Abstract: A bounding anti-armor/anti-vehicle mine attacks and destroys multiple targets simultaneously at the targets” closest point of approach. This is accomplished by utilizing multiple asymmetric explosively forged penetrators (EFPs) on a warhead that is capable of producing multiple armor penetrating kills horizontally in 360 degrees. The warhead comprises, for example, 16 curved copper or non-ferrous EFP metal plates arranged parallel to the central axis of the mine. The warhead is initiated either centrally or from either end, depending on the type of target being attacked.

Abstract: A contained Davis gun system enables misfire and hang-fire handling for fire out of battery (also known as soft recoil). The gun system decreases structural dynamic activity of the gun barrel during launch with resulting increases in system accuracy. The gun system further presents synergistic advantages when combined with a conventional recoil system in a double recoil design. The gun system includes a non-recoiling barrel and a recoil system engineered to contain a recoiling inertial breechblock capable of translating within the gun barrel. The recoil system includes a brake and a spring secured to a mount fixture. The breechblock enables the loading of the propellant and the projectile within the barrel, and further enables pressure to be contained within the barrel during firing. The recoil system applies a load to the breechblock, which is a function of the breechblock position and its velocity within the barrel.

Abstract: Shown is a locking interface assembly that facilitates the integration of a commercial Long Gun Barrel tube with an existing gun mount of a conventional Tank. The interface assembly allows the non-conforming tube to be fitted to the mount in a precise fashion, eliminating clearances between the mount and tube, permitting re-tightening of elements that become loose during high inertial loadings. The interface assembly is comprised of a thrust nut, bearing, retaining ring, king nut, adapter, pin, nut key, locking pin, retainer pin, retaining ring key, key retainer pin and screw. The retaining ring is slid over the tube, followed by the a coupling subassembly comprised of the bearing and the thrust nut. The coupling subassembly engages the tube shoulder to prevent the bearing from rotating. The king nut engages the tube to capture the bearing against the tube shoulder and to prevent the bearing from moving with respect thereto.

Abstract: An improved muzzle brake for reducing the momentum of the recoiling components of a gun or cannon when fired, thereby reducing the forces acting on the support platform of a weapon system, is provided. In the presence of the muzzle brake, the projectile fired from a cannon to restrains the gas flow in the axial direction until gases are allowed to be diverted to a baffle in the main body of the muzzle brake. The resultant gas flow impinges on the baffle, thereby inducing a forward thrust. The diverted gas flow then exits through a plurality of exhaust ports provided to the atmosphere to create a thrust applied to the recoiling components of the gun system. Additional thrust is created by the inclusion of a second stage baffle, offset from the main body of the muzzle brake at an optimal distance by a plurality of standoffs. This thrust generates an impulse that is applied in the opposite direction of the recoil momentum by the amount of the muzzle brake impulse.

Abstract: 13A case telescoped ammunition cartridge includes: a cylindrical cartridge case, a projectile disposed within the casing and a sleeve surrounding a portion of the forward end of the projectile. An obturator is disposed between the aft end of the sleeve and part of forward end of the projectile. A cup-shaped aft end seal is affixed to the case at the aft end thereof so as to be relatively movable with respect thereto during firing of the cartridge. The seal includes an external lateral surface adapted to engage an inner wall surface of a gun chamber. A cup-shaped forward end seal is affixed to the case at the forward end thereof so as to be relatively movable with respect thereto during firing of the cartridge. The forward end seal includes an external lateral surface adapted to engage the inner wall surface of the gun chamber and an external end surface adapted to abut a forward end surface of the gun chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating thermal barrier coating material on a surface of a part or component that is subjected to transient heat/thermal cycles. A pulsed laser heating apparatus that preferably uses lenses and optical fiber focusing components simulates conditions of brief heating on the test specimen. In the method of the invention, the temporal shape, spatial distribution, and total energy of the laser pulse are designed to produce a spot of uniform illumination and heat absorption on the test specimen that closely approximates the thermal loading that the specimen is expected to receive during use. The test specimen is then examined for thermally induced changes.

Abstract: A system for guiding projectiles to a target. More particularly, a system for the guidance of projectiles toward a target using a photo detector array (18) and an arrangement of single use thrusters (22). The system is capable of guiding projectile to targets after firing from extended distances.

Abstract: A segmented, kinetic energy projectile is formed by stacking several liners in a single warhead, for effectively producing a longer penetrator capable of greatly enhancing penetration. Each individual liner forms a separate penetrator, so that the liners are successively fired and allow for a greater overall target penetration. In one embodiment, the flight path of at least one liner is diverted from the flight paths of the other liners, so that the liners could attack several adjacent targets or provide multiple penetrations. The EFP assembly has the additional capability of utilizing a single warhead that incorporates multiple hits mechanisms. The EFP assembly includes multiple liners that are separated by multiple separators. The separators are non-symmetrically disposed relative to each other, in order to divert the liners toward multiple targets. The liners are diverted from a reference trajectory because the separators impart different angles to the liners.

Abstract: A flameless tracer and marker for small munitions and canon caliber projectiles incudes non-toxic, environmentally friendly chemiluminescent materials which are maintained in separate compartments is described. The munitions when fired glow intensely for several minutes and mark a target area upon impact.

Abstract: A muzzle brake vibration absorber for use on a gun barrel is used to store potential energy during gun firing and re-introduce the energy, in part, to the gun barrel out of phase relative to the gun barrel motion. As a result, the deviation of the gun barrel is mitigated to improve the overall accuracy of the gun system. Additionally, the muzzle brake vibration absorber may compliment the functions of a muzzle brake or fuze setting device for the gun system.

Abstract: Dual mode warheads utilizing high-blast explosives (14) and a shaped charge liner (12) and a process for forming such warheads.

Abstract: A container that is a spirally-wound, laminated, and cylindrically shaped is capable of protecting a mortar or other round from a large number of environmental conditions. The laminate material includes a layer of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) heat-bonded to a kraft paper, and is both durable, strong, and moisture-resistant. During the container manufacturing process, multiple layers of the laminate material, augmented by one or more layers of aluminum foil, are wound in a spiral fashion over an interior cylinder of ammunition container board, using conventional tooling and machinery. Layers of the cylinder are bonded to their contiguous neighbors by adhesive. The ends of the containers are sealed with crimped metal end caps, effecting a durable and moisture-resistance seal and giving the cylinder added crush-resistance. The construction of the container requires no high temperature operations, produces no noxious fumes, and does not expose workers to hazardous or toxic materials.

Abstract: The loader assist for mortars allows for the automated loading of ammunition through the muzzle. The invention assists soldiers by transporting the shell into the muzzle from a lower position near the base of the mortar tube thus reducing exposure to enfilade enemy fire and the effects of muzzle blast. The loader assist comprises a frame surrounding the mortar and attached thereto. The frame is supported on pivots mounted to a turntable such that both the invention and mortar move as a unit. A lift device is positioned at the center of the frame and parallel to the mortar axis. A carriage comprising a transfer device is positioned on top of said frame. Said elevator is comprised of two linear actuators which are positioned opposite each other, allowing the jaws on each shuttle to act in pairs with the respective jaws on the other, to grip the shell in two places.

Abstract: A projectile includes an elongated forebody and an aft section secured to the forebody. The aft section includes a pair of fins affixed to an aerodynamic, cylindrical section. The lift generated by the low-drag pair of fins is sufficient to counteract most foreseeable angles of attack to be experienced by the projectile. The aft section further includes a bearing that couples the aft section to the forebody of the projectile and is capable of allowing the aft section to rotate freely about the longitudinal axis of the projectile and independently of the forebody. Thus, during flight the aft section rotates into the maximum lift plane and provides a restoring moment to the projectile, thus providing necessary stability to the projectile while imparting minimum drag.

Abstract: A low impulse firing attachment and companion ammunition for combination gas and recoil operated automatic weapons is comprised of a barrel insert and piston that provide the mechanism for containing the expanding propellant gases produced on firing. Such mechanism provides the required gas pressure at the gas port of the weapon to power the gas system. The barrel insert also allows the use of a sub-caliber piston for the propellant gases to act against. The gas pressure forces the barrel and piston apart, accelerating the recoiling mass rearward to provide recoil operation. The sub-caliber piston allows the use of the relatively high gas port pressure while limiting the peak force transmitted through the adapter. The blank and adapter provide the appropriate gas pressure at the gas port to power the gas system. The adapter also acts as a piston inside the barrel so that the gas pressure forces the barrel rearward, which provides the recoil operation.

Abstract: The present invention uses aerodynamic heating caused by air-friction during flight of a training projectile. The training projectile includes a nose, a body and a tail section. The body has a forwardmost end secured to the nose, and a rearwardmost end secured to the tail. Air friction during flight causes deployment of “passive” shape memory alloy (SMA) aerodynamic members in an assembly to induce drag of the training projectile thereby limiting an effective range of the projectile.

Abstract: A system for sealing an indexing primer magazine and breech assembly of a barrel-type firearm to contain exhaust gases with the flow passage transfers the increased pressure into a sealing force between the insert and indexing primer magazine. Additionally, component parts of the seal are located out of the direct path of the formed exhaust gases to increase system longevity and safety. A seal is located within a recess of either the insert or indexing primer magazine, that is separated from the flow passage for the hot combustion gases from the primer or propellant charge.

Abstract: A monitor device for monitoring the activity of an individual to provide an alarm for anomalous by the individual. The device includes a triaxial accelerometer adapted to measure simultaneously measure acceleration in three orthogonal, linear axes and generate a voltage output identifying the amplitude and frequency of detected motion by the individual in each axis. Also included is interface electronics for receiving the voltage outputs and buffering the voltage outputs to generate a first reference voltage for each axis of the accelerometer. Amplifier electronics amplifies each voltage output and compares each voltage output to the first reference voltage to produce a digital signal. A microcontroller receives the digital signal to compare it to an adjustable second reference voltage.

Abstract: A fuze operates in two modes. In a primary mode, the fuze functions similarly to a conventional M223 fuze. In a secondary, self-destruct mode, a pyrotechnic delay mechanism is initiated. The slide assembly is comprised of an aerodynamic safety release, a safety pin, a rotational firing pin fitted with a resilient member such as a spring, a M55 detonator, pyrotechnic initiator, a pyrotechnic delay mix and end cap. In use, the fuze is fitted to a grenade. As the grenade is dispensed from its carrier, a grenade stabilizer starts to oscillate. The oscillation results in an arming screw and an inertial weight to back out from a slide assembly, allowing the slide assembly to move to an in-line position relative to a main M55 detonator in-line with the arming screw (firing pin). Concurrently, the aerodynamic safety release is lifted in the upward direction under the force of the airstream, releasing the safety pin.

Abstract: Various ultra-miniature, monolithic inertial switching (G-switch) devices used in safety and arming (S&A) devices for projected munitions, which operate in accordance with a shuttle member (50), which effectuates current switching of around an ampere of current when subjected to a threshold inertial loading (for example, an impact or gun launch of a projection munition). The embodiments of the invention can be a passive threshold G-switch with or without switch enable and arming capability. The embodiments (100, 200) of the invention use either mechanical or electromechanical switch enable functioning and can optionally include a shuttle time-delay feature (54).