Abstract: A solid explosive charge is provided with plural detonators on its outer surface at locations from which divergent shock waves simultaneously emerge for movement inwardly of the explosive body. Such shock waves form an uninterrupted wave front enclosing a progressively decreasing volume of the explosive as it converges toward the center of the charge to correspondingly increase peak implosion pressure within a body of water.

Abstract: An explosive charge for underwater use comprising a shaped charge behind a ain charge. The shaped charge is detonated, propelling a jet from the liner of the shaped charge through a tube extending through the main charge. When the jet passes through the water, it creates a cavity behind it. The main charge is detonated after a delay sufficient to allow the explosive energy to enter the cavity before the cavity begin to collapse.

Abstract: 1. In a demolition unit, a closed container having a shallow depth relative to its transverse cross section, and having a high explosive charge contained therein, a completely embedded non-explosive shock absorbing mass centrally located within said explosive and extending laterally to within a short distance of the side walls of said container, a facing plate projectile of substantial density secured to and substantially coextensive with the top wall of said container and in contact with said explosive, and means below said non-explosive mass for initiating said explosive charge, the detonation wave of said explosive charge striking said face plate as a flat wave to propel said plate intact toward a target.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: Means for directing and enhancing the explosive energy of a torpedo in a preferred direction comprising a shaped charge with a concave liner, which may be spheroidal, a peripheral ring of spaced detonators at the rear of the charge, a ring of spaced sensors at the front end of the torpedo and connections from each sensor to the detonator which it activates, the detonator being located on its ring diametrically opposite its associated sensor on its ring. Activation of the sensor causes its partner detonator to initiate detonation of the main charge, the resulting shaped charge jet forming a cavity in the water oriented toward the target which activated the sensor. Before this water cavity has time to collapse, its presence causes a disproportionately high amount of explosive energy to move in the direction of the cavity, viz toward the target, enhancing the damage-producing effect of the explosive charge.