taistelukärjen

Taistelukärki, often translated as "battle tip" or "combat head," refers to the part of a projectile, such as a bullet or missile, that is designed to inflict damage upon impact. The design and construction of a taistelukärki vary significantly depending on its intended purpose and the type of target it is meant to engage.

For small arms ammunition, common taistelukärki types include full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, which have a lead core encased in a copper or brass jacket, designed for penetration. Hollow-point projectiles are another type, featuring a cavity at the tip that causes the bullet to expand upon impact, increasing its stopping power and reducing the risk of over-penetration. Armor-piercing rounds have hardened cores to defeat enemy armor.

In the context of missiles and larger ordnance, the taistelukärki refers to the warhead. These can range from high-explosive warheads designed to detonate and scatter shrapnel, to fragmentation warheads, and specialized types like thermobaric or chemical warheads, each with distinct destructive mechanisms. The development of taistelukärki technology is a continuous process, driven by the need to improve effectiveness against evolving targets and to adhere to international laws regarding warfare.