Abstract: This invention relates to a novel insensitive munition comprising one warhead and also munitions comprising one or more warheads. In particular, the invention lies in the field of insensitive munition warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises at least two portions of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material, wherein each portion has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, and wherein the at least two portions are arranged such that the total cross section of the at least two portions exceeds the critical detonation cross section of said high explosive, such that in use only simultaneous detonation of the at least two high explosives causes detonation to occur.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel insensitive munition comprising one warhead and also munitions comprising one or more warheads. In particular, the invention lies in the field of insensitive munition warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises at least two portions of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material, wherein each portion has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, and wherein the at least two portions are arranged such that the total cross section of the at least two portions exceeds the critical detonation cross section of said high explosive, such that in use only simultaneous detonation of the at least two high explosives causes detonation to occur.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of novel explosives, compositions and munitions comprising the same, as well as methods of synthesis and their use. The invention particularly relates to the field of explosives which are switchable between two different liquid crystalline states, and which possesses a general formula below. wherein M is a mesogenic core, R1 and R2 are independently selected terminal end groups attached to the mesogenic core, and wherein the mesogenic core contains sufficient (NO2)x to provide an explosive output. The explosive compound may form part of an explosive composition, which may be used as a high explosive fill for any part of a munition. The explosive composition may contain other components such as non-explosive LC compounds, or binders, or further known explosive compounds.

Abstract: The device (10) consists of a bar (12) of high explosive having a planisymmetrical groove (20) along one side lined with a hollow charge liner (28). A pair of backing charges (34, 36) connected by a bridging charge (42) are disposed along the opposite side of the bar. Each backing charge is separated from the bar by a gap (38, 40) which tapers towards the common longitudinal periphery of the bar and charge. The surfaces of the backing charges facing the gaps are lined with liners (46, 48). A linear initiating charge (54) is separated from the bridging charge longitudinally of the device by a gap (61). The facing surface of the charge (54) is lined with a metal strip (58) which, when the charge is detonated, is projected across the gap (61) to initiate the bridging charge linearly. A detonation wave then propagates from the bridging charge down each backing charge towards its peripheral region, projecting the liners (46, 48) across the gaps (38, 40) to initiate the bar.

Abstract: The application discloses improvements in hollow charges for linear cutting or demolition purposes wherein a bar formed from a composite of explosive material and a first pliant material has a V-shaped groove with a liner formed from a composite of particulate metal and a second pliant material. The metal may be copper and preferably the first and second pliant materials include the same constituents. The charge may include a casing having a spacing portion having an engagement surface for presentation to a work surface, which engagement surface is parallel to the outer edges of the liner and spaced therefrom to maintain an optimum stand-off distance. The casing may further include a groove filling portion of low density material which may be integrally constructed with the casing from a flexible material such as expanded polyethylene.