Abstract: An armor penetrator projectile is disclosed that has an elongated rod penetrator core. The core has a central bore therein extending from a rear portion to a front end portion of the core. The front end portion is preferably conically shaped for impact with an armor plate. A self igniting pyrotechnic material such as thermite is packed within the rear portion and in the bore. The thermite is ignited by the frictional heat and pressure generated during projectile impact with a target armor plate. The ignited thermite ejects a molten jet of material through the bore and forwardly out through the impacting front end thus further melting the armor plate about the point of impact and enhancing the behind armor destructive effects of the projectile.