, 30, and 35 mm. They are fired from various platforms, including aircraft, anti-aircraft cannons, and anti-missile systems.
HEI ammunition has also been used on the battlefield against tanks and other armored vehicles, but mostly in a last ditch attempt to disable external components.
==Uses==
HEI rounds are mainly used in incendiary rounds against softer targets such as aircraft, infantry, and unarmored vehicles.
See also
References
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External links
{{commons|Ammunition}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20011125094806/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2001gun/Tasson1.pdf Live fire experiment of mechanically fuzed HEI rounds]
- [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/pgu-13.htm Example of US military 30 mm HEI round]
- [https://www.nammo.com/product/our-products/ammunition/medium-caliber-ammunition/35-mm-series/35-mm-x-228-hei-sd-and-hei-t-sd/ Example of NATO 35×228mm HEI round] from Nammo
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20040214230828/http://history.amedd.army.mil/booksdocs/wwii/actvssurgconvol2/chapter4figure140.jpg Fragmentation pattern of a German Round]