Inert and live Malkara HESH warheads tested on a Conqueror tank with added spaced armor

The Malkara was one of the earliest guided anti-tank missiles (ATGMs) and was unusual among such missiles in that it had a High-explosive squash head (HESH), also known as High Explosive Plastic (HEP), warhead instead of the more usual shaped charge HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank) warhead.

As the name implies, a Squash Head is not intended to perforate an armored target but mold its plastic explosive over the plate, which when detonated create a shockwave that in turn generates spall damaging whatever is behind the armor.

The tests pictured were carried out in 1977, by which time the Malkara had already been retired from service, as had the Conqueror heavy tank employed as a target. The addition of spaced armor makes a surface that is not ideal for the HESH warhead to adhere to while also creating an air gap that disrupts the explosive effects. The Conqueror crew demonstrate this lack of effectiveness by driving off under their own steam once the tests are complete.