Abstract: A shaped charge includes an explosive charge having a cavity lined with a laminate liner, the laminate liner comprising a primary liner located adjacent the cavity which forms a non-jet penetrator on detonation, and one or more supplementary liners each of which is less dense than the adjacent liner nearer the cavity. On detonation the liners form a series of penetrators, those formed by the supplementary liners acting to clear a path through an obstruction in front of a target to produce a more efficient attack on the target by that formed by the primary liner.

Abstract: Multi-charge munition suitable for defeating a concrete target consists of a detonatable array of hollow primary charges (14) of explosive supported laterally of a line of target penetration on which is disposed a secondary explosive charge (48). Simultaneous detonation of the primary charges in the array causes jet penetrators to be projected together towards the target which produce wide boreholes in concrete suitable for the subsequent emplacement and detonation of the secondary charge. The munition may be an aerially-deliverable bomb or submunition. In one preferred embodiment, the primary charges (14) are positioned in a convergent configuration behind a forwardly-tapered secondary charge (48). Detonation of the primary charges projects penetrators forwardly passed the sides of the secondary charge and thrusts the secondary charge into the borehole produced in the target by the penetrators.

Abstract: Multi-charge munition suitable for defeating a concrete target consists of a detonatable array of hollow primary charges (14) of explosive supported laterally of a line of target penetration on which is disposed a secondary explosive charge (48). Simultaneous detonation of the primary charges in the array causes jet penetrators to be projected together towards the target which produce wide boreholes in concrete suitable for the subsequent emplacement and detonation of the secondary charge. The munition may be an aerially-deliverable bomb or submunition. In one preferred embodiment, the primary charges (14) are positioned in a convergent configuration behind a forwardly-tapered secondary charge (48). Detonation of the primary charges projects penetrators forwardly passed the sides of the secondary charge and thrusts the secondary charge into the borehole produced in the target by the penetrators.

Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device (10) comprising an explosive charge body including an explosive charge (18) defining a cavity particulate material (44) dispersible by the explosive charge when detonated, eg in a liner lining the cavity. In a preferred embodiment of this device of particular applicability to use in avalanche control, the particulate medium is aluminium. This is energized by the liner collapse and jetting process such that on impact and interaction with a snow/ice target it gererates a directed blast effect extending beyond that achievable with a simple blast charge of the same mass. Direct application to hand charge avalanche control methods and modified ammunition for Avalauncher ammunition are presented. Two of such charges with a conical liner can be positioned either facing each other or facing away form each other to obtain a particular blast pattern.

Abstract: An explosive device (10) comprising: and explosive charge body (12) including an explosive charge and detonator (21); a housing (22) attached to the explosive charge body (12); and a length of electrical or non-electrical non-pyrotechnic firing line (26) having a first (28) and second end (32) the majority of which is stored within the housing so as to permit progressive removal from the housing on pulling the first end (28) thereof, and which is attached at the second end (32) to the detonator (21). The explosive device (10) can be used in a versatile manner for avalanche control, can allow a degree of positioning after initial deployment and provide safe operation yet is easily handleable, readily deployed and compact, and negates the hazards associated with the use of pyrotechnic delay fuze.