Heinkels of steel?

[Fredfetish]

Originally Posted by winny

The AP rounds were designed for Infantry use. The main reason they are so rubbish against aircraft armour is that they had to hit the armour tip first. The superstructure of the aircraft would 'tumble' the bullets making them spin end over end. The chances of the armour being penetrated were very, very small.

They were designed to be fired directly at armour (tanks etc).

Got it, makes sense. Thanks!
Although, it would be great if you can post a link that describes this in more historical accurate detail (not being sarcastic). The reason why I ask then is if so, they aren't just making perfectly round holes in the surface of the plane and they aren't just "passing through the empty tail section without hitting anything of importance". In my opinion and based on what you have said there should be a far more drastic effect on the tail (especially fighters and Stuka) when hit from the dead six position. Currently what I'm seeing is the rudder or elevators might fall off, but that's about it.