Penetrator and use of a penetrator

Abstract

A penetrator for a projectile, in particular a subcaliber kinetic energy penetrator, comprising a tail unit and a main core having a front part and a rear part, the tail unit being arranged on the rear part of the main core. A predetermined breaking point is formed between the front part and the rear part of the main core, and the material of the predetermined breaking point is designed to be mechanically less resilient that the rest of the main core.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A penetrator comprising:
 a tail unit;   a main core having at least one front part and at least one rear part, the tail unit being arranged on the rear part of the main core; and   at least one predetermined breaking point being formed between the front part and the rear part of the main core, the at least one predetermined breaking point being designed such that it is mechanically less resilient than the at least one front part and the at least one rear part of the main core,   wherein the main core is provided with a one-piece design,   wherein the penetrator is manufactured from a tungsten heavy metal material, and   wherein the predetermined breaking point has a lower density than the front part and the rear part of the main core.   
     
     
         2 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined breaking point is configured to allow the rear part of the main core, together with the tail unit, to break off from the at least one front part of the main core upon striking a target, in particular a pre-target. 
     
     
         3 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein a length of the front part of the main core is at least 50%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the length of the main core. 
     
     
         4 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined breaking point is manufactured by primary forming and/or forming manufacturing methods. 
     
     
         5 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined breaking point is an integral connection, which is formed from a mechanically less resilient material than main core. 
     
     
         6 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the penetrator is sintered from a tungsten heavy metal material. 
     
     
         7 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the main penetrator is inert. 
     
     
         8 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the main core is provided with a solid design. 
     
     
         9 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined breaking point is formed by a thermal heat treatment of the main core. 
     
     
         10 . A projectile comprising a penetrator according to  claim 1  and a sabot. 
     
     
         11 . A cartridge munition comprising a projectile according to  claim 10  and a cartridge casing. 
     
     
         12 . The cartridge munition according to  claim 11 , wherein the predetermined breaking point is arranged inside of the casing. 
     
     
         13 . The penetrator according to  claim 1 , wherein the penetrator is adapted for engaging an armored target having a reactive armoring or a tank having a reactive armoring.