Subcaliber, finstabilized penetrator projectile

US4920888A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Rheinmetall GmbH · DE
• ETAT FRANCAIS · FR

Inventors

• Hans W. Luther · Kaarst, DE
• Juergen Winkelmann · Meerbusch, DE
• Jean-Claude Sauvestre · Bourges, FR
• Patrick Montier · Bourges, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 7, 1988
• Grant date: May 1, 1990
• Expiry date: Jan 7, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F42B12/06
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A penetrator shell has at least a front and a rear high-density core element each having a front face and a rear and lying in a stack extending along an axis with the front face of the rear element engaging the rear face of the front element. The rear face of the front element and front face of the rear element are substantially complementary, part-spherical, and centered on the axis. Thus, the front element can rock or pivot on the rear element while remaining in contact with the front face thereof. A high-density main penetrator body is engaged against and extends axially rearward away from the rear face of the rear element. A casing sleeve is engaged snugly around the core elements and has a front end generally at the front element and a rear end secured to the main penetrator body. An aerodynamic tip is secured to and extends axially forward from the front end of the sleeve.