Abstract: The system and method for forming an ignition sequencer comprising two inseparable portions (a body and an armature) where an armature is articulable with respect to a body to allow for the existence of no less than two distinct stages of the ignition sequence through the articulating motion of the additively-manufactured armature. The ignition sequencer assembly architecture allows for installation of an internal energetic compound while all components are assembled and interconnected. The ignition sequencer assembly architecture allows for installation into a next higher-level assembly using a single, uniaxial, force.

Abstract: A projectile including: a body having an internal space; and a mechanical stepper motor disposed in the body, the mechanical stepper motor including: a shuttle having one of a plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a first spacing; a body portion having the other of the plurality of pockets and movable pins offset from each other with a second spacing, where the first spacing is different from the second spacing; and actuation means for engaging at least one of the movable pins into a corresponding pocket to step one of the shuttle and body portion a predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement; wherein the mechanical stepper motor outputs the predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement to an actuated device operatively connected to the shuttle.

Abstract: A micromechanical shock sensor includes a proof mass coupled to a surface of a substrate and a projection element extending laterally from the proof mass. The shock sensor further includes a latch mechanism and a retention anchor. The latch mechanism has a latch spring attached to the surface and a latch tip extending from a movable end of the latch spring. The retention anchor is attached to the surface and is located proximate the latch tip. The proof mass is configured for planar movement relative to the substrate when the proof mass is subjected to a force of at least a threshold magnitude. Movement of the proof mass in response to the force causes the latch tip to become retained between the projection element and the retention anchor to place the shock sensor in a latched state. The latched state may be detected by optical inspection, probe, or external readout.

Abstract: A method for stepping a first member relative to a second member associated with a projectile. The method including: providing one of the first and second members with one of a plurality of pockets and more than three movable pins offset from each other with a first spacing; providing the other of the first and second members with the other of the plurality of pockets and more than three movable pins offset from each other with a second spacing, where the first spacing is different from the second spacing; and engaging at least one of the movable pins into a corresponding pocket to step one of the first and second members a predetermined linear and/or rotary displacement. Where the engaging includes selectively varying a step size between the first and second member.

Abstract: An ammunition safety priming device using silicon micro-mechatronic systems technology, having at least two priming safeties intended to be deactivated by as many external independent physical events, includes at least one movable element, along a translation axis, for deactivating at least one of the priming safeties by action on said movable element of one of the physical events. Said movable element is produced in a material other than silicon. The device has applications including ammunition, rocket stage separation devices, and airbags.

Abstract: A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a projectile pyrotechnic train, said device comprising a substrate onto which a shutter is positioned to ensure the blocking of a channel, said shutter being mobile in translation on said substrate, said shutter being held immobile in the safety position by at least one acceleration lock that is released further to the application of the axial acceleration imparted to said projectile during firing, wherein said acceleration lock is constituted by at least one breakable tongue linking said shutter to said substrate, said tongue being oriented and dimensioned such that the axial inertial stresses developed during firing and exerted on said shutter cause said tongue to break.

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for use with a projectile includes a rotor pivotable between a safe position and an armed position. A biasing element holds a mass engaged with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to allow the mass to displace and disengage from the rotor in response to a setback force on the projectile. A second biasing element includes a displaceable end for engaging with the rotor to restrain the rotor from rotation and is deformable to disengage the displaceable end from the rotor in response to projectile spin. A piston actuator can rotate the rotor to the armed position if the mass is disengaged and the displaceable end is disengaged. A detonator on the rotor can be aligned with a detonation cord when the rotor is in the armed position and unaligned when the rotor is in the safe position.

Abstract: A safety and arming device for a spin-stabilized explosive projectile, said device incorporating a screen obstructing a transmission channel linking a detonator and a pyrotechnic relay, said screen comprising two half-screens able to move with respect to one another and transversally with respect to said channel, said two half-screens obstructing said channel when contacting one another, wherein said two half-screens are able to slide in a bore hole carried by a rotor coaxial to said projectile, said rotor is able to pivot on the axis of said projectile and carries said channel, said two half-screens locked into the position obstructing said channel by at least two locks, a first lock or inertial lock which retracts when said projectile is fired and a second lock or centrifugal lock formed by a spiral spring surrounding an external cylindrical surface of said rotor and applied against the ends of said half-screens.

Abstract: A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a pyrotechnic train of a projectile to which an axial spin motion is imparted during firing, the device includes a shutter to interrupt the pyrotechnic and being held immobile by at least two locks, a first lock or axial acceleration lock that is released further to the application of the acceleration during firing and a second lock that is a centrifugal lock released further to the spinning of the projectile.

Abstract: An ultra-miniature, electro-mechanical, MEMS type safe and arming (S&A) device for medium- or large-artillery rounds, including, three sequenced S&A interlocks: a setback slider which provides a 1st interlock with respect to an arming slider which moves due to the round's spin; a stop and release mechanism that holds the arming slider until a release command signal is initiated by the fuze circuit, triggering a spot charge which generates an expanding gas wave that flexes the latch arm from contact with the safety catch, unlocking the 2nd interlock, thereby freeing the arming slider to continue its motion into an arming position, unlocking the 3rd interlock, and aligning the parts of the firetrain within the device, such that upon signal from the fuze circuit to an output charge, the device will ignite the acceptor charge within the round.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit for a fuse includes a firing chain having first and second firing devices defining an intermediate space therebetween and a barrier blocking the intermediate space in a safe position. The firing chain is brought into an armed position by a releasing movement vacating the intermediate space. First and second mutually independent securing devices lock the barrier in the safe position and execute an unlocking action based on two mutually independent physical arming parameters. A compact and very reliable safety and arming unit can be achieved in this way.

Abstract: An ammunition safety priming device using silicon micro-mechatronic systems technology, having at least two priming safeties intended to be deactivated by as many external independent physical events, includes at least one movable element, along a translation axis, for deactivating at least one of the priming safeties by action on said movable element of one of the physical events. Said movable element is produced in a material other than silicon. The device has applications including ammunition, rocket stage separation devices, and airbags.

Abstract: A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a pyrotechnic train of a projectile to which an axial spin motion is imparted during firing, the device includes a shutter to interrupt the pyrotechnic and being held immobile by at least two locks, a first lock or axial acceleration lock that is released further to the application of the acceleration during firing and a second lock that is a centrifugal lock released further to the spinning of the projectile.

Abstract: A safety and arming device for a spin-stabilized explosive projectile, said device incorporating a screen obstructing a transmission channel linking a detonator and a pyrotechnic relay, said screen comprising two half-screens able to move with respect to one another and transversally with respect to said channel, said two half-screens obstructing said channel when contacting one another, wherein said two half-screens are able to slide in a bore hole carried by a rotor coaxial to said projectile, said rotor is able to pivot on the axis of said projectile and carries said channel, said two half-screens locked into the position obstructing said channel by at least two locks, a first lock or inertial lock which retracts when said projectile is fired and a second lock or centrifugal lock formed by a spiral spring surrounding an external cylindrical surface of said rotor and applied against the ends of said half-screens.

Abstract: A mechanical safe and arm device for rotating munitions reduces arming scatter so that the “no arm” and “all arm” distance are substantially the same. A first spring holds a flywheel, a pinion gear, and a drive gear against rotation until centrifugal forces cause the spring to release them. The drive gear then rotates, causing rotation of the pinion gear and the flywheel. A post depending from the flywheel strikes and unlocks a second spring that unlocks a pivotally-mounted rotor that carries a detonator. The rotor then pivots and brings the detonator into alignment with a firing pin.

Abstract: A mechanical safe and arm device for rotating munitions reduces arming scatter so that the “no arm” and “all arm” distance are substantially the same. A first spring holds a flywheel, a pinion gear, and a drive gear against rotation until centrifugal forces cause the spring to release them. The drive gear then rotates, causing rotation of the pinion gear and the flywheel. A post depending from the flywheel strikes and unlocks a second spring that unlocks a pivotally-mounted rotor that carries a detonator. The rotor then pivots and brings the detonator into alignment with a firing pin.

Abstract: An escapement fuze self-destruct mechanism for a projectile includes a drive weight that maintains a biasing member in a compressed state by centrifugal force when a projectile's RPM speed is above a preselected threshold. When the RPM speed falls below the preselected threshold, the biasing member exerts sufficient counter-rotational force to overcome the centrifugal force exerted by the drive weight. The biasing member expands to an uncompressed state and displaces the drive weight into position for mechanically implementing self-destruction of the projectile if a rotor is fully armed or for rendering the projectile “safe” if the rotor is in any position other then fully armed.

Abstract: A representative embodiment of the invention provides a MEMS-based safety and arming (S&A) device having a shuttle movably connected to a frame by one or more bowed springs. The device has an electrical path adapted to electrically connect the frame and a contact pad. In the initial state, the electrical path has an electrical break. If the inertial force acting upon the shuttle (e.g., during launch) reaches or exceeds a first threshold value, then displacement of the shuttle with respect to the frame causes the electrical break to close. If the inertial force reaches or exceeds a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, then a latching mechanism employed in the S&A device latches to keep the electrical break irreversibly closed thereafter.

Abstract: An inertia igniter including a mechanical delay mechanism having two or more members which are movable under different acceleration conditions to sequentially move a movable member upon sequential movement of the two or more members and an ignition member actuatable by the movable member such that movement of the movable member by the two or more members ignites the ignition member. The movable member can be movable by one of translation and rotation. The inertia igniter can further comprise an impact mass releasably movable in the housing, wherein the impact mass is released and movable by movement of the movable member to impact the ignition member. The inertia igniter can also further comprise a stop member for preventing movement of the impact mass until the movable member has moved a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a pyrotechnic train of a projectile to which axial spin is imparted after firing, such device comprising a substrate onto which a shutter to break the pyrotechnic train is positioned, such shutter being mobile in translation on the substrate, device in which the train-breaking shutter is held immobile by at least two locks, a first lock, or axial acceleration lock, which is released further to the application of the acceleration communicated to the projectile during firing, and a second lock, device wherein the second lock is a centrifugal lock that is released further to the projectile being made to spin.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEM) safe-arm devices comprise a substrate upon which a sense mass, that can contain an energetic material, is constrained to move along a pathway defined by a track disposed on the surface of the substrate. The pathway has a first end comprising a “safe” position and a second end comprising an “armed” position, whereat the second end the sense mass can be aligned proximal to energetic materials comprising the explosive train, within an explosive component. The sense mass can be confined in the safe position by a first latch, operable to release the sense mass by an acceleration acting in a direction substantially normal to the surface of the substrate. A second acceleration, acting in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate, can cause the sense mass to traverse the pathway from the safe position to the armed position.

Abstract: A projectile comprises a payload portion and an airburst fuze mounted on a rear of the projectile and explosively connected to the payload portion. The airburst fuze comprises an arming and firing electrical circuit including a setback generator; a slider that is movable from a safe position to an armed position, the slider including a detonator attached thereto; a setback lock and a spin lock that lock the slider in the safe position and, in response to a setback acceleration and a spin rate, respectively, unlock the slider; and an actuator that moves the slider to the armed position in response to a first input from the arming and firing electrical circuit; wherein a second input from the arming and firing circuit activates the detonator when the slider is in the armed position.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit (10) for a spinning projectile fuze, which has a fuze body (12) and a bearing body (14), which define a spherical cavity (16) between them, in which a spherical rotor (18) is mounted such that it can rotate, in which rotor (18) a detonator (20) is provided. In order to make the safety and arming unit suitable for fuzes in weapon systems with extremely fast munition feed units, the rotor (18) can be surrounded by a rotor locking ring (28) in the safe position, prevents the rotor (18) from rotating through an acceleration ring (30) and a spring element (32) which connects the acceleration ring (30) to the rotor locking ring (28) in an interlocking manner, with the rotor locking ring (28) being formed with a slot (36) in order that it can be spread open by rotation and centrifugal forces into an open space (34).

Abstract: A safety and arming unit (10) for a spinning projectile fuze, which has a fuze body (12) and a bearing body (14), which define a spherical cavity (16) between them, in which a spherical rotor (18) is mounted such that it can rotate, in which rotor (18) a detonator (20) is provided. In order to make the safety and arming unit suitable for fuzes in weapon systems with extremely fast munition feed units, the rotor (18) can be surrounded by a rotor locking ring (28) in the safe position, prevents the rotor (18) from rotating through an acceleration ring (30) and a spring element (32) which connects the acceleration ring (30) to the rotor locking ring (28) in an interlocking manner, with the rotor locking ring (28) being formed with a slot (36) in order that it can be spread open by rotation and centrifugal forces into an open space (34).

Abstract: A two-stage acceleration sensing apparatus is disclosed which has applications for use in a fuze assembly for a projected munition. The apparatus, which can be formed by bulk micromachining or LIGA, can sense acceleration components along two orthogonal directions to enable movement of a shuttle from an “as-fabricated” position to a final position and locking of the shuttle in the final position. With the shuttle moved to the final position, the apparatus can perform one or more functions including completing an explosive train or an electrical switch closure, or allowing a light beam to be transmitted through the device.

Abstract: A safety and arming device (10) for a spinning projectile fuze, which has a fuze housing (12), which is in the form of a pot, and a bearing body (14) with a booster charge (16). A spherical rotor (42) with a detonator (44) is mounted between the fuze housing (12) and the bearing body (14). A radial groove (22) is formed in the fuze housing (12), and an annular groove (46) is formed in the rotor (42). A holding ring (28) is forced against the annular groove (46), which is axially offset with respect to the radial groove (22), when the safety and arming device (10) is in the safe position. The holding ring (28) is designed with a separating slot (30) and a further, shorter slot (32). The separating slot (30) and the further slot (32) extend at the same distance apart in the circumferential direction of the holding ring (28) and define annular segment jaws (40). The spring device (48) has a pair of cup springs (58), which jointly form a horizontal V-shaped spring profile.

Abstract: A two-stage acceleration sensing apparatus is disclosed which has applications for use in a fuze assembly for a projected munition. The apparatus, which can be formed by bulk micromachining or LIGA, can sense acceleration components along two orthogonal directions to enable movement of a shuttle from an “as-fabricated” position to a final position and locking of the shuttle in the final position. With the shuttle moved to the final position, the apparatus can perform one or more functions including completing an explosive train or an electrical switch closure, or allowing a light beam to be transmitted through the device.

Abstract: A MEMS type safety and arming device includes a substrate; a frame disposed on the substrate; a setback slider disposed in the frame, the setback slider moving linearly in response to a setback acceleration; an arming slider disposed in the frame, the arming slider moving linearly in an arming direction perpendicular to the direction of the setback acceleration and in response to spin; a setback lock lever disposed in the frame, the setback lock lever engaging the arming slider to prevent linear motion of the arming slider until the setback slider contacts and moves the setback lock lever; and a command lock rocker disposed in the frame, the command lock rocker engaging the arming slider to prevent full arming motion of the arming slider until after the command lock rocker is actuated.

Abstract: A fuze for a submunition is miniaturized in size by forming the fuze of a micro-electromechanical systems (“MEMS”) velocity sensor (38, 32, 34 and 36), a MEMs shock detector (31), a DC power supply (30) and one of the MEMs arm-fire device (2, FIG. 1) or MEMs safe and arm device (2, FIG. 5). Multiple fuzes may be incorporated in a fuze to ensure detonation of the explosive charge, should one fuze fail. A millimeter-microwave (“MMW”) receiver-decoder may be included to permit remote detonation on command from a remote transmitter (52) and/or a microprocessor (54) may be included to time the detonation to the physical characteristics of the target.

Abstract: A MEMS type safe and arm apparatus for a fuze includes a setback slider responsive to a first setback acceleration, the setback slider moving linearly in response to the first setback acceleration; a setforward slider responsive to a first setforward acceleration, the setback slider unlocking the setforward slider, the setforward slider moving linearly in response to the first setforward acceleration; a first rotor responsive to a second setback acceleration, the setforward slider unlocking the first rotor, the first rotor rotating in response to the second setback acceleration; a second rotor responsive to a second setforward acceleration, the first rotor unlocking the second rotor, the second rotor rotating in response to the second setforward acceleration; and an arming slider that moves linearly in response to the rotation of the second rotor to thereby arm the fuze.

Abstract: A munition incorporating a fuze mechanism adapted to prevent momentary disarming of the mechanism once same is placed in an armed state. The fuze mechanism incorporates a fuze housing having a slide member movable slidably longitudinally between an unarmed position and an armed position. In an unarmed position, a firing pin tip of an arming screw engages a lock post disposed within an opening in the slide member to hold the slide member in the unarmed position. When the arming screw is unscrewed during airborne deployment of the munition, the firing pin tip is withdrawn from the lock post. This enables a spring to urge the slide member into a laterally extended position. As the slide member moves into its laterally extended position, the lock post drops partially out of the slide member into abutting engagement with a bottom cover of the fuze mechanism, thus preventing the slide member from moving back towards its unarmed position.

Abstract: A projectile fuze includes a detonator carrier having a safety position and an armed position; a pin having a blocking position in which it holds the detonator carrier in the safety position and a releasing position in which the pin allows the detonator carrier to move into the armed position; a spring urging the pin into the releasing position; a pyrotechnical delay element exposed to hot propellant gases for causing ignition and combustion of the delay element; and a pin-supporting component maintaining the pin in the blocking position against a force of the spring. The pin-supporting component is held in the pin-maintaining state by the delay element until combustion thereof, whereby the pin is allowed to move into the releasing position upon combustion of the delay element.

Abstract: A self destructing impact fuse including a cylindrical firing pin having a hollow centrifugal chamber for holding a number of spheres and a number of radial openings on its surface for exposing portions of the spheres when the chamber is spun. At one end of the chamber is a spring for exerting compression force along the longitudinal axis of the chamber and at the other end is a self-destructing (SD) firing pin for striking the detonator. A centrifugal lock having a pivot offset from the longitudinal axis holds the chamber in place by mating with a groove on the surface of the centrifugal chamber. The cylindrical firing pin is seated concentrically within a frame and disposed over an escapement assembly featuring the detonator. The detonator is rotated into alignment with the SD firing pin after the projectile, incorporating the fuse, travels the minimum tactical distance. The frame is further coupled with a base, which features a point detonation (PD) firing pin for striking the detonator.

Abstract: An ultra-miniature, monolithic, mechanical safety and arming (S&A) device for projected munitions operates in accordance with a double interlock feature. Acceleration of the projected munition moves a delay slider into a final position, causing an arming slider and a safety interlock slider (in a first embodiment) or a command slider (in a second embodiment) to become partially disengaged. In the first embodiment, a command received by the safety interlock slider then moves it out of the way of the arming slider, thereby permitting the arming slider to move into its armed position. In the second embodiment, a command received by the command slider then moves it out of the way of the arming slider, thereby permitting the arming slider, under spring force, to move into its armed position.

Abstract: A fuze device for use with a detonator on munitions. A cup and ogive assembly includes an ogive post for aft axial movement upon impact of the device and activation of a spitback lead on the cup. An ogive post activates a first firing pin when the ogive is crushed. A first safe and arm (S&A) device is aligned with the centerplate assembly to provide a first detonator in both the safe and the armed condition by movement of a rotor. A second firing pin is positioned below the first S&A device. It has a blowthrough hole for alignment of the first detonator with the spitback lead. A second S&A device is below the first S&A device, and has a second detonator and rotor that rotates during spin to an armed position to expose the second detonator to the second firing pin. The second rotor is sized and shaped to always permit alignment of the first detonator with the spitback lead.

Abstract: An ignition and safety device for a grenade projectile provided with a shaped charge insert and having a bottom-side impact fuse that has a spin-dependent safety element and acceleration-dependent safety element (14, 17), and a self-destruct device. The self-destruct device includes a pyrotechnical delay segment (29) that is axially displaceable into engagement with a firing pin (30) by means of the launch acceleration and acts on a booster charge (8), which is disposed extremely off-center of the projectile axis for the projectile effective charge. Consequently, no shaped charge jet is formed during self-destruction for the projectile.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic chain igniter device for cargo warhead sub-ammunition including an explosive charge contained in an enclosure, comprising a first striker mobile in a longitudinal bore of a body for striking a primer, a slider carrying the primer, the slider being slidably mounted in a transverse groove in the body and being adapted for sliding between a safety position and an armed position, wherein the safety position is defined by the slider being misaligned with the first striker and the armed position is defined by the primer being substantially aligned with the first striker. The first striker is adapted for striking the primer when the slider is in the armed position and when the sub-ammunition impacts a target. At least one device for blocking the slider in the safety position is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a safing and arming mechanism for a fuze for a spinning projectile including a ball rotor journaled for rotation within a cavity in the fuze. A firing pin, said cavity and a booster charge lie along the longitudinal axis of the fuze. The rotor carries a stab sensitive detonator in its diametral bore. A first spring mounted on a first seat cut into the ball normally fixes the ball with the detonator, out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the fuze. A second spring mounted on a second seat cut into the ball also fixes the ball out of alignment. To release the ball, the first spring must be shifted aftwardly by setback force to a third seat cut into the ball, and the second spring must be enlarged by centrifugal force and removed from said second seat.

Abstract: The safe and arming device comprises a housing containing a setback weight movable rearwardly against the resistance of springs in response to forward acceleration of the housing. A fire tube in the housing has a fire tube opening, blocked initially by first and second swingable inertial arming lugs. The weight carries a pin having a first portion initially received in a first opening in the first lug for retaining it in its safe position. The setback of the weight withdraws the first pin portion from the first opening. Spin acceleration causes swinging of the first lug to its arming position wherein a detonator on the lug is aligned with the fire tube opening. The lug has a second opening for receiving a second pin portion when the weight is spring-returned after cessation of the acceleration, whereby the lug's arming position is maintained. The second lug has a third opening for receiving a third pin portion to maintain the safe position of the second lug.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic chain igniter device for cargo warhead submunition including an explosive charge contained in an enclosure, which includes a striker mobile in a longitudinal bore for striking a primer, a slider carrying the primer, wherein the slider is slidable between a safety position and an armed position. The safety position is defined by the primer being mis-aligned with the striker and the armed position is defined by the primer being substantially aligned with the striker. The device also includes at least one means for blocking the slider in the safety position and a neutralization means including a trigger actuated by a driving means for preventing the slider to slide into the armed position.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fuse, and safe and arm mechanism for a small active projectile is disclosed including a piezoelectric element mounted within the projectile near the leading end thereof with an impact deformable electrically conductive shell spaced from and at least partially surrounding the piezoelectric element and a resilient material substantially filling the space between the piezoelectric element and the shell. Electrical leads connect the detonator to the shell and to a rearward piezoelectric element contact so that upon projectile impact, the shell deforms compressing the piezoelectric element generating a voltage thereacross, and thereafter, the shell makes electrical connection with a piezoelectric element forward contact actuating the detonator. The safe and arm mechanism includes an interrupter located in a "safe" position between the detonator and a lead charge.

Abstract: A safe-and-arm or securing device for the fuze of a spinning or spin-stabilized projectile which includes a fuze member and a supporting member in which a spherical rotor is rotatably supported and which has a radial groove formed therein. The rotor possesses a bore having a detonator inserted therein, and in a peripheral region incorporates a grooves which extends along a plane which is axially offset relative to the radial groove, and with a spreadably or expandable restraining medium being inserted into the groove. The restraining medium releases the rotor which is retained in its secured position only subsequent to the firing of the projectile through the securing element which is spreadable and axially displaceable under the effect of axial and spin forces and which allows the rotor, after its release, to be pivoted in conjunction with the detonator into the armed position.

Abstract: A grenade projectile has a projectile housing having a fragmentation length portion; an explosive charge accommodated in the projectile housing and being surrounded by the fragmentation length portion; a forwardly acting shaped charge liner bounding the explosive charge at a front end thereof, as viewed in the flight direction of the projectile; and a percussion fuse assembly accommodated in the projectile housing behind the explosive charge as viewed in the flight direction. The percussion fuse assembly includes a percussion member, a flight acceleration-responsive first safety arrangement and a centrifugal force-responsive second safety arrangement for arming the percussion member when the projectile reaches a predetermined acceleration and a predetermined spin.

Abstract: A safe-and-arm or securing device for the fuze of a spinning or spin-stabilized projectile which includes a fuze member and a supporting member in which a spherical rotor is rotatably supported, and which has a radial groove formed therein. The rotor possesses a bore having a detonator inserted therein, and in a peripheral region incorporates a groove which extends along a plane which is axially offset relative to the radial groove, and with a spreadable or expandable restraining medium being inserted into the groove. The restraining medium releases the rotor which is retained in its secured position only subsequent to the firing of the projectile through the securing element which is spreadable and axially displaceable under the effect of axial and spin forces and which allows the rotor, after its release, to be pioted in conjuction with the detonator into the armed position.

Abstract: A spin stabilized projectile (16) containing a high explosive bursting charge (24) is provided with a safing and arming mechanism (20) comprising a safety barrier (48) for blocking the firing train between the detonator (38) and the charge (24), and two mechanical components for restraining and releasing the barrier. The two mechanical components include a conventional setback tab (76), which is responsive to forces of linear acceleration during launching of the projectile (16), and a delayed action lock ball device (67, 68), which is responsive to centrifugal forces after the projectile (16) has begun to spin. The delay in the response of the lock ball device (67, 68) to the centrifugal forces is accomplished by means of a creep ribbon (54) which prevents release of the barrier (48) until the ribbon (54) has undergone a predetermined amount of time-dependent deformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe and arm mechanism for an exploding projectile to be fired from a rifled gun. The projectile first experiences axial and angular acceleration which moves a setback ball to initially arm the mechanism. A third projectile parameter, angular velocity, functions to lock the ball in the armed position. During projectile flight, a spin actuated escapement mechanism moves toward a fully armed position, but may be precluded from reaching that fully armed position by a command arm arrangement. The projectile is then fully armed when a command arm signal releases the arrangement and the escapement mechanism is allowed to complete its motion to the fully armed position. When the projectile strikes a target, it experiences axial deceleration which moves a contact ball partway to a detonating position. After the projectile passes through the target surface and into a void, e.g.

Abstract: A rotating submunition member which, subsequent to ejection from a carrier, incorporates a target detection device projecting outwardly beyond the wall contour of the member in an operating position; and a fuze arrangement for a detonator which is disposed interiorly of the wall of the submunition. The submunition member is equipped with a securing or safe-and-arm device in which the detonator is located on a movable mounting or holder, which is displaceable through the intermediary of a spring-elastic power element from the SAFE position of the detonator into its ARMED position, when a flyweight has tensioned the power element and the target detection device is displaced into its operative position projecting beyond the wall contour of the submunition member.

Abstract: A safing and arming (S&A) device 20 for a spin stabilized projectile 16 having an electronic fuzing system 18 which produces an electrical arming signal after the projectile 16 is fired. The cylindrical S&A housing 26 has two faces 28, 30 and a blow through hole 32 through the center of housing 26. A barrier recess 34 is formed in one face 28 of the housing 26 and a detonator 40 is mounted on the other face 30 and in alignment with the blow through hole 32. A barrier 36 is pivotally mounted in the barrier recess 34. Barrier 36 is held in its safe position blocking blow through hole 32 by a set back tab 54 and a barrier latch 48. The set back tab 54 is rendered inoperative when projectile 16 is fired from a gun. Latch 48 is bent out of contact with barrier 36 by a pyrotechnic actuator 56 being activated by the arming signal. When latch 48 is disengaged from the barrier 36, barrier 36 is free to move to its armed position, in which barrier 36 no longer blocks blow through hole 32.

Abstract: A safing and arming device mounted inside the shell of small caliber ammunition for normally forming a barrier between a detonator and an explosive train contained in the shell. A soft wire of lead, aluminum or plastic material, embedded in a groove in the top of the barrier normally holds it against movement. As the result of high spin, the barrier is forced to move so as to open a path between said detonator and explosive train to enable arming after a safe delay. The barrier may be two halves tied together by the soft wire of stretchable material which will slowly stretch as the result of high spin and ultimately break, allowing the halves to move apart radially to open the path. A modification of the barrier is to normally position it eccentrically of the center of gravity, at which location it forms a barrier. High spin will effect cutting of the wire and movement of the barrier to a non-blocking position.

Abstract: A spherical safety rotor of a fuse of a spinning projectile comprises a recess to lock the rotor into its safety position. A retaining chamber for a detonator includes opposing orifices on the spherical surface. Cut-outs are provided in the rotor periphery to reduce the mass of the rotor. The cut-outs are arranged so that no portion thereof overlies a detonating chamber when the rotor is in its safety position.