Abstract: From a plurality of sabots, a sabot is provided for shrouding a sub-caliber projectile to form a launch package in a gun bore for acceleration by an actuator behind the projectile. The sabot includes a forecastle, an aft bulkhead and a waist. The forecastle separates the projectile from the gun bore. The aft bulkhead abuts against the actuator. The waist connects the forecastle and the bulkhead by a radial spar that supports inner and outer flanges. The inner flange mechanically engages the projectile, and in preferred embodiments is concave. The gun bore is optimized as a pair of electromagnetic rails.

Abstract: A double impact bullet with internal hammer and stabilization post.

Abstract: A penetrator for a projectile having a guide mechanism, the penetrator comprising at least one solid main body that acts in a terminal ballistic manner for attacking an armoured target, more particularly a tank having reactive armour, a rear region of the penetrator having a hard core that acts in a terminal ballistic manner which improves the penetration effect and is permanently connected to the main body.

Abstract: A bullet projectile is described wherein an internal cylindrical sliding mechanical hammer mechanism provides secondary impact improving overall effectiveness in delivering a mechanical shock wave to a target.

Abstract: For the transport and handling of ammunition, the safety level is determined according to the amount of explosive used. Thereby, regulatory constraints are set for example for air transports, which barely suffice for a trial of projectiles. By a specific guidance of shockwaves resulting on impact on a target multilateral, high compressions are evolving inside the acting body (5?), which are initiating the same reliably without additional means or support agents. The subject of the invention aims at great savings of explosive without losses in the effect and significantly increases the safety during transport and handling.

Abstract: One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second.

Abstract: The present invention provides ammunition having a metal injection molded projectile and a metal cartridge case comprising a metal ammunition cartridge comprising a unitary body that enclose a propellant chamber, a primer recess in a bottom portion of the unitary body, a primer flash hole that connects the primer recess and the propellant chamber, and a projectile aperture in communication with the propellant chamber; a primer inserted into the primer flash hole aperture; a propellant at least partially filling the propellant chamber; and a metal injection molded projectile frictionally fitted in the projectile aperture, wherein the metal injection molded projectile comprises a nose extending essentially symmetrically to a shoulder, and an essentially cylindrical bearing surface extending from the shoulder to a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grenade that can be fired from a barrel, for recoilless firing. The barrel is open at both ends and is without any flow cross-section constrictions. The grenade is formed of a grenade base body which surrounds at least one explosive charge, and a flow cross-section reduction device for reducing the flow cross-section of the barrel. The device is arranged in the opposite direction to the firing direction X with respect to the grenade base body. The flow cross-section reduction device is connected to the grenade base body, separated from it, via a connecting device, and is connected to it such that it is stable during firing. A grenade launcher or shell firing apparatus has a grenade such as this, and the grenade firing apparatus has a barrel which is open at both ends and does not have any flow cross-section constrictions.

Abstract: An armor penetrating round includes an elongated core portion (e.g., a hollow tool steel core) defining a front end, an aft end, and a central cavity which extends from the aft end toward the front end. The central cavity has (i) an aft cross-sectional diameter adjacent the aft end and (ii) a front cross-sectional diameter adjacent the front end, the aft cross-sectional diameter being larger than the front cross-sectional diameter. The armor penetrating round further includes a slug portion (e.g., a pre-compacted pellet of powdered metal) which is disposed within the central cavity adjacent the aft end, and an outer jacket (e.g., a copper jacket) which extends around the elongated core portion to operate as an interface between the armor penetrating round and a gun barrel when the armor penetrating round is fired through the gun barrel.

Abstract: A slug for a firearm cartridge made of plastic. Alternative embodiments have a flat leading end or a stair-stepped leading end. Additional embodiments have a metal insert. The length and diameter of the slugs vary depending on the caliber of the firearm. A preferred embodiment is made from acetal resin (polyoxymethylene).

Abstract: A projectile includes a head, a tail, and an interface that interconnects the head and tail. Multiple sections of the interface are deformed by being compressed radially inwardly into respective annular recesses formed between the interface and the head and tail during manufacturing or by rifling when the projectile is fired. The amount of deformation is controlled by the depth of each of the annular recesses. In all embodiments, annular ridges formed in the head, the tail, or both, define the longitudinal extent of the annular recesses. The interface includes an annular obturation region and has a beveled open leading end to facilitate insertion of the head and tail into the interface.

Abstract: A cartridge for a firearm has a bullet that defines an internal chamber. The chamber has a broader top portion than a lower portion. The bullet further defines a channel passage leading out of the top end of the bullet. The bullet contains an arrowhead slidable engaged within the channel passage. A shaft is connected to the arrowhead and passes down from the arrowhead into the lower portion of the chamber. A thrust plate is connected to the shaft end in the chamber. The thrust plate is spring metal and when the cartridge is fired, the thrust plate rises pushing the arrowhead so that it extends from the leading end of the bullet. When the thrust plate rises to the second portion of the chamber, it springs open to prevent subsequent downward motion of the thrust plate and consequently prevents subsequent retraction of the arrowhead during flight and after impact.

Abstract: A scalable, inert munition data recorder cartridge. This inert cartridge allows users to record data from within a weapon system feed chute, breach, and extractor port. This cartridge is adaptable to any weapon system, packaging unit, environmental chamber, or other ammunition holding and storage device. Although the cartridge is designed to interface with a weapon and ammunition packaging based on its shape, it still functions as designed regardless of its location and application. This would allow the cartridge to be placed anywhere an actual live cartridge of ammunition could be placed.

Abstract: A projectile instrument is provided for penetrating a target, the penetrator element being disposable in a projectile. The instrument includes a substantially cylindrical core, first and second plates and first and second devices. The core has first and second ends and a radially extending surface. The first plate supports the first end; the second plate supports the second end. The first device radially constrains the surface, whereas the second device axially constrains the first and second ends respectively disposed between their corresponding plates. Preferably, the core is either a ceramic or else is composed of reactive materials. In one embodiment, the first plate and the first device combine as a closed sleeve; the second plate is a lid removably secured to the first plate; and the second device is a helical spring disposed between the first end and the first plate.

Abstract: A flying bomb includes a standardized bomb casing formed of steel and having a nose opening and a tail opening. A thin penetrator is disposed in the bomb casing in order to achieve high effectiveness with little collateral damage when the flying bomb strikes a target. A distance between the tip of the penetrator and the nose opening is greater than 100 mm.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose projectile assembly includes an anti-personnel projectile, an armor-penetrating projectile, a propellant, a base bleed gas, and a primer. The anti-personnel projectile includes a cavity having a scored surface and is made out of a soft metal. The armor-penetrating projectile is made from a hard metal and is housed partially within the cavity of the anti-personnel projectile prior to firing from a weapon. The propellant and the primer are both housed within the cavity. The firing of the projectile assembly causes the armor-penetrating projectile to drive into the primer, thereby detonating the primer, causing the detonation of the propellant, thereby increasing the pressure of the cavity and causing the two projectiles to separate after the projectile assembly leaves the bore of the weapon. The burning of the propellant releases a base bleed gas that reduces the drag experienced by the anti-personnel projectile.

Abstract: A projectile instrument is provided for penetrating a target, the penetrator element being disposable in a projectile. The instrument includes a substantially cylindrical core, first and second plates and first and second devices. The core has first and second ends and a radially extending surface. The first plate supports the first end; the second plate supports the second end. The first device radially constrains the surface, whereas the second device axially constrains the first and second ends respectively disposed between their corresponding plates. Preferably, the core is either a ceramic or else is composed of reactive materials. In one embodiment, the first plate and the first device combine as a closed sleeve; the second plate is a lid removably secured to the first plate; and the second device is a helical spring disposed between the first end and the first plate.

Abstract: A round of ammunition for an assault rifle or the like includes a cartridge and a bullet or projectile. The cartridge includes a rear portion and a forward portion with a reduced diameter while the rear portion is dimensioned to fit into the breach of a rifle and defines a hollow chamber or interior volume for a mass of gun powder and primer. The forward portion of the cartridge joins a bullet. The bullet includes a bullet shaped rounded lead tip and an aerodynamically shaped forward portion including a tapered shell and a solid cylindrically shaped lead middle portion. The forward portion also includes an axial steel rod between the tip and the middle portion. The bullet also includes a rear portion including a tapered shell surrounding a second hollow chamber with a small opening in the distal part of the bullet.

Abstract: A projectile formed from dissimilar materials. The projectile includes a metallurgical interlayer that joins the dissimilar materials together. The metallurgical interlayer also matches the shock impedance of the two materials to prevent delamination during launch and during impact.

Abstract: A round of ammunition for an assault rifle or the like includes a cartridge and a bullet or projectile. The cartridge includes a rear portion and a forward portion with a reduced diameter while the rear portion is dimensioned to fit into the breach of a rifle and defines a hollow chamber or interior volume for a mass of gun powder and primer. The forward portion of the cartridge joins a bullet. The bullet includes a bullet shaped rounded lead tip and an aerodynamically shaped forward portion including a tapered shell and a solid cylindrically shaped lead middle portion. The forward portion also includes an axial steel rod between the tip and the middle portion. The bullet also includes a rear portion including a tapered shell surrounding a second hollow chamber with a small opening in the distal part of the bullet.

Abstract: A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core.

Abstract: A projectile (10), where necessary covered with a jacket, possesses a front-side core (1) and a rear-side core (2). The rear-side core (2) here bears positively in a centered manner against the front-side core (1) and this rear-side core (2) fills the entire cylindrical and the frustoconically configured rear region (2) of the projectile (10). A contact zone (11, 12 is respectively configured on the two cores (1, 2), which contact zone allows the projectile (10) to be joined together in a press fit, a perfectly aligned external form (3) of the projectile (10) being obtained and the contact faces (15; 13; 11 to 12) of the cores (1, 2) directly touching one another substantially without a clearance or gap over the whole of the contact face (15; 13; 11 to 12). When the projectile (10) impacts upon a surface oriented in any chosen manner relative to the firing direction (20), the projectile (10) is split into two less dangerous projectile parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to ammunition for missile weapon and firearm. The cavitating core of the invention comprises a head part conjugated with a secant nose surface along the cavitating edge, a central part, and an aft part with a gliding surface, wherein the caliber of the core is defined by the maximum diameter of the circle describing the core cross-section. The contour line enveloping the cross-sections from the cavitating edge to the core caliber in the plane of the core axial longitudinal section is limited by the dependence: Dx=d×[1+(1x/d)×(2×sin ?/?)1/N]N, where Dx—is the current diameter of the core enveloping contour R, mm; d—is the cavitating edge diameter, mm; Lx—is the current distance from the cavitating edge to the core caliber, mm; ?=60° . . . 270°— is the apex angle of the tangents to the secant nose surface at the points of its conjugation with the cavitating edge measured from the side of the head part; N=(2?/?)0.4 . . . (2?/?)0.

Abstract: A penetrator can substantially affect the fragmentation properties of a projectile. As a rule, the penetrator is enclosed by an envelope which combines the projectile core and penetrator in one unit. On hitting the target, a fragmentation of the projectile envelope must first occur which needs energy, influencing the further fragmentation of the projectile and the exit from the target. The invention thus relates to a hard-core projectile (1), with the penetrator (3) provided in a cylindrical drilling (4), in the projectile core (2), running centrally on the projectile axis (5), the length of the penetrator (3) extending over the middle (8) of the projectile, the core (2) enclosing the penetrator (3) in the ogival region (6) to the open tip (16) and the cylindrical part (7) of the core (2), serving as guide in operation, is enclosed by an envelope (9).

Abstract: A bullet includes at least a mid core and a rear core in tandem alignment. The hardness of the mid core is greater than the hardness of the rear core. A jacket envelops both the mid core and the rear core. The jacket has a generally cylindrical sidewall, which is in contact with the mid core, and a boat-tail, which is in contact with the rear core. The rear core is substantially contained within the boat-tail. The mid core and the rear core may be substantially lead-free. In one embodiment, the bullet includes a front core in tandem alignment with the rear core and in contact with a nose portion of the jacket. In another embodiment, the mid core extends from the nose portion of the bullet to the boat-tail.

Abstract: The invention relates to ammunition for hunting guns. The bullet is of the type comprising an internal shaft (4) with a rigidity equal to or greater than that of the body of the bullet, disposed in a hole drilled in the body of the bullet along its axis, and this internal shaft (4) is set back from the orifice (8) of the hole, the latter, situated on the axis, has a smaller diameter than that of the internal shaft (4), and the wall of the ogival head (3) of the bullet body (2) comprises one or more deformation notches close to the orifice of the hole. Applicable to the improvement of the terminal efficiency of small, medium or large caliber hunting guns with the caliber of the gun or undersizes.

Abstract: A small-bore projectile comprises a ductile outer jacket, a hard core, and a hollow jacket core. Kinetic energy of the projectile is substantially transmitted to the hard core when a target is hit such that said hard core penetrates the target. The outer jacket is supported by the jacket core that is located on the inside and mushrooms up into a deformed state upon impact without fragmenting. The projectile has good flying behavior and great final ballistic performance and can be produced in an entirely lead-free manner.

Abstract: A space based orbital kinetic energy weapon system and method of using same is provided. The space based orbital kinetic energy weapon system includes a satellite having a control system configured to maintain an orbit in outer space around the earth and to deorbit the satellite on a desired trajectory corresponding to an earth based target upon a command, and a projectile object operably connected to the satellite. The projectile object includes a dense mass and a heat shield operably surrounding the mass such that at least a portion of the mass survives reentry into the earth's atmosphere and strikes the earth based target delivering its kinetic energy.

Abstract: A firearm projectile includes a precision-machined outer component having a generally cylindrical body, a tip at the forward end of the body, a base at the rear end of the body, and a precision-machined cavity machined into the outer component. A precision-machined inner component is pressed into the cavity. The outer component includes a homogenous material that is softer than firearm barrel steel. The inner component includes a material having a higher density than the outer component and a higher density than an armor plate, such as solid tungsten, tungsten carbide and potential some Nanotechnology materials such as NanoSteel™. A cap may be attached to the outer component to seal the inner component inside the cavity. The cavity can be machined from the front or rear end of the outer component. The cap fits into the rear of the projectile or may be a bullet tip. The cavity and the inner component may be cylindrical or tapered.

Abstract: It is proposed to combine the cascade effect of frangible pellets with sub-projectiles made of ductile heavy metal, that is, to produce a munition in which the advantages of for example frangible pellets of a central penetrator are combined with the advantages of the ductile heavy metal in an external penetrator\whereby an improved performance on various targets is achieved along with deeper impact speeds.

Abstract: A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core.

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: 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: The invention relates to ammunition for fire and pneumatic smoothbore weapon and can be used for producing bullets for hunting and sporting guns. The inventive method consists in deforming the rear part of a tubular blank in such a way that an aerodynamic empennage is formed and in arranging a core in the front part of said blank. The core is introduced into the tubular blank prior to deforming and is fixed in said blank by deforming the front and rear parts thereof. Deformation is carried out by pressing the blank wall without modifying the thickness thereof. The deformation of the tubular blank can be carried out by longitudinally clamping said blank between two crimping matrixes. Said core is embodied in such a way that an extractor in the form of an aerodynamic needle is formed in the material thereof, the core being inserted when said extractor is disposed outside the internal volume of the blank.

Abstract: A reactive composite projectile includes a reactive composite material in a solid form and an encasement material applied to and surrounding the solid form for exerting compressive forces thereon. Additionally or alternatively, an elongate structure can be positioned in the solid form. The elongate structure is made from a material having a mass density that is approximately 2 to 10 times the mass density of the reactive composite material.

Abstract: A reactive composite projectile includes a reactive composite material in a solid shape and an encasement material applied to and surrounding the solid shape for exerting compressive forces thereon. Additionally or alternatively, an elongate structure can be positioned in the solid shape. The elongate structure is made from a material having a mass density that is approximately 2 to 10 times the mass density of the reactive composite material.

Abstract: An anti-armor projectile has a tail fin boom having an inner hollow area. A warhead made of high density materials is disposed in the hollow area to serve as a kinetic-energy penetrator that is released upon impact to increase the lethality of the anti-armor projectile.

Abstract: A bullet includes at least a mid core and a rear core in tandem alignment. The hardness of the mid core is greater than the hardness of the rear core. A jacket envelops both the mid core and the rear core. The jacket has a generally cylindrical sidewall, which is in contact with the mid core, and a boat-tail, which is in contact with the rear core. The rear core is substantially contained within the boat-tail. The mid core and the rear core may be substantially lead-free. In one embodiment, the bullet includes a front core in tandem alignment with the rear core and in contact with a nose portion of the jacket. In another embodiment, the mid core extends from the nose portion of the bullet to the boat-tail.

Abstract: A perforating ammunition having a penetration body delimiting an internal cavity closed by a base which penetration body includes a front nose with at least one insert integral with the nose, the insert being a material denser than that of the body and arranged in a housing opening to the outside of the body.

Abstract: A penetrator, including a penetrator housing in which there is arranged an explosive charge and an ignition system for the triggering of the explosive charge. The penetrator housing consists of a composite of a steel outer housing and a heavy-metal inner component, whereby the heavy-metal inner component, at predetermined external dimensions of the penetrator, is provided for the reduction of the mass of the steel outer housing and thus leads to an increase in the volume of the explosive charge and correspondingly to an increase in the mass of the explosive charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to ammunitions for weapons of all calibers. The inventive ammunition includes a bullet which has the same caliber as the weapon or which is under calibrated, comprising a center part (2) and a rear part (1) which can carry a fin (12). The bullet has a hole (5) which is drilled in the front surface of the forebody (4) in accordance with the axis of the bullet, containing an internally carried sub-projective (6) which is more rigid than the body of the bullet and is provided on the surface with several longitudinal ribs (7). The invention can be used for ammunition with sub-projectiles in all calibers of hunting weapons with a shotgun or rifled barrel.

Abstract: A projectile includes a body, a penetrator disposed at least partially within the body for penetrating a target or barrier, and means for propelling the penetrator from the body. A method includes directing a projectile toward a target or barrier and propelling a penetrator from within a body of the projectile. An apparatus for propelling a penetrator from a projectile includes a high energy power source and means for guiding the penetrator from the projectile.

Abstract: A penetrator includes a fore body comprising a pin and having a center of aerodynamic pressure forward of a center of gravity and a stabilizing portion comprising a material of lower density than that of the fore body and a plurality of outwardly extending fins for improving an aerodynamic stability of the projectile and defining a bore in which the pin is received for removably attaching the fore body thereto such that, when attached to the fore body, a center of gravity for the penetrator is forward of a center of aerodynamic pressure for the penetrator.

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-effective ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: A munition in the form of a projectile contains a dart having a body terminating in a front tip and ductile hammer block in the form of a ferrule engaging at least a part of the dart. The dart is formed of sections the diameters of which increase from the back to the front of the dart body, forming support shoulders. A recess in the hammer block has a shape corresponding to the dart body shape received in the hammer block. Hammer block sections form thrust shoulders which engage the corresponding dart support shoulders. When the projectile impacts a target, the thrust shoulders push against the dart support shoulders, causing the ductile hammer block to open and flare out.

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: A propelling device for a projectile that is lying in a standby position within a rocket motor in a missile. The projectile is translated with respect to the rocket motor by means of a pyrotechnic charge before the rocket motor is ignited. The projectile is lying within a translation tube centrally located in the rocket motor. The projectile comprises a power piston in the rear end thereof. The power piston encloses a pyrotechnic power charge and a pyrotechnic squib. The translation tube is sealable closed behind the power piston and forms a closed expansion chamber for the pyrotechnic charges which, by ignition, generate gas pressure that activates the power piston and thus propels the projectile forward within the translation tube.

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.