What term describes an artillery projectile designed specifically for high-velocity impact?

The term that specifically describes an artillery projectile designed for high-velocity impact is "Armor Piercing." This type of projectile is engineered to penetrate armored targets, such as tanks and fortified positions, by utilizing a dense core and a streamlined shape to minimize air resistance and maximize kinetic energy upon impact. The design allows the projectile to retain high velocity, which is crucial for breaching metal or reinforced structures effectively.

In contrast, conventional projectiles are general-purpose rounds that may not be optimized for penetrating armor but rather designed for various explosive effects. Explosive projectiles focus on delivering an explosive payload and rely on the blast effect rather than penetration capability. Semi-fixed projectiles refer to a type of artillery round that combines features of both fixed and separate-loading ammunition but does not inherently describe high-velocity impact properties. Therefore, armor-piercing projectiles are uniquely characterized by their intent to achieve maximum impact velocity and penetration.