Abstract: A break line launch energy damper and recoil limiting system for line charges absorbs and dissipates launch energy over time during deployment of line charges. This system limits the amount of recoil energy that can act upon the line charge and allows for linear deployment without recoil that might hinder the effectiveness of the rear lengths of the line charge. An elongate strength member connects the line charge to an inertial drag, such as a parachute and/or container for the line charge. A plurality of lines having different tensile strengths are appropriately connected to sequentially part when their tensile strengths are exceeded to thereby absorb and dissipate energy during deployment of the line charge.

Abstract: An assembly line and procedure fabricate more reliable explosive line charges by reducing many of the human error factors affecting assembly. The assembly line and procedures maintain proper grenade spacing, eliminate twisting of nylon lines and detonating cord which degrade performance, provide for proper clamping of lines and connector elements, provide for slack management of the explosive detonating cord and the lines, control the tolerances at the detonating cord to connector interfaces, and provide for the end of line packing of the explosive line charge.

Abstract: Migration of Di-Octyl Adipate (DOA) from PBXN-9 main charge into an adjacent PBXN-5 booster charge is the leading cause for unreliable and inefficient detonations when these two insensitive munition explosives are in close proximity. A hermetic seal of metal foil is interposed between the booster and main charges to block migration of DOA chemicals between the charges. This prevents plasticizing and/or desensitizing the booster charge and possible catastrophic accidental detonations or highly undesirable explosive desensitization which might create unexploded ordnance. The hermetic seal may also have a first portion of metal foil covering the surface of a bore in the booster charge and second portions of metal foil covering the surface of bores in the main charge.

Abstract: A line storage device prevents a line from becoming entangled. A channel formed in a piece of material defines a non-overlapping zigzag pattern. The line is laid in the channel and extends from opposing ends of the piece of material. The material supports the line in the channel until the line attains a threshold tension at which point the piece ruptures sequentially along the zigzag pattern from each opposing end. The channel can be formed in or on one or more surfaces of the piece of material.

Abstract: A line charge has a series of spaced-apart warheads coupled to strength members and a detonating cord freely extends through bores in the warheads. A rocket motor at one end of the strength members pulls the line charge across an obstacle laden area. An anchored tether or drogue chute at the other end arrests flight of the line charge and it drops across the area. The thermoplastic, polymeric, or metallic strength members provide strain management to withstand the severe deployment forces and to preclude damage to the detonating cord. Strain is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the strength members coupled to the warheads. Strain also is reduced through direct dissipation of energy by dynamic frictional losses created between strength members, coupling components, and anchoring devices during deployment when slippage occurs between the strength members and coupling components and anchoring devices.

Abstract: An elongate fabric sleeve functions as the load bearing strength member for rocket deployed line charge of explosive charges. The fabric sleeve is contoured by seams sewn to form pockets that separate and snugly cradle the explosive charges and to form passageways between adjacent charges which permit free, unhindered motion of a detonating cord in it. The fabric sleeve strength member flexes as the line charge is launched and emplaced to withstand the severe forces associated with deployment of the line charge and prevents damage to the detonating cord to assure reliable deployment and detonation of the explosive charges.

Abstract: A warhead has a pair of shells, each having an annular rim at one end and opening at the other end. The rims abut one another and are fastened together to define a chamber filled with explosive having a bore aligned with the openings. The explosive has sensitivity to detonation that requires axial detonation in the bore by a detonating cord to initiate explosion thereby preventing detonation by lesser stimuli. A tube extends through the openings and bore and is sized to receive the detonating cord. Opposite ends of the tube are crimped to hold the shells together. A line charge provided with a plurality of such warheads has significant pressure, shock, fragmentation energy, wire cutting ability and mine neutralization capacity as compared to contemporary devices. These improved capabilities are directly attributed to the explosive type and density of this design.