McLeod Long Rod Penetration Formula
(Created April 2024)

Reference:
Usenet Post by “Robb McLeod” on sci.military.moderated (LINK to off-site copy) (LINK to on-site copy)

This formula was given in an internet post by Robb McLeod (see above) almost 30 years ago as:

(T*[sec(theta)^0.75]/D) - 1 = (V^2/C^2)*[(D/L)^0.3]*(M/D^3)

Or

Where:

T: target thickness (centimeters)
Θ (Theta): angle of obliquity (degrees -- must be converted to radians for use in formula)
D: diameter of penetrator (centimeters)
V: velocity of penetrator (meters per second)
C: penetrator constant (4000 for heavy steel, 3500 for Tungsten/DU)
L: penetrator length (centimeters)
M: penetrator mass (grams)

Using OpenAI to Solve for T yields the following equation:


Pre-Built Calculator





Projectile Diameter (centimeters)
Projectile Length (centimeters)
Projectile Mass (grams)
Projectile Constant (C)
Striking Velocity (m/sec)
Theta (Obliquity) (Degrees)

Thickness Perforated (centimeters)