Abstract: The decomposition of a projectile in a target body, particularly a hunting projectile in wild animals after penetration therein, determines the energy output of the projectile and thereby the effect of the shot. For projectiles with double cores, the properties of the ingredients used in the cores decisively affect the decomposition and particularly the deformation behavior of the cores. According to the invention, a partial decomposition projectile comprising two cores is provided with one solid core (3) made of a material suited to said projectile and the second core (4) is made of a powder (5) consisting of metal or ceramic ingredients, said powder being pressed to become free of shrink holes, in order to improve decomposition behavior control.

Abstract: A single multipurpose ammunition projectile/warhead is provided, which has the capability of clearing a variety of different types of hardened targets. The single projectile of this invention may be used for breaching steel reinforced concrete walls; may be used against light armor targets; may be used for defeating bunkers; and may also be used for antipersonnel applications. Huge savings in time, money, inventory and logistics are realized through utilizing only this one multipurpose ammunition against all these types of targets. This multipurpose projectile, among other superb capabilities, is able to puncture an eight inch double steel reinforced concrete wall timed to then have its warhead explode into fragments. This allows fragmentation in a more effective, nearly ideal direction. The projectile warhead of made of extremely thick walled 300M steel; with the projectile center of gravity to be located equidistant between a pair of bourrelets, for increased stability.

Abstract: In making frangible objects, including lead-free bullets and other projectiles, powdered metal primary and powdered ceramic secondary phases are mixed and densified at an elevated temperature such that the ceramic phase forms a brittle network. Any combination of metal and ceramic phases may be used to achieve desired chemical and physical properties. Any appropriate mixing, forming, and/or thermal processing methods and equipment may be used. Degrees of frangibility, strength, and toughness can be adjusted to suit a given application by precursor selection, degree of mixing, relative amounts of metal and ceramic phases, forming method, and thermal and mechanical processing parameters.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: In making frangible objects, including lead-free bullets and other projectiles, powdered metal primary and powdered ceramic secondary phases are mixed and densified at an elevated temperature such that the ceramic phase forms a brittle network. Any combination of metal and ceramic phases may be used to achieve desired chemical and physical properties. Any appropriate mixing, forming, and/or thermal processing methods and equipment may be used. Degrees of frangibility, strength, and toughness can be adjusted to suit a given application by precursor selection, degree of mixing, relative amounts of metal and ceramic phases, forming method, and thermal and mechanical processing parameters.

Abstract: A forward firing fragmentation warhead is constructed with casing materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality may be improved by forming the fragmentation layer and explosive with dome-shapes that approximately match the shape of the advancing pressure wave. This increases fragment velocity and improves the uniformity of the fragment distribution over the forward-firing pattern. A variable-thickness pattern shaper may be placed between the fragmentation layer and explosive to provide additional shaping of the forward-firing pattern. Warhead weight and cost can be reduced by eliminating explosive at the aft end of the warhead that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the fragments.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.

Abstract: A warhead includes a body, a patterned liner made of plastic, and an explosive charge disposed within the liner. The liner pattern is formed of gaps and liner elements. The explosive charge includes a first set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner gaps and a second set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner elements. Upon detonation of the explosive charge and because of the temporal delay in transmitting the detonation energy between these two sets of sections, the warhead body is caused to shear and break into fragments with controlled size. The use of plastic as the liner material also provides a welcome safety feature for this warhead. In the event of unwanted heat ignition, the plastic (which is also low melt temperature material), would melt to seal the explosive and would also flow. Because of the plastic, neither sudden pressure nor heat/ignition inside the round, would therefore be as catastrophic.

Abstract: A projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm includes a body having a nose portion and a tail portion separable from one another when the projectile strikes a target. The body further includes an interface disposed intermediate opposite ends of the body of the projectile structured to removably interconnect the nose and tail portions. Separation of the nose and tail portions such as when striking a soft tissue is caused by the tumbling of the projectile and the cooperative structuring of the interface to facilitate separation of the nose and tail portions. The interface is disposed, dimensioned and structured to define the primary area of contact of the projectile body with the rifling or interior surface of the barrel of the firearm. Another embodiment includes one of the nose or tail portions structured to contain a supplemental payload that is carried to the target upon discharge of the firearm.

Abstract: A gun firing method whereby multiple projectiles segments that are contained within a cartridge are fired simultaneously in a symmetrical pattern. Some of the multiple projectile segments are modified by moving the center of mass of the projectile segments away from the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge. This in combination with bring fired from a rifled gun barrel will impart velocity to the modified projectile segments upon exiting the gun barrel at right angles to the gun barrel. This velocity along with the higher muzzle velocity will cause the modified projectile segments to diverge away from the trajectory of a standard projectile segment and strike the target away from the bullseye. The magnitude of the divergence will vary with the distance the projectile segment's center of mass is away from the central longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

Abstract: A projectile structured to be discharged from a firearm comprising a body including a nose portion and a tail portion separable from one another when the projectile strikes a target. The body further includes an interface disposed intermediate opposite ends of the body of the projectile and structured to removably interconnect the nose and tail portions. Separation of the nose and tail portions such as when striking a soft tissue or like material target is caused by the tumbling of the projectile and the cooperative structuring of the interface to facilitate separation of the nose and tail portions. Further, the interface is disposed, dimensioned and structured to define the primary area of contact of the projectile body with the rifling or interior surface of the barrel of the firearm.

Abstract: An explosive structure of the fragmentation type includes an outer casing comprising an energy dense explosive material and having an inner surface defining a chamber and means for propagating shock waves across the inner surface from a selected one of at least first and second detonation points within the casing. The explosive structure further includes first means for directing shock waves, propagated from the first detonation point, against at least a selected portion of the inner surface in a first pattern for scoring and weakening the casing along first, segment-defining lines and second means for directing shock waves, propagated from the second detonation point, against the selected portion of the inner surface in a second pattern for scoring and weakening the casing along second, segment-defining lines, the segments of the second pattern being larger than the segments of the first pattern.

Abstract: A lead-free, frangible bullet is provided. The lead-free, frangible bullet is manufactured without sintering or external heating of the bullet. The bullet is prepared by blending a lead-free copper powder mixture and cold compacting the powder in a die to form a bullet. The copper powder can be atomized copper powder, electrolytic copper powder, or a combination of atomized and electrolytic copper powder. The atomized copper powder can be water atomized, air atomized, and combination of water and air atomized. Preferably, the frangible bullet has a fragmentation less than 5 grains.

Abstract: Frangible projectiles for firearms and processes for making such projectiles are disclosed. The projectiles include a sintered, compacted mixture of powdered iron particles with other particles, including powdered copper particles and optionally powdered tin particles. The disclosed projectiles produce a similar feel and mimic the ballistic properties of lead projectiles of similar size and caliber, yet readily break-up upon impact with a hard surface in order to minimize ricochet or splatter. The disclosed projectiles and processes for making the projectiles meet the need for inexpensive, lead-free frangible projectiles.

Abstract: Frangible projectiles for firearms and processes for making such projectiles are disclosed. The projectiles include a sintered, compacted mixture of powdered iron particles with other particles, including powdered copper particles and optionally powdered tin particles. The disclosed projectiles produce a similar feel and mimic the ballistic properties of lead projectiles of similar size and caliber, yet readily break-up upon impact with a hard surface in order to minimize ricochet or splatter. The disclosed projectiles and processes for making the projectiles meet the need for inexpensive, lead-free frangible projectiles.

Abstract: Hard material can be displaced by firing a frangible projectile from a firing device. The projectile has a rear portion that engages the bore of the barrel of the firing device and a front portion that is rotatably journaled to the rear portion. The front portion can be frangible to allow maximum displacement of the hard material. Specifically, the front portion has a core and a plurality of fins extending from the core. At impact, as the fins penetrate the target, the fins separate from the core and spread radially outwardly from the core.

Abstract: Methods and articles are provided for frangible slugs. A method of manufacturing a frangible slug includes heating substantially spherical metallic powdered particles, where substantially all of the powdered particles have diameters larger than 125 microns and smaller than 250 microns, to form heated powdered particles. The method includes heating a microcrystalline wax to form a melted wax. The method also includes combining the heated powdered particles with the melted wax to form a liquid mixture. The method further includes filling a payload cavity of a slug container with the liquid mixture to form a liquid mixture payload, where the slug container is configured to retain a solidified frangible payload as the frangible slug until impact with a solid object.

Abstract: A projectile is provided, in accordance with the present invention that includes a gas seal, an absorption zone, a core material containment area, a mass of material within the containment area and an actuator member. The containment area is characterized by the ability to peel back upon itself on impact, thereby releasing the mass of core particles after impact. The actuator, is releasably fixed to the hull open end, and has a stem member that projecting into the mass of material. Prior to initial impact the actuator maintains the core material within the containment area hull and, up initial impact, the actuator is continues to be propelled forward, along with the core material.

Abstract: A munition including a munition core and a plurality of particles attached to an external surface of the munition core designed to release from the munition core upon impact of the munition with a target.

Abstract: The decomposition of a projectile in a target body, particularly a hunting projectile in wild animals after penetration therein, determines the energy output of the projectile and thereby the effect of the shot. For projectiles with double cores, the properties of the ingredients used in the cores decisively affect the decomposition and particularly the deformation behaviour of the cores. According to the invention, a partial decomposition projectile comprising two cores is provided with one solid core (3) made of a material suited to said projectile and the other core (4;22) is divided up into two areas (4a,4b;22a;22b), whereby one area (4a;22a) is made of ball-shaped elements made of a metal material granulate (5;23) and the second area (4b;22b) is made of a metal or ceramic powder and the ball-shaped elements or granulates (5;23) are pressed to become free of shrink holes, in order to improve decomposition behaviour control.

Abstract: Weapons, weapon components and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a weapon component includes one or more discrete fragments embedded in a reactive material matrix. The weapon component may be used as a warhead that includes an explosive charge. In one embodiment the weapon component is configured such that, upon explosive launch, the reactive material matrix fractures to define one or more reactive material matrix fragments. The weapon component may be configured such that the discrete fragments are propelled at a first velocity over a defined distance while the reactive material matrix fragments are propelled at a second velocity over the defined distance, the second velocity being less than the first velocity. The weapon component may be used, for example, in a countermeasure weapon used to defeat a target weapon. Other embodiments of weapon components, weapons and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Frangible projectiles for firearms and processes for making such projectiles are disclosed. The projectiles include a sintered, compacted iron-based mixture of particles. The disclosed projectiles produce a similar feel and mimic the ballistic properties of lead projectiles of similar size and caliber, yet readily break-up upon impact with a hard surface in order to minimize ricochet or splatter. The disclosed projectiles and processes for making the projectiles meet the need for inexpensive, lead-free frangible projectiles.

Abstract: The disintegration of a bullet in the body of a wild animal is determined by the power output of the bullet and therefore by the effect of the shot. A different type of disintegration is required for small as opposed to large animals. According to the invention, a disintegrating hunting bullet is provided in the form of an enveloped bullet, characterized in that the core (3) is made of balls (4,5) or granules made of a metal substance and the balls (4,5) or granules are pressed free from cavities in order to create set rupture points.

Abstract: A shock-triggered warhead fragment transmitter is described. The transmitter is designed to radiate a pulse upon either detonation of the warhead or impact of the fragment with the target. The pulse energy is obtained by shock de-poling of a ferroelectric material and is radiated using a dipole antenna. Detection of the radiated pulses may be used to confirm detonation of the warhead and determine the time and location of the detonation and facilitate battle damage assessment.

Abstract: A dual spin projectile includes a base; a body connected to the base with a first snap joint, the first snap joint allowing relative rotation between the base and the body; a can having an open forward end and connected to the body with a second snap joint, the second snap joint allowing relative rotation between the body and the can; an aft payload disposed in the body; a forward payload disposed in the can; and a cap connected to the can and closing the open forward end of the can.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material having a least one layer of a reducing metal or metal hydride and at least one layer of a metal oxide dispersed in a binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; including combining the energetic material having a least one layer of a reducing metal or metal hydride and at least one layer of a metal oxide with a polymeric binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: When intervention ammunitions are fired in shooting ranges, subsequently there occur high levels of released energy, stop butt damage, at the target. Therefore the invention provides a complete destruction shell, in the form of an encased shell, characterized in that the core (3) of the shell consists of balls (4, 5) or metal granular materials, and the balls (4, 5) or granular materials are compressed without forming inclusions.

Abstract: A lead free environmentally friendly ammunition which may be tailored within a range of compositions for specific uses, but generally comprises a mixture of metal powder and mineral filler in combination with a water soluble binder plastic resin and a lubricant. For hunting uses and other uses requiring high level accuracy the amount of metal powder is increased, for other uses where precision shooting is less important such as drug dosing of animals, less metal is used along with increased amounts of mineral filler. The bullets are accurate, and can be frangible. Formulations within the overall range may also be used to make shot for shotgun shells.

Abstract: A method for geometrically enhancing of the flight of a projectile fired from a weapon to an intended target, including development of a flat annular face on the outermost end of the ogive portion of the projectile, such flat annular face being oriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to, and concentric with, the longitudinal centerline of the projectile, and further including extraction of extraneous material from the meplat cavity of the projectile while establishing at least a void volume within the meplat cavity which is substantially concentric with the longitudinal centerline of the projectile and of substantially uniform size and geometry from projectile to projectile. Geometric alteration of the wall thickness of the flat annular face also may be provided. An enhanced projectile and a round of ammunition are disclosed.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge with a bullet including a body and a nose element. The body has a forward end, and an opposed rear end, with an intermediate cylindrical portion between the ends. The front end of the body defines a cavity that may have a cylindrical shape. The nose element is formed of a resilient material such as an elastomer, and has a first portion received in the cavity, and a pointed second portion extending from the forward end of the body. The bullet may be received in a centerfire rifle casing, for safe use in a tubular magazine rifle, so that the resilient tip protects against discharge of an adjacent cartridge primer by absorbing energy of recoil or other impulse. The second portion of the tip has a small meplat, and is smoothly contoured with the exterior surface of the front of the bullet, to provide an increased ballistic coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims an apparatus and method for delivering a wide array of selected agents to a target from stand-off distances. The apparatus includes a self-destruct frangible projectile made of primary, binding, and active components. The primary component generally has a specific gravity greater than lead, and the binding component generally has a specific gravity less than lead. The active component may be a metal for penetrating the target, a dye for optically marking the target, or another specially selected agent for delivery to the target, depending on the particular embodiment. The frangible projectile self-destructs upon contact with the target, in proximity to the target, or after passing the target, depending on the particular embodiment.

Abstract: A frangible projectile with a specific gravity similar to a lead projectile. The projectile comprises 34-94%, by weight, binder. The binder comprises poly ether block amide resin. The projectile further comprises 6-66%, by weight, ballast. The ballast comprises at least one member selected from a group consisting of tungsten, tungsten carbide, molybdenum, tantalum, ferro-tungsten, copper, bismuth, iron, steel, brass, aluminum bronze, beryllium copper, tin, aluminum, titanium, zinc, nickel silver alloy, cupronickel and nickel. The projectile can be prepared with a particularly preferred specific gravity of 5-14 and more preferably 11-11.5.

Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises a variable yield warhead comprising an inner core of cylindrically-shaped, explosive material surrounded by an outer annulus of a different explosive material. The inner core explosive material has a heat of combustion comprising about 16 kcal/cc or higher and the outer annulus of explosive material has a heat of detonation comprising about 2.1 kcal/cc or higher. A warhead casing surrounds the outer annulus of material. The warhead has a dual initiation system. The first initiation system comprises a detonation cord that extends substantially through the inner core of explosive material and has an initiator at the tope side. The second initiation system comprises a booster explosive that contacts the bottom side of the outer annulus of explosive material and an initiator proximate to the booster.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.

Abstract: Especially in hunting, the choice of bullets has to be such that it is in keeping with the wild animals to be hunted. According to the desired effect on the target, deformation bullets or partial fragmentation bullets are used. Since both types of bullets are different, the position of the point of impact from the same weapon is different. According to the type of bullet used, the weapon must be oriented differently in relation to the target. This can be obstructive and if insufficient attention is paid, can result in misses.

Abstract: A highly effective and also inert active penetrator, an active projectile, an active airborne body or an active multipurpose projectile with a constructively adjustable or settable relationship between penetrating power and lateral effect. The end ballistic total effect which is obtained from the penetrating depth and covering the surface or stressing of the surface is initiated in an active case by means of a releasable arrangement or installation which is independent of the position of the active body.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for expelling from an industrial ballistic tool may be formed by a powder metallurgy process. A preferred embodiment of slug consists essentially of compacted and optionally sintered material and comprises up to 35% ferrotungsten in particulate form, up to 3% lubricant, and the balance iron in particulate form with inevitable impurities.

Abstract: An ammunition unit (1) designed to he adaptable to different types of targets (2,2?) or situations. The said ammunition unit comprises cylindrical warhead charges (4, 5) that confine or form explosive compositions (23), on or around the outside of which there are effect layers or casing containing effect elements (25, 27). These effect elements together with the explosive compositions (24) constitute the combatant function. Two or more cylindrical warhead charges (4, 5) are arranged essentially parallel alongside each other or inside each other. Each of the cylindrical warhead charges comprises effect layers around their cylindrical outer surface that provide different effects in target. The cylindrical warhead charges are rotatably arranged to assume different rotational setting modes, and in each such mode the same type or co-ordinated types of effect layers are directed outwards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hollow bullet for a light weapon which comprises within said hollow: (a) At least one proximity sensor at the front portion of the bullet for sensing an object, and for providing a sensing indication of a proximity object to a control unit;—A control unit for providing a detonation signal to an explosive charge within the bullet upon receipt of said proximity indication;—and An explosive charge for detonating upon receipt of said detonation signal from said control unit.

Abstract: Firearm slugs formed from a non-toxic lead substitute that includes tungsten. In some embodiments, the firearm slug is formed with a recessed back portion, thus shifting an increased percentage of the slug's net mass toward the front of the slug. In some embodiments, the firearm slug is formed with a recessed front portion. In some embodiments, the slug is a component of a slug cartridge that includes a slug cup. The slug must have a density that is less than, equal to, or greater than lead, or a lead-antimony alloy used for firearm projectiles. In some embodiments, the slug is formed via powder metallurgy from a powder that includes at least one tungsten-containing component and at least one binder. In some embodiments, the slug is cast or otherwise formed from a molten feedstock that includes at least one tungsten-containing component. In some embodiments, the slug is frangible.

Abstract: Anti-personnel tank fired ammunition designed for attacking personnel at various ranges includes a hollow base member adapted with an electric primer and a plastic or aluminum canister containing a payload at one end thereof. In operation, the hollow cartridge is loaded with a solid propellant. The electric primer which is centrally located in the solid propellant is fired and provides a flash together with the gasses needed to ignite the propellant. The burning propellant then provides the gasses needed to force the canister from the gun tube in which the ammunition is positioned.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a warhead designed to provide a number of spiraling tendrils composed of segmented rods that move in an increasing radial arc in order to defeat a target. The warhead comprises a substantially cylindrical explosive charge having a plurality of rod segments arranged circumferentially around the explosive charge in a plurality of horizontal layers. As the horizontal layers descend down the explosive charge, the rod segments are offset from those directly above and below them to create a pattern that appears to be twisted columns. The number of columns is equivalent to the number of rod segments in each horizontal layer.

Abstract: A projectile is provided, in accordance with the present invention that includes a gas seal, a wad absorption zone, a core hull, a mass of projectile core particles within the hull and an actuator member. The hull is a cylindrical member having an open end and made from a material, such as soft plastic, that is characterized by the ability to peel back upon itself on impact, thereby releasing the mass of core particles after impact. The actuator, is releasably fixed to the hull open end, has an exterior side and an interior side and one or more stem members projecting into the mass of core particles. Upon impact, the actuator is released from the hull open end and continues to be propelled forward, along with the core particles. When the projectile impacts a target, the hull peels backward upon itself thereby releasing the actuator and the mass of projectile core particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented subcaliber projectile (1) subdivisible into a number of separate segments contiguous with each other at least initially to form an integral projectile of united segments or submunitions (5). The advantage with this subcaliber projectile is that since the segments or submunitions (5) are arranged sequentially after each other, each one comprises an explosive charge (7) initiatable by a very powerful shock and encased in an outer casing (6) of hard material such that the projectile in integral form can be used directly against heavy armor, and by means of dispersion of the various segments can also be used against aircraft.

Abstract: Lead free projectiles having a density less than lead, including preferred embodiments comprising a low ductility metal powder and a high ductility metal powder.

Abstract: A fragmenting projectile includes a multi-wall projectile casing with each wall thereof formed by a sleeve. Each pair of adjacent sleeves is defined by inner and outer sleeves that mate in a threaded engagement. Explosive material is disposed in an innermost sleeve.

Abstract: A frangible projectile for gun ammunition wherein the projectile includes a core formed from one or more metal powders which are pressed into a self-supporting compact and incorporated into a metal jacket. The metal jacket is initially cup-shaped (generally cylindrical in overall geometry) with an open end and a closed end. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention the closed end of the jacket becomes the trailing end of the projectile. In another embodiment, the closed end of the jacket becomes the leading end of the projectile. In either embodiment, that surface of the closed end of the jacket which faces inwardly of the volume of the jacket is indented and stressed over substantially its entire area in accordance with a pattern which enhances the frangibility of this closed end of the projectile when the projectile strikes a target.

Abstract: An anti-personnel canister includes a generally cylindrical container having side walls, the side walls defining an enclosure with a generally concave surface at one end and an opening at another end; the side walls having an outer surface, the outer surface including a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed therein and, below the plurality of longitudinal grooves, a circumferential obturator groove; a plurality of submunitions disposed in the enclosure; a spacer disposed in the enclosure between the plurality of submunitions and the opening; and a cap disposed on the opening of the container, the cap having a top surface and including a pair of orthogonal grooves formed on the top surface.

Abstract: A frangible hollow point bullet is disclosed. The bullet (or slug) is formed from a frangible material such as sintered copper to provide a bullet-shaped body. A plurality of coaxial, substantially cylindrical cavities having progressively decreasing bore diameters are formed in the nose of the bullet-shaped body, extending rearwardly therefrom, to provide a bullet that both expands and fragments in a semicontrolled fashion upon impact with a target. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the coaxial cavities is multiply scored to provide a substantially symmetric fragmentation pattern and controlled and uniform fragment size. Controlling the aggregate depth of the coaxial cavities enables the retention of a recoverable base or shank that is suitable for ballistic investigation following bullet impact.

Abstract: A projectile for penetrating hardened targets is provided to include a shell having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to an impact surface of the target; and a plurality of penetrator elements disposed in tandem in the shell along the longitudinal axis. The penetrator elements may be composed of ceramic, which has high compressive strength relative to most metals. Selected portions of the penetrator may be composed of heavy metals. The penetrator elements may be separated from each other by gaps, which may be filled with foam or other shock-absorbing material. An alternate projectile provides a unitary penetrator element composed of ceramic.