Soviet/Russian 152mm 3-OF-39 HE Projectile – NFC Ordnance Training System

Soviet/Russian 152mm 3-OF-39 HE Projectile

Overview

The 3-OF-39 is a 152mm high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) projectile developed for Soviet self-propelled and towed artillery systems. This large-caliber conventional artillery round represents the workhorse munition for Soviet/Russian divisional and army-level artillery, delivering devastating blast and fragmentation effects against personnel, fortifications, and soft targets. The 3-OF-39 designation specifically identifies the projectile component, which is fired using separate-loading propellant charges, characteristic of Soviet heavy artillery ammunition. Its substantial explosive fill and heavy casing produce lethal fragmentation across a wide area, making it one of the most significant artillery threats in modern conventional warfare.

Country/Bloc of Origin

Country: Soviet Union (USSR) / Russian Federation
Developer: Soviet defense industrial complex under GRAU coordination
Primary Manufacturers: Various Soviet artillery ammunition plants, including Kopeysk, Sverdlovsk, and others
Development Period: 1970s-1980s
Service Entry: Mid-1980s
International Distribution: Exported to Warsaw Pact nations, client states, and successor states; produced under license in multiple countries including Bulgaria, China, and India

Ordnance Class

Type: Artillery projectile; high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG)
Primary Role: Area suppression; destruction of personnel, field fortifications, command posts, artillery positions, and soft-skinned vehicles
Ammunition Configuration: Separate-loading (projectile, propellant charge, and primer loaded independently)
Delivery Systems: 152mm gun-howitzers and self-propelled guns
Effect Type: Combined blast and fragmentation

Ordnance Family/Nomenclature

GRAU Designation System:

3-OF-39: Standard HE-FRAG projectile
- “3” = Artillery ammunition
- “OF” = Oskolochno-Fugasniy (Fragmentation-High Explosive)
- “39” = Development/model number

Related 152mm HE Projectiles:

3-OF-25: Earlier HE-FRAG projectile for D-20 gun-howitzer
3-OF-29: HE-FRAG for 2S3 Akatsiya
3-OF-45: Improved HE-FRAG (base-bleed extended range)
3-OF-64: Modern HE-FRAG for 2S19 Msta
3-OF-72: Long-range HE-FRAG with improved ballistics

Complete Round Components: When fired, the 3-OF-39 is part of a separate-loading assembly:

Projectile: 3-OF-39 HE-FRAG
Propellant Charges: 4Zh29 series (variable charge system)
Primer: KV-2, KV-4, or equivalent

Compatible Weapons Systems:

2A36 Giatsint-B (towed gun)
2S5 Giatsint-S (self-propelled gun)
2S19 Msta-S (self-propelled howitzer)
2A65 Msta-B (towed howitzer)
2A64 gun (for 2S19)
Coalition-SV (2S35) – developmental

NATO Equivalent Terminology:

155mm HE M107 or M795 (broadly comparable role)

Hazards

Hazard Classification:

UN Hazard Class: 1.1D (Mass explosion hazard)
Primary Effect: High-explosive blast and fragmentation

Explosive Hazards:

Blast Effect:

Explosive fill approximately 6.5-7.5 kg of TNT or TNT/RDX blend
Significant overpressure at detonation point
Effective blast radius against personnel: 15-20 meters
Structural damage radius: varies by construction type

Fragmentation Hazards:

Heavy steel casing fragments upon detonation
Thousands of high-velocity fragments generated
Lethal fragment radius: approximately 40-50 meters
Casualty-producing fragments travel 100+ meters
Fragment velocities exceed 1,000 m/s at detonation

Kill Zone Data:

Lethal radius: 40-50 meters
Casualty radius: 70-100 meters
Danger zone (fragments): 300+ meters

Fuze Hazards:

Multiple fuze types may be encountered (impact, delay, proximity)
Impact fuzes arm during flight; sensitive upon landing
Proximity fuzes contain electronic components and batteries
Some fuzes incorporate anti-handling devices or booby-trap features
UXO fuzes may be in unstable armed state

UXO Considerations:

Large-caliber artillery has measurable dud rates (typically 2-10% depending on fuze type and conditions)
Soft soil, water, or snow impact may prevent fuze function
Fuze failures leave armed or partially armed projectiles
Deep burial in soft ground complicates detection
Extended environmental exposure degrades safety mechanisms
Handling unfuzed UXO projectiles still hazardous (explosive fill sensitive to shock)

Transportation/Storage Hazards:

Projectiles typically stored without fuzes installed
Fuzed projectiles require careful handling
Propellant charges stored separately present fire hazard
Mass detonation sympathetic distance significant

Key Identification Features

Physical Dimensions:

Projectile Length: Approximately 670-700mm (26.4-27.6 inches)
Body Diameter: 152mm (5.98 inches)
Projectile Weight: Approximately 43-46 kg (95-101 lbs)
Explosive Fill Weight: 6.5-7.5 kg (14.3-16.5 lbs)
Rotating Band Location: Lower third of projectile body

External Configuration (nose to base):

Fuze Well: Threaded female cavity for fuze installation
Ogive: Streamlined pointed nose section
Bourrelet: Machined bearing surface near nose for bore ride
Body: Cylindrical main section containing explosive fill
Rotating Band: Copper or gilding metal band for rifling engagement
Base: Flat or boat-tailed depending on variant

Color Coding (Soviet/Russian Standard):

Body: Olive drab overall
Markings: White or yellow stenciling
Band Indicators:
- Yellow band = HE fill
- Red band may indicate specific explosive type
Rotating Band: Copper-colored (natural metal)

Distinctive Markings:

“3-OF-39” designation stenciled on body
Caliber marking: “152”
Lot number (starts with factory code)
Year of manufacture
Weight class symbol
Explosive fill type code
Factory inspection stamps

Identification Comparison:

Larger than 122mm rounds (3-OF-24): diameter difference obvious
Smaller than 203mm rounds: significantly lighter
Distinguished from 3-OF-44 by ogive shape and markings
Compare to fuzed/unfuzed state (fuze well open or occupied)

Typical Fuze Appearance When Installed:

Point-detonating fuze protrudes from nose
Fuze may have protective cap (shipping)
Arming vane or propeller visible on some types
Multi-function fuzes have setting windows/dials

Fuzing Mechanisms

Compatible Fuzes:

Point-Detonating (PD) Fuzes:

RGM-2: Standard point-detonating fuze
V-90: Impact fuze with superquick and delay settings
V-429E: Multi-option impact fuze

Proximity (VT) Fuzes:

AR-5: Radio proximity fuze for airburst
9E231: Modern multi-mode electronic fuze

Multi-Function Fuzes:

3V34/35: Programmable electronic fuze (impact, delay, time, proximity)
9E241: Advanced electronic programmable fuze

Fuze Function Modes:

Superquick (SQ):

Instantaneous detonation on impact
Maximum fragmentation at surface level
Used against personnel in the open

Delay:

Slight delay allows penetration before detonation
Used against field fortifications, buildings, bunkers
Typical delay: 0.05-0.15 seconds

Time/Proximity:

Airburst above target area
Maximum fragment dispersion over troops in trenches or fighting positions
Height of burst typically 10-20 meters

Arming Mechanism (typical PD fuze):

Safety Pin Removed: At loading or per procedure
Setback: Firing acceleration releases first safety
Spin: Projectile rotation (from rifling) unlocks centrifugal safety
Arm Distance: After 300-500 meters, fuze fully armed
Impact: Striker driven into detonator upon target contact

Anti-Handling Features:

Some fuzes incorporate tilt or movement-sensitive elements
Designed to detonate if UXO is disturbed
Presence/absence may not be externally determinable

Booster:

Fuze detonator fires into booster charge
Booster amplifies detonation wave
Main charge detonated by booster output

History of Development and Use

Development Background: The 3-OF-39 was developed as part of the continuous Soviet effort to modernize and enhance artillery ammunition throughout the Cold War. As Soviet artillery doctrine emphasized massed fires and the delivery of maximum explosive effect on target areas, the development of improved 152mm projectiles was a constant priority. The 3-OF-39 represented an evolution of earlier designs, incorporating improved fragmentation characteristics and compatibility with then-new artillery systems like the 2S5 Giatsint.

Design Philosophy: Soviet artillery ammunition design focused on:

Maximum explosive content within weight/caliber constraints
Optimal fragmentation patterns for anti-personnel effects
Reliability across extreme temperature ranges
Compatibility with multiple gun systems
Manufacturing simplicity for mass production

Development Timeline:

1970s: Design and prototype development
Early 1980s: Acceptance testing
Mid-1980s: Entry into service with Soviet Army
1980s-1990s: Production and distribution to Soviet/Russian forces and allies
2000s-present: Continued production and combat use

Combat Employment:

Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989):

152mm artillery extensively employed against mujahideen positions
Limited effectiveness in mountain terrain
Primarily used for base defense and set-piece operations

Chechen Wars (1994-2009):

Heavy use of 152mm fires in urban and mountain environments
Controversy over civilian casualties from area bombardment
Documented use in Grozny and other urban areas

Syrian Civil War (2011-present):

Russian and Syrian government forces employ 152mm artillery
Use reported against various opposition positions
Combined with modern fire control and surveillance

Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present):

Extensive employment by Russian, DPR/LPR, and Ukrainian forces
All parties utilize Soviet-era 152mm systems and ammunition
Major artillery duels feature 152mm as primary caliber
Significant ammunition expenditure documented

Global Distribution: The 3-OF-39 and related 152mm ammunition has been exported to over 40 countries, including:

Former Warsaw Pact nations (Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, etc.)
Middle East (Syria, Iraq, Libya, Egypt)
South Asia (India)
Africa (Angola, Ethiopia)
Latin America (Cuba)

Current Status:

Active production in Russia and other nations
Front-line service in multiple ongoing conflicts
Large stockpiles maintained by numerous countries
Continuous improvement variants under development

Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Caliber	152mm
Projectile Length	670-700mm
Projectile Weight	43-46 kg
Explosive Fill	TNT, A-IX-2, or TNT/RDX mixture
Explosive Weight	6.5-7.5 kg
Maximum Range	~28,000m (system dependent)
Muzzle Velocity	810-945 m/s (charge dependent)
Rotating Band	Copper or gilding metal
Fuze Thread	Soviet standard (may vary by fuze type)
Number of Fragments	~3,000+ effective fragments
Lethal Radius	40-50 meters
Casualty Radius	70-100 meters
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +50°C
Shelf Life	20+ years under proper storage

System-Dependent Performance:

Gun System	Max Range	Muzzle Velocity
2A36 Giatsint-B	28,400m	945 m/s
2S5 Giatsint-S	28,400m	945 m/s
2S19 Msta-S	24,700m	810 m/s
2A65 Msta-B	24,700m	810 m/s

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What distinguishes the 3-OF-39 from the earlier 3-OF-25 and 3-OF-29 projectiles? A: The 3-OF-39 represents an improved design with enhanced ballistic characteristics and fragmentation performance. The 3-OF-25, developed earlier for the D-20 gun-howitzer, has a different ogive shape and slightly different explosive fill. The 3-OF-29 was developed specifically for the 2S3 Akatsiya 152mm howitzer and has characteristics optimized for that system’s lower muzzle velocities. The 3-OF-39 was designed for the longer-range Giatsint systems and has improved aerodynamic properties for better accuracy at extended ranges. While all are HE-FRAG projectiles of 152mm caliber, they are not identical and have different optimal applications.

Q: Why does Soviet 152mm ammunition use separate-loading configuration instead of fixed rounds? A: Separate-loading ammunition (projectile, propellant charge, and primer as independent components) is standard for large-caliber artillery because complete fixed rounds would be excessively heavy and unwieldy. A 152mm fixed round would weigh over 50 kg and exceed 1 meter in length, making manual loading impractical. Separate loading allows: variable charge weights for different ranges (trajectory flexibility), manageable component weights for crew handling, standardized charges usable with multiple projectile types, and more efficient ammunition storage. Self-propelled systems like the 2S19 use semi-automatic loading assistance, but still employ separate-loading ammunition.

Q: How does the fragmentation pattern of the 3-OF-39 compare to comparable NATO 155mm projectiles? A: Soviet/Russian and NATO HE-FRAG projectiles have broadly similar effects, though design philosophies differ somewhat. The 3-OF-39 generates approximately 3,000+ effective fragments with a lethal radius of 40-50 meters—comparable to the US M107 155mm projectile. NATO designs have increasingly emphasized pre-fragmented or controlled-fragmentation casings for more consistent effects, while traditional Soviet designs relied on natural fragmentation from the steel casing. Modern Russian developments (like the 3-OF-64 and 3-OF-72) have incorporated some improved fragmentation features. In practical terms, both represent devastating anti-personnel weapons with comparable areas of effect.

Q: What is the purpose of the rotating band, and how can its condition help identify projectile history? A: The rotating band is a soft metal ring (copper or gilding metal) near the base of the projectile that engages the rifling grooves in the gun barrel. It serves three functions: sealing propellant gases behind the projectile (obturation), imparting spin for gyroscopic stabilization, and centering the projectile in the bore. An unfired projectile has a smooth, complete rotating band. A fired projectile (whether impact-detonated, dud, or captured in flight) shows rifling engraving marks—parallel grooves cut into the band by the barrel’s rifling. This wear pattern is diagnostic: its presence confirms the projectile was fired, while its absence indicates an unfired round. For UXO identification, engraved rotating bands indicate the round was launched and fuze arming likely occurred.

Q: What factors contribute to 152mm projectiles becoming unexploded ordnance? A: Multiple factors cause UXO: (1) Fuze malfunction—manufacturing defects, component failures, or damage during launch; (2) Soft impact surfaces—mud, snow, water, or loose sand may not generate sufficient deceleration to function impact fuzes; (3) Oblique impact—shallow angles may defeat point-detonating fuzes; (4) Arm distance failure—projectiles landing short of minimum arming distance; (5) Extreme cold—lubricants and mechanical components may fail in arctic conditions; (6) Quality control issues—mass production introduces statistical failure rates. Dud rates vary widely based on ammunition quality, environmental conditions, and fuze type, but estimates for conventional artillery typically range from 2-10%. In intensive artillery campaigns, this generates significant UXO contamination.

Q: How do electronic proximity fuzes function on the 3-OF-39? A: Modern proximity fuzes like the AR-5 or electronic multi-function types use radio frequency (RF) sensing to detect the ground and initiate airburst at a predetermined height. The fuze emits RF signals during terminal flight; when the reflected signal strength indicates proximity to a surface (typically calibrated for 10-20 meter height of burst), the fuze fires. Airburst detonation projects fragments downward into troops who would be protected from ground-burst impacts by fighting positions or terrain. Setting the fuze requires input of burst height parameter, done either manually (mechanical fuze) or via inductive setter (electronic fuze). Proximity fuzes significantly increase artillery effectiveness against dispersed infantry but are more expensive and complex than simple impact fuzes.

Q: Can the 3-OF-39 be used with rocket-assisted or base-bleed range extension? A: The standard 3-OF-39 is a conventional projectile without range extension features. However, the Soviet/Russian 152mm family includes extended-range variants: the 3-OF-45 incorporates a base-bleed gas generator that reduces base drag, extending maximum range by approximately 30%. Base-bleed projectiles are identifiable by their modified base section containing the gas generator. Rocket-assisted projectiles (RAP) also exist in the 152mm family, using a small rocket motor to boost range further. These extended-range projectiles sacrifice some explosive payload for the propulsion components. The 3-OF-39 designation specifically indicates the standard, non-extended-range variant.

Q: What is the difference between the 3-OF-39 and the 3-OF-44? A: The 3-OF-39 and 3-OF-44 are distinct projectile designs, both 152mm HE-FRAG, but with different characteristics and optimal applications. The 3-OF-44 has a modified ogive and body design optimized for different ballistic requirements and is associated with specific gun systems. While both deliver comparable explosive effects, their external dimensions, weights, and ballistic coefficients differ. Detailed technical comparison follows in the 3-OF-44 lesson. For practical field identification, the markings (3-OF-39 vs. 3-OF-44 stenciled on the body) are the definitive discriminator, though subtle shape differences in the ogive are also distinguishing features for experienced personnel.

SAFETY NOTICE: This lesson is intended for educational and training purposes. All ordnance should be considered dangerous until proven safe by qualified personnel. Unexploded ordnance should never be handled by untrained individuals—report findings to military or law enforcement authorities.