PROJECTILE OR WARHEAD
The aim of the invention is to obtain great final ballistic effectiveness of fragmentation bullets and warheads regardless of the impact speed while using as little explosive material as possible. Said aim is achieved by combining explosive shell (3) with a damming inner member (4) in connection with an accelerated outer jacket (2). This arrangement results in the best possible conversion of the explosive energy while offering great creative flexibility regarding the design. A wide range of additional possible effects is created by blast-compacting the inner damming member (4). Furthermore, the shape of the inner damming member allows the fragments to obtain a directionally controlled effect. Depending on the caliber and technical design, the amount of explosive material used can be reduced by 50 to 80 percent compared to conventional explosive bullets at comparable fragment speeds or sub-bullet speeds. The explosive material economized is available as additional effective mass. The accelerated jacket (2) can also be entirely or partly composed of preformed fragments or sub-bullets.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a fragments-forming or subprojectiles-forming projectile or warhead.
2. Technical Background
Explosive projectiles are used in order to achieve final-ballistic effects in regard to extensive easy targets independently of the impact velocity of a projectile or warhead, by means of explosive-accelerated fragments, with a great initial velocity. Explosive projectiles of that kind are characterised in that the volume thereof is for the major part occupied by explosive. By virtue of their structure explosive projectiles or explosive-filled warheads contain a comparatively large mass of explosive which is not effective for a considerable part thereof or which cannot have any effect at all in part for physical reasons. Structural design freedom is thus severely limited in the case of the munitions known hitherto and is concentrated on the design configuration of the fragmentation casing and the pyrotechnic components.
In the case of fragmentation projectiles the distribution of fragments which are sufficiently rapidly accelerated on to a target area which is as large as possible or covering a space which is as great as possible (depth) is the decisive parameter. In the case of pure explosive projectiles however that aim can only be limitedly achieved as, upon detonation, the control options in regard to fragment formation and fragment distribution are limited. In conjunction with an adequate impact velocity for the projectile and the use of relatively small amounts of explosive, the above-indicated requirements have hitherto only been achieved with what are to referred to as ALP projectiles (active laterally effective penetrators). In the case of those laterally bursting, active projectiles based on the PELE principle (penetrators with enhanced lateral effect) the lateral velocities which can be achieved are however limited depending on the respective nature and mass of the pyrotechnic agent used and the structural configuration. That certainly corresponds to the objective of such penetrators or warheads as the actual final-ballistic result is afforded by the projectile velocity. The operating principle of a projectile based on the ALP principle is the active bursting of a penetrator before reaching the target into fragments or subprojectiles. The velocity of those components arises out of the small amount of explosive used, the energy of which is transmitted by way of an inert transmission medium to the outer active component in accordance with the shock wave theory and the materials used. The velocities of those active components are between a few m/s and about 200 m/s. The effectiveness or the penetration capacity of the active portions is thus primarily dependent on the impact velocity in the case of ALP projectiles, as in the case of conventional kinetic-energy projectiles.
Arrangements known hitherto in relation to explosive projectiles are limited to the charge structure and the configuration of the fragmentation casing. A representative example in respect of the charge structure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,916. The aim is primarily to achieve a lower munition vulnerability insofar as a bursting internal explosive component is surrounded by a more inert component. The aim of modifications is in particular to ensure detonation of the entire charge in order to achieve an adequate fragment velocity. Basically however this involves pure fragmentation projectiles of conventional kind. The interface between the explosive components is preferably of a star-shaped configuration. A large number of possible combinations are set forth, which essentially only differ by the proportion of explosive in the mixtures and different additives. In that arrangement the external layer can also comprise a chemically reactive substance, for example for producing gases.
In the case of warheads and missiles the declared aim is to achieve acceleration which is as careful as possible of subprojectiles or externally mounted containers by explosive backing arrangements, by virtue of particular structural configurations. As state of the art reference may be made to the two specifications DE 35 22 008 C2 and EP 0 718 590 A1. Thus DE 35 22 008 C2 provides for the fragmentation effect of the missile 10 from the casing 12 of the warhead 11 around the propulsion unit 16. It is quite generally stated that a given casing thickness is sufficient to produce the desired penetration capability. This relates exclusively to targets which are to be attacked by missiles. Carrying this over to munition is not possible. Also, no physical laws whatsoever are addressed and also no general design rules are specified. Upon impact the entire body is for the major part or entirely hollow so that no damming or stemming effect whatsoever takes place. The assertion that there is no need to arrange a large mass of explosive over the entire cross-section of the missile in order to achieve a high penetration capability relates to the explosive covering of the internal hollow warhead casing. For, the interior of the missile is undoubtedly formed by the drive, the regulating devices and an active charge. No function, in connection with the fragmentation casing, is associated with the internal casing 12c. Rather it represents the housing of the propulsion unit with the control elements. That is also expressed by the fact that an insulating layer 19 of heat-insulating material is arranged between that casing 12c and the explosive covering. The crucial advantage of an internal damming means which in terms of its action on the fragment velocity which can be achieved is equivalent to the influence of the explosive thickness is not addressed and also cannot occur with the proposed arrangement.
EP 0 718 590 A1 describes the operative part of a rocket or a warhead which, to enhance lateral effectiveness, accelerates preformed elements by means of an explosive covering which is of annular shape in cross-section. The main aim of the described structure is to convert the high detonation velocity of the explosive layer into a relatively low propagation velocity of the accelerated elements or operative portions. The explosive ring 43 for accelerating the operative portions is initiated by way of a ring of pellets (firing elements 82). The explosive casing 43 is basically identical in terms of its structure and function to the arrangement described in DE 35 22 008. In particular the propagation velocity, in conjunction with the dimensioning of the surrounding subprojectiles (56) is influenced by the property of the explosive or the explosive mixture.
Projectiles are also known which contain a pyrotechnic charge for enhancing the final-ballistic action. U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,570 serves as a representative example. It describes a type of projectile which primarily was designed for the purpose of piercing protective structures of armour steel while minimising the required projectile energy. That aim is achieved by a solid penetrator of relatively small diameter and relatively great length of heavy metal as a core portion of the projectile structure. In addition the effect is to be enhanced in or behind the target by virtue of the use of explosive or incendiary agent. In that case the action of two incendiary compositions and the projectile-specific bursting processes are referred to as factors besides actual target penetration.
A high-density combustible material encloses a penetrator with an enlarged head. The high-density material surrounding the penetrator imparts to the penetrator additional mass and thus projectile energy and also passes through the hole made by the penetrator head. The larger diameter of the head is intended to prevent the combustible material from being stripped off. Smashing of the penetrator when passing through harder targets provides that the combustible material is ignited and fragments are generated or incendiary agent is passed into the target. In the rear part of the projectile the central penetrator and the combustible material surrounding it are surrounded by the actual projectile body which is required to stabilise the projectile in the barrel and in flight. A cutting edge at the hardened front edge of the projectile body is intended to enlarge the hole of the target material which has already been pierced by the central main penetrator and greater damage can be caused in the interior by the entrainment of material of the target. In order to fill the space between the central penetrator (13) and the projectile body (17) a further layer of a combustible material (16) of low density is introduced. The additional layer is intended to hold the central penetrator in its position. Upon smashing of the projectile when it passes into harder targets the incendiary compositions are ignited. The approach of that invention is therefore different from in the case of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,570 provides for conveying combustible materials into the target, and they are ignited by virtue of the final-ballistic processes. There is no mention of a build-up of pressure in the interior of the projectile. That form of projectile is not an explosive projectile in the true sense. A function corresponding to the present invention is not provided and is also not indirectly addressed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONRegarding the present invention: it is based on the consideration that, in conventional explosive projectiles, a considerable part of the pyrotechnic components cannot make any contribution worth mentioning to fragment acceleration. Detonation of the explosive provides that it is dissociated and the fragmentation jacket is substantially accelerated by the reaction gases produced. Lateral acceleration of the fragmentation jacket causes a direct increase in volume and thus relief of stress so that the pressure components of the explosive internal body can only still supply a correspondingly reduced acceleration proportion.
The aim of the present invention is final-ballistically high effectiveness of fragmentation projectiles and warheads independently of the impact velocity when using a mass of explosive which is as slight as possible. That is achieved by the combination of an explosive casing with a damming or stemming internal body in conjunction with an external jacket which is accelerated to high velocity. That arrangement not only provides the best possible conversion of the explosive energy but it also affords a high degree of structural freedom in terms of the design of such munitions or warheads. The fragment or subprojectile velocities which can be achieved with relatively slight explosive coverings are between a few 100 m/s and close to 2000 m/s and are thus close to those of pure explosive projectiles. Blast compacting of the internal damming body affords a wide range of additional operative options. In particular there is the possibility of using the internal body for increasing the effectiveness of the entire system. Examples in that respect are the use of specific materials, multi-layer arrangements, the incorporation of subprojectiles and the integration of an additional central pyrotechnic component for breaking up and/or accelerating the internal body. Furthermore the design configuration of the internal damming makes it possible to achieve a directionally controlled action on the part of the fragments, which is not possible with conventional explosive projectiles in that form. Particular effects can also be achieved by the integration of reactive damming components in the penetrator or warhead interior. In conjunction with structural advantages and the possibility of using further operative components the overall effectiveness of the fragment-accelerating munition proposed here is far beyond that of known explosive projectiles or special munitions.
The present invention is essentially based on the action of an internal damming means in conjunction with a considerably smaller mass of explosive for achieving comparable fragment or subprojectile velocities in comparison with conventional explosive projectiles. An assessment of the fragment velocity which can be achieved is implemented hereinafter.
In principle the velocity of the jacket is determined by three substantially mutually independent effects: the mass distribution between the jacket to be accelerated and the internal support means, the energy of the explosive layer (energy per unit of volume and thickness) and the surface element size being considered (influenced by the fragment sizes which are formed). That fact is illustrated by the theoretical assessment of the fragment velocity, which can be effected for example by way of the Gurney equation which is known from the relevant literature. Two ways of considering the arrangement involved here present themselves: one is based on a cylindrical form and the other is based on a development of the cylindrical structure in order to achieve a planar surface element. That would then correspond in a first approximation to a reactive protective arrangement. There, it is not only the mass distribution of the two accelerated plates (that is to say the damming ratio) but also the sandwich size, that play a crucial part. With a 10 mm thick explosive layer and a 5 mm thick steel jacket as well as with a strong one-sided damming effect, for example in accordance with Gurney, with very large areas involved, velocities of 1500 m/s are involved. With a 10 mm thick rear plate 750 m/s is still calculated. With a narrow sandwich (strips), about 60% of those values is still achieved.
Further examples of calculation: without edge influences (therefore presupposing an element size which is sufficiently extensive) the theoretical velocity with a 5 mm steel covering and a great explosive thickness (>20 mm) and a high degree of internal damming is over 2000 m/s. With a jacket thickness of 5 mm and a 5 mm thick explosive layer as well as with internal damming by an aluminum hollow cylinder of a thickness of 20 mm the initial fragment velocity is of the order of magnitude of 1000 m/s and the velocity of the inwardly accelerated hollow cylinder, by virtue of the relatively slight damming effect, is still around 500 m/s. In the case of the combination of an 8 mm thick steel jacket with a 20 mm thick explosive layer and a different internal damming means the values fluctuate between 800 m/s (high damming) and 200 m/s (low damming). Those calculation examples also show that, with arrangements in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to cover a wide range of fragment or subprojectile velocities.
A Gurney equation which applies for explosive munition of conventional type presents itself for assessment of the fragment velocity of cylindrical structures, as follows:
v=D/3(M/C+0.5)−0.5
with D as the detonation velocity, M as mass of the jacket (the container, the covering) and C as the explosive mass. In that respect D/3 can be assumed as a good approximation to the characteristic Gurney velocity. The fragment velocity is therefore proportional to the detonation velocity of the explosive used. For general considerations, it is possible to adopt values of between 2600 m/s and 3000 m/s (mean value 2800 m/s) for D/3. That formulation is helpful as for the most part the detonation velocity is known rather than the Gurney velocity.
The following calculation examples are intended to illustrate the circumstances with that way of considering the situation: with an outside diameter of 100 mm and a wall thickness for the jacket of 10 mm (inside diameter 80 mm) and a thickness for the explosive layer of 5 mm, that affords 25% of the Gurney velocity as the fragment/jacket velocity. With an inside diameter of 40 mm (that is to say with a 20 mm explosive layer thickness), that gives 45% of the Gurney velocity, that is to say about 1260 m/s. With an inside diameter of 60 mm and a 10 mm thick explosive layer 35% of the Gurney velocity (about 1000 m/s) is calculated. In the case of an explosive-filled jacket, that gives 50% of the Gurney velocity, that is to say about 1400 m/s. With ideal one-sided (internal) damming and a very thick explosive layer (>30 mm) the Gurney velocity is approximately attained with large areas (or diameters).
The internal damming which represents a central feature of the invention provides for optimum conversion of the explosive energy into fragment velocity so that correspondingly high velocities become possible, with relatively slight explosive thicknesses. The influence of the internal damming can be taken into consideration by way of a factor which is to be referred to as the damming factor (VF). It is dependent on the values M/C, Minternaldamming/Mjacket, rhocore, sigmacore and the Hygoniot properties of the internal medium. Consideration can be based on the following estimated values: with thick jackets and a thick explosive layer as well as with thin jackets and a thick explosive layer there is a damming factor of between 1.1 and 1.2. That corresponds to a velocity increase of between 10% and 20%. In the case of a thick jacket combined with a thin explosive layer as well as a thin jacket with a thick explosive layer that gives a damming factor of between 1.2 and 1.3 (between 20% and 30% velocity increase). Accordingly it is not only possible to achieve very high fragment velocities up to about 2000 m/s and strong jacket fragmentation effects by way of high damming levels and corresponding explosives, but on the other hand it is possible to achieve relatively low fragment or subprojectile velocities, with correspondingly gentle acceleration, by way of less-damming internal bodies and more sluggish explosives.
The operating principle according to the invention equally allows application to aerodynamic stabilised projectiles as diagrammatically shown in
Thus
Further effect-relevant properties are the geometrical dimensions of the fragment jacket or the mass thereof and also the mechanical dynamic properties thereof. A particular advantage of the invention however is that no particular claims whatsoever are to be made on the individual components. Thus almost all properties are to be achieved by a suitable choice of material, without involving a high level of technical complication and expenditure.
Basically, in regard to the properties and the technical or material-specific nature of the fragment jacket or the projectile or warhead casing, all embodiments and technical options which are known in connection with conventional fragment projectiles fall to be considered.
In
A further structure for a projectile according to the invention is shown in
The upper part of the view in
The lower part of the cross-sectional view in
In
The principle of the segmented explosive jacket is also implemented in
These examples of the cross-sectional configuration of arrangements corresponding to the present invention are followed in
Thus
In
In the examples in
Arrangements in accordance with the present invention makes it possible to achieve highly effective combinations or configurations of fragment jackets and explosive layers, in a technically particularly simple fashion. Taking a projectile as shown in
Thus
In the examples shown hitherto, cylindrical fragment jackets were illustrated. It will be appreciated that that is not a necessary prerequisite for arrangements in accordance with the invention. Layer-like accelerating components mean rather that it is possible to implement any forms that may be desired, even with external components, without any limitation on effectiveness. No limits are set in terms of design options thereby. It will equally be appreciated that arrangements in accordance with the invention are also not limited to individual bodies. It is precisely by virtue of the design freedom that corresponding fragment-forming devices can be arranged in groups.
Some examples in this respect are shown in
It will be appreciated that the arrangements set forth as examples can also be combined both in a projectile and also in a warhead if that is appropriate.
The essential features and advantages of the invention are summarised hereinafter:
The fragment-forming operative components or jackets containing fragments or subprojectiles are accelerated by way of an explosive layer which is thin in relation to the projectile or warhead diameter.
The mass of explosive necessary for acceleration of fragments is minimised. With comparable fragment or subprojectile velocities, the mass of explosive can be reduced by from 50% to 80% in comparison with conventional explosive projectiles, depending on the respective caliber and technical configuration.
The mass of explosive saved is available as an additional operative mass. That means that the freedom involved in terms of designing warheads or projectiles accelerating fragments or subprojectiles is considerably enlarged.
The smallest thickness of the explosive layer is determined by the need to ensure detonation firing or total detonation. Very thin areal explosive layers can be fired by the introduction of detonation firing aids such as fuse cords. The choice of explosive is also a free one, so that it is possible to embody very small thicknesses to an order of magnitude of 2 mm.
By way of greater explosive layer thicknesses, depending on the respective internal damming means, correspondingly thick jackets can be broken up or accelerated to high velocities. The theoretical maximum velocity of the fragments is approximately achieved with explosive layers of the order of magnitude of 20 mm, with a high level of internal damming.
The explosive layer can be in the form of a hollow cylinder and can be of a cross-sectional shape and/or wall thickness which remains the same or which is variable.
The explosive layer can be prefabricated in the form of a film or a body of some other form and can be introduced, cast in position or introduced in any fashion such as for example being pressed in place or being sucked into position by way of a reduced pressure. It can also comprise one or more mutually superposed layers.
A projectile or warhead can include a continuous explosive layer or can be made up of a plurality of explosive layers, both in an axial and also in a radial direction.
The explosive layer can be homogeneous or can include additives or embedded bodies.
Firing of the explosive layer or the explosive zones or the explosive fragments can be effected in any conceivable manner in accordance with the state of the art in relation to explosive projectiles or warheads.
The velocities and the direction of projectiles or subprojectiles can be varied in very wide limits by way of the detonation method and the configuration of the explosive layer and the internal bodies.
The damming internal body can be in one or more parts. It can comprise metallic or non-metallic materials or a combination thereof. Thus an almost unlimited range of materials of different mechanical, physical or chemical properties is available for adoption. Thus a homogeneous metallic internal body on the one hand can comprise for example a metal of low density such as for example magnesium while on the other hand it can comprise a heavy or hard metal body (homogeneous or segmented) of great density with correspondingly high final-ballistic capability.
By way of the properties of the internal body or the internal bodies, under a high-pressure loading (Hygoniot properties), the behaviour thereof can be determined or, in conjunction with the pyrotechnic components used and the technical configuration of the projectile or warhead, it is possible specifically to select materials involving given dynamic properties.
Homogeneous damming inert internal bodies can comprise a metallic or non-metallic substance which is capable of reacting under high pressure at locally occurring high temperature or can contain such substances.
The possible combinations in respect of damming internal bodies provides that (for example by the use of different materials such as for example by embedding subprojectiles in a matrix material) practically no limits are imposed on the design bandwidth.
The damming internal body can be of brittle material or material which becomes brittle under a dynamic loading. It can equally be pre-fragmented or subjected to a preliminary mechanical or thermal treatment.
The damming internal body can also be in the form of a hollow cylinder or, while being of any cross-sectional area, can contain a hollow space. That internal hollow space can in turn be empty or filled with an also more or less damming substance. That affords a further possible option in terms of influencing the damming effect and thus the velocity or acceleration of the jacket of fragment-forming or subprojectile-ejecting projectiles or warheads.
In a particular configuration the damming internal body can represent or include a container. The internal hollow space or the container which is introduced can be filled for example with a solid, powder, pasty or fluid substance. It can also include a reactive substance such as for example a combustible fluid.
In the simplest case the jacket of the projectile or warhead is homogeneous. In regard to pre-treatment thereof to promote fragment formation, it is possible to use all processes and techniques which correspond to the technical state in relation to conventional fragment projectiles.
The accelerated jacket can also entirely or partially comprise preformed fragments or subprojectiles. A layer of that kind can itself represent the projectile jacket or can be fitted as a layer between the explosive and the outer jacket. By way of that structure, a layer which is pre-fabricated or which is very brittle or which becomes brittle under a dynamic loading can also be disposed between the explosive layer and the outer jacket.
In the case of a large-caliber munition or in the case of warheads it is also conceivable for an intermediate layer filled with a pasty or liquid substance which can also contain solid substances or individual bodies to be disposed between the explosive layer and the outer skin.
A layer which dynamically promotes the damming effect can be disposed between the explosive layer and the damming internal body. The mode of operation thereof is determined by the acoustic impedance of the materials involved.
Likewise a medium which has a dynamically damping action can be disposed between the explosive layer and the fragment jacket, as a layer for reducing the acceleration shock.
The explosive layer can be made up of interconnected surfaces or it can be made from surfaces which are separated in the radial or axial direction.
The explosive layer can have a surface (contour) which is of any shape so that locally different fragment formation phenomena and also fragment velocities can be achieved.
The explosive layer can form an angle with respect to the axis of the projectile, by way of the form of the internal damming means. In that way fragments or subprojectiles can be accelerated in directionally controlled manner. Arrangements of that kind can be provided both at given positions of the projectile (for example in the tip region) or can extend over the entire surface.
The explosive layer will generally be in the form of a hollow cylinder. It can be open at the ends or it can be closed at one or both sides by means of an explosive layer at the front end or the tail end.
Explosive disks (explosive bridges) can be introduced over the entire penetrator length. That means that for example internal bodies can be accelerated in the axial direction.
Parts of the tip can be accelerated by way of an end explosive covering. In addition the tip of the projectile or warhead can be partially or entirely filled with explosive.
The tip or the tip region can also comprise an inert body which has a final-ballistic effect or may include such a body in order by way of that component to implement final-ballistic effects.
Further configurations of arrangements in accordance with the present invention are afforded by the introduction of an additional pyrotechnic component within the damming internal body. That can either be fired by the detonation of the explosive layer or can be actuated directly. In arrangements of that kind for example supplemental to fragments or subprojectiles, from the jacket region, radially accelerated elements are produced from the internal region.
The function and efficiency of arrangements in accordance with the invention are independent of the kind of stabilisation. Thus the active bodies can be gun-fired projectiles, warfare portions of a missile or a rocket, parts of a bomb or the operative portion of a torpedo.
LIST OF REFERENCES
- 1A spin-stabilised explosive layer-fragment projectile with fragment casing 2, explosive layer 3 and internal body 4
- 1B fin-stabilised explosive layer-fragment projectile with fragment casing 2, explosive layer 3 and internal body 4
- 2 fragment jacket/fragment casing/fragment-forming projectile jacket
- 2A fragment jacket of basically any internal cross-section (here octagonal)
- 3 explosive casing/explosive covering/explosive layer/explosive surface/pyrotechnic layer
- 3A explosive casing of basically any internal cross-section (here polygonal)
- 3B explosive casing of basically any external cross-section (here octagonal)
- 3C explosive casing of basically any cross-section (here rectangular)
- 3D explosive-filled intermediate space between 27 and 2
- 4 damming internal body/internal damming means
- 4A damming means for 20
- 4B central internal body
- 4C internal body with surface structure
- 5 hollow damming internal body/damming internal casing/internal ring/support ring
- 5A second (internal) damming layer
- 6 central hollow space (of any cross-section)
- 7 second (here central) damming internal body
- 7A internal body/central penetrator
- 8 damming internal body of basically any cross-section (here octagonal)
- 9 damming internal body of basically any cross-section (here square)
- 9A damming internal body
- 9B damming internal body
- 9C damming internal body
- 10 explosive segment between 9 and 2
- 10A explosive segment between 9 and 2
- 11 central body of basically any cross-section (here triangular)
- 12 inert/pressure-transmitting segment (homogeneous or containing bodies)/fragment-forming segment between 11 and 3
- 12A inert/pressure-transmitting segment (homogeneous or containing bodies)/fragment-forming segment between 3C and 2
- 13 dynamically acting layer between 9 and 3
- 13A dynamically acting layer between 5 and 7
- 13B dynamically acting layer between 3 and 2
- 13C dynamically acting layer between 2 and 14
- 14 external fragment ring
- 14A projectile jacket/projectile casing/outer skin
- 14B projectile jacket/warhead wall
- 15 annular surface containing fragments/preformed elements between 14 and 3
- 16 embedded in 16A, bodies/preformed fragments/preformed projectiles
- 16A matrix of 15
- 17 internal body (centrally or decentrally) with embedded firing element 18
- 18 firing element embedded in 17 (explosive fuse cord)
- 18A firing element in 10A, 18
- 18B inserted in 10A, firing element/firing line of any form and of any cross-section
- 19 outer explosive layer
- 20 inner explosive layer
- 21 internal operative casing/internal fragment ring (damming means for 19 and fragment jacket for 20)
- 22 central charge (explosive fuse cord)/pyrotechnic body
- 22A central explosive body for radial acceleration or breakup of 26
- 23 multi-part internal body (here subdivided into four circular segment cross-sections 24)
- 24 individual element of 23
- 25 separation/separation layer between the elements 24
- 26 multi-part internal body of basically any form (here formed from four cylinders 27 and 27A respectively)
- 27 cylinders/bodies of basically any cross-section (here circular)
- 27A body of basically any cross-section (here circular)
- 28 inert central body in 26/internal space/hollow space
- 29 fragment jacket of variable wall thickness/with incisions/with internal structure 30
- 30 incision/internal structure
- 31 explosive layer with structured external contour
- 31A explosive element/explosive leg
- 32 fragment jacket with structured inside/inside equipped with shaped portions
- 33 explosive jacket with incisions
- 34 explosive layer with change in diameter/jump in diameter/notches/incisions on the inside
- 35 segmented/interrupted/leg-like explosive layer (consisting of surface elements)
- 36 explosive strip/flat surface element
- 36A explosive strip/explosive segment
- 37 separation layer/separation element/separation strip/separation grid between 36A
- 38 central container/internal body
- 38A wall of 38
- 38B container in the form of an intermediate layer
- 38C wall of 38B
- 38D leg/holder/connecting structure
- 39 filling/content of 38
- 39A filling/content of 38B/liquid ring
- 40 control/firing element
- 41 multi-part/multi-stage damming body
- 41A multi-part damming body (of the same or different diameters)
- 42 explosive layer of variable thickness (here inside diameter variable)
- 42A like 42, outside diameter variable
- 43 fragment jacket of variable thickness
- 44 explosive casing with (here internal) diameter jump/change in diameter
- 44A diameter jump/diameter change
- 45 stepped fragment jacket/fragment jacket of variable thickness
- 46 stepped internal body
- 47 divided/multi-part explosive casing
- 48 explosive casing with diameter jump/diameter change
- 49 explosive casing (herein continuous) for a directed fragment effect
- 49A explosive casing consisting of individual portions/fitted separate annular surfaces
- 49B structured explosive casing (here consisting of annular surfaces of circular element cross-section)
- 50 fragment covering to achieve a directed effect
- 50A segmented fragment covering of 49A
- 51 fragment jacket comprising convex rings
- 52 hollow space between 2 and 14B (empty or with internal structure)
- 53 tip with explosive casing 54/external-ballistic cover
- 54 explosive layer in 53
- 55 damming internal body in 53
- 56 tip filled with explosive/a pyrotechnic medium
- 57 explosive body embedded in 4
- 58 penetrator embedded in 4 (here hard, heavy metal or steel core 58)
- 58A core with tail internal cone 60
- 58B core with conical tail 62
- 59 central penetrator/cylinder embedded in 4
- 60 tail internal cone in 58A
- 60A arrows, symbolically indicating the operative direction of the explosive zone 61
- 61 explosive zone at the tail of 58A for accelerating/breaking up 58A
- 61A explosive zone at the tail of 58B for accelerating 58B
- 62 conical tail of 58B
- 62A arrows, symbolically indicating the operative direction of the explosive zone 61A
- 63 explosive covering for partially boosted axial fragment effect
- 64 internal body in 63
- 64A internal body in 65
- 65 fragment jacket with axial fragment effect
- 65A arrow, symbolically indicating the operative direction
- 66 explosive casing
- 67 fragment casing corresponding to 65 with fragment pocket 68
- 68 fragment pocket/fragment ring
- 68A bodies embedded in 68
- 68B arrows symbolically indicating the operative direction of the fragment pockets 67
- 69 explosive jacket of variable inside diameter for directed fragment acceleration
- 69A explosive jacket elements for directed fragment acceleration (here with section-wise/multi-stage explosive layer)
- 70 damming internal body with external contour for directed fragment effect
- 70A damming internal body with external contour for directed fragment effect
- 71 axially acting explosive zone
- 72 tip module with directed fragment effect
- 73 arrow, symbolically indicating the operative direction
- 73A arrow, symbolically indicating the operative direction of the fragment covering of 73
- 74 damming internal body with partial explosive covering
- 74A multi-part internal body with stepped tip
- 75 segment of a damming internal body of cylindrical contour
- 75A segment of a damming internal body of cylindrical contour
- 76 separation surface
- 77 fragment casing
- 78 lens-shaped explosive segment/segment of any cross-section
- 78A arrows, symbolically indicating the operative direction
- 79 fragment segment
- 79A fragment segment
- 79B accelerated fragment segment 79A
- 79C broken-up and accelerated fragment segment 79A
- 80 explosive ring of segments of any configuration
- 80A explosive segment of any configuration
- 81 segment of a damming internal body of any contour
- 82 internal body, central penetrator
- 82A internal body, central penetrator
- 83 damming internal body which is composed/built up in section-wise fashion
- 84 ring comprising rods/cylinders/bodies of any cross-section
- 85 separation layer between 80
- 86 rods/cylinders/bodies of any cross-section
- 87 central body
- 88 rings of section-wise configuration
- 89 projectile with differing damming internal bodies
- 90 inert portion
- 91 spacing/buffering inert element/separation layer
- 92 fragment ring/fragment casing of any form (here square)
- 92A fragment ring/fragment casing of any form (here octagonal)
Claims
1. A projectile or warhead forming fragments or subprojectiles (fragmentation munition) with partial explosive covering,
- characterised in that
- a fragmentation projectile jacket (2) is arranged over an explosive layer (3) which is thin in relation to the projectile diameter and which in turn surrounds an internal body (4) damming the explosive layer (3).
2. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the thickness of the explosive layer (3) is between 2 mm and 20 mm.
3. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) is introduced by a casting technology process or in the form of a preformed body or pressed into position or introduced under a reduced pressure.
4. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) is in the form of a hollow cylinder of a cross-sectional shape and/or wall thickness which remains the same or is variable.
5. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) is homogeneous or contains additives or embedded bodies.
6. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that firing of the individual explosive segments (8) or a plurality of explosive layers is effected in point form, in line form or in ring form at one or more locations.
7. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 or claim 6 characterised in that firing is effected by way of a time, distance or impact fuse, by way of a program-controlled signal or by means of radio.
8. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 and claim 7 characterised in that firing of a plurality of explosive elements (8) is effected by pre-firing, simultaneous firing or serial firing (in time-displaced relationship).
9. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the internal body (4) is of a one-part structure (metallic or non-metallic) or a multi-part structure.
10. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the internal body (4) comprises a brittle material or a material which becomes brittle under dynamic loading.
11. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 9 characterised in that the internal body (4) contains subprojectiles (steel, hard metal, heavy metal).
12. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 9 characterised in that the internal body (4) is prefragmented or is subjected to mechanical or thermal preliminary treatment.
13. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the internal body (4) is in the form of a homogeneous or segmented penetrator or includes such a penetrator.
14. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 9 characterised in that the internal body (4) comprises a plurality of (identical or different) subprojectiles/internal bodies.
15. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 14 characterised in that the subprojectiles enclose an inert volume.
16. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 or claim 14 characterised in that the internal body/the internal bodies (4) is/are of any cross-sectional area/any cross-sectional areas.
17. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the internal body (4) represents or includes a container.
18. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 17 characterised in that the internal body/container is filled with an inert or reactive medium.
19. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 and claim 16 characterised in that the internal body (4) comprises a medium which is reactive under pressure loading or under a temperature influence.
20. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the projectile has two or more explosive layers in a radial direction.
21. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) is made up of interconnected surfaces or of surfaces which are separated (in the radial and/or axial direction).
22. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) forms an angle with respect to the projectile axis.
23. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) is formed from separate or connected segments of any surface configuration.
24. A projectile or warhead as set forth in one of the preceding claims characterised in that the accelerated jacket (2) entirely or partially comprises preformed fragments or subprojectiles.
25. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 24 characterised in that the fragments/subprojectiles are accelerated in directionally controlled fashion.
26. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that fragment bodies are introduced between the explosive layer (3) and the projectile jacket (2).
27. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 26 characterised in that the fragment bodies are embedded into a matrix.
28. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that a layer of a brittle material is disposed between the explosive layer (3) and the projectile jacket (2).
29. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the layer backed with explosive is positioned within a projectile outer jacket.
30. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 29 characterised in that there is a hollow space between the explosive layer (3) and the projectile jacket (2).
31. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that a liquid enclosure is inserted between the explosive layer (3) and the projectile jacket (2).
32. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that a dynamically damping medium is disposed between the explosive layer (3) and the projectile jacket (2).
33. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that a layer dynamically supporting the damming action is disposed between the explosive layer (3) and the internal body (4).
34. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the longitudinal section of the explosive layer (3) is of any form (contour).
35. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 34 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) is of equal thickness over its entire length or has contours which are different at one side.
36. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the explosive layer (3) represents a hollow layer with ends closed at one or both sides or intermediate layers (explosive bridges).
37. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 or claim 36 characterised in that introduced internal bodies are accelerated by way of explosive elements in the axial direction.
38. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the damming internal body (4) contains a pyrotechnic element.
39. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the projectile is of a one-stage or multi-stage structure in the axial direction.
40. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the projectile has a tip (1C) which is partially or completely filled with explosive.
41. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that a tip or a tip region of the projectile comprises an inert portion which is operative in final-ballistic relationship.
42. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the operative body comprises a combination of individual arrangements.
43. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the operative body is spin-stabilised or aerodynamically stabilised.
44. A projectile or warhead as set forth in claim 1 characterised in that the operative body represents a canon-launched projectile, the warfare portion of a missile, a bomb or the warfare portion of a torpedo.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 21, 2005
Publication Date: Aug 12, 2010
Applicant: (Efringen-Kirchen)
Inventor: Günter Weihrauch (Efringen-Kirchen)
Application Number: 11/993,839
International Classification: F42B 12/20 (20060101); F42B 12/22 (20060101);