Abstract: A breaching device comprising a regular polygon structure in which identi, rectangular, concave flying plate devices (shape charges) form the sides of the polygon, and a strong, rigid, lightweight structure holds the flying plate devices in position. The flying plate devices are identical and comprise a copper or copper alloy plate having a uniform thickness and a concave front face, a uniform elastomeric material layer attached to and covering the back convex surface of the metal plate, and a uniform layer of high energy plastic-bonded explosive covering the back of the layer of elastomeric material. The flying plate devices are oriented so that when simultaneously fired they fly in trajectories that are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the plane of the polygon.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic, molten metal jet torch which employs a loose pyrotechnic ster powder such as (1) magnesium powder, or an intimate mixture of (2) Mg and CuO, (3) Mg and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, (4) Mg and Co.sub.3 O.sub.4, (5) Al and CuO, or (6) Al and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 powders which are capable of being ignited by a conventional military incendiary grenade fuse and which generated enough heat to ignite pyronol pellets which are pressed from an intimate powder mixture of (1) nickel, (2) metal oxide, (3) a component selected from the group consisting of (a) aluminum and (b) a mixture of at least 50 weight percent aluminum and a metal that is magnesium, zirconium, bismuth, beryllium, boron, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing an energistic porous warhead casing comprises the steps of mixing aluminum and magnesium powders in an Al:Mg weight ratio from about 22:78 to about 28:72, isostatically pressing said powders to form a preform of appropriate shape and with a density from about 20 to about 40 percent of the theoretical density, and heating said preform in an inert atmosphere at a temperature from 350 C to about 425 C until the density reaches 60 to 70 percent of the theoretical density.

Abstract: An armor penetrating projectile having a matrix of iron or a steel alloy ch has a Rockwell C hardness of from about 40 to about 60 and a density of from about 99.5 to 100 percent, the matrix being reinforced with wires of a heavy metal such as tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, or alloys of these metals.

Abstract: A hand held, shoulder mounted gun with time delay circuitry means to safely ignite a powdered pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: An explosive device comprising:(1) a metal liner composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of luminum, magnesium, copper, and brass, the liner enclosing a chamber;(2) a liquid contain in the chamber;(3) a layer of pyrotechnic material surrounding the outside of the liner, the pyrotechnic material composed of a mixture of powders of(a) nickel;(b) metal oxide; and(c) an aluminum containing component which may be (i) aluminum or (ii) a mixture of from 50 to less than 100 weight percent of aluminum and from more than zero to 50 weight percent of a metal which can be magnesium, zirconium, bismuth, beryllium, boron, tantalum, copper, silver, niobium, or mixtures thereof; and(4) means for igniting the pyrotechnic material. This device is useful as an explosive, particularly as an underwater explosive.

Abstract: A explosive device comprising:(1) a metal liner composed of a metal selected from the group consisting of luminum, magnesium, copper, and brass, the liner enclosing a chamber;(2) a liquid contained in the chamber;(3) a layer of pyrotechnic material surrounding the outside of the liner, the pyrotechnic material composed of a mixture of powders of(a) nickel;(b) metal oxide; and(c) an aluminum containing component which may be (i) aluminum or (ii) a mixture of from 50 to less than 100 weight percent of aluminum and from more than zero to 50 weight percent of a metal which can be magnesium, zirconium, bismuth, beryllium, boron, tantalum, copper, silver, niobium, or mixtures thereof;and(4) means for igniting the pyrotechnic material. This device is useful as an explosive, particularly as an underwater explosive.

Abstract: System for clearing both light and heavy obstacles, in which one or more flying metal plates are propelled against heavy obstacles by explosive forces which also expand a folded continous rod member into a curvilinear, generally annular configuration that cuts through light obstacles such as concertina wire in the process of unfolding.

Abstract: A molten metal-liquid explosive device comprising:(1) a metal casing enclosing an inner space;(2) a fusable metal wall dividing the inner space into a liquid chamber and pyrotechnic material chamber;(3) a liquid (e.g., water) contained in the liquid chamber;(4) a pyrotechnic material essentially comprising an intimate mixture of(a) a magnesium nickel alloy hydride of the formula MgNi.sub.x H.sub.y wherein 0<.times..ltoreq.0.50 and 1.50.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.2.00 and(b) a oxidizer selected from the group consisting of CuO, Li.sub.2 O.sub.2, BaO.sub.2, and mixtures thereof;wherein the molar ratio of oxidizer to magnesium nickel alloy hydride (MgNi.sub.x H.sub.y) is from about 0.75:1 to about (1.50+0.5y):1 andwherein the pyrotechnic material is contained in the pyrotechnic material chamber in an amount sufficient to melt the fusable metal wall dividing the liquid chamber and the pyrotechnic material chamber; and(5) means for igniting the pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a Pyronol torch and holder device for provid quick and efficient attachment of the torch to a barrier target (flat, curved, or irregular shape) that is made of steel or magnetic steel alloys. The device provides for attachment to the target and for holding a cutting torch containing pyrotechnic material at a predetermined standoff distance from the surface of the target for proper operation of the torch and for permitting escape of products of combustion to minimize liftoff forces on the holding device tending to lift it from the target to which it is attached.

Abstract: A composite armor shield comprising alternating layers of steel and a polymeric material which is either a polymethyl methacrylate of the general formula ##STR1## or a polycarbonate of the general formula ##STR2##