The original AA load has been HEI. This was changed later, late '90, to FAPDS. The idea has been to increase the hit propability while keeping the effect of a hit at a comparable or even better level. Hit propability against fast and evading targets that is.
Since drones are rather slow, do not evade like a manned attack aircraft and are unprotected unlike attack helicopters or fixed wing attack aircraft. HEI might even be the preferrable choice.

But my educated guess is they use what they can get. So supply most likely will play a role.

Msg 1163 of 1486 to schnuersischnuersi

In reply toRe: msg 1162

From: autogun

2-Nov

schnuersi said:
The original AA load has been HEI. This was changed later, late '90, to FAPDS. The idea has been to increase the hit propability while keeping the effect of a hit at a comparable or even better level. Hit propability against fast and evading targets that is. Since drones are rather slow, do not evade like a manned attack aircraft and are unprotected unlike attack helicopters or fixed wing attack aircraft. HEI might even be the preferrable choice.

Are the gun muzzles fitted with the fuze-setter for using AHEAD?

Msg 1164 of 1486 to autogunautogun

In reply toRe: msg 1163

From: gatnerd

2-Nov

autogun said:
AHEAD

That seems like it would have been the optimal load / a hell of an advertisement for the concept.

Msg 1165 of 1486 to autogunautogun

In reply toRe: msg 1163

From: taschoene

2-Nov

autogun said:
Are the gun muzzles fitted with the fuze-setter for using AHEAD?

It does not appear that they are.

Msg 1166 of 1486 to autogunautogun

In reply toRe: msg 1163

From: schnuersi

2-Nov

autogun said:
Are the gun muzzles fitted with the fuze-setter for using AHEAD?

Highly unlikely. The Gepards have not been until their phase out of service in the German Army. To my knowledge they are unmodified.

Msg 1167 of 1486 to gatnerdgatnerd

In reply toRe: msg 1164

From: schnuersi

2-Nov

gatnerd said:
That seems like it would have been the optimal load / a hell of an advertisement for the concept.

I agree. But instead it seems a propper SPAA can score direct hits onto drones so reliable HEI is good enough and the effect of a single high is a kill. It might be the case that with current drone technology air burst is not needed if the FCS is sofisticated enough.

Msg 1168 of 1486

In reply toRe: msg 1167