A long rod penetrator, often referred to as a kinetic energy penetrator or simply a penetrator, is a type of ammunition designed to penetrate armor or hardened targets. It is commonly used in tank cannons or anti-armor systems.
The long rod penetrator consists of a dense and extremely hard material, typically tungsten or depleted uranium, shaped into a long, slender rod. The rod is designed to have a high length-to-diameter ratio, enabling it to maintain stability and concentrate the impact energy on a small point.
When fired from a weapon, such as a tank gun, the penetrator is propelled at high velocity towards the target. Due to its high density and speed, it possesses a significant amount of kinetic energy. Upon impact, the kinetic energy is concentrated on a small area, allowing the penetrator to penetrate through armor plating or other hardened materials.
The design of long rod penetrators focuses on maximizing the projectile's ability to maintain its shape and integrity during flight and impact, allowing it to penetrate deeply into the target before losing effectiveness. The high velocity and density of the penetrator enable it to defeat armored targets by physically piercing through the protective layers.
Long rod penetrators are highly effective against armored vehicles, bunkers, and other fortified structures. They are designed to defeat heavy armor and provide a means to neutralize or disable enemy vehicles or fortifications.