Abstract: An inertial delay mechanism for use in an explosive projectile is provided. The delay mechanism consists of an inertial delay fuse that is precise, doesn't require sensitive primary explosives and doesn't utilize electronic circuitry. The inertial delay fuse includes a free sliding charge element that strikes an anvil located opposite to the sliding charge element. A delay gap is provided between the sliding charge element and the anvil. Upon impact, the sliding charge element slides forward and impacts the anvil, thereby inducing a shock wave in an initiator charge that subsequently results in detonation of main charges. The design is mechanically simple and robust enough to withstand severe g-loading forces that occur during firing and penetration of a projectile.

Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.

Abstract: An inertial delay mechanism for use in an explosive projectile is provided. The delay mechanism consists of an inertial delay fuse that is precise, doesn't require sensitive primary explosives and doesn't utilize electronic circuitry. The inertial delay fuse includes a free sliding charge element that strikes an anvil located opposite to the sliding charge element. A delay gap is provided between the sliding charge element and the anvil. Upon impact, the sliding charge element slides forward and impacts the anvil, thereby inducing a shock wave in an initiator charge that subsequently results in detonation of main charges. The design is mechanically simple and robust enough to withstand severe g-loading forces that occur during firing and penetration of a projectile.

Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.

Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.

Abstract: An inertial delay mechanism for use in an explosive projectile is provided. The delay mechanism consists of an inertial delay fuse that is precise, doesn't require sensitive primary explosives and doesn't utilize electronic circuitry. The inertial delay fuse includes a free sliding charge element that strikes an anvil located opposite to the sliding charge element. A delay gap is provided between the sliding charge element and the anvil. Upon impact, the sliding charge element slides forward and impacts the anvil, thereby inducing a shock wave in an initiator charge that subsequently results in detonation of main charges. The design is mechanically simple and robust enough to withstand severe g-loading forces that occur during firing and penetration of a projectile.