Which type of projectile is designed specifically to defeat armored targets, such as HEP or bunker buster rounds?

The design of projectiles specifically intended to defeat armored targets is rooted in their ability to penetrate armor and inflict maximum damage upon detonation. High Explosive Plastic (HEP) rounds utilize a unique composition that enables them to create a powerful jet of molten metal upon impact. This jet is generated by the detonation of the shell's explosive filler, which is designed to shape the explosion in such a way that it focuses the force in a narrow direction. This allows HEP rounds to pierce through even tough armored surfaces, making them effective against fortified structures and vehicles.

In contrast, anti-tank rounds are also designed for similar purposes but employ different mechanisms. Fragmentation rounds aim to disperse shrapnel over a wide area to cause damage, which is not typically effective against armor. Conventional rounds may contain high explosives but generally lack the specialized design elements of HEP rounds that enhance their effectiveness against armored targets. Understanding the specific applications and characteristics of these projectiles is crucial for EOD practices, particularly when addressing threats posed by armored vehicles or fortified positions.