What does the acronym HE stand for in artillery ammunition?

The acronym HE stands for High Explosive in the context of artillery ammunition. High Explosive munitions are designed to produce a significant explosive effect upon detonation, making them effective for destroying enemy forces and fortifications, as well as causing damage over a wide area. This type of ammunition typically contains a large amount of energetic material that detonates rapidly, creating a powerful blast, shrapnel, and shock waves.

Understanding the term "High Explosive" is crucial for cannon crewmembers since it informs the selection of ammunition based on the operational objectives. High Explosive rounds are often used in various tactical situations to achieve maximum lethality against enemy personnel and material. The other options, while they may sound plausible in different contexts, do not accurately reflect the standardized terminology used in artillery. For instance, "Heavy Energy" and "High Efficiency" do not pertain to how munitions function, and "Heavy Emission" is not a recognized term in artillery nomenclature.