Abstract: In order to improve safety, particularly during transportation and/or storage, a system (10) is proposed which at least comprises a housing (13) an explosive (3) held therein which is initiated by a blasting cap (1), wherein a sleeve insert (2, 2?) in the housing (13) makes it possible for the blasting cap (1) to be removed from the explosive (3), in that the blasting cap (1) in the sleeve insert (2, 2?) is height-adjustable, so that the position of the blasting cap (1) relative to the explosive (3) can be changed. The system (10) may include a fuse head (11) which at least comprises a primer cap and possibly a delay line (14). The blasting cap (1) may be an integral part of the fuse head (11) and insulated therewith on the base.

Abstract: A safety and arming device for a munition is operable to arm and initiate a munition dependent on determining separation from a munition platform, determining detection of free fall of the device for a first time period following separation, initiating a roll manoeuvre of the munition and determining detection of the execution of the roll manoeuvre within a second time period, and generating a munition firing signal, dependent on detection of all of separation, free fall, and the roll manoeuvre.

Abstract: Systems and methods for secure transportation and safe deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed herein. An example method includes performing a UAV preflight procedure that includes determining UAV startup sounds from sound signals received from a microphone positioned within a housing that houses the UAV, determining synchronized rotation of propellers of the UAV, determining that no obstructions are present above the housing based on range finder signals; and releasing the UAV after completion of the UAV preflight procedure.

Abstract: An improved system and method for generating high Voltage within an ESAD munition fuze is provided. Conventionally, high voltage transformer conversion circuits used within ESAD munition fuzes utilize a flyback, or step-up transformer. The use of a flyback, or step-up transformer reveal technical limitations when used for the application of increasing arm charge times, voltage conversion efficiency, and power conversion efficiency for ESAD munition fuze applications. Alternatively, the use of a high voltage inductor conversion circuit utilizing an inductor, in combination with a switching transistor allows for a new and improved low cost method for improving ESAD munition fuze applications with respect to generating high voltage from a low voltage source onto a detonator firing capacitor to trigger a Low Energy Explosive Foil Initiator (LEEFI) within an ESAD munition fuze.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detonator system for hand grenades, having an ignition element (1) which after initiation triggers a delay and safety device, which, with a time delay after the initiation, fires a detonator (7), which then ignites an ignition booster (8), wherein the delay and safety device includes a dual safety device of two independent parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ammunition disabling system for selectively disabling ammunition that is operatively coupled to a selectively changeable material. In the operative state the material permits transmission of a percussive impact through the material for enabling firing of the ammunition; and in the deactivated state the material inhibits transmission of the percussion wave through the material for preventing firing of the ammunition. The ammunition disabling system includes an energy wave generator with an energy wave source that emits an energy wave at a frequency resonant a natural frequency of the material. When the ammunition with the material are exposed to the energy wave, the energy wave induces a response (physical and/or chemical) in the material that results in a mechanical change in the material from the operative state to the deactivated state by degrading the mechanical structure of the material.

Abstract: A hand-throwable grenade including a detonator initiating mechanism, a detonator and a locking key. The detonator initiating mechanism is activatable by an operator before the grenade is thrown. The detonator is associated with the detonator initiating mechanism. The locking key interacts with the detonator initiating mechanism to preclude an arming of the detonator until the locking key is removed from the detonator initiating mechanism. The locking key has at least one notch therein.

Abstract: A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.

Abstract: A Safe-and-Arm system for the prevention of unintentional operation of an explosive device by interrupting a detonation train, the system employing an interruptive transfer assembly made of silicon and suitable for implementing in a MEMS device, the assembly including a silicon based transfer charge carrier on a porous explosive passageway made by etching, the passageway extending between at least two ports on the circumference of the transfer assembly, and a drive means that can mechanically bring about at least one armed state of a detonation train.

Abstract: A re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator (1) of an armament, such as a hand grenade, irritation body etc., is formed by a security mechanism (3), which facilitates a repeat locking after activation of the armament. The re-locking device includes at least one profile part (4, 4?), which is pivotably arranged and able to engage with the armament by means of an expedient (9), especially with the ignition head (5, 5?) and the rocker arm (2).

Abstract: A priming device for a projectile incorporating a safety and arming device as well as an electrically initiated detonator that is activated by an electronic firing module, wherein the priming device incorporates a second detonator integral with a rotor or flap of the safety and arming device, the second detonator being activated by a mobile firing pin, such firing pin being arranged opposite a first detonator so as to be projected by the gases resulting from the ignition of the latter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for explosive systems such as grenades with novel micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) fuze and novel placement of the MEMS fuze providing increased performance, reliability, and safety. The MEMS fuze is disposed towards a rear portion of the explosive system providing superior performance and design flexibility. Further, the explosive system includes electronics configured to implement a launch timer and to sense impact or when the system stops spinning. The present invention includes an operational method improving safety and reliability by preventing detonation until after the launch timer expires, upon impact, or when the explosive system stops spinning.

Abstract: A multi-stage inertial switch including: a housing having a first electrical contact; two or more members disposed in the housing, at least one end of each of the two or more members being sequentially movable upon a different level of acceleration of the housing; and a movable member movable within the housing by the sequential movement of the two or more members, the movable member having a second electrical contact capable of engagement with the first electrical contact to one of open or close an electrical circuit between the first and second electrical contacts upon an occurrence of a predetermined magnitude and/or duration acceleration event.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a submunition is contemplated having a submunition body, an explosive payload housed within said submunition body and an elongated delay member housed within the submunition body, the elongated delay member coated with at least one reactive material that provides a controlled time delay between submunition impact and detonation of the explosive payload. The submunition may also comprise an elongated pendulum having a hollow core sized to receive said elongated delay member, the elongated pendulum adapted to be movable between a locked position that mitigates likelihood of inadvertent detonation of the explosive payload and an unlocked position that enables detonation of the explosive payload.

Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The invention consists of a safety and arming device for a projectile and using micro electro-mechanical technology that incorporates at least three layers of substrate: a bottom, a top and at least one intermediate layer incorporating at least one mobile part with respect to the different layers of substrate wherein the bottom and top incorporate raised patterns, the raised patterns being evenly spaced over the bottom and the top such that the mobile part is always, when in movement, held immobile between the raised patterns of the bottom and those of the top, the raised patterns of the bottom being in contact with a lower face of the mobile part and the raised patterns of the top being in contact with an upper face of the mobile part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defending against airborne assault ammunition. The assault ammunition is located with at least one position-locating device. The flight path of the assault ammunition is iteratively calculated using the determined ballistic coefficient of the assault ammunition. A firing control solution is determined for firing a fragmentation-type defense ammunition, which is fired with a large-caliber weapon, especially one having a caliber of at least 76 mm. A fuse of the defense ammunition is set after the firing and/or the defense ammunition is remotely detonated, and after the firing the defense ammunition is ignited or remotely ignited at an ignition time point TZ. Alternatively, the ignition of the defense ammunition is initiated by a proximity igniter disposed in the defense ammunition.

Abstract: An electronic ignition safety device configured to reject signals below a predetermined ‘all-fire’ voltage comprising an exploding foil initiator having an electrical input and an output end, a pickup comprising a secondary explosive donor charge adjacent to the exploding foil initiator's output end and separated from a secondary explosive acceptor charge by an integral barrier, and an output charge adjacent to the acceptor charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to control the initiation of an attack module, such as a projectile or sub-projectile, such attack module having at least one pre-determined direction of action. Before firing or on trajectory, the coordinates of at least one target are programmed into a fixed terrestrial reference, the orientation of the direction(s) of action in the fixed terrestrial reference is determined at least once on trajectory, and the initiation of the attack module is only authorized if the direction of action is oriented in the direction of the target. The invention also relates to the device implementing such a process.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target.

Abstract: A grenade includes an explosion chamber having an explosive charge to which an ignition charge is connected. The grenade also includes a primer and trigger coupled to the ignition charge for detonation of the explosive charge held within the explosion chamber. A variable distance detonation mechanism is coupled to the trigger and primer for allowing controlled detonation of the grenade a specific distance from the launch point thereof.

Abstract: An armor module and an explosive material therefore, which explosive material is normally retained at a less sensitive position, and upon demand it is modified into a more sensitive position, where its initiation ability is upgraded and wherein the modification is carried out by heating the explosive material.

Abstract: The object of the inventive method and device for controlling and/or extinguishing fires is to extend the range of means for transporting devices to a fire site, substantially reduce the time for the operating preparation thereof and to exclude a fragmentation field caused by the device explosion which ensures the momentary conversion of a fire-extinguishing composition into a fine cloud associated with a simultaneous airblast effect produced to a fire area and a maximum distribution of said fire-extinguishing composition through the fire volume. Said method for controlling and/or putting out a fire consists in effecting the fire area by an airblast and the high-speed flow of the air-dispersed mixture of the fire-extinguishing composition (7) produced by the explosion of a fire-suppressing device (2) which comprises a dispersing charge (8) and a container (6) with the fire-extinguishing composition (7).

Abstract: A safe and arm device includes a booster base assembly having a booster base housing and a barrier. The booster base housing includes a shaft port extending substantially in line with a longitudinal axis, at least three initiator ports disposed about the axis, and a matching number of explosive transfer paths in respective communication with the at least three initiator ports. The barrier includes a matching number of fire-train transfer ports and a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the barrier is coupled within the shaft port of the booster base housing allowing the barrier to be selectively rotationally positioned about the axis into at least one of a safe position and an arm and fire position, allowing the fire-train transfer ports to be substantially aligned with the explosive transfer paths when the barrier is positioned in the arm and fire position. A booster basket assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a vehicle body maneuverable onto a near collision course with a target and a plurality of inflatable ballutes which, when inflated, extend generally radially from the vehicle body. A controller may cause the ballutes to be inflated prior to an anticipated time of collision with the target. A plurality of explosive charges may be attached to at least some of the ballutes. A detonation controller may be coupled to the controller and to the plurality of explosive charges.

Abstract: A MEMS mechanical initiator having a striker arm extending from a striker body. The tip of the striker arm is adjacent to, but does not touch, the side of a microdetonator. A cocking and release mechanism moves the striker body such that the striker arm pulls away from the side of the microdetonator against the action of a set of springs connected to the striker body. Thereafter the cocking and release mechanism releases the striker body such that the tip of the striker arm swipes the side of the microdetonator causing initiation thereof.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit with a safe separation distance device (14), which acts as a function of a free-flight incident flow and temperature, for the fuze (12) of a projectile (11), which fuze is hermetically sealed from environmental influences, has, as a measurement device for the cooling, as a function of the incident flow, of a conductor through which current passes, in the heating circuit (18) of a resistant heating element (16) which is fitted flat on the fuze casing surface (17), an electronic current measurement apparatus (21) which is connected upstream of an evaluation circuit (22), in order to ram a firing circuit. Two heating elements (16, 16?), which are fed in the same way, are preferably arranged one behind the other in the incident flow direction (15), and, additionally as an environmental temperature sensor, a comparison heating element (16?) which is not influenced by the incident flow (15).

Abstract: A dual purpose munition includes a housing; a shaped warhead disposed in a front interior of the housing; a vertically orienting explosive disposed on a front end of the housing; a safe and arm device explosively connected to the shaped warhead for arming and detonating the shaped warhead; a dual sensor circuit comprising an E-field sensor board, a B-field sensor board and a processor board; and a power source connected to the dual sensor circuit and the safe and arm device.

Abstract: A self-contained fuze module, for installation on pieces of ordnance, having sensing devices and processing capability within the fuze module to determine whether conditions have been met to arm the ordnance. The fuze module is a unitary sealed module communicating with a launch vehicle via one or more communication/power buses.

Abstract: A MEMS apparatus having a substrate layer, a device layer and an intermediate oxide layer joining them. A slider is formed in the device layer and includes an enlarged end portion. A walled chamber having a hollow interior in which is positioned a microdetonator is formed in the substrate layer beneath the enlarged end portion and is secured to it by the oxide layer. A drive is operable to move the slider, and with it, the walled chamber, from an initial position to a final position. When in the final position an initiator is operable to initiate the microdetonator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a firing safety device for a pyrotechnic device, such device incorporating at least one barrier to block a transmission channel connecting an igniter and a pyrotechnic charge, wherein the barrier is made in the form of at least one micro-machined or micro-engraved element, applied to or made on at least one substrate board, the board being integrated on its edge such that it is substantially parallel to the transmission channel which thus opens out opposite the barrier at its thick part, the pyrotechnic charge and igniter thus lying on either side of the barrier and opposite the thickness of the barrier.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit with a safe separation distance device (14), which acts as a function of a free-flight incident flow and temperature, for the fuze (12) of a projectile (11), which fuze is hermetically sealed from environmental influences, has, as a measurement device for the cooling, as a function of the incident flow, of a conductor through which current passes, in the heating circuit (18) of a resistant heating element (16) which is fitted flat on the fuze casing surface (17), an electronic current measurement apparatus (21) which is connected upstream of an evaluation circuit (22), in order to ram a firing circuit. Two heating elements (16, 16?), which are fed in the same way, are preferably arranged one behind the other in the incident flow direction (15), and, additionally as an environmental temperature sensor, a comparison heating element (16?) which is not influenced by the incident flow (15).

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for arming a fuze of a smart weapon comprise a release sensor and a verification maneuver sensor in cooperative electronic communication with each other, such that when the release sensor senses that the weapon has been released and the verification maneuver sensor detects a predetermined verification maneuver of the weapon in flight, the fuze is armed.

Abstract: A detonator which, once armed, is automatically disarmed after a predetermined time period in the absence of at least one defined signal during such time period.

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for arming a fuze of a smart weapon comprise a release sensor and a verification maneuver sensor in cooperative electronic communication with each other, such that when the release sensor senses that the weapon has been released and the verification maneuver sensor detects a predetermined verification maneuver of the weapon in flight, the fuze is armed.

Abstract: A method and a system controlling the operation of a safe and arm device. The embodiments include continually utilizing a rule based computation to generate an output signal to be sent to a controller affecting the operation of the safe and arm (S&A) device towards the safe condition or towards the armed condition.

Abstract: An arming system for a weapon, such as a missile, includes a pair of logic elements that output different types of signals upon the occurrence of different pre-arming events. The different types of signals may be, for instance, signals at different frequencies. The different signals are combined in a mixer. The mixed combined signal may be processed by passing it though elements such as a band pass filter and/or a pulse-width modulator/controller. An arming switch is configured to initiate arming when a predetermined condition in the combined signal is detected, such as the presence of a frequency in the combined signal at the difference between the frequencies of the individual signals from the logic elements. By basing arming on characteristics of a mixed combined signal from two logical elements, there are no credible single-point failure modes in the arming system.

Abstract: A proximity-fuzed ammunition unit (1) that can approach a target and where during approach the proximity fuze function effects or gives rise to a voltage pulse pattern that is dependent on objects located along the flight path of the ammunition unit on its approach to the target. The voltage pulse pattern forms the basis for the actution of at least one triggering device (18) incorporated in the ammunition unit. The electrical circuit or circuits incorporated in or interacting with each triggering device is/are arranged to sense a voltage or amplitude value in the trailing edge of a pulse incorporated in or forming the pattern. If the pattern comprises a number of pulses an indication is given when a predetermined number of pulses has appeared to appears. Each electrical circuit causes or effects the opeation of the triggering device for its actuation depending on the said sensing and/or indication.

Abstract: A shell fuse has a target acquisition sensor, such as an impact sensor, and a firing train in which a firing device carrier is movable from a safe position into an armed position. Overflight safety all the way to the target is afforded in a simple manner. There is provided a force element, in particular a pyrotechnic trigger device, which can be initiated by the response of the sensor. The force element is coupled to the firing device carrier such that the firing device carrier is movable into the armed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method utilizing a MEMS safe arm device for electronically arming and firing a MEMS-scale interrupted explosive train to detonate a main charge explosive. The device includes a MEMS slider assembly housing a transfer charge electrically actuated to move between safe and armed positions of the explosive train.

Abstract: The fuze is armed only if muzzle exit is sensed by a magnetic sensor within a predetermined time after setback is sensed and either one or both of a minimum spin rate is sensed by the magnetic sensor and/or a minimum number of turns are counted.

Abstract: An energy supply device for a mortar fuse includes a housing, a driven rotary shaft including a cylindrical shaft surface rotatably disposed in a stationary cylindrical bearing surface in the housing, and a fan connected to the shaft for rotating the shaft in a single direction of rotation in a speed range of 30,000-50,000 rpm. Either of the cylindrical bearing surface or the cylindrical shaft surface has a destructible coating of polytetrafluoroethylene, the coating having a thickness in the range of 0.02-0.03 mm, and being destructible in response to rotation of the shaft in the speed range for a period of time no longer than 5 minutes.

Abstract: A mortar includes a fuse device having a detonator, and a firing booster arranged to be ignited in response to detonation of the detonator. The detonator is detonated by a firing pin. Advancement of the firing pin toward the detonator is effected by an electrically ignitable pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: Blasting apparatuses and methods control actuation of a plurality of detonators, and involve the use of one or more authorization keys each associated with a blasting machine. The authorization key(s) are transferable from the blasting machine(s) to a central command station, each authorization key storing a data package comprising a randomly generated access code generated by its corresponding blasting machine. Transfer of the one or more authorization keys to a central command station allows the data packages (and associated randomly generated access codes) to be transmitted by the central command station for receipt by the blasting machine(s).

Abstract: A magnetic sensor and magnetic field sensing method for ordnance, comprising locating a giant magnetoresistance detector within the ordnance and detecting magnetic fields with the detector. Also other sensing method and sensors employing such detectors.

Abstract: A shell fuse has a target acquisition sensor, such as an impact sensor, and a firing train in which a firing device carrier is movable from a safe position into an armed position. Overflight safety all the way to the target is afforded in a simple manner. There is provided a force element, in particular a pyrotechnic trigger device, which can be initiated by the response of the sensor. The force element is coupled to the firing device carrier such that the firing device carrier is movable into the armed position.

Abstract: A mortar includes a fuse device having a detonator, and a firing booster arranged to be ignited in response to detonation of the detonator. The detonator is detonated by a firing pin. Advancement of the firing pin toward the detonator is effected by an electrically ignitable pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: A system for controlling activation of a payload, particularly a high value, high consequence payload, such as a weapon of mass destruction, cannot be activated until it confirms that it has arrived at the correct destination. The system stores information that sufficiently identifies the location where the system should be activated or detonated. Sensors identify characteristics of the current location of the payload. A correlation is performed between the measured characteristics of the current location and the information stored that identifies the desired activation location. When the information sufficiently correlates, the system is allowed to activate.

Abstract: An ignition isolating interrupt control circuit (52) includes a main transition circuit (90) isolating a first activation circuit (84) from an ignition circuit (114). The main transition circuit (90) includes a source terminal (93) that is electrically coupled to and receives a first source power from the first activation circuit (84). An input terminal (106) is electrically coupled to a second activation circuit (88) and receives an activation signal. An output terminal (138) is electrically coupled to the ignition circuit (114) and receives and supplies the first source power to the ignition circuit (114) in response to the activation signal. A power source monitor cutoff circuit (112) including a comparator is electrically coupled to the first activation circuit (84) and to the ignition circuit (114) and disables the ignition circuit (114) when a source voltage level is less than a predetermined voltage level.