US 6,186,072 B1 · Monolithic ballasted penetrator

Abstract

The present invention is a monolithic ballasted penetrator capable of delivering a working payload to a hardened target, such as reinforced concrete. The invention includes a ballast made from a dense heavy material insert and a monolithic case extending along an axis and consisting of a high-strength steel alloy. The case includes a nose end containing a hollow portion in which the ballast is nearly completely surrounded so that no movement of the ballast relative to the case is possible during impact with a hard target. The case is cast around the ballast, joining the two parts together. The ballast may contain concentric grooves or protrusions that improve joint strength between the case and ballast. The case further includes a second hollow portion; between the ballast and base, which has a payload fastened within this portion. The penetrator can be used to carry instrumentation to measure the geologic character of the earth, or properties of arctic ice, as they pass through it.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A monolithic ballasted kinetic energy penetrator comprising:

a monolithic case made of a first material, said case having a case axis aligned with the direction of penetrating motion;
and five continguous regions comprising:
a nose end having a generally ogival outer shape;
a pointed tip of said nose end;
a continuous outer surface extending from said pointed tip to;
a middle section having a continuous, unjointed surface comprising an elongated, generally cylindrical or conical shape extending along said case axis;
extending to
a base having a flat end;
a ballast made of a second solid material whose density is substantially greater than said first material;
said ballast being disposed within said monolithic case;
said ballast having a rear end facing the base of said case;
and
said ballast having an outer surface area substantially surrounded by, and joined to, said monolithic case;
and
an integral web extending across said middle section and supporting the rear end of said ballast;
said web having a rear side facing the base of said case;
whereby
said ballast is constrained in all directions against movement relative to said monolithic case.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Monolithic ballasted penetrator

Life of this patent

Monolithic ballasted penetrator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29