Abstract: A multi-mode fuze for a munition has at least one sensor that generates an electrical output dependent on a rate of deceleration when the munition impacts a target, a logic circuit electrically coupled to the at least one sensor effective to discriminate between a soft target and a hard target dependent on the electrical output and a fuze that transmits a detonation signal to an initiating explosive to thereby detonate the munition. The detonation signal is transmitted at a time dependent on target discrimination. The multi-mode fuze of the invention may be incorporated into an explosive projectile that includes an aerodynamically shaped metallic casing, an explosive contained within the metallic casing and an initiating explosive contacting the explosive. The multi-mode fuze communicates with the initiating explosive to trigger detonation of the explosive either on impact with a hard target or following a delay on impact with a soft target.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a propellant composition made from a lacquer, the lacquer comprising: (a) from about 15 to about 70 wt % of an organic solvent; (b) from about 0.1 to about 2.5 wt % of a stabilizer; (c) optionally, from about 0% to about 40 wt % of an energetic plasticizer; (d) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % of a nonenergetic plasticizer; (e) optionally, from about 0 to about 10 wt % water; (f) optionally, from about 0 to about 15 wt % of additional additives; and balance being nitrocellulose; all weight percents based on the total weight of the composition, and wherein the lacquer has a viscosity of less than 10 million centipoise when processed. The present invention is also directed to an efficient and safe method of making perforated propellant grains using the above lacquer composition, as well as propellant grains having ellipsoidal cross sections or outwardly extending ridges.

Abstract: A multipurpose warhead utilizes a shaped charge device with a shaped charge liner having an included angle in excess of 70° sealing an internal cavity that contains an explosive. A detonatior system having a selectable plurality of outputs contacts the explosive. Peripheral detonation of the explosive generates a high speed, small diameter, penetrating jet that typically includes about 90% of the liner mass. Central point source detonation of the explosive generates a larger diameter, slower moving, explosively formed penetrator. A combination of plural peripheral point detonation and central point source detonation generates multiple fragments. An ability to select detonation type in the field enables a single warhead to be effective against multiple target types. The shaped charge liner may optionally be a composite material having a jet forming portion and an effect forming portion.

Abstract: A system and method for the capture of a target surface vessel by a second vessel. The system includes an initially stowed deployable net, means for deploying the net, a tether coupled to the net, and a winch for drawing in the tether to pull the target vessel toward the second vessel.

Abstract: A reticle for a guidance seeker for spinning projectiles comprises a substrate; a pattern of a plurality of alternating light modulating structures, such as opaque and light transmitting, or light absorbing and light reflecting areas on the substrate such that an image of a target moving on the substrate will generate a plurality of pulses corresponding to the number of lines crossed by the image, the number of pulses increasing as the image moves outwardly from the center of the reticle; and a distinguishable, unambiguous, and singly periodic feature of the pattern, which is readily detectable every time the target image moves circumferentially, completing a full circle around the center of the reticle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and associated method for impeding the motion of a land vehicle travelling along a pathway on a terrain surface. First and second supports are positioned at first and second sides of the pathway, respectively, each capable of being actuated from a compressed condition to an extended condition. A propulsion system is effective to actuate the supports. A barrier extends between the supports at a mean first height that is effective to permit passage of a vehicle when the supports are compressed and supported by each support at a mean second height effective to impede passage of the vehicle when the supports are extended. When the supports are compressed, vehicles pass over the barrier unimpeded. When the supports are extended, the barrier impedes the motion of a vehicle travelling along the pathway. At least one deceleration cable mechanically couples the barrier to a brake system.

Abstract: A training projectile that utilizes flutes or flats to augment roll damping characteristics and thereby cause the projectile to crossover into a gyroscopically unstable trajectory pattern at a predetermined time. Prior to the crossover, the training projectile maintains a gyroscopically stable trajectory, which enables extrapolation to ascertain the trajectory of a non-training projectile that does not have an augmented roll damping section. The unstable trajectory pattern substantially reduces the distance the training projectile can traverse, thereby reducing the amount of area required for a training range.