Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially spheroidal fragmentation device (10). The fragmentation device (10) comprises: i) a protective exterior layer (6) of resilient material accommodating at least one warhead (9); ii) an inner core (11) protected by said exterior layer (6). The inner core (11) comprises: ii.a) an insensitive munition (IM); ii.b) a polymeric, plastic and/or rubbery matrix embedding the insensitive munition (IM); ii.c) explosive material (5) enclosed within the matrix of ii.b) and/or surrounding the matrix of ii.b). The ratio of the thickness of the protective exterior layer (6) to the radius of the fragmentation device (10) ranges from 0.1:1 to 0.7:1. The warhead (9) is accommodated within the protective exterior layer (6) or between the inner core (11) and the protective exterior layer (6).

Abstract: A method for forming a fragmentation explosive munition includes providing a casing, and forming holes in the casing using electrical discharge machining (EDM), thereby forming a modified casing.

Abstract: Provided is a frangible munitions device optimized for a dome and cylinder that yields fragments having shapes corresponding to a predetermined embossment pattern upon explosive rupture. The embossment pattern includes a first set of inner regular hexagonal embossments formed into the dome and cylinder that are aligned with the axis of the cylinder, and a second set of outer pre-deformed hexagonal shapes that distort to produce regular hexagonal shapes after drawing into the cylinder wall. The second set of shapes are separated by sharp transition regions. The shapes are embossed in a repeated pattern around the hollow cylinder and the dome top. The dome yields a plurality of fragments having shapes corresponding to the first set of inner regular hexagonal embossments upon explosive rupture, while the cylinder yields a plurality of fragments having shapes corresponding to the second set of outer pre-deformed hexagonal embossments upon explosive rupture.

Abstract: A penetrator for a projectile with a tail assembly, wherein the penetrator includes at least one outer body that acts in a terminal ballistic manner for attacking an armored target, in particular a battle tank with reactive armor. The cross-section of the outer body perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outer body is a hollow cross-section. The hollow cross-section of the outer body has an area, and an area moment of inertia of the hollow cross-section is increased in comparison with a solid cross-section of at least equal area, so that the outer body has an increased bending stiffness on account of the increased area moment of inertia.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus and method are disclosed wherein voids and inclusions may be configured to promote fragmentation of the charge case into pieces of less than a target size. In one example, the charge case of a shaped charge has a plurality of inclusions of a material interspersed with a plurality of voids of the material to promote fragmentation of the charge case. The inclusions and voids may be disposed along the periphery, such as along a mounting flange. In some examples, the voids may be holes of any of a variety of shapes, geometries, and positioning formed in the parent material of the charge case. In other examples, pieces of hardened material may be embedded in the parent material of the charge case to displace the parent material as well as to initiate probable locations of fragmentation.

Abstract: A method for forming a fragmentation explosive munition includes providing a casing, and forming holes in the casing using electrical discharge machining (EDM), thereby forming a modified casing.

Abstract: The ballistic element is made with a main body of non-metallic material, such as, from filaments of glass, aramid, carbon and basaltic fibers. The ballistic element also has heads of metal at opposite ends of the main body. A tubular liner of plastic may be disposed with the main body about an axial cavity for a detonating charge. The main body may also have one or more inserts for receiving one of an anchor bolt and a suspension component of an aircraft for use of the element as an aircraft bomb.

Abstract: A mortar shell including: a polymer outer layer, the polymer outer layer having reinforcing fibers dispersed therein; and a metallic inner layer defining an interior of the mortar, the metallic inner layer having a plurality of metallic fragments, each of the plurality of metallic fragments having a shape to interlock to each of the other of the plurality of metallic fragments, the plurality of metallic fragments being assembled together into the metallic inner layer; wherein a first metallic fragment of the plurality of metallic fragments having a characteristic different than second metallic fragments surrounding and contacting the first metallic fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell (4) intended to be placed around a fragment-generating body (2) of an ammunition (1). This shell is characterized in that it comprises an inner wall (9) having a geometry such that it can be positioned with shape matching with that of the body (2) on which it is intended to be fastened, the inner wall (9) bearing cells (11) having a profile with a closed contour secured to the wall (9) by a first end, the cells (11) not being adjoining, therefore separate from one another, all the way around their contour by a non-nil distance (d). The invention also relates to an explosive ammunition including such a shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile (1), which has a projectile body (2) featuring a recess (5) for receiving an explosive, wherein the projectile body (2) has a rotation-symmetrical shell surface (7), at least in sections, which is surrounded, at least in sections, by several ring-shaped elements (8) provided with predetermined break points, wherein fragments (12) formed upon breakup of the elements (8) are predefined via the predetermined break points, said fragments (12) being connected to one another in a ring-shaped connecting portion (11) for forming the ring-shaped element (8), and the freely projecting ends (13) of the fragments (12) being at least partially arranged in a common orthogonal plane (13?) to a longitudinal axis (8?) of the ring-shaped element (8), wherein this orthogonal plane (13?) is arranged diverging from an orthogonal plane (11?) defined by the ring-shaped connecting portion (11), as well as to a corresponding ring-shaped element (8) for the projectile (1).

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead is provided, capable of being mounted in a carrier vehicle, the warhead having a longitudinal axis. In at least one example the warhead includes a shell that extends along the longitudinal axis. The shell includes a fixed shell portion and a fragmentation portion, and defines therebetween a cavity for accommodating therein an explosive charge. The fragmentation portion includes at least one set of serially adjacent fragments in correspondingly serially contiguous relationship in the fragmentation portion and in generally helical relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis. A corresponding carrier vehicle and a corresponding missile are also provided.

Abstract: A munition, such as a warhead, includes a penetrator casing for penetrating hard targets, such as a fortification or inforced building or other structure, with the penetrator casing having reduced-thickness portions. The munition also includes a shock-resistant fuzewell for absorbing shocks during the penetration, to allow a fuze within the fuzewell to survive hard target penetration. The fuzewell may have one or more shock-absorbing features, such as having a ring surrounding a central housing, with flexible spokes connecting the ring to the central housing. The shock-absorbing features may allow the fuze to withstand the penetration into a hard target, with the fuze subsequently being used to detonate an explosive of the munition.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods associated with an enclosure or structure including two sections that are adapted with a snap-fit interlocking structure. Various embodiments of the enclosure or structures are formed with various case hardening or embrittlement processes to increase embrittlement or hardness of the enclosure or structure so as to create a structure or enclosure which has a desired fragmentation capacity while still maintaining sufficient material properties to permit snap-fit insertion of one section into another section and withstand substantial impacts. Embodiments also provide an interlocking structure that minimizes differences in fragmentation or fracturing capacity as contrasted with other portions of the structure or enclosure. An embodiment of the invention includes an enclosure where one section of the enclosure or structure has a first thickness and the second section has a second thickness, wherein the first and second thicknesses are different.

Abstract: A method of modifying material properties of a fragmentation device, includes providing a fragmentation device with a first surface, a first section, a second section, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, a third section, and a fourth section disposed between the first, second, and third sections. The method further includes positioning the fragmentation device within a carbon-rich environment, and absorbing carbon from the carbon-rich environment into the first and second surfaces of the fragmentation device. Additionally, the method further includes increasing a content of carbon at the first and second surfaces of 0.06 wt. % carbon to 1.0 wt. % carbon and maintaining an original content of carbon of 0.01 wt. % carbon to 0.05 wt. % carbon at the fourth section of the fragmentation device by controlling penetration of the carbon into the fourth section.

Abstract: A large caliber, frangible, training projectile imitates, for training purposes, the corresponding tactical projectile. To enable fragmentation of the training projectile at impact, some embodiments of the frangible projectile are partially or entirely made of a material with a lower yield strength than the material used in the counterpart tactical projectile. Some embodiments of the frangible projectile may include portions that are sectioned, welded, or provided with stress risers. Some embodiments of the frangible projectile may include high density particles suspended in a weaker medium. The fragmentation methods may be applied to the overall mass of the projectile, or to a portion of the projectile.

Abstract: A fragmentable projectile casing for an explosive projectile (7) has an irregular wall thickness (W) and predetermined breaking points (2) distributed over the projectile casing (1) for formation of fragments. The predetermined breaking points (2) for obtaining uniform fragments are spaced irregularly from one another. The predetermined breaking points (2) can have a smaller distance from one another in a region of greater wall thickness (W) and can be arranged in the manner of a grid and/or are formed as lines. Further, the predetermined breaking points (2) can run parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the projectile casing (1) and/or along a circumference (U) of the projectile casing (1).

Abstract: An initiation distributor includes two plates coupled in a spaced-apart fashion. Each plate includes detonation transfer holes. A face of one plate has a depression and defined channels leading from the depression to the plate's detonation transfer holes, and has a detonation transfer port located in line with a plate's channels. The second plate has a detonation transfer port, and channels defined in its face that lead from the plate's detonation transfer port to its detonation transfer holes. Each of one plate's detonation transfer holes can be aligned with one of the second plate's detonation holes. A conduit couples the detonation transfer ports in the two plates with a pathway defined between the depression and each of the plates' detonation transfer holes. Explosive material fills the depression, all channels, all detonation transfer holes, all detonation transfer ports, and the conduit.

Abstract: A cylindrical warhead is divided into a conical central segment and peripheral segments. The central segment has a disk-shaped liner bounding a cavity with high explosive and forming a penetrating projectile. The peripheral segments are hingedly attached to the central segment and have outer segment faces bounding respective cavities with high explosive, the segment faces forming sidewalls of the warhead in a closed position. The peripheral segments can be released to an open position in which the segment faces point in the forward direction for detonation. The warhead may be used in the closed position for single hardened targets such as armored vehicles and in the open position for area targets such as lighter vehicles and personnel. Opening of the warhead may be enabled at a time of launch of the warhead, or at a time of target acquisition after launch.

Abstract: A fragmentation body comprising a substantially monolithic structure comprising a metal material and comprising a major surface having an indentation pattern therein, and an opposing major surface having an opposing indentation pattern therein, the opposing indentation pattern being substantially aligned with the indentation pattern. A warhead and an article of ordnance are also described.

Abstract: A fragmentable projectile casing for an explosive projectile (7) has an irregular wall thickness (W) and predetermined breaking points (2) distributed over the projectile casing (1) for formation of fragments. The predetermined breaking points (2) for obtaining uniform fragments are spaced irregularly from one another. The predetermined breaking points (2) can have a smaller distance from one another in a region of greater wall thickness (W) and can be arranged in the manner of a grid and/or are formed as lines. Further, the predetermined breaking points (2) can run parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the projectile casing (1) and/or along a circumference (U) of the projectile casing (1).

Abstract: Bombs lined with reactive liners that improve the blast and fragmentation of the bombs is disclosed. The effect is caused by the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability which is introduced at the explosive/reactive liner interface by introducing semi-cylindrical open linear cells between the reactive liner and the explosive that are void. This geometry produces a turbulent flow effect which readily mixes the reactive liner when accelerated by the grazing shock wave generated during detonation, which moves through the liner and case material. The geometry produces the added effect of creating faster and more plentiful fragments that are lighter in mass than those produced by typical bombs that are annularly lined with reactive liners, while maintaining insensitive munitions capability.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead comprising manual selection means for generating larger fragments versus smaller fragments upon detonation. The warhead includes a generally cylindrically shaped fragmenting metal outer warhead within which lies a generally cylindrically shaped explosive charge. Cylindrically arranged ring mechanisms within the warhead may be rotated to select desired fragmentation patterns.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: A selective fragmentation pattern of explosive material is applied to a surface of a munition. None, some, or all of the explosive material in the selective fragmentation pattern may be detonated, selectively stamping the surface of the munition with the detonated explosive material. The portion of the selective fragmentation pattern selected for ignition is determined by lethality requirements of a target of the munition. Upon detonation of the munition, fragments are formed based on the selected portion of the selective fragmentation pattern. Consequently, igniting all, some, or none of the selective fragmentation pattern may vary lethality of a munition and one munition may be used for a wide range of lethality.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost part of the warhead body. Upon detonation of the explosive charge, the warhead body is ultimately caused to shear and break into fragments with controlled sizes, shapes. This invention enables target-adaptable fragmentation output based selectively controlling the size of preformed fragments ejected. Preformed tungsten alloy fragments of a first “small” size “A” are sintered to be joined into a plurality of larger size fragments “B”, using a tungsten alloy matrix. The B fragments are then joined into a desired shell shape and thickness and sintered into a fragmenting shell body using a different tungsten alloy matrix with bonds of melting point considerably lower than amongst the A fragment bonds.

Abstract: A warhead consisting of a relatively thin metal shell casing and interior open linear cells which run throughout its length manufactured by electrical discharge machining and slip fitting.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: A warhead includes a body, a patterned liner made of plastic, and an explosive charge disposed within the liner. The liner pattern is formed of gaps and liner elements. The explosive charge includes a first set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner gaps and a second set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner elements. Upon detonation of the explosive charge and because of the temporal delay in transmitting the detonation energy between these two sets of sections, the warhead body is caused to shear and break into fragments with controlled size. The use of plastic as the liner material also provides a welcome safety feature for this warhead. In the event of unwanted heat ignition, the plastic (which is also low melt temperature material), would melt to seal the explosive and would also flow. Because of the plastic, neither sudden pressure nor heat/ignition inside the round, would therefore be as catastrophic.

Abstract: A projectile (1) is optionally used as a fragmentation projectile or as a projectile that utilizes a pressure wave effect created when the explosive charge (3) explodes. The projectile (1) contains an ejection charge (12), and an explosive charge (3) arranged in a jacket (4) that can be moved axially with respect to a fragmentation casing (5). The ejection charge (12) allows the explosive charge (3) and surrounding jacket (4) to be pushed at least so far out of the projectile casing (2) that, in the event of explosion, the explosive charge does not act on the fragmentation casing (5). In order to ensure that the jacket (4) of the explosive charge (3) does not develop any fragmentation effect, or develops only a small fragmentation effect, when the explosive charge (3) is ignited, a molded part composed of plastic or a light alloy is used as the jacket (4).

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a heavy munition casing is provided, in which steel is rolled as a rough sheet or is forged as a slab depending on the desired casing size. Steel plates (2) produced in this way have a thickness that is somewhat greater than the manufacturing diameter of the munition casing (5). The steel used for this purpose has longitudinally oriented manganese sulfides (3), which are also shaped in the lateral direction, in addition to main shaping in the longitudinal direction, by shaping to form the shaped steel plate (2), and assume a longitudinally extending plate-shape as well. The initial material for the casing (5) is taken from an approximately rectangular steel plate (2), transversely with respect to the deformation direction. The quadrilateral piece obtained in this way is then turned to be round and is mechanically processed to form the shape of the casing (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a warhead (10) for attacking particularly half-hard and/or soft targets, wherein the warhead comprises a splinter-forming casing (1) and an explosive material positioned in the casing (1). The warhead (10) further has a front plate (2) having a splinter formation, into which a distance sensor (3) is integrated. An igniter (5) for the explosive material and a stabilizing strap for adjusting perpendicular flight characteristics on the way to the target are located in the rear part of the warhead (10), wherein the initiation of the igniter (5) is determined by a property of the target to be attacked, namely, the parameter of a defined height from the target.

Abstract: An explosive structure of the fragmentation type includes an outer casing comprising an energy dense explosive material and having an inner surface defining a chamber and means for propagating shock waves across the inner surface from a selected one of at least first and second detonation points within the casing. The explosive structure further includes first means for directing shock waves, propagated from the first detonation point, against at least a selected portion of the inner surface in a first pattern for scoring and weakening the casing along first, segment-defining lines and second means for directing shock waves, propagated from the second detonation point, against the selected portion of the inner surface in a second pattern for scoring and weakening the casing along second, segment-defining lines, the segments of the second pattern being larger than the segments of the first pattern.

Abstract: A dual spin projectile includes a base; a body connected to the base with a first snap joint, the first snap joint allowing relative rotation between the base and the body; a can having an open forward end and connected to the body with a second snap joint, the second snap joint allowing relative rotation between the body and the can; an aft payload disposed in the body; a forward payload disposed in the can; and a cap connected to the can and closing the open forward end of the can.

Abstract: A missile, such as a cruise missile, has a nose payload portion having a frangible nose cover and a relatively hard target penetration nose cone. The nose cone may have a liquid fuel tank within, and a chemical energy explosive charge, such as a shaped charge, aft of the liquid fuel tank. The target penetration nose cone enables perforation of certain types of targets prior to detonation of the chemical energy explosive and the liquid fuel. The frangible nose cover is configured to be easily perforated or otherwise removed by the explosive force of the chemical energy explosive charge when the missile system is utilized for the attack of hard targets. The nose payload portion may have a fragmentation case, with one or more features designed to enhance fragmentation during detonation of the explosive and/or the liquid fuel.

Abstract: An ammunition projectile comprising a metal jacket containing a powder-based core incompletely filling the trailing end of the jacket, and a disc overlying the trailing end of the core within the jacket, the disc being frangible by reason of a plurality of indentations in at least one face of the disc. A method is claimed.

Abstract: Warhead structures and features are fabricated using direct manufacturing technologies, a method for fabricating bulk warhead structures by sequential and additive deposition of melted feedstock layers. Suitable energy sources for melting the feedstock can be various high energy density technologies including laser, electron beam, plasma arc deposition, and the like. The high energy density in combination with high cooling rates results in structures with homogeneous microstructures. The feedstock can be in the form of wire or powder and is applied to a substrate by introduction to a molten pool on the substrate, accumulating to additively combine with the substrate. The approach provides for warhead structures with singular and combined unique features to include: integral constructions, tailored fragmentation patterns, use of dissimilar materials for special effects, and variable material property constructions for enhanced performance.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an explosive ammunition (1) having a fragmenting structure comprising an explosive charge (3) configured in a splinter-generating shell (2). This ammunition is characterized by comprising a case (7) enclosing the shell (2) and containing means implementing a mechanical stress differential during ammunition ignition at the outer surface of the shell (2), where this differential enhances splinter generation and is distributed over a regular, 3D grid.

Abstract: A fragmenting projectile includes a multi-wall projectile casing with each wall thereof formed by a sleeve. Each pair of adjacent sleeves is defined by inner and outer sleeves that mate in a threaded engagement. Explosive material is disposed in an innermost sleeve.

Abstract: A cartridge shell 10 comprises a main body 12 defining a volume 14 for holding energetic material. The main body 12 has a first end 16 for location adjacent a toe 48 of a hole 46 and a second end 18 directed to the collar 50 of hole 46. The second end 18 is tapered to reduce in transverse area away from the first end to form a point or wedge-like member 20.

Abstract: A warhead casing defines a geometry that is a portion of a ring having an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spaced radially apart from one another. The outer radial wall and inner radial wall are joined radially by side walls, while the casing is enclosed at either axial end thereof by end walls. An explosive material fills the casing. At least one initiator is positioned in the explosive material along a radial plane that bisects the portion of the ring. Detonation of the explosive material causes the inner radial wall to form an EFP while the outer radial wall fragments.

Abstract: A warhead (1) having a warhead casing (2) that encloses an explosive charge (5). To ensure that, during the detonation of the explosive charge (5), the warhead (1) effects a rapid acceleration of the fragments flying in the flight direction, and a lesser acceleration of the fragments flying away laterally from the warhead, and/or generates a relatively intense lateral pressure wave, the charge has at least two different partial charges (7, 8-10) corresponding to the intended use of the warhead (1). The first partial charge (7), which is disposed in the region of the tip of the warhead (1), and comprises, for example, octogen (HMX), possesses a high detonation speed in order, when detonated, to accelerate heavy-metal fragments (preferably WSM spherical fragments) disposed in front of the partial charge very rapidly forward. In contrast, the second partial charge (8-10), which adjoins the rear of the first partial charge (7), is a far less costly charge, e.g.

Abstract: A method of providing a high-explosive projectile with desired areas of fragmentation includes the following steps: securing a steel plate component in a circumferentially extending recess in the outer surface of a projectile body; directing an energy beam to outer surface portions of the steel plate component; heating, by the energy beam, narrow zones to a temperature above the melting temperature of the steel plate component to a predetermined depth thereof; and cooling the heated zones for effecting structural metallurgical changes in the steel plate component for obtaining the desired areas of fragmentation.

Abstract: Fragmentation body for fragmentation projectiles and warheads, including an integral fragmentation shell structure made of cast metal, and the shell structure has an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface separated by a thickness of the shell, where at least one of the inner or outer surfaces includes recesses formed through part of the thickness of the shell to define a plurality of fragments which remain integrated with the shell structure until an explosive force is detonated in proximity of the shell, wherein the shell material comprises a steel alloy including carbon, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, cobalt, and the balance essentially being iron. Shell structures of the inventive fragmentation body also have a fragmentation pattern defined via recesses or grooves provided in at least one of the inner or outer wall surfaces thereof to define the size and shapes of the fragment projectiles desired.

Abstract: A wall breaching warhead 10 for forming a hole through a brick wall includes a shaped charge 12 of explosive material having a central axis 14. The front surface of shaped charge 12 includes a central portion 16, adjacent to central axis 14, having a generally convexly-curved shape, and an annular portion 18, circumscribing central portion 16, having a generally concavely-curved shape. A metallic liner 20, adjacent to at least annular portion 18 of the front surface of charge 12.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an explosive ammunition (1) having a fragmenting structure comprising an explosive charge (3) configured in a splinter-generating shell (2).

Abstract: A method of providing a high-explosive projectile with desired areas of fragmentation includes the following steps: securing a steel plate component in a circumferentially extending recess in the outer surface of a projectile body; directing an energy beam to outer surface portions of the steel plate component; heating, by the energy beam, narrow zones to a temperature above the melting temperature of the steel plate component to a predetermined depth thereof; and cooling the heated zones for effecting structural metallurgical changes in the steel plate component for obtaining the desired areas of fragmentation.

Abstract: A warhead for use in air defense missiles has a flat-sided cross-sectional onfiguration which can be mass focused to direct an entire side onto a target. The warhead may be rotated about the missile longitudinal axis to properly orient a warhead side at the time of detonation.

Abstract: A non-nuclear, non-focusing, active warhead that comprises a high explosive charge contained within a casing of reactive metal. When the high explosive is detonated, the reactive metal is dispersed and reacts with the air, which significantly increases the explosive yield of the warhead. The active warhead produces therefore much higher blast effects with significantly reduced weight compared to conventional munitions. The warhead is highly effective against such targets as aircraft which typically have thin fuselages, for example. The explosiveness of this warhead can be enhanced further by elevating the temperature and therefore the reactivity of the reactive metal before or during the explosion. New methods of enhancing the reactivity of the metal are also taught.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of an explosive ammunition component with controlled fragmentation, comprising a charge of solid explosive contained in a metal casing internally clad with a sleeve externally provided with indentations.A rigid sleeve made of plastic or elastomer, externally provided with indentations and which has a form of a vessel provided with a single opening, is produced first of all, and then this sleeve is introduced, with the bottom first, into a metal casing comprising an opening and whose shape and dimensions are such as to allow the sleeve to clad the casing internally.A pasty or liquid explosive composition is next cast into the sleeve and the composition is then solidified.

Abstract: A wire assault weapon warhead preferably for breaching barbed-wire barrics in a battlefield at standoff distances, has a cylindrical shaped projectile having a domed nose cone and a rear bulkhead sized so as to allow the warhead to be fired from a Shoulder-Fired Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon or a similar weapon. The warhead includes a fragmentation tube that fragments upon the detonation of an explosive charge and the fragments expelled into the wire of the barricade sever the wire and breach the barricade.