Pre-compressed penetrator tip for projectile

Abstract

A penetrator instrument disposable in a projectile is provided for penetrating a target. The instrument includes a substantially cylindrical shell and a tip element. The shell includes a cavity at a fore end. The surface has an interior annular surface. The tip element is disposable into the cavity. The element has an exterior annular surface. The shell radially compresses the tip element along respective the interior and exterior annular surfaces that adjoin each other. The shell can optionally include an aft bore for mass balancing or containment of auxiliary materials. The element can be a ceramic or composed of reactive materials.

1. An instrument for penetrating a target, said instrument being disposable in a projectile and comprising:
 a substantially cylindrical shell having a cavity at a fore end, said shell having an interior annular surface that narrows towards aft;  
 a tip element disposable into said cavity, said element having an exterior conical surface that narrows towards aft,  
 wherein said shell radially compresses said tip element along respective said interior and exterior surfaces that adjoin each other.  
 
     
     
       2. The instrument according to  claim 1 , wherein said shell further comprises an aft bore. 
     
     
       3. The instrument according to  claim 1 , wherein said element is a ceramic. 
     
     
       4. The instrument according to  claim 1 , wherein said element is composed of reactive materials.