Hardened Core Within A Chamber Patents (Class 102/518)
  • Patent number: 6598535
    Abstract: The Collapsible Support Frame for Kinetic Energy Penetrator supports a long-rod kinetic energy penetrator inside a kinetic energy missile air frame in handling and flight environments but, upon impact of the missile on the selected high-obliquity target, gives way. This greatly reduces the lateral loading inflicted on the penetrator by the interaction of the missile body and the target and consequently maximizes the effectiveness of the penetrator against the target. The Collapsible Support Frame comprises concentric outer and inner rings that are mounted inside the missile and designed to hold and support the penetrator. When the missile strikes the target and the extremely high impact shock loading conditions of the penetrator process occurs, the outer ring captures a high impact shock loading pulse and transmits it to the inner ring, whereupon the inner ring fails in its supportive function, thus freeing the penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Darin L. Kielsmeier, Gregory L. Johnson, Robert N. Evans, John R. Esslinger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6526893
    Abstract: Soft lead pellets with hard polymeric tips for use in air guns and the like are disclosed. The lead pellets have forward pointed tip portions made from a hard polymeric material. Tip portions are employed in three different configurations including a hollow and solid heads. The hard tip in each of the pellets enables the pellet when fired from an air gun to pierce the fur and skin of small game animals, for example, before the lead portions of the head and skirt portions begin to deform, imparting shock to the surrounding soft tissue, and shattering bone. The disclosed pellets provide both accuracy due to the ballistic tip, and power from the weight of the soft lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas R. May, Lee T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6523477
    Abstract: A warhead assembly includes a penetrating casing having a forward nose portion and an generally cylindrical aft portion opposite said nose portion. A closure ring is disposed in said aft portion, a vent also being provided in said aft portion. The warhead casing is filled with a predetermined level of explosive material. Preferably the explosive composition contain reduced amounts of explosive material and a strong oxidizer. The warhead assembly possesses superior penetration and blast performance, as well as superior Insensitive Munitions characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Brooks, Eric E. Roach
  • Patent number: 6408762
    Abstract: A target penetrating aerial bomb including a penetrating body shaped for improved target penetration, having a narrower impact profile at approximately the same weight as an existing bomb. An aerodynamic shroud encases the penetrating body and emulates the aerodynamic shape of the existing bomb, and the weight, center of gravity, and moments of inertia of the bomb closely approximate those properties of the existing bomb. The bomb constructed according to the present invention may be qualified by similarity to the existing bomb, thus avoiding lengthy and costly qualification procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce E. Schmacker, Ronald L. Wooten
  • Publication number: 20020059882
    Abstract: High density single crystal penetrators are made from alloys containing at least 90% tungsten, with the remainder being essentially tantalum, rhenium, niobium, molybdenum or a mixture thereof. The penetrator will generally be circular in cross-section and have a length to diameter ratio of at least about 10 to 1, with the single crystal body being aligned so the crystalline axis having the [100] orientation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the penetrator. A penetrator having such desired crystalline characteristics can be formed by CVD about a heated substrate of body-centered cubic crystal material. One particularly efficient process utilizes static CVD in a closed chamber and employs a solid feedstock of polycrystalline tungsten alloy material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Lester L. Begg
  • Patent number: 6374743
    Abstract: The invention relates to a jacketed projectile (100), comprising a tungsten carbide hard core (5) on the front side and an centered, interlocking soft core (8) placed on the hard core (5). A closed air space (6) is located between the front area (5a) of the hard core (5) and the tip of the projectile (4). This projectile configuration provides a very high penetration potential and good dynamic and ballistic properties, enabling the inventive projectiles to be used as munition for police snipers, especially to hit targets located behind a glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: SM Schweizerische Munition Sunternehmung AG
    Inventors: Carl Hug, Beat Messerli
  • Patent number: 6374744
    Abstract: A shrouded bomb is provided having components which are substantially free of weld lines and rivets. The shroud assembly includes a nose cone having a forward end and a rear end, a central tube having a forward end contiguous with the rear end of the nose cone, and a rear end, and an aft tube having a forward end contiguous with the rear end of the central tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce E. Schmacker, Ronald L. Wooten
  • Patent number: 6324985
    Abstract: A penetrator and method of making same are disclosed. The penetrator includes a tungsten ballast and a steel casing having a bore sized to fit the tungsten ballast therein. Copper and silver coatings are provided on mating surfaces of the tungsten ballast and the steel casing. The tungsten ballast is fitted within the bore of the steel casing to form an assembly, and the assembly is pressurized at a pressure and temperature sufficient to form a low temperature solid state diffusion bond between the tungsten ballast and the steel casing. The bond temperature is below the final tempering temperature of the steel casing and the melting temperatures of the silver and copper. This process allows bonds to be produced on steels in their fully heat treated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Petrusha
  • Patent number: 6317946
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a projectile for small-bore weapons ammunition comprising the steps of producing a plurality of compacts from a mixture of a heavy metal powder and a light metal powder at room temperature, and without further treatment of the compacts, introducing the compacts into a metal jacket one at a time, including pressing each compact into the jacket with a pressure sufficient to ensure substantially complete filling of a respective portion of the jacket by each compact before introducing a further compact into the jacket. The compacts fill less that the entire volume of the jacket, leaving a portion of the jacket void of compacts. Prior to the pressing of the last of the compacts introduced into the jacket, a disc having an outer diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of said jacket adjacent the open end thereof is introduced into the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Harold F. Beal
  • Patent number: 6305293
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a multiple-component projectile which remains intact after leaving the barrel of a gun. The projectile comprises a core which includes a leading tip and a cylindrical shaft section which extends aft of the tip. A sabot sleeve surrounds the cylindrical shaft section and has a sufficient diameter to engage the rifling on the interior of a gun barrel. A rear cap connects to the aft end of the shaft section and secures the sabot sleeve to the shaft and tip. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise an annular lip and slot on the leading tip configured to receive the leading edge of the sabot sleeve and prevent it from separating from the core while traveling through the gun barrel and thereafter. The rear cap may also comprise an annular lip and slot configured to receive the trailing edge of the sabot sleeve and further lock the sleeve to the core thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the sleeve relative to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Laser II, LLC
    Inventors: Grant Fry, Douglas Kay Furr
  • Patent number: 6286433
    Abstract: A small caliber shell having armor piercing capacity and extremely high precision. The shell includes a hollow metal shell casing defining an outer shape of the shell. The shell casing has a conical front tip and a rear end, the shell casing comprising an inner surface. An elongate shell core made of an extremely hard and heavy material is centered around a longitudinal axis of the shell between a first bearing surface on the inner surface in the conical front tip of the shell casing and a second bearing surface on the inner surface of the rear of the shell casing and is axially centered inside the shell casing. A support part is arranged inside the shell casing and surrounds at least a very rearmost portion of the shell core for supporting the shell core. A ballast material in the shell casing between the support part and an interior wall of the shell casing holds the support part in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Vanasverken AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Borg, Nils-Olof Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6276277
    Abstract: A target-penetrating aerial bomb includes a penetrator of hard steel or similar material that contains an explosive charge. A rocket motor is formed as an annular chamber and surrounds the penetrator. The bomb includes a guidance and control unit that guides the bomb on a glide path after release from the delivery aircraft, and steers the bomb onto a dive line. Once the bomb is aligned on the dive line, the guidance and control unit fires the rocket booster to accelerate the bomb to the target. A fuse ignites the explosive after target penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce E. Schmacker
  • Patent number: 6244187
    Abstract: A mushrooming bullet having a highly improved performance in the retention of the lead core within the bullet jacket subsequent to impact, and in performing effectively over a substantially wider velocity range, the bullet retaining its lead core within its jacket substantially 98-100% of its firings at high velocities, and mushrooming more effectively at lower velocities than conventionally manufactured bullets. The jacket is characterized by a base portion which has a substantially larger interior diameter than its shank portion, and a mouth portion which is substantially softer than its shank portion. The mushrooming of the nose portion of the core and the mouth portion of the jacket is effectively arrested by the harder thick shank portion when the bullet strikes a target, and thereby minimizes the loss of lead from the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Federal Cartridge Company
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Head
  • Patent number: 6186072
    Abstract: The present invention is a monolithic ballasted penetrator capable of delivering a working payload to a hardened target, such as reinforced concrete. The invention includes a ballast made from a dense heavy material insert and a monolithic case extending along an axis and consisting of a high-strength steel alloy. The case includes a nose end containing a hollow portion in which the ballast is nearly completely surrounded so that no movement of the ballast relative to the case is possible during impact with a hard target. The case is cast around the ballast, joining the two parts together. The ballast may contain concentric grooves or protrusions that improve joint strength between the case and ballast. The case further includes a second hollow portion; between the ballast and base, which has a payload fastened within this portion. The penetrator can be used to carry instrumentation to measure the geologic character of the earth, or properties of arctic ice, as they pass through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Hickerson, Jr., Frank J. Zanner, Michael D. Baldwin, Michael C. Maguire
  • Patent number: 6186071
    Abstract: A projectile includes a core having a substantially conical head extending from a tip to an outwardly projecting annular lip. A substantially cylindrical body projects from the conical head adjacent to the annular lip and extends to a substantially flat tail end face. An annular slot is bounded between the annular lip and the cylindrical body. An annular groove encircles the body between the conical head and the tail end face. A plastic sabot has a front end with a chamber recessed therein. The chamber is bounded by an inner side surface having a substantially dome shaped annular bulge radially inwardly projecting therefrom. The body of the core is received within the chamber of the sabot such that the front end of the sabot is received within the annular slot on the core and the bulge on the sabot is received within the groove on the core. In another embodiment, a plurality of spaced apart fins inwardly project from the inner side surface of the sabot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Laser II, LLC
    Inventor: Grant R. Fry
  • Patent number: 6182574
    Abstract: A projectile designed to be fired from firearms. The projectile has a generally conically shaped jacket having a forward tip, rear base, a body portion, and a central axis. The jacket is formed of a first metal. Located inside the jacket is a generally conically shaped penetrant which is formed of a second metal. The penetrant is formed with a forward tip, a rear base, a body portion, and a central axis. The tip of the penetrant is positioned substantially adjacent the tip of the jacket with their longitudinal axis being aligned. Finally, a core, which is formed of a third metal, fills the jacket and is located about the tip, body, and base of the penetrant. The third metal has a hardness less than that of the first and second metals while the second metal has a hardness greater than that of the first metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory J. Giannoni
  • Patent number: 6135028
    Abstract: A penetrating, dual-mode warhead having soft target, surface burst mode and a hard target, penetrating mode is provided. The warhead has a cylindri outer fragmenting shell which contains an explosive surround. A long-rod penetrator with an explosive payload is located within the outer fragmenting shell. By arming selection prior to launch, the warhead can be configured for the surface burst mode which uses proximity sensor to initiate the outer shell explosive. The outer shell initiates the penetrator payload thereby detonating both explosives and fragmenting both the shell and penetrator casing. In the penetrating mode, the outer shell is stripped away on impact but is initiated just as the penetrator exits the shell. By this method the penetrator remains undamaged, but the outer shell nevertheless detonates to engage any surface targets. The penetrator continues into the hardened target, detonating on either a void sensor or on timing, whichever occurs first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Lucia D. Kuhns, Leonard T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6125764
    Abstract: A simplified tailored composite architecture for use in fabricating a composite sabot where the composite sabots are fabricated from a number of wedge kits. The resultant composite sabot includes a front scoop having a scoop angle. The simplified tailored composite architecture includes a panel adapted to be formed into a wedge kit. The panel has a number of plies of prepreg materials oriented in a number of different directions, where one of the number of different directions includes the direction of dominant homogeneous fiber orientation. A pattern within the panel includes selected prepreg segments rotated so that the direction of dominant homogeneous fiber orientation in the selected prepreg segments is aligned to be substantially parallel to the at least one dominant scoop fiber orientation when the panel is subsequently formed into a wedge kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Alliant Tech Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Dipak S. Kamdar
  • Patent number: 6119600
    Abstract: By means of this method it is possible to produce projectiles with single- or multi-element projectile bodies of different shapes and sizes simply and in a time-saving way. The jacket (1) of the projectile consists of a projectile tip (3), which is fixedly connected with a projectile casing (2) and has a centering device (5, 9) in its interior, in which the projectile body (6) is guided and maintained. The projectile body (6) is essentially cylindrical or has a diameter which increases toward the rear. The back of the projectile casing (2) is closed by means of a sealing body (15), which partially extends around the projectile body (6). In the course of producing the projectile, the projectile tip (3) is injection-molded to the projectile casing (2) in a first step, and in a second step the projectile body (6) is pushed into the centering device (5, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Jakob Burri
  • Patent number: 6085661
    Abstract: A small caliber non-toxic penetrator projectile has a first core and a second core tandemly aligned and enveloped by a jacket. The first core has a hardness greater than the hardness of the second core that has a Brinell hardness of between about 20 and about 50. The hardness of the second core is significantly higher than the hardness of lead and when the first core strikes a target, the second core resists compressive bulging. As a result, more kinetic energy is transferred to the first core rather than diffused along the surfaces of an armored target. The more efficient transfer of kinetic enables the use of lower density second cores, such as annealed copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Henry J. Halverson, Anthony F. Valdez
  • Patent number: 6010580
    Abstract: A composite penetrator has a plurality of dispersed high aspect ratio bodies of refractory heavy metal such as tungsten wires. A matrix of metal surrounds and wets the dispersed bodies for forming an integral penetrator. The matrix metal is characterized by having localized shear band deformation when strained. The heavy metal is selected from the group consisting of tungsten, tantalum, hafnium, uranium and alloys thereof. A variety of matrix alloys may be used which will remain amorphous or microcrystalline in an object as large as the penetrator when cooled from the molten state. An exemplary amorphous alloy comprises 41.25 atomic percent zirconium, 41.25% titanium, 13.75% copper, 12.5% nickel and 22.5% beryllium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Richard B. Dandliker, Robert D. Conner, Michael A. Tenhover, William L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5909003
    Abstract: A projectile rotating band (7) is firmly connected, through openings (9) in the projectile casing (2), to a sealing section (10) at the rear of the projectile inside the projectile casing (2). The rotating band (7) is formed together with the sealing section (10) in the course of a single step of the manufacturing process by injecting a synthetic material into the projectile casing (2) through its open back. The band (7) is prevented from twisting off during firing by the unitary construction, and will not abrade the barrel since it is non-metallic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec AG
    Inventor: Jakob Burri
  • Patent number: 5804759
    Abstract: An ammunition cartridge comprises a full bullet 1 held in a primer socket D containing a propellant charge P. The bullet 1 includes an flechette 2 and a launcher 10 concentrically received on the flechette to allow relative translation. The flechette 1 comprises an flechette body 3 of hard material having a conical head 4, and a stabilizer 6 fixed to a rear of the body 3. The stabilizer 6 has an integral lip 8 which seals the bullet 1 in the barrel to optimize pressure build-up during firing. The launcher translates forward relative to the flechette when released from the primer socket D. The full bullet remains intact in flight. The launcher strikes the target first and transmits high energy to the target. Immediately thereafter, the flechette translates forward to penetrate the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Sauvestre
  • Patent number: 5649488
    Abstract: The non-explosive core of a reentry projectile is fixedly positioned within hollow casing of the projectile at a location maximizing conversion and transfer of kinetic energy to an earth bound target in response to the projectile's impact at a hypersonic velocity and at a steep impact angle to the surface of the earth. The hollow casing is formed of a material capable of withstanding high temperatures, therefore, not requiring any cooling and allowing for the hollow casing to be free of heat transfer medium that might otherwise impede the desired quick release of the core upon impact of the projectile. The core is in the form of a single dense metallic slug having a mass establishing a center of gravity and moments of inertia for the projectile as a kinetic energy warhead corresponding to that of an explosive or nuclear warhead without weapon system modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Alfred M. Morrison, John S. Vamos, William G. Dorsey, W. Carson Lyons
  • Patent number: 5567908
    Abstract: An anti ship warhead utilizing a reactive case is disclosed. The case is a agnesium alloy which increases the blast damage once the warhead moves into the interior of a target. Moreover, the nose plate is hardened steel specially designed to cause ripping and tearing of the exterior wall as the warhead penetrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: The United of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Melvin J. Mc Cubbin, James A. Weeks, Paul A. Miles
  • Patent number: 5349907
    Abstract: Disclosed is a projectile that has high velocity at short range. The projectile has a body of material that is lighter, more lubricous and more deformable than a partial jacket on the rearward portion of the projectile. The jacket defines an annular array of apertures on the outer diametrical surface of the jacket and the body has peripheral zones that extend into the apertures far enough to be flush with the outer diametrical surface. The peripheral zones not only provide a physical lock between the body and jacket but also lubricate the interface between the projectile and the gun barrel along which the projectile travels during firing of a gun. The apertures are configured to allow the body to erupt radially outward through the jacket's side wall and form a relatively wide, shallow dispersal pattern when the projectile impacts a target. An optional core within the plastic body enhances the body's radially outward dispersal upon the projectile's impact with a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventors: Robert M. Petrovich, Paul A. Petrovich
  • Patent number: 5347907
    Abstract: A multipurpose projectile and a method of making it, said projectile comprising a shell (2) which contains a penetrator (1) and at least one incendiary charge (5) surrounding a portion of the penetrator in front of a well (3) in the bottom of the shell, in which the penetrator has been inserted. The incendiary charge (5) is pressed in approximately over its entire cross section by means of a plunger (14) having an annular pressing surface, and the cavity (12) in which the incendiary charge is situated is cylindrical and has a constant diameter along its entire length, whereby the pressing surface of the plunger substantially covers the entire cavity cross section between the penetrator (1) and the shell (2). The plunger is inserted through the front end of the shell, which is open prior to mounting a nose portion on the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Raufoss A/S
    Inventors: Kare R. Strandli, Inge M. Angard, Einar Willassen
  • Patent number: 5299501
    Abstract: The projectile, adapted to be fired from an automatic cannon, comprises a frangible porous brittle generally cylindrical casing having a tapered nose portion and made of a molded sintered powder material preferably consisting predominantly of 60 to 100% type 316 stainless steel powder, the remainder being pure iron powder. The rear end of the casing is formed with an axial bore wherein a hard dense penetrator rod is received, preferably made of tungsten or tungsten carbide. Behind the penetrator rod, the casing has an enlarged bore wherein an incendiary pellet is received, preferably comprising zirconium crystals molded in an epoxy matrix. A massive closure plug closes the enlarged bore behind the incendiary pellet. Upon impact with a target, the frangible casing disintegrates into granular fragments while the penetrator rod punches a hole in the target through which the fragments are propelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: BEI Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard V. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5291833
    Abstract: A projectile for an armored target is characterized in that the body consists of a block of dense material with a frustoconical axial bore, its large end opening in the plane of face of the body. The transmission element consists of a rod extending from the rear face of the head and comprises a seating engaged in the bore to leave a clearance between the rear face of the head and the front face, and the body and the nose are locked in a position where the rod is engaged in the bore. Application to armor-piercing fragmentation shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventor: Roland Boual
  • Patent number: 5185495
    Abstract: The invention is an improved partially jacketed projectile intended for small arms use. The projectile includes a central stem integral with a rear wall of the projectile, the rear wall in turn being integral with the partial jacket. A core surrounding the stem and encased by the jacket is softer than the material forming the stem, rear wall and jacket. The jacket retards core petalling during initial projectile impact whereas the rear wall configuration enhances petalling when the projectile achieves subsequent target penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventors: Robert M. Petrovich, Paul A. Petrovich
  • Patent number: 5175392
    Abstract: A projectile adapted to be fired by a fire-arm comprises anchoring means between the outer surface of the tail (3) and the corresponding inner surface of the jacket (7), and the head (2) of the core (1) is connected to the tail by a shoulder (6) and, opposite the tail, the jacket (7) has a rear portion (12) which is of greater thickness than the remainder of the jacket, this rear portion (12) having on the outside undulations (13) adapted to form circular grooves substantially at right-angles to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, a free space (14) being provided between the shoulder (6) and the corresponding part of the jacket (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Denis
  • Patent number: 5164533
    Abstract: A method of assembling a pyrotechnically initiated explosive projectile having coaxially arranged, a nose incendiary, a penetrator core, a high explosive, and an overall jacket. A seal ring is installed between the nose incendiary and the penetrator core to preclude relative movement between the core and the jacket during projectile assembly, acceleration and spin up from prematurely igniting the incendiary charge. The seal ring has a front collar portion which preferably has a diameter greater than that of the inside diameter of the jacket so that the collar scrapes the inside wall of the jacket during insertion to remove incendiary residual so that no incendiary can lodge between the jacket and the penetrator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: David K. Schluckebier
  • Patent number: 5160805
    Abstract: A projectile (1) for a cartridge for hand-held firearms comprises a core (2) and a core jacket (3). The core (2) is made of a material which has a higher specific gravity than the material of the jacket (3). The core (2) and the jacket (3) are positively interconnected.In order to achieve a high penetrating power and a man-stopping effect and to ensure that the trajectory will be relatively short in case of a miss, the core (2) of the projectile is integrally formed on its periphery with deformed portions (6), which extend radially outwardly within a diameter range which is determined by the maximum core diameter and serve to establish a positive joint with the core jacket (3), and in a manner known per se the core jacket (3) is open toward the tip of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Udo Winter
  • Patent number: 5105744
    Abstract: The invention is a jacketed projectile for a round of ammunition wherein the jacket is deformed at least partially elastically when the projectile is driven through the barrel of a gun, the core of the projectile remaining undeformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: Paul A. Petrovich
  • Patent number: 5069139
    Abstract: A projectile adapted to be fired by a firearm comprises anchoring means between the outer surface of the tail (3) and the corresponding inner surface of the jacket (7), and the head (2) of the core (1) is connected to the tail by a shoulder (6) and, opposite the tail, the jacket (7) has a rear portion (12) which is of greater thickness than the remainder of the jacket, this rear portion (12) having on the outside undulations (13) adapted to form circular grooves substantially at right-angles to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, a free space (14) being provided between the shoulder (6) and the corresponding part of the jacket (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Denis
  • Patent number: 5069869
    Abstract: A process for shaping penetrating projectiles useful in the manufacture of military ammunition, comprising: preparing an alloy of tungsten, nickel, iron and copper by powder metallurgy, compacting the alloy mass into a rough shaped blank having an axis of revolution, sintering the rough shaped blanks thereby producing a blank having a density of at least 17,000 kg/m.sup.3, and work-hardening the sintered blank at a temperature ranging from ambient temperature to 500.degree. C., thereby producing a blank having a variable degree of reduction in section in a direction parallel to the axis of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Cime Bocuze
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Nicolas, Raymond Saulnier
  • Patent number: 5069138
    Abstract: The device is employed in connection with armor-piercing projectiles so as to improve penetration into armor. The projectile is in the form of a substantially rotation symmetrical projectile body containing a core and surrounding projectile body wherein the core is of a material which, under the penetration conditions prevailing for armor penetration, has a hardness which is greater than in the surrounding projectile body. In that a spiculated nose is formed, the mass forces on displacement of the armor material ahead of the projectile will be reduced and penentration will be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Lars Ekbom
  • Patent number: 5064462
    Abstract: A W-Ni-Co penetrator has a composition of 90 to 98 weight percent tungsten, the balance being nickel and cobalt, the weight ration of nickel to cobalt being between 1:1 to 9:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Mullendore, Susan M. Pegher
  • Patent number: 5038684
    Abstract: The invention is a jacketed projectile for a round of ammunition wherein the jacket is deformed at least partially elastically when the projectile is driven through the barrel of a gun, the core of the projectile remaining undeformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Paul A. Petrovich
  • Patent number: 5020439
    Abstract: A baseplug for a target-penetrating projectile containing an explosive in which the baseplug is fabricated in two components each preferably fabricated from a powdered pyrophoric material. The powdered pyrophoric material may be zirconium or titanium or alloys thereof which is charged with hydrogen which upon burning of the baseplug is released to increase the fine start capability of the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Winter, Deepak Mahulikar, Frank N. Mandigo
  • Patent number: 5009166
    Abstract: A low cost penetrator projectile is disclosed having a hard metal penetrator core with a generally hollow conical shape. The core is formed from low carbon steel in a series of progressive dies. The formed cores are then carburized and tempered to achieve a final Rockwell hardness of between about C50 and C55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bilsbury, William G. Dennis, Jr., Stephen K. Kernosky
  • Patent number: 5001982
    Abstract: An anti-armor weapon comprises an outer casing in which a non-explosive, armor-penetrating device, suitably a solid rod of heavy, high density metal or metal composite, is mounted. The penetrating device is mounted in a forward portion of the casing while a launch population device is mounted at the rear end for launching the weapon from a launch tube or firing barrel at a first, subsonic launch speed. A second, boost propulsion device is mounted in the casing adjacent the penetrating device for accelerating the weapon to a second, faster speed sufficient for the penetrating device to penetrate a target, and is associated with an igniter for actuating the boost propulsion device. A sensor is provided within the missile for sensing when the weapon is a predetermined distance from the target and subsequently actuating the igniter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corp., Pomona Division
    Inventor: Don Schricker
  • Patent number: 4977834
    Abstract: Ammunition constituted by a case containing a propulsive charge and a subcalibre projectile for a firearm, the projectile comprising:an internal element (5)an external element (6) andanti-recoil means (7) for the engagement of the internal element (5) in the external element (6), the internal element (5) comprising:a front part (8) with a stopping shape,a rear shank (9) connected to the front part, anda percussive mass (10) at least partly fitted over the rear shank (9), andthe external element (6) being constituted by:an aerodynamically-shaped outer casing (19, 13) covering the front and the side walls of the internal element (5) in order to give the projectile good air-penetration,the anti-recoil engagment means (7) ensuring the connection of the internal element (5) and the external element (6) so that at least initially the external element cannot advance more rapidly than the internal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Denis
  • Patent number: 4970960
    Abstract: An anti-material projectile of trangible alloy for fragmenting due to impact shock on hitting a target thereafter penetrating the target causing damage. The projectile is preferably high density frangible alloy having a ratio of compressive to tensile strength of 20 to 1. The projectile is useful against soft targets suct as aircraft as well as armor targets where initial impact is at the armor plating. The projectile may be a composite of pyrophoric windscreen with a projectile body of frangible alloy and armor piercing alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Fritz K. Feldmann
  • Patent number: 4920888
    Abstract: A penetrator shell has at least a front and a rear high-density core element each having a front face and a rear and lying in a stack extending along an axis with the front face of the rear element engaging the rear face of the front element. The rear face of the front element and front face of the rear element are substantially complementary, part-spherical, and centered on the axis. Thus, the front element can rock or pivot on the rear element while remaining in contact with the front face thereof. A high-density main penetrator body is engaged against and extends axially rearward away from the rear face of the rear element. A casing sleeve is engaged snugly around the core elements and has a front end generally at the front element and a rear end secured to the main penetrator body. An aerodynamic tip is secured to and extends axially forward from the front end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignees: Rheinmetall GmbH, Etat Francais
    Inventors: Hans W. Luther, Juergen Winkelmann, Jean-Claude Sauvestre, Patrick Montier
  • Patent number: 4897117
    Abstract: Hardened penetrators (armor penetrating projectiles) of tungsten alloy can be work hardened such that they are hard at the surface, tough in the center to resist bending, and with hardness gradient such that the surface hardness is materially harder than the center or the core thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Penrice
  • Patent number: 4895077
    Abstract: It is desirable, on the one hand, to fabricate the projectile core or body of a material as frangible as possible in order to achieve a good radical effect thereof in the target. On the other hand, the material should be sufficiently ductile to enable the projectile to penetrate several armor plates. Therefore, a relatively ductile projectile-core rod is inserted in a relatively brittle projectile-core central section, such projectile-core rod being anchored at its rear end in a projectile-core tail and at its front end in a projectile-core nose or tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik Oerlikon-Buhrle AG
    Inventors: Hansruedi Miethlich, Nicole Chabarekh
  • Patent number: 4878434
    Abstract: A penetrating projectile of a caliber less than or equal to 40 mm includes a core (1) provided with a front point (2). The core is made of a hard and/or high density metal or metallic alloy and has a portion (4) to the rear of the point that is surrounded by a ductile metal guide (3) having a substantially cylindrical wall. The portion of the core which is surrounded by the guide is provided with projections (5) and depressions (6), and the guide is crimped onto said portion of the core by electromagnetic forming such that the internal surface of the guide is fixed axially and rotationally to the portion (4) of the core (1) by means of the projections and depressions and the external surface of the guide reproduces the profile of the projections and depressions on the core. The projectile can be produced at low cost and has excellent ballistic properties.See FIG. 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Societe Francaise de Munitions
    Inventor: Pierre Sommet
  • Patent number: 4869175
    Abstract: Structures both for resisting impacts as well as delivering impacts are described. Generally, the impact resisting structures are formed with means for preventing the reinforcing intersection of a sonic wave train with its own reflection within the structure, such that at least one shock wave fracture mode is eliminated. More specifically, the structures are formed with means for suppressing the specular reflection of high frequency energy at one or more surfaces of the structure. This means may comprise irregularities formed in a surface to roughen the surface in a predetermined relationship with the wavelength of the sonic energy. The impact delivery structures are adapted to rapidly deliver kinetic energy after an initial contact with an object. These structures may comprise a projectiles having a jacket and a spline supported therein for providing a high velocity channel through which a sonic energy wave train may propagate. This is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 695,411, filed Jan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: John A. McDougal
  • Patent number: 4841868
    Abstract: A composite long rod penetrator formed from depleted uranium and titanium s a longitudinal hardness gradient created by reinforcing the long rod with tungsten wire filaments. The longitudinal hardness gradient increases in hardness from a minimum value at the forward ogive end to a maximum value at the aft end. The longitudinal hardness gradient causes the long rod penetrator to exhibit optimum initial penetrating capabilities at high impact velocities and then after impact and some erosion exhibits superior penetrating capabilites at lesser velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of The Army
    Inventor: Raymond P. Jackson