Reactive projectiles for exploding unexploded ordnance

This invention relates generally to the destruction of unexploded ordnance, and more specifically, to the destruction of land and sea mines. A projectile for the destruction of unexploded ordnance comprising a dart shell having a core region which contains a reactive composition comprised of a reactive metal and an oxidizer. The reactive metal is selected from the group consisting of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, lithium, beryllium, zirconium, thorium, uranium, hafnium, alloys thereof, hydrides thereof, and combinations thereof. The oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of lithium perchlorate, magnesium perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, chlorates, peroxides, and combinations thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the reactive composition is located on the outside of a center penetrating rod. Also included is a disposable apparatus for delivering a projectile to destroy unexploded ordnance. The apparatus is comprised of a block having a top and a bottom, the block comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of wood and polymeric resin. Within the block is a barrel disposed on the bottom of the block, the barrel comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass and polymeric resin.