Abstract: An axially extending fragmentation warhead having a plurality of separate axially extending deformation charges in its radially outer surface. The deformation charges are located in a damping layer enclosing a fragmentation layer covering a cylindrical jacket enclosing a main explosive charge. The deformation charges facing a target can be individually ignited to inwardly deform the cylindrical jacket and the fragmentation layer prior to igniting the main explosive charge for selectively directing the fragmentation layer at the target. The deformation charges can be ignited individually or in selected groups to increase the effectiveness of the fragments directed at the target.

Abstract: A segmenting warhead projectile has a fore section integral with an aft section. A mid section is disposed between the fore section and the aft section. Up range of a target, an explosive contained within the mid section is detonated separating the fore section from the aft section. When a desired separation distance is achieved, explosives contained within the fore and aft sections detonate, fragmenting the housing of the sections. The fragmentation patterns of the two sections overlap, providing a high dispersion of fragmentation segments along the line of flight compensating for range errors.

Abstract: An improved method of producing a controlled fragmentation warhead case by mbedding an expanded metal liner on the interior surface of a casing for a warhead or other ordnance device. The process of embedding an expanded metal liner into the casing during the forming of the casing produces a controlled fragmentation grid on the interior surface of the casing. The improved method of producing a controlled fragmentation warhead case is particularly suitable for weapon systems employing large, unitary warheads.

Abstract: A selectable fragmentation warhead capable of producing a predetermined number of fragments from a metal plate, and accelerating the fragments toward a target. A first explosive located adjacent to the plate is detonated at selected number of points by laser-driven slapper detonators. In one embodiment, a smoother-disk and a second explosive, located adjacent to the first explosive, serve to increase acceleration of the fragments toward a target. The ability to produce a selected number of fragments allows for effective destruction of a chosen target.

Abstract: Fragments, also in the shape of projectiles with a length to diameter ratio greater than 3, can be successfully accelerated directly by means of an explosive if at least one forward casing in the frontal zone of the fragment causes the shock wave generated by detonation of the explosive to pass from the fragment into the forward casing, which subsequently detaches from the fragment thus protecting the fragment from the destructive effects of the reflected shock wave.

Abstract: An incendiary projectile possessing an incendiary composition arranged locally bonded about the internal casing surface of the projectile wall structure. The projectile has the inner casing surface of its wall structure covered with the incendiary composition in fixed adherence therewith, and the explosive in the inner space of the projectile extends into grid-structured interspaces or scorings for the mutual bounding of covered regions. In this connection, there is also disclosed a particularly advantageous method for the formation of a projectile which is designed in this manner, as well as an expediently employable arrangement for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: A warhead or horizontal fragmentation mine, which includes an explosive charge arranged within a housing, which is covered at the front end thereof with a concave or planar coating or cladding; and a method for producing the warhead. The coating is entirely, or at least overwhelmingly, constituted of a brittle heavy-metal or hard or carbide metal with a static fracture or breaking expansion of 15 or 25%, in which the coating is decomposed during the detonation into a large number of natural fragments or splinters of certain quantity, which spread out in a definite fragment cone or fragment wedge, and wherein the ratio of the quantity of the coating to that of explosive consists of approximately 1:0.4 to 1:0.6.

Abstract: A fuse for an antiballistic missile including a generator of two conical beams, each directed at a different, predetermined angle to the missile axis and including a plurality of range gates. A signal processor senses target intercept with the beams and range gates and calculates target miss distance and crossing angle. The fuse includes circuitry to detonate selected detonators for generating a fragment pattern directed toward the sensed target position.

Abstract: A multipoint initiation system for an explosive including a stripline head and a plurality of detonators fixed to the head at predetermined locations. The head and detonators are embedded in the explosive without a mechanical safe-arm device. Electrical connections in the head provide for independent detonation of the detonators.

Abstract: A detonation wave barrier for disposition between adjacent segments of warhead explosive including first and second layers of high shock impedance material and a third layer of low shock impedance material between the first and second layers.

Abstract: A fragment warhead including an explosive divided into a plurality of axially adjacent segments by detonation wave barriers. At least one detonator is embedded in each segment. A fragmentation layer encases the explosive, and a fuze selectively activates at least one detonator in each segment to generate a fragment pattern having selected width and angular direction.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead having a main explosive and first detonator for selectively detonating the main explosive. The main explosive is encompassed by a coaxial detonation wave barrier, a secondary explosive layer on the wave barrier and a fragment layer on the secondary explosive. A second detonator is provided for selective detonation of the secondary explosive, and a fuze is provided for detonating either the first or second detonators depending upon sensed target parameters.

Abstract: A hand grenade whose interior is divided into two chambers receiving the explosive charge, said chambers being superjacently arranged and open in respect of each other, whereby the detonation wave originating from the detonator in the lower of said two chambers is influenced.

Abstract: Pre-fragmented explosive shell, of the type substantially comprising a head and a body containing an explosive charge, a plurality of balls being housed in an annular space provided for between at least a part of the wall of the aforesaid body and the aforesaid explosive charge, in which each of the aforesaid balls consists of a core made from tungsten or tungsten carbide coated with a thin layer of zirconium.

Abstract: A process for producing a formed member, and a formed member which includes spherical fragments embedded in a metallic matrix is effected through cold annular or round forming. The spheres are arranged in the interspace between a basic support member, which may be a thin-walled inner casing, and an outer casing. Working of the outer casing causes the material of the support member and the outer casing to be pressed into the spaces between the spheres, densifies the support member and the outer casing, and prestresses the outer casing and spheres, thus allowing the inner casing to be extremely thin-walled. The prestressing of the spheres and outer casing, together with the inner casing imparts a high degree of energy to the casing fragments and to the spheres, affords economies in manufacture and a substantial increase in fragmenting energy at detonation of the formed member.

Abstract: A practice ammunition device, particularly a practice mortar shell, corresponding substantially identically to a live, tactical mortar shell in size, weight, configuration, and location of center of gravity. The practice shell closely simulates a live shell in all phases of operation including handling, loading, trajectory, and impact.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a projectile launching device of the type comprising a tubular tail containing a first charge with primer and having vents therein communicating with a second charge surrounding the corresponding part of said tail, said first charge being intended to be ignited by a launching tube having a bottom provided with a firing pin in which said tubular tail further comprises a means for igniting said second charge when the projectile is already set in motion by said first charge.