Telescopic projectiles

Telescopic projectiles have the potential to radically improve the penetration capability of high velocity KE-penetrators in homogeneous armour. A survey of open publications and experiments performed a FOI indicates that it should be possible to almost double the penetration capability in homogeneous steel- titanium- and aluminium armours relative to the penetration obtained by the not extended long rod reference projectile. Also in ceramic targets a considerable improvement can be obtained. In the open literature there is no information available on the behaviour of telescopic projectiles in armour exerting transverse forces on the projectile like e.g. oblique plates and reactive armour. In this study, continuum-dynamic simulations of telescopic projectiles penetrating stationary and moving oblique plates have been carried out indicating that telescopic penetrators should perform well also in this type o armour. In order to assess whether telescopic projectiles is a realistic warhead option, experiments with armours exerting transverse forces should be performed. Optimising the geometry of telescopic projectiles requires more knowledge of the penetration capability of tubular penetrators. The influence of yaw has to be studied to obtain sufficiently robust penetrators.