Abstract: A weapons security system composed of containers for storage of warheads or warhead material. The containers are equipped to detect breaches in the enclosure walls and to transmit an alarm signal in the event of a breach. The alarm signal is received by a local control center for transmission to a central weapons command. The central weapons command may also receive the alarm directly. The central weapons command despatches forces to counter the threat identified by the alarm. Also, the central weapons command dispatches electronic authorization or opening codes to the containers or their local guardians. The containers may be equipped with entry deterrent devices and warhead destructive devices which are triggered by the detection of a breach in the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention concerns projectiles having an explosive load generating splinter and/or a core and of which the operation is triggered by a fuse. This projectile is characterized in that the load comprises at least one direction of action and in that the fuse comprises at least one detector detecting laser radiation reflected by a target, said detector comprising a direction of detection which is close to one of the directions of action of the load.

Abstract: A tandem warhead for combatting actively armored targets including two shaped or projectile forming charges arranged one behind the other, and an ignition or firing delay unit which causes the ignition of the first charge and then the second charge with a time delay. To avoid the target's active armor plate (which moves when hit by the first charge, from impeding or even destroying the following charge) the tandem warhead is provided with a device for determining the actual angle of the warhead relative to the target, i.e., the firing or attack angle, and an ignition time delay .DELTA.t associated with the respective firing angle .alpha.. To determine the firing angle .alpha., an angle determining device includes a plurality, preferably four, distance measuring devices with which respective distance coordinates between the tandem warhead and the target are measured and used for determining the momentary firing angle .alpha.. Thereafter, the delay time .DELTA.

Abstract: A target detection method collects spatial data relating to a target at an instant in time. This data is converted to an appropriate coordinate system, such as Cartesian coordinates. A centroid of the target is determined. Predictions of the centroid are made at subsequent time intervals. The predicted centroids are averaged with the current determined centroids. When the closest centroid position of the target is determined, an indication is provided for detonating the warhead of a projectile.

Abstract: A warhead includes an explosive charge placed in a confinement casing and bounded towards a front portion by a liner, the entire warhead having an axis of symmetry of revolution. A detector is provided in front of the charge and processing and command circuits are provided in a rear portion of the charge. A multiple-point detonator is communicated with an axial space providing a detector-circuit link without harming the efficiency of the charge.

Abstract: A fuse (12) detonates a spin-stabilized projectile (10) after the fuse (12) experiences a preset number of turns. The preset number is communicated (64) to the fuse (12) prior to launch. A semiconductor piezoelectric strain gauge (26) senses stress and provides a signal which is responsive to centrifugal forces experienced by the sensor (26) as a result of projectile spin. A microcontroller (30) repetitively digitizes and translates the sensor signal to determine turn numbers, which the microcontroller (30) integrates to determine the total number of turns experienced by the fuse (12) since launch. When the accumulated turn number reaches (94) the preset number, the fuse (12) detonates the projectile (10). However, an arming duration (76) must have expired before the projectile (10) can detonate, and the projectile (10) can detonate at any time following the expiration of the arming duration when an impact is detected.

Abstract: A fuzing system adapted for use by a guided missile to generate a detonation signal for a warhead carried by the missile. The missile has a seeker/tracker to track, and direct the missile towards, a target. The seeker/tracker has: a seeker, gimballed with respect to the body of the missile, for producing a signal representative of the angular deviation between the target and the missile; and, a ranging system for producing a signal representative of a range between the target and the missile. The fuzing system, in response to the range signals, produces a time-to-go signal, t.sub.go, where t.sub.go, related to the range between the missile and the target divided by the rate of change in such range.

Abstract: For attacking semi-hard target objects (21) even in a semi-covered position (for the avoidance of the munition-technical expenditure on the intelligent search-fuse submunition with P-charge against hard targets), there is provided a scatter munition whose warhead (22 ) descends into the target area (12 ), hanging on a rotational parachute (13), and triggers off a fragment cone of heavy metal balls (23) inclinedly downwardly as soon as a search-fuse sensor (19) which is oriented parallel to the operative direction acquires a target object (21) on the basis of its own radiation, its radiation shadow or its contour relative to the surrounding target area (12).

Abstract: In a guided missile, a target direction detecting unit finds, from target information obtained at a target acquisition unit, a direction of the target in terms of a roll-, a pitch- and a yaw-axis of a missile fuselage, rotation amount computing units computer amounts of rotation around the roll-, pitch- and yaw-axis to allow the missile fuselage to be directed at a predictive missile/target point, and steering control units impart the amounts of rotation to the missile fuselage. Antennas for a proximity fuse are arranged around a circumferential surface side of the missile fuselage and radiate beams in mutually different directions with at least one of these antennas radiating a different beam at a forward-tilt angle other than the remaining ones. A beam forward-tilt angle selecting unit selects a proper forward-tilt angle beam from flight information of the missile and target.

Abstract: A shock tolerant fuze includes a detector for determining when fuze timing should be initiated, a movable safe and arm assembly containing a time delay circuit and a firing aperture. The firing train detonator is preferably also mounted on the movable armature. When the fuze is armed, the time delay circuit is coupled to the detector and to the detonator, and the aperture provides a pathway between the output of the detonator and the remainder of explosive firing train of the weapon. Electrical energy storage is provided on the armature for powering the time delay circuit and the detonator in the event that primary power thereto is interrupted by impact. By including the time delay circuit and energy storage on the movable armature, a very shock tolerant fuze is obtained.

Abstract: A method of and system for mortar fuze apex arming is disclosed in which a icroprocessor circuit is added to the M734 class of mortar proximity fuzes such that, at launch, the microprocessor measures the turbine-alternator frequency and the Doppler frequency and uses those values to calculate or look up the charge and angle used by the gunner firing the mortar as well as the time of flight to the trajectory apex, based on stored firing table or equation information. The microprocessor then causes the electrical arming of the fuze at the apex of the flight of the mortar round, using existing arming circuits already present in the M734 class of mortar proximity fuzes. Alternatively, the microprocessor may cause the electrical arming of the fuze just prior to the desired height of burst for the mortar round.

Abstract: A munitions cartridge transmitter capable of emitting an electromagnetic signal after discharge from a cartridge propelling device comprises a signal generator, an electromagnetic signal transmitter coupled to the generator, an antenna coupled to the transmitter, and a hollow cartridge for housing the generator, the transmitter, and the antenna. The transmitter is energized after discharge of the cartridge propelling device by a power source contained in the cartridge.

Abstract: A weapons system with at least one fire control device and a launcher uses a remotely fragmentable projectile for defense against a missile or other movable target. Although the probability of a hit is increased with the use of a remotely fragmentable projectile, the system of the invention increases the success of the defense, which is nevertheless questionable because of the low density of the projectile fragments. The method utilizes a projectile, the fragments of which are concentrated in a ring, which spreads out in the shape of a conical envelope. The projectile is individualized at launch. Tracking of the target continues during the flight of the projectile, because of which the expected location at the pre-calculated time of impact becomes continuously better known. The fragmentation command is transmitted to the projectile as late as possible. It is always possible with a high degree of probability to score a hit.

Abstract: A warhead which may be integrated, for example, in a bazooka, is capable of shooting through a wall protecting an enemy. For that purpose, a tandem charge includes a hollow charge which produces in the wall a firing passage for a follow-up charge. The follow-up charge is in the form of a fragmentation projectile which produces fragments behind the wall.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the use of application specific integrated rcuits in safe and arm devices. The application specific circuits each comprising a buffer means for forming an environmental interface and providing input to a microcontroller, latch means for recording physical evidence, power-up reset means for providing a delayed state change which initializes the microcontroller, static and dynamic AND gate means, command arm data link register means, and a programmable counter means for providing a hard logic derived timing function.

Abstract: Broadly the disclosure relates to a warhead positioner system which includes a warhead construction comprising a cylindrical missile section having a sector-shaped ordnance charge forming one quadrant thereof, means supporting said missile section for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the missile, torque motor means for controlling the rotational position, and means conducting electrical signals to said torque motor from an electric seeker head whereby the charge is positioned so as to be directed toward a desired target upon being detonated. Further, the electrical signal conducting means comprise digital-type circuitry responsive to the electric seeker head output for positioning the charge in one of four quadrants and further analog circuitry for positioning the charge in either half of the selected quadrant.

Abstract: An aimable warhead in which a plurality of detonators is disposed about the eriphery of an explosive charge with a proximity selector means provided for sensing the location of a target in relation to the warhead and thereafter selectively initiating one of the detontators opposite the side from which the explosion is to be directed in order that the resulting explosion wave may be directed toward the target.

Abstract: A device for detecting an object such as a tank in a target area and for causing a horizontal mine to be fired at the object, comprises first and second microphones which detect noise, including noise from a tank, in the target area, in infrared sensor having a directional characteristic which is narrow with respect to the target area and which extends towards the center of the target area to define a target window, and an electronic evaluation unit. The electronic evaluation unit receives acoustic signals from the microphones and calculates a correlation function from the acoustic signal. If a property derived from the calculated correlation function, for example, the correlation or the correlation gradient, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the firing mechanism of the horizontal mine is enabled. If the infrared sensor also detects the presence of an object within its target window, the electronic evaluation unit will cause the horizontal mine to be fired.

Abstract: A helicopter combat device for detecting flying objects and for causing a ground-to-air mine to be fired at them, comprises a microphone which is sensitive to noise generated by a helicopter, an infrared sensor having a directional characteristic which is within the firing cone of the ground-to-air mine, and an electronic evaluation unit which receives and processes electrical signals generated by the microphone and the infrared sensor. The electronic evaluation unit separates the electrical signals received from the microphone into a first band corresponding to noise having a frequency in the range of 5-40 Hz (typical of a rotating rotor of a helicopter), and a second band corresponding to noise having a frequency in the range of 200-1000 Hz (typical of the machine noise of a helicopter).

Abstract: A proximity fuze detects an approaching or attacking torpedo and responds ereto by timely detonating an explosive charge that effectively destroys the torpedo when it is within a predetermined lethal range.

Abstract: A proximity fuze system having a plurality of spatially disposed energy dctors, the response patterns of which overlap in such manner as to form an energy response "fence" for detection of an intruding object within a certain area. An explosive charge is also included in the system for disabling or destroying said intruding object, and a plurality of memories and gates are effectively connected between said detectors and explosive charge to effect the detonation thereof whenever said object is within such lethal range as to be sensed by predetermined pairs of said detectors.

Abstract: A proximity fuzing system includes a passive proximity detection section including an electrostatic probe for detecting initial missile entry into the electric field inherently associated with an airborne target. Probe signals are processed to determine that the intercepted electric field is characteristic of a valid target, and, if so, an active proximity detection section, such as a radar proximity detector, is rendered operational to trigger a warhead detonator at the optimum point in the missile's engaging trajectory to inflict maximum possible damage on the target.

Abstract: A proximity fuzing system for missile warhead utilizes an electrostatic probe to detect the electric field inherently associated with an airborne target. The probe plates are oriented perpendicular to the missile longitudinal axis and are short circuit loaded to develop a probe current signal whose initial slope is analyzed to qualify the target being engaged on a near-miss trajectory as a valid target and whose first zero current crossing is utilized as a trigger point for detonating the missile warhead before the missiles reaches a position of minimum miss-distance relative to the target.

Abstract: A proximity detector mine system comprises a mine depolyable on the ground and including a propellant device effective upon actuation to propel the mine above the ground, explosive material, a detonator for detonating the explosive material a predetermined time after the propellant has been actuated, a sound sensor producing electrical signals in response to the sound sensed thereby, and a processor for processing the electrical signals and for actuating the propellant device in response to the electrical signals received from the sound sensor.

Abstract: Upon detonating a projectile in the proximity of a target, there are produced projectile fragments which fly towards the target in a predetermined direction. To have as many fragments as possible fly towards the target, the projectile must be detonated at a suitably selected angle measured between the line of sight which extends between the projectile and the target, and the projectile flight trajectory. This detonation angle varies as a function of the encountering velocity of the projectile and the target. A predetermined reference value associated with a predetermined encountering velocity value is computed using a stationary firing control system and represented by the quotient c/(2VBg), wherein c is the velocity of light and VBg is the predetermined encountering velocity value. Such reference value is stored in a storage device aboard the projectile.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a submunition disposed to be separated from an aeronautical body, for example a shell carrier canister or the like above a target area, the submunition essentially including a warhead (5), a target detector (6) and a device which imparts rotation to the submunition for scanning the target area in a helical pattern (4) during the fall of the submunition towards the target area. The target detector (6) is pivotally disposed on a carrying shaft (12a) parallel to the line of symmetry (5a) of the warhead in order to permit outward activation of the target detector (6) from a collapsed position where the optical axis of the target detector coincides with the line of symmetry (5a) of the warhead to an activated position where the optical axis of the target detector is parallel with the line of symmetry (5a) of the warhead, so as to permit free scanning vision for the target detector (6) beyond the warhead (5).

Abstract: An aircraft detection system which detects and tracks aircraft using: arrays of seismic and acoustic sensors, a set of junction circuits, a set of subarray circuits, several slave computers, and a master computer. Each junction circuit relays detected signals from several adjacent sensors to a subarray circuit and command signals to each of the sensors to adjust the gain of their output signals. Each subarray circuit receives and unites the outputs of several adjacent junction circuits into a subarray which has a particular geographical location in the array of sensors. Each slave computer forwards detected signals from single subarray circuit to the master computer, and relays command signals back to each individual sensor. Each subarray is able to track the seismic or acoustic signature of an aircraft as it travels across the regular distribution of sensors. Each subarray is thereby able to define an azimuth to the target aircraft.

Abstract: A firing circuit for a projectile 10 includes a proximity fuze 11 which can be set to different target distances H1, H2. For the purpose of optimally combating different types of targets 13, 14, 15, a target sensor 17 is associated with the proximity fuze 11 so as to detect characteristic target properties and take care that proximity fuze 11 responds either at a height H1 or at a lower height H2, and causes an explosive charge 10a to detonate.

Abstract: An exploding missile has a casing and a parachute attached to the casing for making it move in a predetermined direction relative to the casing after launch. A charge in the casing has a projectile-forming front face, facing forward in the travel direction. An antenna is provided on the casing behind the front face and charge and is displaceable between a retracted position wholly behind the charge and an extended position projecting laterally therefrom and directed at least generally forwardly in the direction past the charge. An actuator is connected between the casing and the antenna for moving same from the retracted into the extended position after launch of the missile. A controller including a receiver connected to the antenna and a detonator in the charge detects the distance to a target in front of the missile and explodes the charge when a predetermined distance is detected or the target is otherwise sensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weapon system intended for the structural destruction of a target. According to the invention, this system comprises computing means which are mounted on board said missile and which, from the values of the velocity Ve of the missile and of the relative target-missile velocity V.sub.R, as well as from the angle D between the longitudinal axis of the missile and said relative velocity V.sub.R, calculate at an instant close to said instant of detection furnished by proximity detection means, a duration which is then counted down by said computer means from said instant of detection and at the end of which said computer means control said focussed charge.

Abstract: An exploding missile has a casing and a parachute attached to the casing for making it move in a predetermined direction relative to the casing after launch. A charge in the casing has a projectile-forming front face, facing forward in the travel direction. An antenna is provided on the casing behind the front face and charge and is displaceable between a retracted position wholly behind the charge and an extended position projecting laterally therefrom and directed at least generally forwardly in the direction past the charge. An actuator is connected between the casing and the antenna for moving same from the retracted into the extended position after launch of the missile. A controller including a receiver connected to the antenna and a detonator in the charge detects the distance to a target in front of the missle and explodes the charge when a predetermined distance is detected or the target is otherwise sensed.

Abstract: A method for the attacking of target objects through the intermediary of small bombs which are ejected from a carrier or canister in the longitudinal axial direction of the latter. The small bomb-carrier or canister includes a controllably ignitable ejector propellent charge for the ejection of small bombs in parallel with the longitudinal axis thereof upon reaching of a predetermined drop height during falling into a target area. The ejection of the small bombs is delayed until the reaching of a height above ground which is reduced relative to a reference of standard height, when prior to the reaching of the standard height there is detected a target object within a surface area corresponding to a smaller dispersing and target area.

Abstract: This invention provides a subcaliber projectile which is launched from a full bore projectile having a shaped charge warhead prior to impact with the target. The subcaliber projectile is tethered to the full bore projectile by means of a fine electrical cable of fixed length which serves as the communication link between the two projectiles with the length of the cable determining the fuzing standoff distance. The ballistic coefficient of the subcaliber projectile is made such that the subcaliber projectile always flies ahead of the full bore projectile.

Abstract: A process for controlling the flight attitude of a flying body and/or the activation of a useful live load on a flying body and the arrangement for carrying out the process. At least one receiving-emitting-unit for emitting and receiving energy in the form of ultra soundwaves is first emitted in bundled form from the unit and then reflected from the region immediately adjoining the flying body, for example, the ground surface, and received by the unit, whereupon the soundwaves are converted into electrical signals. By means of time lapse measurements of the emitted and reflected soundwaves there can, for example, be measured the distance of the flying body from the ground. If the flying body deviates from a predetermined flight path, control surfaces for correcting the flight path are adjusted by control means. Moreover, by means of the receiving-emitting-unit and via the control means a useful live load can be activated.

Abstract: Ammunition for combatting armored targets includes a flying body with an act end and a trailing end. A penetrating warhead is located within the flying body spaced from the impact end. Between the impact end and the warhead, a projectile in the form of a plate of inert material is provided. The surface of the plate facing the warhead is covered with an explosive charge. When the flying body impacts against a target, first the plate-shaped projectile forms an opening through the target sufficient for the warhead to pass through the opening to the interior of the target.

Abstract: An acoustic target sensor and ranging system automatically detects military targets and provides a munition firing signal at the appropriate target position and time. An amplitude-doppler circuit is utilized to predict the time of closest approach to a munition by a target by measuring the time interval between zero crossings of the second and third derivatives of the received acoustic wave amplitude function. The circuit produces a firing signal by logically ANDing the closest point of approach signal it develops with a signal that indicates when target range is within specified limits. The circuit is realized by means of conventional electronic zero crossing detectors, an up-down counter, dividers, sample and hold devices and voltage comparators. The acoustic target signal is obtained from an omni-directional microphone the output of which is amplified and rectified.

Abstract: Munition actuation signals are generated by an acoustic target ranging system that predicts the time and distance of closest approach of a moving target to a munition. The predictive capability of the system is based on the rate of change of the sound level emanating from the target compared to its absolute magnitude. The system generates munition standby, arm and fire signals by differencing the received acoustic amplitude function signal and its first derivative and subsequently comparing the difference signal with various reference level signals. The reference level signals are a function of munition effective range and target conditions. Mechanization of the system is realized by simple circuitry consisting of an acoustic signal detector and processor, a differentiating operational amplifier, a programmable gain amplifier, a reference level signal source, an adder and a comparator circuit.

Abstract: A system for automatically firing or discharing a weapon, such as a mine, comprises acoustical sensors for the preliminary adjustment and firing of the weapon. An optical sensor is used in conjunction with the acoustical sensors. In a first step, prior to the first acoustical target acquisition, the target background is optically scanned to store first optical image values defining an optical image of the target background to determine a firing range and a firing horizon. Thereafter, an acoustical ranging is performed for the target acquisition. Then the optical scanning and storing is repeated with regard to a firing horizon and when a target approaches the firing horizon, to provide second optical image values which are compared with the first image values to provide, by signal differentiation, proof of the presence of a target at the firing horizon. The resulting signal is used to control the weapon.

Abstract: A combined proximity and impact fuse employed in a missile, including a circuit arrangement for avoiding the actuation of a detonation upon impingement of the impact fuse on a rain drop. The circuit arrangement is connected to the proximity fuse and is respective to the signals produced by the same to prevent the generation of a detonation signal upon impact until recognition by the proximity fuse that a given release criterion for impact detonation has been met.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision of a fuze having a plate which serves both as a full frontal area impact switch and an electrostatic sensor to provide detonation signals.

Abstract: 11. In a torpedo guard, a cable, a series of explosive units strung on the able, and individual proximity fuses positioned on said cable for each of said explosive units, the proximity fuse for any given explosive unit being adapted to fire said given unit upon the approach of a torpedo within a predetermined distance from said given unit.

Abstract: In a combination fuze for missiles comprising a current generator which is driven by a ram air operated means having ram air supplied through an inlet in the nose portion of the missile and supplying electric energy to an electric firing circuit which comprises an electric detonator and means adapted to detonate the electric detonator before the missile reaches the target, and comprising a mechanical percussion switch adapted to cause detonation of the missile upon impingement of the missile against the target, the mechanical percussion switch comprises a sting sensitive detonator surrounded by a metal foil and a firing needle which is included in the electric firing circuit. Upon impact the relative movement between the firing needle and the sting sensitive detonator induces such a circuit configuration of the firing circuit that triggering of the electric detonator will take place.

Abstract: 1. In a proximity fuze comprising a target-responsive circuit including a first electronic grid controlled tube and a squib detonating circuit including a second electronic grid controlled tube; a B tube voltage supply for said tube circuits comprising a condenser, an external connection for charging said condenser from an external source, and circuit means for connecting said condenser to said tube circuits, said circuit means including a biasing resistor connected between the minus terminal of said condenser and the cathode of said first grid controlled tube, a second biasing resistor connected between the grid of the second grid controlled tube and the minus terminal of said condenser whereby when the B drain of the said fuze exceeds a predetermined level, the bias on said second grid controlled tube is reduced to the firing point, thereby igniting said squib.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: 1. A voltage-gradient sensitive proximity fuze for use with a rotating prctile against electrostatically charged targets and which will detonate the projectile at an optimum distance from the target comprising: p1 (a) a pair of conducting electrostatic probes, said electrostatic probes being arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry containing the longitudinal center axis of the projectile, said probes being of such limited circumferential extent that a voltage-gradient is developed between said probes when the longitudinal center axis of the projectile is at an angle to an external electrostatic field, whereby the fuze will have a high voltage-gradient sensitivity in a direction transverse to said longitudinal center axis;(b) a voltage sensitive electronic firing circuit, said pair of conducting electrostatic probes connected to said circuit to cause said circuit to detonate said projectile when the voltage difference between said probes exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: 4. In a projectile comprising a casing having a first electrically conducg part, a second electrically conducting part and an electrically insulating part interposed between said first and second conducting part, a proximity detector comprising:(a) a bridge circuit;(b) said bridge circuit having a first terminal connected to said first electrically conducting part of said projectile casing; and(c) said bridge circuit having a second terminal adjacent to said first terminal and connected to said second electrically conducting part of said projectile casing.

Abstract: A MOS controlled thyristor is incorporated into detonator ignition circui to reduce the physical size thereof, while also providing for ignition reliability enhancement. Signals to either prevent or trigger conduction of detonator ignition energy through the MOS controlled thyristor are applied to the gate terminal thereof by at least one capacitor in the preferred embodiments. The detonator ignition energy is also delivered from at least one capacitor in those embodiments of the circuitry for use with missile warheads and shunt resistors are connected to dissipate the energy stored in all of the capacitors for safety reasons.