Penetrator, use of a penetrator, projectile and cartridge ammunition

Abstract

The invention relates to a penetrator (10) for a projectile (100), in particular a sub-caliber kinetic energy projectile, wherein the penetrator (10) has a terminal-ballistic body (12) for attacking an armoured target, wherein a hole (16) is formed in the body (12), which extends along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis (14) of the body (12) entirely or along a predominant portion of the length of the body (12), wherein at least one exactly fitting insert part (22) is introduced into the hole (16), which has a through-opening (24) extending along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis (14') of the insert part (22) for guiding through an electrical or electronic line (26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a penetrator for a projectile, in particular a sub-caliber kinetic energy projectile. The penetrator has a terminal ballistic body for engaging an armored target, in particular a tank.

[0002] The invention further relates to the use of such a penetrator for engaging an armored target, in particular a tank. The invention also relates to a projectile with a sabot and such a penetrator. Finally, the invention relates to cartridge ammunition comprising a cartridge case and such a projectile.

[0003] A penetrator can be used to create a sub-caliber kinetic energy projectile that achieves its effect through kinetic energy. Such projectiles are typically fired by tanks or artillery weapons with large-caliber guns in direct fire at a target.

[0004] A penetrator of the type mentioned above is known from DE 10 2019 121 984 A1. This penetrator has an outer body with a hollow cross-section and a core arranged therein. This allows a penetrator with high bending stiffness to be designed without increasing the weight of the penetrator, e.g., the DM53 or DM63 designs of the applicant. However, this penetrator is not yet sufficiently suitable for incorporating electrical properties. Therefore, there is potential for optimization.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2015 117 018 A1 discloses a penetrator comprising a base part with an interface. The interface allows the base part to be coupled with various attachment parts.

[0006] The publication FR2529320 A discloses a penetrator according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved penetrator. It is particularly desirable that a channel can be formed quickly and efficiently on the penetrator to allow an electrical or electronic conductor to pass through it.

[0008] The invention solves this problem by means of a penetrator with the features of claim 1.

[0009] The penetrator is designed and / or intended for a projectile, in particular a sub-caliber kinetic energy penetrator. The penetrator has a terminal ballistic body or penetrator body for engaging an armored target. A bore, in particular a deep hole, is formed in the body, extending completely or over the majority of the body's length, along or parallel to the body's central longitudinal axis. One or more precisely fitting inserts are placed in the bore. Each insert has a passage extending along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the insert for the passage of an electrical or electronic conductor. The conductor can be arranged directly (conductor arranged directly in the passage) or indirectly (an additional element is arranged in the passage through which the conductor is routed).

[0010] This design enables the simple fabrication of a relatively thin, continuous channel (passage) for an electrical or electronic conductor within a penetrator, even when the penetrator or body is made of high-strength tungsten heavy metal (WSM). This facilitates the development of a modern penetrator ("Smart Penetrator") that can be equipped with electrical properties. By positioning the conductor within the passage of the insert, it is largely protected from environmental influences. This significantly reduces the risk of the conductor being damaged by powder, for example, during environmental testing. By creating the relatively thin passage within the insert, problems that would arise when producing a long, relatively thin bore directly within the penetrator (wear, accuracy) are avoided.The penetrator's properties can be adapted by means of one or more insert parts (multifunctional basic penetrator).

[0011] The aforementioned line could be a signal line. The line could be designed as a cable and, for example, have one or more strands, each with insulation, and an optional sheath that completely surrounds the strands.

[0012] The penetrator or body (penetrator body) can be made of high-strength tungsten heavy metal (WSM). Regardless of the material, the penetrator can have a length of, for example, 100 to 1000 millimeters.

[0013] The bore formed in the body can have a diameter greater than 4 millimeters, but preferably significantly greater than 10 millimeters. The outer wall remaining on the body after the bore has a remaining wall thickness of at least 1 millimeter.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the insert can be designed as an inner tube extending over the entire length of the bore. This contributes to a penetrator with a small number of components. The inner tube is arranged within the body or penetrator body, with its outer circumference resting against the inner circumference of the bore in the body. The inner tube can be designed as a drawn tube, with the opening also being formed by drawing. The inner tube can be made of steel, in particular. Compared to the penetrator body, the inner tube can exhibit a comparatively high ductility.

[0015] Preferably, if the bore extends over the majority of the body's length, a second bore can be connected to it. This second bore has a smaller diameter than the first bore (the bore for receiving the at least one insert), and together they form a channel that completely penetrates the body. Thus, the first bore, which receives the insert(s), is designed as a blind hole. The bottom of the blind hole therefore acts as a stop for the insert(s), facilitating the positioning of the insert(s) within the bore. Furthermore, the insert(s) are protected from falling out at the bottom of the bore. In other words, this is a "partially enlarged bore," where the insert(s) can be, or already are, located in the "enlarged part" (the first bore).In the "non-enlarged part" (additional bore) the electrical or electronic line can be arranged, extending through the additional bore and through the passage(s) in the insert parts.

[0016] Advantageously, at least two cylinder blocks can be provided as insert components, arranged adjacent to each other in the bore of the body or penetrator body. The cylinder blocks rest against each other, and their passages are aligned. These aligned passages thus form a channel section for the electrical or electronic conductor. Due to the relatively short length of the cylinder blocks compared to the length of the penetrator body, a passage for the electrical or electronic conductor can be easily formed in each one, for example, by drilling (each passage is formed as a bore).

[0017] The cylinder blocks can each be designed as a vertical circular cylinder with a central opening for guiding the electrical or electronic wiring. The cylinder blocks can each have a length of 5 to 50 millimeters.

[0018] Preferably, the cylinder blocks can each be made of the same material. This allows for identical mechanical behavior of the cylinder blocks in practice. Furthermore, material procurement for the cylinder blocks can be simplified (only one material is required) and installation of the cylinder blocks can be made easier (the order of the cylinder blocks may be irrelevant).

[0019] Optionally, the cylinder blocks can have the same height (same cylinder block thickness) along their central longitudinal axis. This also contributes to consistent mechanical behavior of the cylinder blocks. Furthermore, identically dimensioned cylinder blocks simplify their manufacture.

[0020] Alternatively, the cylinder blocks can each be made of different materials. This allows the mechanical behavior of the cylinder blocks to be varied through targeted material selection, for example by inserting cylinder blocks made of different materials along the bore or along the penetrator body.

[0021] Optionally, the cylinder blocks can each have a different height along their central longitudinal axis. Adjusting the height allows for targeted variation of the mechanical behavior of the cylinder blocks.

[0022] Advantageously, the cylinder blocks can be made of the same material as the penetrator body or of a different material. Using the same material promotes a comparatively uniform mechanical behavior of the cylinder blocks and the penetrator body. It also simplifies material procurement. Using different materials can influence the terminal ballistic behavior of the penetrator, for example, by causing fragmentation if the cylinder blocks are made of a material with a lower density than the penetrator body.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, a suitable threaded stud can be inserted into the passages of the cylinder blocks. The threaded stud penetrates the cylinder blocks and has a hollow cross-section (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis). The threaded stud allows for centering of the cylinder blocks, thereby increasing terminal ballistic performance. Furthermore, electrical or electronic wiring can be routed within the hollow cross-section (open at each end) of the threaded stud. The wiring is thus not directly located in the passage, but indirectly, namely by being arranged within the threaded stud, which in turn is located in the passage(s) of the cylinder blocks. The passages of the cylinder blocks through which the threaded stud penetrates can each have an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the threaded stud.

[0024] Advantageously, of at least two cylinder blocks arranged directly adjacent to each other in the bore, a first cylinder block can have a projecting extension at one end, and a second cylinder block can have a corresponding recess at the end facing the first cylinder block, with the extension being inserted into or engaging with the recess. This allows for centering of the cylinder blocks, thereby increasing terminal ballistic performance. Optionally, not only two, but several or even all cylinder blocks arranged in the bore of the penetrator body can be equipped with an extension and / or a recess. This allows for further centering, thus increasing terminal ballistic performance even more.

[0025] Advantageously, the first and second cylinder blocks can each have a projecting extension at one end and a corresponding recess at the other end. Thus, both the first and second cylinder blocks feature a projection and a recess. This allows for improved centering and increased ballistic performance. The first and second cylinder blocks can be identical, simplifying manufacturing. Optionally, not just two, but several, or even all, of the cylinder blocks arranged in the bore of the penetrator body can each have a projection at one end and a corresponding recess at the other.The cylinder blocks arranged at the end of the bore can optionally each have only one extension or only one recess, so that a flat finish is achieved at each end.

[0026] Specifically, the extension and the recess can each be disc-shaped or conical. In other words, the extension and the recess can each have a disc-shaped or conical form. In a disc-shaped configuration, the extension can project centrally from the end face of the cylinder block, with the outer diameter of the extension being smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder block. In a conical configuration, the extension can also project centrally from the end face of the cylinder block, with the conical contour tapering conically from the outer circumference of the cylinder block to the free end. Here, too, the recess is shaped to correspond to the (conical) extension, so that the extension can be inserted snugly into the recess.

[0027] Alternatively, the extension can be designed as a face profile, with the recess forming a corresponding counter-profiling on the face. This also allows for the centering of cylinder blocks, thereby increasing terminal ballistic performance. The resulting machining effort and material weakening of the cylinder blocks are comparatively low. The profile can, for example, have concentric grooves, with the counter-profiling having corresponding concentric grooves.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the bore can have an internal thread, wherein at least one of the cylinder blocks (on its outer circumference or cylindrical surface) has an external thread corresponding to the internal thread. This ensures stable positioning of the cylinder block within the bore of the penetrator body and corresponding centering. This contributes to an increase in terminal ballistic performance. Optionally, the internal thread of the bore of the penetrator body can be continuous. Several or, if necessary, all cylinder blocks within the bore can have an external thread.

[0029] The aforementioned task can also be accomplished by using a penetrator with one or more of the aforementioned features to engage an armored target, particularly a tank. Regarding the advantages, please refer to the relevant sections on the penetrator. Further enhancements can be achieved using the measures discussed in connection with the penetrator and / or those explained below.

[0030] The aforementioned task can also be accomplished by a projectile comprising a sabot, a guide vane, and a penetrator with one or more of the aforementioned features. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the relevant sections on the penetrator. Further development can be achieved using the measures discussed in connection with the penetrator and / or those explained below.

[0031] The aforementioned task is also accomplished by cartridge ammunition comprising a projectile as described above and a cartridge case. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the penetrator. Further development can be achieved using the measures discussed in connection with the penetrator and / or those explained below.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical or electronic conductor can be routed from the base of the cartridge case to its tip. This allows the penetrator or the cartridged ammunition to be equipped with electrical or electronic properties. The conductor is routed through the openings formed in the inserts or cylinder blocks and, if necessary, through the additional bore in the cylinder block. The conductor can be configured as described above.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, where identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals, possibly only once. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a penetrator in a schematic side view; Fig. 2a shows a configuration of the penetrator made of Figure 1 in partial sectional views after forming the bore ( Figure 2a ), Inserting the components ( Figure 2b ) and installation of the electrical or electronic line ( Figure 2c ); Fig. 3 shows a possible design of the penetrator made of Figure 1 with centering by means of a threaded pin in a partial sectional view; Fig. 4 a possible embodiment of the penetrator made of Figure 1 with centering by means of profiles or threads in a partial sectional view; Fig. 5 shows a possible design of the penetrator made of Figure 1with centering via circular disk-shaped extensions or recesses in a partial sectional view; Fig. 6 shows a possible design of the penetrator made of Figure 1 with a centering via conical extensions or recesses in a partial sectional view; and Fig. 7 an embodiment of the penetrator made of Figure 1 with a centering via an inner tube extending in the bore in a partial sectional view.

[0034] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a penetrator, designated by the reference numeral 10. The penetrator 10 is designed for a projectile 100 with a tail assembly 102.

[0035] The penetrator 10 further comprises a terminal ballistic body or penetrator body 12 for engaging an armored target (not shown). The central longitudinal axis of the body 12 is designated by reference numeral 14. A bore 16 is formed in the body 12, which in this example extends along the central longitudinal axis 14 of the body 12 over the majority of the length of the body 14 (see figure). Fig. 2a The bore 16 is formed by means of a drilling tool 18 (shown schematically only). Alternatively, the bore 16 can extend over the entire length of the body 12, thus completely penetrating it (indicated by dashed lines 20).

[0036] At least one precisely fitting insert part 22 has been inserted into the bore 16 (see figure). Fig.2b), which in the example has a passage 24 extending along the central longitudinal axis 14' of the insert part 22 for the passage of an electrical or electronic line 26 (cf. Fig. 2c ).

[0037] In the example, four insert parts 22 are placed in the bore 16 (see below). Fig. 2b and 2c ). In the example, line 26 is routed directly through passages 24 of the deployment components 22 and can be configured as described above.

[0038] In the example, the bore 16 extends only over the majority of the length of the body 12 (cf. Fig. 2a to 2c Adjoining bore 16 is another bore 28, which has a smaller diameter than bore 16. Bore 16 and the other bore 28 together form a channel (with sections of different diameters) that completely penetrates the body 12 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2aSince in the example the line 26 extends through the passages 24 of the insert parts 22 and through the further bore 28, the diameter of the further bore 28 is dimensioned such that the line 26 can be guided through the further bore.

[0039] As insert parts 22, four cylinder blocks 30 are provided in the example, which are arranged successively in the bore 16, with the cylinder blocks 30 abutting each other and the passages 24 of the cylinder blocks 30 being aligned with each other. Thus, the passages 24 form a channel section that is aligned with the further bore 28, so that the line 26 can be guided through the body 12 therein.

[0040] In this example, the cylinder blocks 30 are each made of the same material and have the same height along their central longitudinal direction 14'. As explained above, it is also conceivable that the cylinder blocks are made of different materials and / or have different heights along their central longitudinal direction 14'. It has also been discussed that the cylinder blocks 30 can be made of the same material as the body 12 of the penetrator 10 or of a different material.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a configuration of the penetrator 10, which largely corresponds to the one described with reference to the Figure 1 and 2 This corresponds to the described design. To avoid repetition, please refer to the explanations provided there.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the cylinder blocks 30 arranged in the bore 16 are centered. For this purpose, a suitable threaded pin 32 is inserted into the passages 24 of the cylinder blocks 30. The threaded pin 32 penetrates the cylinder blocks 30 and has a hollow cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threaded pin 32) with a hollow interior 33. The hollow interior 33 extends completely through the threaded pin 32, which is open at each end. The conduit 26 is guided through the hollow interior 33 and through the further bore 28. The conduit 26 is thus indirectly arranged in the passages 24 of the cylinder blocks 30, since it is received in the threaded pin 32.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the Penetrator 10, which is largely based on the one described with reference to the Figure 1 and 2This corresponds to the described design. To avoid repetition, please refer to the explanations provided there.

[0044] Of at least two of the cylinder blocks 30, which are arranged directly adjacent to each other in the bore 16, a first cylinder block 30' has a projecting extension 36 at one end 34, and a second cylinder block 30'' has a corresponding recess 40 at the end 38 facing the first cylinder block 30', with the extension 36 being inserted into the recess 40 (shown schematically only). In this example, the extension 36 is designed as a frontal profile. The recess 40 is designed as a counter-profile corresponding to the profile. The profile and counter-profile can be designed as described above.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the bore 16 can have an internal thread 17, wherein at least one of the cylinder blocks 30‴ has an external thread 31 corresponding to the internal thread 17.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the Penetrator 10, which is largely based on the one described with reference to the Figure 1 and 2 This corresponds to the described design. To avoid repetition, please refer to the explanations provided there.

[0047] Here too, of at least two of the cylinder blocks 30, which are arranged immediately adjacent to each other in the bore 16, a first cylinder block 30' has a frontally projecting extension 36 at one end 34 and a second cylinder block 30'' has a frontally corresponding recess 40 at the end 38 facing the first cylinder block 30', wherein the extension 36 is inserted into the recess 40.

[0048] In the example, the first cylinder block 30' and the second cylinder block 30'' each have a frontally projecting extension 36 at one end 34 and a frontally corresponding recess 40 at the other end 38 (in Fig. 5 (For clarity, reference symbols are only used once).

[0049] The extension 36 and the recess 40 are each circular disk-shaped. The extension 36 projects centrally from the end face of the cylinder block 30', 30", the outer diameter of the extension 36 being smaller than the outer diameter of the cylinder block 30', 30". The recess 40 is shaped to correspond to the (circular disk-shaped) extension 36, so that the extension 36 can be inserted into the recess 40.

[0050] The cylinder blocks 30 arranged at the edges of the bore 16 may optionally have no recess at their respective ends (cylinder block 30 in Fig. 5 in bore 16 on the far left) or no extension (cylinder block 30 in Fig. 5 in bore 16 on the far right).

[0051] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the Penetrator 10, which is largely based on the one described with reference to the Figure 1 and 2 This corresponds to the described design. To avoid repetition, please refer to the explanations provided there.

[0052] Here too, of at least two of the cylinder blocks 30, which are arranged immediately adjacent to each other in the bore 16, a first cylinder block 30' has a frontally projecting extension 36 at one end 34 and a second cylinder block 30'' has a frontally corresponding recess 40 at the end 38 facing the first cylinder block 30', wherein the extension 36 is inserted into the recess 40.

[0053] In this example, the first cylinder block 30' and the second cylinder block 30'' each have a projecting extension 36 at one end 34 and a corresponding recess 40 at the other end 38 (for clarity, reference numerals are shown only once). The extension 36 and the recess 40 are each conical. The extension 36 projects centrally from the end face of the cylinder block 30', 30'', with the conical contour 37 tapering conically from the outer circumference of the cylinder block 30 to the free end of the extension 36. The recess 40 is designed to correspond to the conical extension 36, so that the extension 36 can be inserted snugly into the recess 40.

[0054] The cylinder blocks 30 arranged at the edges of the bore 16 may optionally have no recess at their respective ends in the bore 40 (cylinder block 30 in Fig. 6in bore 16 on the far left) or no extension (cylinder block 30 in Fig. 6 in bore 16 on the far right).

[0055] Figure 7 shows a configuration of the penetrator 10 with only one insert part 22.

[0056] The penetrator 10 further comprises a terminal ballistic body or penetrator body 12 for engaging an armored target (not shown). The central longitudinal axis of the body 12 is designated by reference numeral 14. A bore 16 is formed in the body 12, which in this example extends along the central longitudinal axis 14 of the body 12 over the majority of its length. The bore 16 is formed by means of a drilling tool (not shown). Alternatively, the bore 16 can extend over the entire length of the body 12, thus completely penetrating it (indicated by dashed lines 20).

[0057] A precisely fitting insert 22 is inserted into the bore 16, which in the example has a passage 24 extending along the central longitudinal axis 14' of the insert 22 for the passage of an electrical or electronic line 26.

[0058] In this example, the insert 22 is designed as an inner tube 50 extending over the entire length of the bore. The inner tube 50 is arranged in the body 12, with its outer circumference 52 abutting the inner circumference 19 of the bore 16 of the body 12. The inner tube can be made of steel, in particular.

[0059] In this example, bore 16 extends only over the majority of the length of body 12. A further bore 28, which has a smaller diameter than bore 16, adjoins bore 16. The further bore 28 and the passage 24 of the insert 22 are aligned. The conduit 26 passes through passage 24 and the further bore 28. Reference symbol list

[0060] 10 Penetrator 12 Body, penetrator body 14, 14' Central longitudinal axis 16 Bore 17 Internal thread 18 Drilling tool 19 Inner circumference 20 Through hole (dashed lines) 22 Insert part 24 Passage 26 Conduit 28 Further bore 30 Cylinder block 31 External thread 32 Threaded pin 33 Interior 34 End 36 Extension 37 Cone contour 38 Facing end 40 Recess 50 Inner tube 52 Outer circumference

Claims

1. Penetrator (10) for a projectile (100), in particular a sub-caliber kinetic energy projectile, the penetrator (10) having a terminal-ballistic body (12) for attacking an armored target, a hole (16) being formed in the body (12), which hole extends along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis (14) of the body (12) entirely or over the predominant portion of the length of the body (12), at least one exactly fitting insert part (22) being introduced into the hole (16), which insert part has a through-opening (24) extending along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis (14') of the insert part (22), characterized in that an electrical or electronic line (26)is guided through the through-opening (24).

2. Penetrator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert part (22) is designed as an inner tube (50) extending over the entire length of the hole (16).

3. Penetrator (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the hole (16) extends only over the predominant portion of the length of the body (12), the hole (12) is adjoined by a further hole (28) which has a smaller diameter than the hole (16), the hole (16) and the further hole (28) together forming a channel which completely penetrates the body (12).

4. Penetrator (10) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that at least two cylinder blocks (30) are provided as insert parts (22), which blocks are arranged adjacent to one another in the hole (16), the cylinder blocks (30) resting against one another and the through-openings (16) of the cylinder blocks (30) being aligned with one another.

5. Penetrator (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the cylinder blocks (30) are each made of the same material and / or each have the same height along the central longitudinal direction (14') thereof.

6. Penetrator (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the cylinder blocks (30) are each made of different material and / or have a different height along the central longitudinal direction (14') thereof.

7. Penetrator (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the cylinder blocks (30) are made of the same material as the body (12) of the penetrator (10) or of a different material.

8. Penetrator (10) according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that a suitable threaded pin (32) is introduced into the through-openings (24) of the cylinder blocks (30), the threaded pin (32) penetrating the cylinder blocks (30) and having a hollow cross-section.

9. Penetrator (10) according to any of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, of at least two of the cylinder blocks (30', 30"), which are arranged directly adjacent to one another in the hole (16), a first cylinder block (30') has at one end (34) an extension piece (36) projecting from the end face and a second cylinder block (30") has at the end (38) facing the first cylinder block (30") an end-face recess (40) corresponding to the extension piece (36), the extension piece (36) being introduced into the recess (40).

10. Penetrator (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first of the cylinder blocks (30') and the second of the cylinder blocks (30") each have at one end (34) an extension piece (36) projecting from the end face and at the other end (38) an end-face recess (40) corresponding to the extension piece (36).

11. Penetrator (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the extension piece (36) and the recess (40) are each circular disc-shaped or conical.

12. Penetrator (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the extension piece (36) is designed as an end-face profiling, the recess (40) being designed as an end-face counter-profiling corresponding to the profiling.

13. Penetrator (10) according to any of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the hole (16) has an internal thread (17), at least one of the cylinder blocks (30‴) having an external thread (31) corresponding to the internal thread (17).

14. Use of the penetrator (10) according to any of the preceding claims for attacking an armored target, in particular a tank.

15. Projectile (100) comprising a sabot, a tail unit (102) and a penetrator (10) according to any of claims 1 to 13.

16. Cartridge ammunition comprising a projectile (100) according to claim 15 and a cartridge case.

17. Cartridge ammunition according to claim 16, characterized in that the electrical or electronic line (26) is guided from the base of the cartridge case to the tip of the cartridge case.

Images