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: 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.