Abstract: An effector having an extendible range and a method for extending the range of an effector includes using an axially translatable center body that is movable from a stowed position, in which the center body is stowed in an outer body of the effector, to a deployed position in which the center body extends out of the outer body to extend the axial length of the effector. The effector includes a ramjet assembly and the subsystems of the effector are contained in the center body. The movement of the center body exposes radially positioned ramjet fuel in the outer body, such that the air entering the ramjet inlet may be heated by combusting the air with the fuel for additional fuel and propulsion of the effector.

Abstract: A mortar shell including: a metallic inner layer defining an interior of the mortar, the metallic inner layer having a grid formed on an outer surface to define a plurality of metallic fragments separated by grooves; a polymer having first reinforcing fibers disposed within the grooves; and a polymer outer layer, the polymer outer layer having second reinforcing fibers dispersed therein. The grid can be a square grid to define square shaped metallic fragments. The polymer outer layer can include a pattern of dimples formed on an outer surface. The polymer outer layer can include a solid lubricant.

Abstract: Warhead (1) comprising a tubular structure comprising: a front end (15) and a front region (2) adjoining the front end (15); a rear end (14) and a rear region (3) adjoining the rear end (14); a central axis (11) connecting the front end (15) and the rear end (14); a wall portion (4); and a central cavity (6), whereby the outer wall portion (4) tapers in the front region (2) and comprises fragments (7; 9) in the rear region (3) and the tubular structure in the rear region (3) comprises a generally cylindrical portion (12) and a generally conical portion (13) relative to the central axis.

Abstract: A fragmentation casing is defined by a monolithic tube having a solid radial wall and a pattern of tunnels defined in the solid radial wall. The tunnels may be filled with air, a powder that is a powdered form of the material used to make the solid radial wall, or a solid material that is the same as the solid radial wall but whose mechanical attributes differ from those of the solid radial wall.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a casing with a liner disposed therein. The liner has two spaced-apart and nested walls with each wall having an identical ogive shape. An explosive material fills a portion of the casing up to one of the walls. A loose particulate material is disposed between the walls. A blasting cap is coupled to a first axial end of the casing adjacent to the explosive material, and a sealing cap is coupled to a second axial end of the casing.

Abstract: A system for inhibiting the electronic system of a target object is provided. The system comprises an Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) unit, and a projectile for carrying the ECM unit towards the target object.

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 munition may include a warhead, such as a penetrator warhead, enclosed in airframe. The airframe may enable connection to standard mountings, and/or to standard nose kits or tail kits. The airframe may have preformed fragments in it, packed between the airframe and the warhead. The preformed fragments may be loose, may be packed in a potting material, or may be in flexible bags. The fragments may enhance performance of the munition. The warhead may also contain preformed fragments.

Abstract: A warhead assembly, comprising a cylindrical or conical metal body, having an inner wall with a plurality of channels or grooves extending parallel to a central longitudinal axis. Preformed fragments are inserted in the channels or grooves and a liner with an explosive fill is positioned within the metal body, retaining the preformed fragments in place. The warhead assembly on detonation produces a bimodal distribution of fragments with adequate mass and velocity with optimized mixed fragmentation that defeats or otherwise incapacitates a target or set of targets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel munition (1) comprising a controllable output warhead and also munitions comprising one or more of said warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises an inner and outer portion of high explosive (3, 4) co-axially located and separated by a non-detonative material (5), such that in use at least two output modes are possible, by either simultaneous detonation of both the inner and outer portion high explosives (3, 4) or selective detonation of the inner high explosive portion (3).

Abstract: The assemblable module charge system includes a set of quadrant panels, where an individual quadrant panel is a fractional component of a cylindrical wall having a plurality of external longitudinal parallel rails separated by channels. The fractional cylindrical wall has a sectional length with fastening side edges. The set of panels may be stored as a flat-pack and assembled into a single module. The volume of the flat-pack is less than half the volume of the assembled module. The flat-pack is a group of unassembled quadrant panels nested to minimize space. The system uses elongate slides that may be frictionally positioned in channels shared by the module and a charge system. The charge system is a prepackaged explosive that may be fastened to the assembled module.

Abstract: An artillery projectile for firing from an artillery gun, mortar or artillery rocket launcher. The artillery projectile includes a body, a payload with a number of inert fragments located within the body, a booster motor associated with the body for accelerating the body with the payload to a penetration velocity, and an opening arrangement associated with the body and deployed for initiating release of the fragments. The artillery projectile further includes a control system causally associated with the booster motor and the opening arrangement. The control system is configured to generate a first command to actuate the booster motor and a second command to actuate the opening arrangement.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: A fragmenting warhead is provided having an outer cylindrically shaped hollow steel shell which can be selectively detonated into different fragment types and sizes. The warhead has a plastic liner within said shell, and a core of explosive. There are a number of insulated wire grids of high electrical resistance which will heat when an electrical current is provided thereto located in intimate thermal contact with the explosive, each grid corresponding to a fragment type and size for selection by providing electrical current to that selected grid. Heat flux is caused when an electrical current runs through a particular grid and this selectively melts explosive in the near vicinity of such grid, then a detonation of the explosive core will result in a fragmentation type and pattern corresponding to that grid type and pattern. An ignition propellant train may also be selectively associated with wires on the grids to further selectively detonate the explosive.

Abstract: A kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments. A projectile includes a body and a kinetic energy fragmenting warhead disposed in the body. The kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical fragmenting body, a pair of concentric cylindrical liners within, made of plastic, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost liner. In one embodiment, one liner provides various “legs” of liner material and the other liner provides various open receptacle areas, into which such legs may come to rest when the liners are slid together and/or rotated relative to one another. Various recessed and/or raised areas of liner material can thus be randomly created by such adjustments, which lead to select fragmentation of the warhead upon detonation.

Abstract: A method for firing explosive-filled, fragmentation shells (1) that disperse fragments on the pre-programmed detonation of their own explosive (7) so as to reduce the risk of accidental injury to unprotected personnel and damage to materiel, which at the moment of firing are undeservedly situated between the firing weapon and the target is provided. Also provided are shells (1) produced or modified according to the method.

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: The dynamically configurable controlled fragmentation insert mechanism of this invention includes an assembly of three or more sleeves with differing through hole patterns thereon, that fit inside the shell casing. The individual sleeves can move independently of one another and a simple pinning mechanism holds the parts in place for a selected configuration. The warfighter can realign the insert sleeves by to create different geometric patterns of holes, each designed to engage a different target set with optimally sized fragments. The aligned patterns of holes creates individual geometric shapes that focus high-velocity jets to cut into the steel shell casing to correlate to the through-holes in the aligned patterned sleeves. Realigning the insert sleeves changes the through-hole pattern to produce different fragment sizes and mass distributions.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, a pair of concentric cylindrical liners made of plastic, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost liner. The innermost liner includes patterns formed thereon of recessed areas and solid liner elements. The outermost liner's interior surface includes patterns formed thereon of raised areas and solid liner elements. The outermost cylindrical liner is arranged to be adjustable relative to the innermost liner through rotation or translation. The explosive charge is disposed adjacent to the interior of the innermost cylindrical liner. Upon detonation of the explosive charge and because of the random dampening and temporal delay in transmitting the detonation energy through various locations of the randomly aligned cylindrical liners, the warhead body is caused to shear and break into fragments with different sizes.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

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 high-lethality fragmentation warhead with reduced risk of collateral damage to the warhead launch platform. High lethality is achieved with a forward-firing fragmentation assembly placed in front of the explosive and a side-firing fragmentation assembly placed in a void space in the aft section of the explosive. The risk of collateral damage to the launch platform is reduced by forming the case and explosive containment structures of materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. This substantially eliminates radial fragments and in particular fragments thrown back towards the platform. Performance may be enhanced by tapering the aft section of the containment structure and explosive to eliminate explosive that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the forward-firing fragmentation assembly by the pressure wave to create the void space for the side-firing fragmentation assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-lethality low collateral damage fragmentation warhead. The case is formed of a material that is pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality is improved by placing a pattern shaper between the fragment assembly and the explosive. The explosive and pattern shaper have a conformal non-planar interface that shapes the pressure wavefront as it propagates there through to expel metal fragments from the fragmentation assembly with a desired pattern density over a prescribed solid angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-lethality low collateral damage fragmentation warhead. The case is formed of a material that is pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality is improved by placing a pattern shaper between the fragment assembly and the explosive. The explosive and pattern shaper have a conformal non-planar interface that shapes the pressure wavefront as it propagates there through to expel metal fragments from the fragmentation assembly with a desired pattern density over a prescribed solid angle.

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: Weapons, weapon components and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a weapon component includes one or more discrete fragments embedded in a reactive material matrix. The weapon component may be used as a warhead that includes an explosive charge. In one embodiment the weapon component is configured such that, upon explosive launch, the reactive material matrix fractures to define one or more reactive material matrix fragments. The weapon component may be configured such that the discrete fragments are propelled at a first velocity over a defined distance while the reactive material matrix fragments are propelled at a second velocity over the defined distance, the second velocity being less than the first velocity. The weapon component may be used, for example, in a countermeasure weapon used to defeat a target weapon. Other embodiments of weapon components, weapons and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shock-triggered warhead fragment transmitter is described. The transmitter is designed to radiate a pulse upon either detonation of the warhead or impact of the fragment with the target. The pulse energy is obtained by shock de-poling of a ferroelectric material and is radiated using a dipole antenna. Detection of the radiated pulses may be used to confirm detonation of the warhead and determine the time and location of the detonation and facilitate battle damage assessment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of initiating explosive charges by means of splinter bodies (5) directed towards these at high speed by an external explosion. According to the invention, these splinter bodies (5) are given large surfaces or broadsides compared with their own mass and are forced to hit the explosive charge with their broadsides (5?) first in order thereby to transfer sufficient kinetic impulse energy to initiate the explosive charge. The invention also comprises splinter bodies (5) specially configured for the implementation of the said method of initiating explosive-filled bodies (2) and explosive charges (3?), intended for the implementation of the said method and provided with a splinter shell (7) comprising the type of splinter bodies (5) characteristic of the invention.

Abstract: An explosive fragmentation munition having a longitudinal axis which includes a cylindrical shell portion having a thickness and an interior; a rounded shell portion having a thickness and an interior, the rounded shell portion being disposed at a front end of the cylindrical shell portion; an explosive disposed in the interiors of the cylindrical shell portion and the rounded shell portion; wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion equals the thickness of the cylindrical shell portion where the rounded shell portion joins the cylindrical shell portion, and wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion increases in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A shock-triggered warhead fragment transmitter is described. The transmitter is designed to radiate a pulse upon either detonation of the warhead or impact of the fragment with the target. The pulse energy is obtained by shock de-poling of a ferroelectric material and is radiated using a dipole antenna. Detection of the radiated pulses may be used to confirm detonation of the warhead and determine the time and location of the detonation and facilitate battle damage assessment.

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 highly effective and also inert active penetrator, an active projectile, an active airborne body or an active multipurpose projectile with a constructively adjustable or settable relationship between penetrating power and lateral effect. The end ballistic total effect which is obtained from the penetrating depth and covering the surface or stressing of the surface is initiated in an active case by means of a releasable arrangement or installation which is independent of the position of the active body.

Abstract: A warhead charge device (18, 18?, 18?, 18??) arranged to carry liquid explosive (11), and which device is for use in an ammunition cargo unit such as a missile. The device incorporates at least two confined spaces (2, 6, 9) equipped with or, while the function of the device is in operation, capable of receiving liquid explosive (11) or components thereof via a device such as a pump device arranged to transfer completely or partially the explosive or components thereof from at least the first confined space to the other confined space, or vice versa.

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: A kinetic energy rod warhead including a plurality of sections each enclosing a plurality of projectile and an explosive charge partially surrounding the projectiles defining a primary projectile firing direction. The firing direction of each section is different for isotropically deploying the projectiles.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with imploding charges for isotropic firing of penetrators including a hull, a core in the hull including a plurality of individual penetrators, explosive charge sections in the hull about the core, and a detonator for each explosive charge section arranged to implode the core and isotropically deploy the penetrators.

Abstract: A flechette packing assembly utilizing a flechette projectile having its aerodynamic stabilization elements within the body mass and below the body surface with a packing orientation of a 90-degree right angle to the intended axis of projection. The packing assembly of the described flechettes are placed within a shell body for discharge from a gun system, rocket warhead, or cluster bomblet. The flechette packing assembly orientation allows acceleration to any velocity without distortion or deformation of the flechette projectiles.

Abstract: An explosive fragmentation munition having a longitudinal axis which includes a cylindrical shell portion having a thickness and an interior; a rounded shell portion having a thickness and an interior, the rounded shell portion being disposed at a front end of the cylindrical shell portion; an explosive disposed in the interiors of the cylindrical shell portion and the rounded shell portion; wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion equals the thickness of the cylindrical shell portion where the rounded shell portion joins the cylindrical shell portion, and wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion increases in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with aligned projectiles includes a projectile core in a hull including a plurality of individual projectiles and an explosive charge in the hull about the core. The individual projectiles are aligned when the explosive charge deploys the projectiles. The projectiles may also be aimed in a specific direction.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a warhead designed to provide a number of spiraling tendrils composed of segmented rods that move in an increasing radial arc in order to defeat a target. The warhead comprises a substantially cylindrical explosive charge having a plurality of rod segments arranged circumferentially around the explosive charge in a plurality of horizontal layers. As the horizontal layers descend down the explosive charge, the rod segments are offset from those directly above and below them to create a pattern that appears to be twisted columns. The number of columns is equivalent to the number of rod segments in each horizontal layer.

Abstract: Passive venting apparatus and method for a rocket motor or ordnance device containing propellant or explosive material enclosed in a case, which presents an explosion hazard when subjected to external heat. A combustible strip is secured to the exterior surface of the case and is constructed to burn and generate sufficient heat when exposed to predetermined external heat to weaken the adjacent portion of the case and effect rupture of the case to vent interior gases therein prior to autoignition of the propellant or explosive.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead including a projectile core including a plurality of individual projectiles, an explosive charge about the core, at least one detonator for the explosive charge, and structure for reducing the deployment angles of the projectiles when the detonator detonates the explosive charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented subcaliber projectile (1) subdivisible into a number of separate segments contiguous with each other at least initially to form an integral projectile of united segments or submunitions (5). The advantage with this subcaliber projectile is that since the segments or submunitions (5) are arranged sequentially after each other, each one comprises an explosive charge (7) initiatable by a very powerful shock and encased in an outer casing (6) of hard material such that the projectile in integral form can be used directly against heavy armor, and by means of dispersion of the various segments can also be used against aircraft.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with imploding charges for isotropic firing of penetrators including a hull, a core in the hull including a plurality of individual penetrators, explosive charge sections in the hull about the core, and a detonator for each explosive charge section arranged to implode the core and isotropically deploy the penetrators.

Abstract: A warhead charge device (18, 18′, 18″, 18′″) arranged to carry liquid explosive (11), and which device is for use in an ammunition cargo unit such as a missile. The device incorporates at least two confined spaces (2, 6, 9) equipped with or, while the function of the device is in operation, capable of receiving liquid explosive (11) or components thereof via a device such as a pump device arranged to transfer completely or partially the explosive or components thereof from at least the first confined space to the other confined space, or vice versa.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with aligned projectiles includes a projectile core in a hull including a plurality of individual projectiles and an explosive charge in the hull about the core. The individual projectiles are aligned when the explosive charge deploys the projectiles. The projectiles may also be aimed in a specific direction.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with aligned projectiles includes a projectile core in a hull including a plurality of individual projectiles and an explosive charge in the hull about the core. The individual projectiles are aligned when the explosive charge deploys the projectiles. The projectiles may also be aimed in a specific direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a target that includes dispersing submunition fragments in an array that is directed to intercept the target, and engaging said fragments to collide against an outer shell of the target, wherein said array distributes said fragments as having a ratio between a characteristic length of said fragments and a separation distance of at most 2.5 and a collision velocity of between 1.8 km/s 2.0 km/s. The ratio is preferably at most 1.9. The characteristic length corresponds to a spherical radius of the fragment. Each fragment has a mass between 150 grains and 300 grains. The array is preferably aligned to intercept the target at an angle offset by between 15° and 45° from perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the target. Each fragment has a preferable shape of a prism, a trapezoid or a pyramid.