Abstract: A missile includes one or more arrays of barrel assemblies that are displaced from the centre of gravity of missile. Each barrel assembly includes a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel, and each projectile is associated with a discrete propellant charge for propelling the projectile sequentially from the barrel. Each array of barrel assemblies is capable of selectively firing the projectiles from selected barrels, whereby the missile is accelerated by the reactionary force generated by said firing of projectiles and the missile is deflected onto a new course or trajectory. This enables the missile to be steered to intercept its target, even if the target is undertaking evasive manoeuvres. Each barrel assembly may include multiple projectiles.

Abstract: A method of target specific fire fighting including the steps of providing a barrel assembly, suitably in a pod, which is capable of firing a plurality of projectiles. Each projectile having containment for matter or objects to be delivered to a target fire; loading the containments with matter or objects comprising fire retardants, dousing or extinguishing means; providing control means for aiming and controlling the rate of fire of projectiles and/or quantity of the projectiles fired; and firing the projectiles in a controlled manner from a remote location toward the fire so as to douse or extinguish the fire. The barrel assemblies of the projectile launching apparatus are of the type having a plurality projectiles arranged in-line within a barrel and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel.

Abstract: A defence system for a land area, intended as an alternative to land mines. The system includes sensors for detecting intrusions in the area, a weapon having multiple barrels and multiple projectiles ready for firing, and a controller that receives signals from the sensors to fire the weapon. The controller preferably requires intervention of an operator in order to trigger the weapon. The weapon may contain a range of projectiles for different purposes.

Abstract: A method of decoying an incoming missile from a target. The method comprises deploying an array of barrels each containing multiple projectiles, determining a position and orientation for a decoy image of the target in relation to the incoming missile, and firing multiple projectiles substantially simultaneously from respective barrels of the array to create the image. Each projectile contains image forming matter.

Abstract: A weapon comprising a transportable pod having a plurality of barrel assemblies (10) of the type including a plurality of projectiles (11) arranged in-line within barrel (12). Each projectile (11) is associated with a discrete, selectively ignitable propellant charge (13) for propelling each projectile (11) sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12). Each projectile (11) includes projectile body (22) which matter or objects may be transported. Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The pod can include a direction control means for selectively varying the relative alignment between barrel assembles (10) so as to selectively vary the relative delivered position of projectile (11) fired from different barrels (12). The weapon may be used for military or civilian applications.

Abstract: A barrel assembly for a weapon, said barrel assembly including a barrel; a plurality of projectile assemblies axially disposed in end to end abutting relationship within said barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, each projectile including a projectile head and an integral cylindrical spacer portion extending axially and rearwardly from said projectile head; discrete propellant charges accommodated within said cylindrical spacer portion for propelling respective projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel; ignition means for igniting said discrete propellant charges; and control means for selectively and sequentially actuating the ignition means.

Abstract: Barrel assemblies (1) each include a plurality of projectiles (11) arranged in-line within barrel (12) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling projectiles (11) through the muzzle of barrel (12). Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The matter or objects contained within holding body (17) may include explosive charges for scismic exploration, fire retardants, fire extinguishing means, pyrotechnics, herbicide, insecticide, fertilizer or seeds. Methods of delivering loaded projectiles (11) for civilian purposes are claimed.

Abstract: This invention provides a handgun assembly such as a rifle (9) which has a barrel assembly (24) including a cluster of barrels each supporting a longitudinal arrangement of aerodynamically shaped, directional projectiles (15) and interposed propellant charges (16) whereby the barrel assembly has longitudinal arrays or layers or projectiles and interposed propellant charges. Ignition means is provided for selectively igniting the propellant charges (16) including for simultaneously igniting the propellant charges in the leading layer of projectiles to provide a shotgun-like blast.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (70) comprising a plurality of projectiles (75) axially disposed within a barrel (71) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (74) for propelling the projectiles from the barrel. The essence of the invention is the provision of a pressure relief valve, for example comprised by a port (73) and plug (76), associated with a chamber in which a propellant charge (74) is ignited. The pressure relief valve (73, 76) is designed to prevent catastrophic failure of the barrel (71) by exhausting via a chamber (72) in the event that the barrel is blocked by a projectile and detonation of one or more propellant charges (74) occurs.

Abstract: This invention provides security measures for electronically operated munitions and firearms such as the pistol (10). The electronic controls (18) may be armed or disarmed electronically and provided with encoding means which arms the electronic controls to enable firing of the secured weapon upon the monitoring authorised code. This code may be electronically personalised to the individual. The code may be provided by a swipe card or the like carried by the authorised personnel. Alternatively the code may be biometric data which retains a lifelong distinctive identity of the authorised personnel.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (70) comprising a plurality of projectiles (75) axially disposed within a barrel (71) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (74) for propelling the projectiles from the barrel. The essence of the invention is the provision of a pressure relief valve, for example comprised by a port (73) and plug (76), associated with a chamber in which a propellant charge (74) is ignited. The pressure relief valve (73, 76) is designed to prevent catastrophic failure of the barrel (71) by exhausting via a chamber (72) in the event that the barrel is blocked by a projectile and detonation of one or more propellant charges (74) occurs.

Abstract: A barrel assembly comprising a barrel (37); a plurality of projectiles (30) axially disposed within the barrel for operative sealing engagement with a bore (36) of the barrel; and a plurality of discrete propellant charges for propelling each projectile of the plurality of projectiles sequentially through a muzzle of the barrel (37). Each projectile of the plurality of projectiles includes a tapered anvil portion (31); a sealing portion (35) extending about the tapered anvil portion for sealing engagement with the bore (36) of the barrel (37) upon the projectile being inserted into the barrel before firing, the sealing portion being forwardly moveable relative to the tapered anvil portion for operative freeing from the tapered anvil portion and for providing a bypass passage between propellant charges.

Abstract: A method of minimising misfiring or alleviating their consequences is provided by forming at least each trailing projectile (30) in a series of housed projectiles with a sealing portion (34) extending about a tapered anvil portion (31) and moveable therealong for expansion into sealing engagement with the barrel (11). The sealing portion (34) disengages forwardly in response to a misfire or the like to provide a bleed path for igniting the propellant charge (41) associated with the next leading projectile (30).

Abstract: This invention provides a projectile assembly (10) having a body part (14) including a trailing portion (19) which reduces in diameter rearwardly and supports a sealing band (16) having a substantially cylindrical outer face for engagement with the bore (21) of the barrel (11). The body part (14) may move rearwardly through the sealing band (16) to expand it outwardly into sealing engagement with the bore (21). Upon firing the body part (14) moves forwardly relative to the sealing band (16) to free it from the bore (21).

Abstract: A projectile firing weapon for firing rounds of the type having a projectile and an associated bore seal which is radially expanded by relative axial displacement between the projectile and the bore seal. The weapon includes a barrel assembly having a barrel bore, a barrel chamber for the round to be fired through the barrel bore, and an associated breech chamber for the next round to be fired. A propellant chamber is formed in the barrel assembly between the barrel chamber and the breech chamber, and a feeder feeds propellant into the propellant chamber. Rounds may be fed axially and sequentially through a loading opening to the barrel assembly and into the breech chamber, thereby forcing the existing round therein into the barrel chamber. Holding means cooperable with the round fed into the breech chamber effect a sealing relationship between the breech chamber and the round therein, causing an operative closure of the barrel chamber. An igniter ignites propellant in the propellant chamber.

Abstract: A barrel assembly (10) having a plurality of projectiles (11) stacked axially within the barrel (12) together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling the projectiles (11) sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel (12) is provided with adjacent projectiles (11) separated from one another by locating means (13) independent of the projectiles. The locating means may be a solid propellant charge (13) located between adjacent projectiles or it may be a rigid casing (122) for the propellant. When subject to an in-barrel load a rear skirt portion of the active projectile (11) is expanded outwardly by the interaction between an inwardly reducing recess (14) formed in the rear end of a projectile and the nested complementary leading portion of the propellant charge (13) or propellant casing (122).

Abstract: A barrel assembly includes a barrel and a plurality of projectile assemblies disposed in end to end abutting relationship within the barrel and forming a compression resistant column of projectile assemblies. Each projectile assembly includes a projectile head and a spacer assembly engaged therewith and extending axially therefrom to abu the adjacent projectile assembly. Complementary wedging surfaces are disposed on the spacer assembly and projectile head, respectively, wherein relative axial engagement between a projectile head and its spacer assembly causes a radial expansion of the projectile head of wedging the projectile head into sealing engagement with the barrels. A discrete propellant charge is associated with each projectile assembly for propelling the projectile assemblies sequentially through the muzzle of the barrels.