Abstract: A self-glowing solid material comprises a man-made metal mixture containing at least one rare earth metal and an oxide of iron. The material is inducible by flame initiation to self-glow with yellow-to-red colors (577-to-700 nanometer wavelengths). A stealth tracer ammunition comprises a projectile body having a tip and a base, and a solid pellet disposed in the base. The pellet may be made from the above-mentioned self-glowing solid material or another suitable material. The pellet becomes incandescent as a result of being heated when the ammunition is fired. The incandescent pellet emits a glow observable only from behind when the ammunition travels downrange after being fired. An illuminant comprises a bimodal blend of a man-made metal mixture containing at least one rare earth metal and an oxide of iron. The bimodal blend is a blend of smaller-sized fragments and larger-sized pellets. The illuminant is capable of ignition and dispersion in response to ballistic energy to create illumination.

Abstract: A flare comprising an illuminant adjacent to a casing of a flare and a liner between the casing and the illuminant. The liner comprises a reaction product of a prepolymer and a curative, and one or more of a zinc oxide material or an aluminum oxide material. Methods of forming a flare are also disclosed.

Abstract: A decoy device including: a cartridge casing; and two or more pyrophoric assemblies disposed longitudinally in the casing for sequential ejection from the casing, the two or more pyrophoric assemblies including: a pyrophoric material; a piston positioned rearward in an ejection direction relative to the pyrophoric material, the piston being movable in the ejection direction upon application of ejection force to eject the pyrophoric material from the casing; one or more energetic materials positioned rearward in an ejection direction relative to the piston, the one or more energetic materials being initiated by electrical impulse to provide the ejection force to the piston; and an inert barrier layer positioned rearward in an ejection direction relative to the impulse cartridge.

Abstract: A magazine for storing and launching countermeasures arranged in cartridges, comprising a plurality of longitudinal cartridge cases forming the magazine, where the magazine comprises a tilting means adapted to tilt the cartridge cases, such that the openings of the cartridge cases can be directed in a selected direction, and where a countermeasure comprises multiple projectiles, and where the magazine is adapted to launch a first countermeasure and a second countermeasure, where the projectile cluster density of the first countermeasure is lower than the projectile cluster density of the second countermeasure. The advantage of the invention is that a countermeasure can be directed towards an incoming object and can be adapted for the distance to the object before it is launched.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic projectile including an aerial shell, the aerial shell including at least one combustible layer of material; the at least one layer surrounding and containing at least one pyrotechnic effect and a dispersive explosive charge; the at least one combustible layer including a combustible material configured to burn substantially throughout the at least one layer; and wherein the at least one combustible layer is configured to burn through a thickness at a preselected rate to thereby ignite the dispersive explosive charge.

Abstract: A fireworks aerial display shell is provided with lift charges positioned at opposite ends of a casing that additionally contains an effects charge. Fuses are operatively associated with the lift charges and the effects charge in a manner to ignite the lift charges a period of time before igniting the effects charge. When either one of the ends of the casing is placed facing a closed bottom of a launch tube of a reusable mortar, the burning lift charge at that end of the casing when ignited exerts a propelling force to propel the aerial display shell upwardly out of the launch tube to an intended height before the effects charge is ignited to create a pyrotechnic visual effects display.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods including a bullet; a retroreflector array adhered to a base of the bullet, the retroreflector array having prism facets with a periodicity between 0.2 mm-2.0 mm; and a cover disposed over the retroreflector array and hermetically sealed at the base of the bullet; where the cover is disposed over the retroreflector array in a first position prior to firing, and where the cover is released from the base of the bullet in a second position after firing.

Abstract: An aircraft landing light unit includes a plurality of LEDs, an optical system associated with the plurality of LEDs for shaping a light output of the aircraft landing light unit for illuminating an aircraft environment, a control unit for controlling the plurality of LEDs, and a photo detector arranged for detecting light, emitted by the plurality of LEDs, output via the optical system and reflected by atmospheric haze, such as clouds, fog, rain and snow, wherein the control unit is coupled to the photo detector and is configured to control the plurality of LEDs on the basis of the light detected by the photo detector, thereby adjusting the light output of the aircraft landing light unit to the atmospheric haze.

Abstract: Methods and devices for ejecting a grain assembly from a casing of a flare. Where a combustible material in the casing is ignited to eject the grain assembly and one or more of the following features are provided to the device: imparting a spin on the grain assembly after it is ejected from the casing, stabilizing a flight of the grain assembly or generating a thrust from an aft end of the grain assembly.

Abstract: A low observable photoluminescent tracer projectile, for use with a small caliber weapon at night—which utilizes a base phosphor material of Ca, Sr and S, or a base phosphor material of Y2, O2, and S—with a combination of minor dopant ingredients; which base phosphor material is mixed with a clear binder to form a photoluminescent material which is applied to the rear end, or base, of a small arms projectile as a thin layer; to which thin layer is added a layer of small retro-reflectors—whereby, when this projectile is fired from the weapon, the photoluminescent mixture will be activated and will be observable, using night vision at an angle of 0 to about 20 degrees from the rear end of the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight.

Abstract: A biological active bullet able to be discharged from a firearm, the ammunition essentially comprising a bullet in a cartridge, the bullet including, and distinguished by the use of, at least one potentially reactive chemical substance delivered to a target and undergoing at least one violent exothermic chemical reaction with a bodily fluid of said target, and having at least one biological effect in the target upon impact and penetration, while causing tissue damage in addition to the bullet wound, and thus, having additional functions and applications than prior art bullets, along with methods of use, that ensure enhanced damage and lethality.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low observable photoluminescent tracer projectile, for use with a small caliber weapon at night—which method utilizes a base phosphor material of Ca, Sr and S, or a base phosphor material of Y2, O2, and S—with a combination of minor dopant ingredients; which base phosphor material is mixed with a clear binder to form a photoluminescent material which is applied to the rear end, or base, of a small arms projectile as a thin layer; to which thin layer is added a layer of small retro-reflectors—whereby, when this projectile is fired from the weapon, the photoluminescent mixture will be activated and will be observable, using night vision at an angle of 0 to about 20 degrees from the rear end of the projectile.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to protective canisters for incendiary devices, said canisters comprising a sidewall and two endcaps, said endcaps attached to said sidewall so as to form a substantially enclosed canister; wherein one or both of said endcaps is removably attached to said sidewall; and wherein said sidewall comprises a plurality of transverse holes through it. Optionally, one or both of said endcaps comprise one or more transverse holes through them.

Abstract: An incendiary machine (10) comprises a feed and dispensing system (12), a priming system (20) and a control system. The feed and dispensing system (12) feeds a belt (14) of incendiary capsules (16) to a region at which individual capsules are separated from the belt and dispensed from the machine (10). The priming system (20) primes the capsule (16) prior to being dispensed from the machine (10) with a priming liquid which, when delivered into a capsule, facilitates an exothermic reaction. The control system controls the feed and dispensing system (12), and the priming system (20) independently of each other so that the belt (14) can be fed into and indeed thought the machine (10) with the priming liquid being injected into the capsules.

Abstract: A fire ignition flare is described. The fire ignition flare includes an elongated, combustible body with a fuse extending longitudinally through the combustible body. A first end of the combustible body can include a concave portion. The combustible body can be bonded to the fuse along a bonded portion, and the fuse can extend from the concave portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight.

Abstract: An active body is provided that includes at least one active mass block made of monobasic or polybasic high-energy materials such as a nitrocellulose mixture, for example, comprising approximately 60 percent nitroglycerin and 40 percent diethylene glycol dinitrate, which is provided with structures both on a surface and on an interior. In addition, the inner structures can be filled with an active mass substance. The ignition is triggered by a pyrotechnical primer composition, which initiates the active body, preferably from the inside.

Abstract: A flare ignition system for an ejectable flare (10), for protecting moving and/or stationary objects from heat-seeking threats, is disclosed, wherein the flare ignition system is characterized by a heat transfer occurring within a type of tube or tube nozzle (1) provided with one or more heating elements. The flare ignition system is integrated in an ejector system (2), which additionally comprises an accelerator unit (3) surrounding the tube nozzle (1) and a heat insulation (4) bound between the two.

Abstract: An active body (1) is proposed that has, as active mass (5), multiple flares (2, 3) arranged behind each other or stacked, in particular for the generation of decoys, wherein the flares (2, 3) are NC (nitrocellulose) and RP (red phosphorus) single flares. The single flares (2, 3) are evenly or unevenly stacked in succession such that one RP single flare (3) lies on an NC single flare (2), or multiple NC single flares (2) or multiple RP single flares (3) follow each other, so that it is possible to vary the percentage of NC and RP in the active body (1) from about 0% to about 100%. A container (4) houses the active mass (5), and can in turn have predetermined breaking points (7) to facilitate the break up of the active body (1).

Abstract: An activation unit for explosive masses or explosive bodies includes an ejector tube and high-performance heating elements mounted around the ejector tube, each made of at least one heating wire supplied with electrical power by a control unit. Each heating wire is enclosed in a casing and embedded in a material minimizing heat loss. When the explosive body is passed through the activation unit, the jacket surface of the explosive body contacts the individual elements of the activation unit in a direct or non-contact manner. Thermal energy is transferred to the explosive body by means of the heating wires, and the body ignites at the contact points. A further activation unit includes heating elements in the ejector tube, at least partially fed longitudinally through the ejector tube, made of heating wire clad with CrNi steel and contact plates soldered thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs.

Abstract: An active body (1) includes flares (2, 6, 7) arranged adjacent, above, or behind each other, wherein at least one hydrophobic separating layer (3, 5) is integrated between the flares, or flare disks (2, 6, 7), thereby preventing the flares (2, 6, 7) from attaching or sticking. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic separating layer (3) is applied to at least one side of the flares (2), preferably as a powder preferably consisting of microspheres, or the like. In another embodiment, a separating disk is disposed between the flares (6, 7) as the separating layer (5), which in addition is anti-cohesive and anti-adhesive.

Abstract: A multiple output and effect grenade is provided, in which an exothermic delay column is utilized to initiate a series of primers via the application of heat to the strike faces thereof, thereby providing a reliable and relatively safe grenade to ship and store. In particular, a multiple output and effect grenade comprised of an exothermic delay column disposed within a central cavity, operable to initiate a series of primers disposed in primer cavities located within the main body of the grenade. The primer cavities may be arranged in a symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration, so as to produce a firing signature resembling an automatic weapon or random gunfire, respectively. In addition, effect charges, such as illuminants, sound agents, chemical irritants, etc., may be disposed within the primer cavities, as desired by the user.

Abstract: Flares with consumable weights connected to a forward end of the grain of the flare are disclosed. Also disclosed are consumable weight components for flares. The consumable weight components include a metal material within a matrix. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating a flare and methods for using a flare. Use of the consumable weights in the flares may reduce the amount of debris falling to ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate these payload delivery systems. In one aspect, the payload delivery system can comprise a payload cup and a pleated cup nested within the payload cup and having a pleated side wall. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for payload delivery systems and cartridges and methods that incorporate the payload delivery systems. The payload delivery system can comprise a stabilizer having a longitudinally cut side wall defining a series of vanes that are folded forward in the pre-launched configuration. Other aspects combine a payload cup nested within the forward folding stabilizer. Still other aspects integrate the payload portion and the stabilizer portion into a single piece that constitutes a stabilized payload cup. The disclosed cartridges can be used to deliver payloads such as solid projectiles, shot of all sizes, powders, gels, liquids, and other payloads to exploit their specific function.

Abstract: A tricolor signal flare projectile configured for use with a “high-low” projectile launching system such as the U.S. Army's M-433. The projectile includes a body having a cylindrical side wall and an aft closure. The body's forward portion is open, which provides access to a hollow interior. A delay assembly is installed in the aft closure. The delay assembly includes a delay column. A signal igniter is located just forward of the delay column in the hollow interior of the body. The hollow interior also includes separate volumes of red, white, and blue illuminant. An ogive closes over the top of the hollow interior of the body, thereby encapsulating the other components. When the projectile is fired from a launcher the propellant gases burning with the launcher ignite the delay column. The delay column burns while the projectile travels along its trajectory. After the passage of a desired time interval, the delay column ignites the signal igniter.

Abstract: An explosive body is encapsulated in such a way that the encapsulation or casing supports the ignition behavior of the explosive body or of the components. The explosive body has a casing for accommodating the components of the explosive body, which differ with regard to the chemical composition and the properties thereof. An additional component is located in the casing as an ignition aid. The explosive body can be ignited through the top/side surface of the casing or by an internal ignition mixture located inside the explosive body.

Abstract: A pen flare may be adapted for firing from a weapon having a caliber larger than a caliber of the pen flare. The adapted flare may be fired from a conventional shotgun. The adapted flare may include a pen flare with a portion having external threads and a base. The base may include an extractor rim and a through-bore with internal threads. The pen flare may be fixed in the through-bore of the base via the external and internal threads. A rear portion of the base may have an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of a front portion of the base. A cylindrical sleeve may be disposed around the front portion of the base and around the pen flare. A conventional shotgun may be reversibly converted to a compact, lighter weight shotgun with a kit. The converted shotgun may be more desirable for firing flares.

Abstract: A multiple output and effect grenade is provided, in which an exothermic delay column is utilized to initiate a series of primers via the application of heat to the strike faces thereof, thereby providing a reliable and relatively safe grenade to ship and store. In particular, a multiple output and effect grenade comprised of an exothermic delay column disposed within a central cavity, operable to initiate a series of primers disposed in primer cavities located within the main body of the grenade. The primer cavities may be arranged in a symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration, so as to produce a firing signature resembling an automatic weapon or random gunfire, respectively. In addition, effect charges, such as illuminants, sound agents, chemical irritants, etc., may be disposed within the primer cavities, as desired by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys are designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic signaling means (10) are ignited manually by pulling on a pulling member (24). In known pyrotechnic signaling means (10), the pulling member (24) has a short cable which is knotted to an operating means (26). A knot such as this can be produced only manually, thus making the production of pyrotechnic signaling means (10) quite complex. In addition, an ignition device (14) for known pyrotechnic signaling means (10) has a hole through it for a firing bolt (36) which is connected to the pulling member (24). This allows moisture to enter the pyrotechnic signaling means (10) through the ignition device (14). The pyrotechnic signaling means (10) according to the invention provides for the pulling member (24) to be formed from flexible strip-like sections (48, 50), which are connected by film hinges (54) and can be collapsed, saving space, when not in use.

Abstract: Non-lethal payloads may be customized for particular uses and desired visual and audible incapacitation based upon the selection of igniter/activators and illuminants used with the non-lethal payloads. Non-lethal payloads employing high flame temperature igniter/activators and illuminants of powder metals, powdered metals combined with oxidizers, and powdered metals combined with heat-activated chromophores may produce improved “flashes” and “bangs” for non-lethal payloads used with diversionary or other devices. Such devices and methods of producing illuminance and noise are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of producing pyrophoric countermeasure decoy flares include depositing a sculptured thin film of a pyrophoric material onto a substrate using physical vapor deposition. In an example embodiment, physical vapor deposition is performed using a glove box integrated sputtering system. The methods may also include pre-treating the substrate to modify an atomic shadowing effect during pyrophoric material deposition and packaging a plurality of the pyrophoric decoy flares in an airtight container.

Abstract: An active body (1) includes flares (2, 6, 7) arranged adjacent, above, or behind each other, wherein at least one hydrophobic separating layer (3, 5) is integrated between the flares, or flare disks (2, 6, 7), thereby preventing the flares (2, 6, 7) from attaching or sticking. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic separating layer (3) is applied to at least one side of the flares (2), preferably as a powder preferably consisting of microspheres, or the like. In another embodiment, a separating disk is disposed between the flares (6, 7) as the separating layer (5), which in addition is anti-cohesive and anti-adhesive.

Abstract: A targeting system for determining the distance to a target and, in response thereto, altering the angular position of a projectile launcher relative to a hand held support.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight.

Abstract: A primer composition that includes red phosphorus having an acid scavenger and a polymer thereon. The primer composition includes at least one other component that is substantially free of lead. The other component is at least one oxidizer, or at least one oxidizer and at least one of at least one secondary explosive composition and at least one energetic binder. The primer composition optionally includes at least one element having an ionic charge to ionic radius ratio of 4 or of 8, such as magnesium, zirconium, aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. The red phosphorus and the at least one oxidizer are present in the primer composition at approximately stoichiometric amounts. An ordnance element including the primer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys are designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: A pyrophoric material comprises a pyrophoric metal coated onto a wire mesh substrate. Iron and nickel are the preferred metals and a steel wire mesh is suitable. A process for making the pyrophoric material involves spraying an alloy of iron and/or nickel with aluminium onto a mesh using a high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process following by leaching out at least a proportion of the aluminium by treatment with an alkaline solution. The product has application as a supported catalyst or as either an ignition medium or as a flare material in military countermeasures in which applications it is capable of burning at a high temperature.

Abstract: A flare ignition system for an ejectable flare (10), for protecting moving and/or stationary objects from heat-seeking threats, is disclosed, wherein the flare ignition system is characterized by a heat transfer occurring within a type of tube or tube nozzle (1) provided with one or more heating elements. The flare ignition system is integrated in an ejector system (2), which additionally comprises an accelerator unit (3) surrounding the tube nozzle (1) and a heat insulation (4) bound between the two.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flare pellet assembly for generating visual and/or infrared energy output, and to methods of making and using the same. The flare pellet assembly generally includes a stack of flare pellets, the individual pellets of which may exhibit an at least generally tapering geometry. These flare pellets may be stacked in a manner that substantially prevents motion of one flare pellet relative to another flare pellet. This stacked arrangement of the flare pellets, along with one or more grooves that may be defined in and/or between adjacent flare pellets, may be said to at least generally enable the resultant flare pellet assembly to provide one or both infrared and visual energy output that reaches desired countermeasure energy output specifications without sacrificing structural integrity of the flare pellet assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a low foreign object damage nose weight for affixing to a either a standard or kinematic decoy flare comprising a thin walled nose cup having a closed end, an open end, an internal cavity, and at least one sidewall attached to said closed end and surrounding said internal cavity; and a metal powder disposed within the internal cavity for weighing down the forward end of the decoy flare, said nose cup capable of being affixed to a forward end of a decoy flare such that said powder is jettisoned from said nose cup upon burn out of a flare pellet subassembly of said decoy flare thereby reducing the weight of the nose cup and the possibility of foreign object damage to aircraft, ground troops, ground equipment and buildings resulting from the falling nose weight.

Abstract: A flare apparatus constructed of a flare case with a primer functionally coupled to a propellant charge. Loaded within the flare case is a flare cup, having within, a starter composition, a flare composition, and a flash charge. The flare composition is functionally coupled to the flare starter composition, and the flash charge is functionally coupled to the flare composition. Upon primer activation the propellant charge is ignited. Flame and hot gasses from the propellant charge propel the flare cup out of the flare case and downrange while also igniting the flare starter composition within the flare cup. The flare starter composition ignites the flare composition, which produces a visual artifact and subsequently ignites the flash charge which produces a visual and audible artifact at or near the end of its flight.

Abstract: The present invention separates, absolutely, the functions of camouflage and jamming. This allows the use of a small-caliber munition (4) that exclusively deploys jammers (6). These jammers (6), or munitions (4), are preferably fired vertically upwards or laterally from the vehicle (object 9) to be protected. For this purpose, the launch barrels (2) are fitted and aligned vertically on the vehicle or the object (9) to be protected. An adequate light flash (8) is produced in the relevant spectrum by initiation of a pyrotechnic charge, with the initiation clocked in time and arranged offset in height, and with the light flash (8) interfering with the aiming mechanism of the approaching warhead. Alternatively, different heights of the break-up flashes can be generated above and/or to the side of the object (9) by a plurality of munitions (4).

Abstract: A modified projectile round which is configured to function with a propellant cartridge such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,074. The projectile assembly uses a High-Low gas pressure cartridge to launch the projectile. When the high pressure cartridge is ignited, hot propellant gases rupture a burst cup and shoot propellant gases toward the aft end of the projectile. The hot propellant gases impinge against a delay carrier located in the aft end of the projectile. The contents of the delay carrier are thereby ignited. The delay carrier includes one or more delay columns ultimately terminating in an igniter charge. The delay columns burn as the projectile is in flight. A specified amount of time later, the igniter charge ignites an ignitable payload—such as a marker flare candle.

Abstract: A modified cartridge assembly including a projectile having a gas generator proximate its aft end. The projectile includes an aft closure having a cavity filled with gas generating material. The gas generating material is ignited around the time the projectile exits the weapon's muzzle. The gas generating material then burns while the projectile is in flight, spewing pressurized gas into the wake region immediately behind the projectile. The pressurized gas reduces the projectile's base drag.