Abstract: A subwarhead which is adapted to be separated from a missile over a target area comprises an active part, a target detector and an aerofoil, the target detector and the aerofoil being pivotably mounted each on its own bearing shaft parallel with the line of symmetry of the active part in order to allow pivoting out of the target detector and of the aerofoil from a folded position to an unfolded position at the side of the active part in order to allow a controlled movement of scanning of the target area. Both the target detector and the aerofoil are provided with one or more displaceably arranged additional aerofoils for the purpose of increasing the braking area of the subwarhead in order to reduce the descent rate.

Abstract: A projectile base plug with enhanced separation capability has a body which fits into an end of a spinning projectile casing and drag-producing vanes being spaced apart about the circumference of the object and pivotally mounted thereto for movement between stowed and deployed positions. Upon ejection of the base plug from the projectile casing, the vanes are released from stowed positions within the aerodynamic outline of the base plug where they have no substantial effect on the flight of the projectile, to deployed positions by centrifugal force generated by the spinning body where they project into the air stream and produce drag on the ejected base plug.

Abstract: A parachute pack sack with a submunition body affixed directly to grappling ropes of a parachute is expelled from a rapidly flying container which is mounted under a flight aggregate or flies independently. A pyrotechnic cutting device is actuated by a grappling rope after the tightening of the latter and, by means of a cutting piston driven by a combustion unit, cuts a pack sack closing line which results in an opening of the pack sack and in a deployment of the parachute. The combustion unit may be ignited with an adjustable start of the burning time whereby differing flying ranges and dispersion ranges of the submunition body can be achieved.

Abstract: A projectile with rear and front sections able to deliver payloads of submunitions contained inside the projectile after separation of the rear from the front section. The rear section is fitted with an assembly of thin blades. When both sections are assembled, the blades are partially in the rear section and partially in the front section, and when the two sections are separated, the blades spread out. The assembly is such that the length of blade that spreads out is greater than the length of blade that was in the front section before separation of the two section.

Abstract: A large-caliber carrier projectile for transporting a payload, with the projectile including an ejection charge and an ejector plate for ejecting the payload from the carrier projectile over a target area. To overcome the problem of the ejector plate colliding with individual bomblets of the payload, and thus causing considerable interference with proper functioning or premature detonations in the air, the ejector plate is an eccentric center of gravity. Alternatively, the ejector plate may be segmented and composed of at least two separable parts which are separated by the action of centrifugal force after ejection from the carrier projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile for launching and dispersing electromagnetic decoys. The projectile essentially comprises a sleeve which co-operates with a sleeve cap to form a case open at one end. The sleeve contains a decoy carrying piston and is detachably closed by a closure member. The decoy carrying piston comprises shells in the form of cylindrical sectors which keep the decoys arranged in a multi-cell cylinder as long as the piston head is not outside the sleeve. Special shaping of the shells and radical springs produce simultaneous dispersion of all the shells when the projectile operates.

Abstract: Method for air dispersion of filamentary type organic material from an initial compressed form comprising a component of a propellant and/or air-activated shell-like structure.An invention comprised of a plurality of compressed filamentary organic materials, a vehicle for storing and dispersing said materials and a method for effecting air dispersion of such materials.

Abstract: A gas generator which may be used for ejecting submunitions. The gas generator comprises a diffuser chamber which is flanked by differently sized combustion chambers whereby three different ejection velocities may be achieved by firing only one of the combustion chambers or by firing both of them together. The generated gas is exited from the gas generator at the same central location, i.e., the centrally located diffuser chamber, to control submunition yaw and loading locations. The provision of combustion chambers at opposite ends of the diffuser chamber permits minimization of gas generator diameter, and a tie member in the diffuser chamber permits a non-complicated and inexpensive structure which is rugged and reliable. The gas generator may have other applications such as for inflating airbags for automobiles.

Abstract: In projectile bases (20) for carrier projectiles which are equipped with a cavity (26) on the side facing away from the projectile tail for, for example, a parachute, it may happen that the base plate (23) is axially bent through during firing. This causes the base body (22) to be radially constricted and contact is lost between the rotating band (27) disposed on the body (22) and the gun tube, frequently resulting in a gas breakthrough. To avoid the above-mentioned radial constriction in the region of the rotating band, the projectile base (20) is provided with a base plate (23) which is curved toward the tail of the projectile. The curved configuration of the base plate (23) makes it possible to produce radial widening in the rear projectile base region during firing so as to ensure gas tightness and spin transmission from the rotating band (27) even at high gas pressures.

Abstract: A braking fabric or canvas which is fastened to the base of a carrier projectile which contains articles of submunition, through the intermediary of a fastening device, wherein the canvas is spread apart or unfolded after the separation of the base from the carrier projectile and is provided for the retardation and change in the trajectory of the base relative to the articles of submunition. The braking fabric is connected by a central surface section thereof with at least one plate element forming the fastening device. This connection between the at least one plate element and the braking fabric is preferably effectuated through an adhesive connection. Naturally, it is also possible to select a different type in effecting the connection; for example, such as a riveting connection, a combined adhesive and riveting connection, or any other suitable type of connection.

Abstract: A plurality of separate projectiles is held together in a multiple shell or cluster shell, in the form of a stack. At least two parallel springy flat bands (7) extend lengthwise around the stack. The flat bands (7) are looped around the front end and the free band ends engage the rare end of the stack with hooks (9). A tensioning element engages and holds the hooks (9) and thus the bands (7) tightly to the stack. After the shell is fired the tensioning element is served, e.g. by a cutter (19) so that the flat bands (7) spring or flare open to release and distribute the separate projectiles. The release means is equipped to either cause release immediately after the shell has left the firing tube (4) or with a delay. A front end plate (16) and a rear end plate (17) may be arranged at the ends of the stack. Intermediate plates (26) may be arranged between adjacent projectiles.

Abstract: In a missile for setting down a load ejected from the missile after its launch, with at least one parachute that is attached to the load being packed in a container mounted in the missile, and with the cords of the load-carrying parachute being attached to an intermediate member coupled to the load, the intention is to reduce the size of the operational parts to be transported with the missile and improve the operation thereof during the setting down process. For this purpose it is envisaged that the container should be in the form of a two-part casing having an upper part which can be sprung open, and a plate-shaped lower part having a portion fixedly connected to the load and a support disk as the intermediate member attached to cords of the parachute. The support disk is capable of being folded out from the lower part portion while remaining connected thereto by a connecting element.

Abstract: A bomblet projectile includes a projectile body, a fuse housing on the body at the rear end thereof; and an unwindable stabilization band for stabilizing the position of the projectile while dropping. The band forms, in the deployed state, a loop having leg portions terminating in fastening regions secured to the fuse housing and a dome portion flanked by the leg portions. The band has a length and different widths along the length. The band has its greatest width in the dome portion and its smallest width in the leg portions, externally of the fastening regions.

Abstract: A submunition dispensing system is disclosed which includes inflatable bladders expandable from collapsed to inflated conditions in response to fluid pressure. The bladders are mounted in cavities of a carrier frame underlying subpacks of submunitions. The bladders lie adjacent to the support and central structures of the frame defining the cavities. Each bladder can be configured to have either an unpleated or a pleated configuration in the collapsed condition. The bladder can also be configured for expansion to an overall constant diameter outer shape or to a generally conical outer shape in the inflated condition. Expansion to the conical shape imparts a velocity gradient to the subpack. The dispensing system also includes retaining assemblies for releasably retaining the subpacks in the cavities against the collapsed bladders and a gas generator disposed in a passage of the central structure of the carrier frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for the ejection of sub-munitions from a projectile with null or low inherent rolling speed as well as a projectile fitted out with means enabling this method to be applied. The front part of the projectile is separated from the rear part by the shifting of a piston in a tube under the action of a pyrotechnical charge. The combination, at this piston and this tube, of grooves, working together with indentations or with a rotating band, creates a rolling motion that is sufficient to communicate an ejection speed, perpendicular to the axis of the projectile, to the sub-munitions.

Abstract: A projectile with an ejecting charge for the expulsion of a payload. The ejecting charge effectively develops a pressure which is of sufficient duration and adequately high for effectuating the expulsion of the payload; however, wherein the casing thereof will not burst into the kind of fragments which conceivably can damage the payload. A receiving member for the ejecting charge is mounted within the projectile, which receiving member withstands the development of the pressure encountered during the combusting of the ejecting charge; wherein that the receiving member possesses a multiplicity of apertures through which there discharges the propellent gas which is developed during the combustion of the ejecting charge, and wherein the ejecting charge is inserted into a thin-walled cup contained in the receiving member.

Abstract: The invention is a carrier projectile 10 having a safety venting system wh prevents expulsion of the projectile cargo during accidental or inadvertent initiation of the expulsion charge 21. The venting system comprises a collar which closes vent holes when the projectile is fired. The normal activation sequence of the carrier projectile is firing to a predetermined range or time, activation of the expulsion charge thereby bursting open the carrier shell, and dispensing of the cargo. The venting system incorporated into the present invention precludes bursting of the carrier shell, even if the activation of the expulsion charge occurs, unless the vents have been closed by the actual firing of the projectile. The venting system provides a safety feature in the event that the projectile is subjected to fire or other thermal stress and in the event of a hot gun misfire the collar is operated by either angular acceleration or longitudinal acceleration.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved conventional munition employing a dual omblet configuration including dual shaped charges and a design which uses a Misznay-Schardin end plate with a shaped charge. Both bomblets are separately enclosed by fragmenting warheads that are positioned in tandem. the tandem bomblet design results in a nesting arrangement of the fragmenting warhead, or sub-munition, to produce maximum packaging efficiency. A forward sub-munition of a tandem bomblet will nest within a cavity of a shaped charge of an aft sub-munition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective casing for ejectable munitions, having means enabling it to be broken through, this being a necessary operation for the sub-munitions to be ejected, in the next stage, without any difficulty of breaking through and ejection. The fracture lines are obtained by means of screens of high temperature resistant fibers arranged in a plane perpendicular to the internal and external surfaces of the casing. This casing is a part obtained, for example, by fusion and molding. The screen is integrated so that, during the casting of the metal, this metal links up all the fibers forming the screen together. The invention can be applied to protective casings, notably for rockets and munitions carriers.

Abstract: The disclosed projectile has a tube forming a mortar, a munition contained in the tube, at least three deployable fins, solidly joined to the tube, and firing means triggering the ejection of the munition. During operation, when the projectile, released from an aircraft, lands on the ground for example, the fins form a pedestal in the mortar tube and, upon the command of the firing means, the munition is ejected to a certain distance from the tube.

Abstract: A warhead which is deliverable through the intermediary of a carrier, and which incorporates aerodynamic guiding and braking media and forwardly oriented striking pins for initiating a detonating information for an explosive which is contained or dammed by a hollow-cylindrical wall structure with shallow-concavely curved coverings. The coverings are designed for a fragmentation angle which increases upwardly from below along their projectile directions of flight or trajectories, and in which a firing and pin is imparted a responding threshold which leads to the initiation of the detonating information only under a relatively hard impact.

Abstract: A projectile forms the head of a carrier having a defined ballistic trajectory and comprises sub-munitions that are ejected at a given moment on the trajectory of the projectile and are designed to reach an impact zone with a pre-defined shape. In the main projectile, the sub-munitions are arranged so that:firstly, they are ejected in a controlled direction,and secondly, at ejection, a cone of dispersion of projectiles with a pre-defined shape is obtained, the said shape being adapted to the shape of the target zone.

Abstract: A projectile has a nose portion and a body portion. A plurality of winged, fin-stabilized flechettes are releasably mounted in the body portion. Each flechette is mounted with its longitudinal axis at a pre-set pitch to a longitudinal axis of the projectile. In use, with the projectile moving on a projectile trajectory, each released flechette follows a respective trajectory parallel to and at a predetermined distance from the projectile trajectory. The predetermined distance for each flechette is determined by its pre-set pitch to the longitudinal axis of the projectile.

Abstract: Self-dissipating projectiles for use in anti-satellite weapons or warheads are made from suitable solid materials capable of sublimation after relatively short periods of time at the low pressures found in outer space. The material is suitably a volatile organic compound such as naphthalene, paradibromobenzene, benzoic acid, or similar compounds which change directly from the solid to the gaseous phase without becoming liquid.

Abstract: The projectile includes a main projectile (1) of the calibre of the weapon, and containing at least one axial bore (2) open towards the tip; an auxiliary projectile (3) lodged in the said bore (2) of the calibre of the said bore (2), a propulsive charge (4) being arranged between the bottom of this bore (2) and the said auxiliary projectile (3); a triggering device (5) to ignite the propulsive charge (4) in order to effect firing of the auxiliary projectile (3) before or at the moment of impact of the main projectile (1) on its target. An explosive and/or incendiary charge is arranged in the main projectile (1) in front of the auxiliary projectile (3) before it is fired. Means for igniting this charge are provided and arranged so as to be triggered automatically immediately the auxiliary projectile (3) is fired.

Abstract: An active component of submunition for utilization from a carrier against different target objects, especially against semi-hard and hard or heavily armored target objects; as well as warheads for this purpose and flechettes which are preferably deployed over the targets through the intermediary of such warheads. The active component incorporates at least one warhead having flechettes, which is equipped with a propellant or propulsion mechanism for the acceleration of the warhead in the direction of effect for the flechettes, and with an ejector piston for additional acceleration of the flechettes through the ejection from the precedingly accelerated warhead.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for the holding of multiple warheads, placed in a missile rotating on its longitudinal axis and dropped in trajectory through an end of the missile. Each stage of the warhead includes at least two distinct parts which have to be separated laterally at the moment of dropping, the missile including a casing inside which the warhead is placed. For each stage, mechanisms to fix the parts at the said stage are arranged so that each stage forms a compact unit so as not to cause major radial stresses against the casing due to the centrifugal force created by the rotating missile. The fixing mechanisms are retractable at the moment when the parts are dropped, by means of inertia blocks that are subjected to the centrifugal force. The invention can be applied to sub-munitions and mortar shells.

Abstract: A practice projectile has a cylindrical casing having front and rear portions; a bottom section attached to the rear portion of the cylindrical casing; a frontal nose section including at least two subcomponents which have front and rear portions. The subcomponents can assume a closed position in which the projectile has an external configuration identical to that of a live projectile having the same caliber and an open position in which the subcomponents are in a spread-apart state at a given opening angle. The rear portion of the subcomponents is pivotally connected to the front portion of the cylindrical casing. There is further provided a device for holding the subcomponents together in the closed position prior to firing the projectile. The holding device is arranged to be overcome by centrifugal forces derived from a projectile spin subsequent to firing, to thereafter allow the subcomponents to assume the open position.

Abstract: A tandem projectile is made up of a front and rear projectile. The projectiles are connected by a wire which unwinds during flight of the projectiles. The front projectile leaves a launcher at greater initial velocity than the rear projectile, so that a wire in the front unwinds and the rear projectile follows the front projectile towards a target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spin-stabilized carrier projectile having a projectile base which is connected with a projectile body for carrying sub-ammunition projectiles, and a driving band arrangement connected respectively about the projectile base and about the projectile body for engaging the rifling of the gun barrel to impart spin respectively to the projectile base and the projectile body. The driving band arrangement includes a first partial driving band connected coaxially about the projectile base and a second partial driving band connected coaxially about the projectile body. This driving band arrangement reduces the spin forces transferred by the joint between the projectile base and the projectile body, thereby reducing the required joint strength. This in turn reduces the required ejection charge used to separate the projectile body and projectile base for release of sub-ammunition bodies contained in the carrier projectile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device designed to close a munitions compartment of a rocket and to be ejected just before the munitions so as to open the compartment. This device has a lid locked with a key and an inflatable balloon used to release the lid from the key and to dismantle the device without breaking it, by completely expelling the lid.

Abstract: An exercise firing projectile containing a plurality of pyrotechnic fragmentation devices are expelled from the projectile casing above the target area by an ejection charge, and delay tubes of the fragmentation devices are ignited at the same time by this charge through a central igniter tube contained within the projectile. The active charge of the devices consist of a grainy composite with quick reaction time.

Abstract: A projectile comprising a projectile body having a rear end; and a deceleration element composed of a sheet of material at the rear end, the deceleration element having an edge region and being deployable from a folded condition to an expanded condition with the aid of rotation of the projectile, the deceleration element, when in the expanded condition, having the general form of a disk with a periphery defined by the edge region and being effective for decelerating the projectile, and wherein the deceleration element is constructed such that the edge region has a higher mass density than the remainder thereof.

Abstract: A spin stabilized carrier projectile having a longitudinal axis comprising: a projectile body; and at least two submunition bodies disposed in, and ejectable from, the projectile body, the submunition bodies being spaced along the axis, each submunition body having a folded, expandable deceleration means for reducing the velocity and spin of the submunition body upon ejection from the projectile body, the deceleration means including a sheet of material for producing air resistance, and the deceleration means having different dimensions for respectively different submunition bodies so that each respective submunition body is decelerated less than the submunition body disposed behind the respective submunition body.

Abstract: A spin stabilized carrier projectile comprising: a projectile body having a rear end; at least one submunition projectile disposed in, and ejectable from, the projectile body; and a projectile bottom disposed at, and ejectable from, the rear end of the projectile body, the projectile bottom having a side surface facing the submunition projectile and containing a recess, and a folded, expandable deceleration element for reducing the velocity and spin of the projectile bottom upon ejection from the projectile body, the deceleration element including a sheet of material fastened in the recess for producing air resistance, and the deceleration element being deployable from a folded condition to an expanded condition with the aid of rotation of the projectile bottom.

Abstract: A rotating submunition member which, subsequent to ejection from a carrier, incorporates a target detection device projecting outwardly beyond the wall contour of the member in an operating position; and a fuze arrangement for a detonator which is disposed interiorly of the wall of the submunition. The submunition member is equipped with a securing or safe-and-arm device in which the detonator is located on a movable mounting or holder, which is displaceable through the intermediary of a spring-elastic power element from the SAFE position of the detonator into its ARMED position, when a flyweight has tensioned the power element and the target detection device is displaced into its operative position projecting beyond the wall contour of the submunition member.

Abstract: An article of submunition including a fuze or detonating device which can be armed in dependence upon environmental conditions, and wherein the fuze is electrically actuatable from an accumulator or energy storage. The submunition is provided with an in-line detonating medium for the attacking or combat charge of the submunition, whose detonating-energy storage can be connected to an energy source through the interposition of an interrupter across a securing device (safety) which is arranged in a carrier for the submunition. Only a single central securing or safe device is required for all articles of submunitions which are deployable by means of one carrier; in effect, for all fuzes or trigger devices, and this single, central securing device can be arranged within the carrier itself.

Abstract: A method of attacking aboveground armored objects, in particular those which are employed for sheltering aircraft; and moreover, to the utilization of steeply descending final flight phase-corrected submunition. The shelter is attacked in an orientation directed generally horizontally against its gate. Furthermore, in the utilization of steeply descending submunition of the type which is employed for implementing the foregoing method, this includes at least one projectile-forming covering oriented genrally transversely of the longitudinal axis thereof, and with a maneuvering sensor responsive to the center of a typical aircraft apron clutter signature in front of an aircraft shelter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ICBM warhead including a plurality of warheads wherein at least one warhead includes a plurality of dummy warhead shells having an external configuration matched to the real warhead and a radar image resembling the radar image of the real warhead. The stacks of these dummy warhead shells are attached to one or both extremities of the real warhead in a coaxial relationship thereto and secured together forming a package comprising a plurality of dummy warhead shells and a real warhead, which package includes means for separating the dummy warheads and real warhead from each other after the ICBM warhead is launched into space. The dummy warheads separated from each other and from the real warhead and following essentially the same trajectory as the real warhead, which provide the same radar image as the real warhead, practically make it impossible to identify and intercept the real warhead by overwhelming any star war defense and strategy.

Abstract: A mortar carrier projectile that is characterized for its having a front body with a front head carrying a fuze, and a cylindrical rear body carrying the charge; a rear body of approximately a tapered head shape; a stabilizing tail joined to the rear body, and linking means between the front body and the rear body which fracture by shearing.

Abstract: A device for ejecting ammunition containers from a war head has transverse to the war head longitudinal axis a bellows, which holds the ammunition containers in a plurality of concave pockets. The bellows is inflated by a gas generator including a gas-permeable tube extending along the longitudinal axis. In order to achieve a wide range of variations in the behavior of the ammunition containers in the process of being ejected, a propellant charge of the gas generator is particulate, with at least one ignition cord extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube around which a particle ignition mixture is arranged, so that the hot particles during burn-down of the ignition mixture are pressed between the particles of the propellant charge. A daming serves for building up the initial pressure required for the burning down of the propellant charge.

Abstract: An artillery projectile or shell containing a plurality of submunitions of the same type, each of which possesses a projectile-forming charge, an antenna on one side thereof, and a flight-stabilizing device on the opposite side. The submunitions are configured and arranged such that the projectile possesses the same location for the center of gravity and the same weight as would an artillery projectile or shell which has been introduced in the practice and which is filled with a charge.

Abstract: A device for ejecting ammunition containers from a war head has, transversely to the war head longitudinal axis a bellows which accepts individual ammunition containers in concave circumferentially sparse pockets (6). The bellows is inflated by a gas-generator including a gas-permeable tube extending along the longitudinal axis. In order to achieve as wide a variation range of ejection behavior of the ammunition container as possible, the propellant charge of the gas generator is particulate and at least one ITLX ignition cord extends along the longitudinal axis of the tube, so that the hot particles during burndown of the ITLX ignition cord are pressed between the particles of the propellant charge (12). A damming serves to build up the initial pressure required for the burn-down of the propellant charge.

Abstract: A bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblet can be programmed to detonate at a desired time after it has been dropped. Program signals are transmitted to the bomblet from a wire that runs through an opening in the bomblet, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblet. the bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code. A series of timing program signals can be transmitted to a plurality of bomblets, with the bomblet addresses adjusted after each program signal so that only one bomblet (or more, if desired) responds to each successive program signal.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile includes a casing, a plurality of bomblets accommodated in the casing, filler pieces inserted between the casing and the bomblets, and a device for ejecting the bomblets by explosive force from the projectile at a predetermined point along a trajectory thereof. The filler pieces are of steel or tungsten and are distributed in the casing such that the projectile flies stably up to the point of ejection of the bomblets.

Abstract: An Earth-based, rapid-fire, electromagnetic accelerator system is provided for launching multiple hypervelocity nuclear or non-nuclear independently targetable warheads on ballistic trajectories to targets located anywhere on or above the Earth's surface. The warheads are mounted inside a reinforced launching sabot containing a plurality of coaxial superconducting dipole magnets. The sabot is magnetically accelerated to hypervelocities inside a large-bore vacuum tube by sequentially exciting a series of driving coils mounted coaxially along the tube. The sabots are injected into the tube from pre-evacuated storage canisters thereby eliminating the need for an air-lock. Terminal guidance systems allow the warheads to be fired over intercontinental distances to hit small, preselected targets with nearly perfect accuracy. The launch velocities are sufficiently high to enable warheads to also intercept and destroy orbiting satellites moving in space high above the Earth's surface.

Abstract: A plurality of submunitions packed in a projectile deliver an incapacitat gas payload at far range from the projectile launch site only after the submunitions have been properly armed by mechanical removal of a blocker member from between an in-line firing pin and primer. A non-ground-impact type fuse detonates each submunition.

Abstract: A plurality of submunitions packed in a projectile deliver an incapacitat gas payload at far range from the projectile launch site only after the submunitions have been properly ejected and after each submunition has been properly armed. A non-ground-impact type fuse detonates each submunition.

Abstract: A plurality of submunitions packed in a projectile deliver an incapacitat gas payload at far range from the projectile launch site only after the projectile has been properly launched and armed. A pyrotechnic fuse detonates each submunition by the detonation of an on-board expelling charge.

Abstract: A projectile and sub-projectile assembly including a centering tube positable within a chamber of the projectile to retain the sub-projectile positioned in the projectile. An expandable locking ring is positionable within the projectile through an opening in the rear of the projectile and engageable with a groove. A tube flange cooperates with the tube and the locking ring to maintain the locking ring within the groove and to fix the tube in a centered position substantially coaxial with the projectile. An expulsion piston arrangement is provided including sub-projectile engagement surfaces and sealing elements to seal the chamber from an expulsion charge chamber having an expulsion charge. Upon ignition of the expulsion charge, hot gases act on the piston which acts on the sub-projectile to disengage a base plug from the projectile to allow expulsion of the sub-projectile.