At what angle does the Mk-19 HEDP round achieve maximum penetration?

The Mk-19 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HEDP) round is optimized for penetrating targets at specific angles. When fired at a 0-degree angle—meaning perpendicular to the target's surface—this round is designed to achieve maximum penetration effectiveness. This alignment allows the round to deliver its energy most efficiently into the target, enabling it to breach armor or other resistant materials effectively.

At angles greater than 0 degrees, such as 30 or 45 degrees, the effectiveness of penetration typically decreases due to the angle of impact, which can deflect, fragment, or even dissipate energy away from the target. A 90-degree angle would mean the round is hitting the target edge-on, which is not conducive to penetration either. Thus, when considering the design and ballistics of the Mk-19 HEDP round, firing at a 0-degree angle maximizes its ability to penetrate, making this the most effective angle for achieving the desired outcome.