Abstract: An explosive device includes a housing having an outer surface and defining an inner space; a plurality of primary liners arranged on the outer surface in a spaced pattern and having primary energetic material inwardly positioned in the housing relative to the primary liners; an initiation mechanism in the inner space for initiating the primary energetic material to drive the primary liners; and a plurality of additional liners positioned in the spaced pattern between the primary liners and having additional energetic material positioned in proximity to the primary energetic material such that the additional energetic material is sympathetically initiated by initiation of the primary energetic material. The device can find useful application in a military setting and also in the perforation of well casings in subterranean wells.

Abstract: An explosive device contains a water-reactive material that ignites upon exposure to water. The water-reactive material ignites a water-activated fuse that has a predetermined burn rate and length. The predetermined burn rate and length allows the device to sink to a desired depth before exploding. Hence, the device explodes after a desired period of time and/or at a desired depth. Defense against underwater swimmers is an advantageous feature of embodiments of the disclosure. The device can use a forty millimeter (40 mm) form factor, which permits launch of the device from convention grenade launchers.

Abstract: A method for operating a guided munition with a switchable fuze arrangement includes launching the guided munition towards a target. During flight of the guided munition, images are provided to a remote operator, who supplies a switching input. Responsive to said switching input, the fuze arrangement is switched to either of at least two of the following states: a delayed detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge is delayed by a time delay after impact of the guided munition, an impact detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge occurs on impact of the guided munition, a proximity detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge is triggered by a proximity sensing arrangement, and a disabled state in which the guided munition functions as a guided kinetic shell without detonation of the explosive charge.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

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: A rotational variable pyrotechnic delay selector for munitions which permits the selection of various ignition delays. Advantageously, the variable delay selector is configurable for a variety of field conditions and targets and is adaptable to a number of munitions systems and pyrotechnic ignition mixtures and delays.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: A system that guides an airborne weapon toward a target, in order for the weapon to fuze at the target, so as to increase the probability of kill of the target. The system uses a lethality database that lists the various vulnerabilities for each target so that the weapon may fuze at a point that achieves maximum exploitation of the vulnerabilities. The system continually updates during weapon fly out in order to continually update the best achievable aim point for the weapon based on the changing encounter geometry between weapon and target.

Abstract: A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target. Further, the fusing system may include a shaped charge to control the ignition of the main explosive charge to control the amount of collateral damage when the bomb casing is filled with high explosives.

Abstract: A SAFE and ARM mechanism is includes an elongated casing having a first end and a second end. A high-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the first end and a low-G force firing pin is arranged relatively near to the second end. A detonator is arranged between the high-G force firing pin and the first end. When a G-force within a first range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the low-G force firing pin is displaced to strike a portion of the high-G force firing pin, and if a G-force within a second range of magnitudes is applied to the casing along its longitudinal axis, the high-G force firing pin is displaced to strike the detonator. The device may become ARMED in response to a centrifugal force generated by spinning the casing on its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of ammunition types to be used against a wide set of targets. At least two explosive charges are made use of in cooperation. Each of the explosive charges has changeable characteristics and is arranged to mutually cooperate in different ways depending on the particular changeable characteristics given to the explosive charges in a specific case and the type of target to be combated. An ammunition device admitting a reduction of the amount of ammunition types to be used. At least two cooperating explosive charges are arranged in a row along the direction of movement of the ammunition device when activated. Each of the explosive charges is switchable between at least two operating conditions having different operating characteristics.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.

Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating, the fuze mounting assembly includes a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral flange for securing to the fuze well.

Abstract: A method to ensure payload activation of ordnance independently of a preset period of time including the steps of providing a power source to a clock, a detonator and a trigger circuit; the clock providing an initial count and a terminal count; the initial count providing a trigger signal to the trigger; the trigger circuit providing a terminal count signal to a self-destruct system if a malfunction results in no clock operation.

Abstract: A fuze for a projectile has a firing assembly for firing a main charge of the projectile and a delay detonator for firing the firing assembly after a delay time which is defined by a burning distance of a delay charge. The delay detonator has a housing with a fuze half in which it is fired and a detonator half which contains a detonator charge for firing the firing assembly. In order to prevent the projectile from misfiring as a result of premature detonation of the delay detonator, the housing has a relief opening in the fuze half, with an opening cross section that can be passed through freely in the firing state of the delay detonator.

Abstract: A method to ensure payload activation of ordnance independently of a preset period of time including the steps of providing a power source to a clock, a detonator and a trigger circuit; the clock providing an initial count and a terminal count; the initial count providing a trigger signal to the trigger; the trigger circuit providing a terminal count signal to a self-destruct system if a malfunction results in no clock operation.

Abstract: A multi-mode fuze includes first and second microprocessors, the first microprocessor being connected to a resistor/capacitor oscillator and the second microprocessor being connected to a quartz crystal oscillator, the first and second microprocessors being connected to each other, the second microprocessor being operable to time calibrate the first microprocessor; a safe and arm device connected to the first microprocessor; power storage capacitors connected to the first microprocessor; a nose mounted impact switch connected to the first microprocessor; at least one impact delay circuit connected to the first microprocessor; and at least one acceleration switch connected to the first microprocessor.

Abstract: A fuze for a weapon configured as a projectable device is provided to reduce the mechanical amplification of impact and penetration shock to a fuze-mounted accelerometer when a projectable device including the fuze encounters a target. The fuze includes a fuze housing having an outer surface, a flange extending radially from the outer surface of the fuze housing, and an acceleration sensor connected to the flange. The flange may include one or more axial holes to enable attachment of the fuze to a projectable device. A penetrating weapon projectable device and a method for installing a fuze for a projectable device are also provided.

Abstract: A fuze mounting assembly for a penetrating weapon configured as a projectable device, the fuze mounting assembly having fasteners, a fuze well and a fuze. The fuze includes an integral bolt flange for securing to the fuze well with the fasteners, wherein an amplification of acceleration of less than 3.0 is satisfied when the penetrating weapon is subjected to impact and penetration shock. Additionally, a projectable device having the fuze is provided. Also, a fuze mounting and a method for mounting a fuze are provided.

Abstract: An electronic safe arm & fire (ESAF) device has a common module and a pair of programmable devices that are readily configurable to different missile types. The ESAF device has a first static arming switch that is controlled by the first programmable device and a second static arming switch that is controlled by the second programmable device. The ESAF device has a firing module that has an exploding foil initiator. The common module and the firing module can be configured as a standalone module in close proximity to a warhead or can be integrated into a warhead. The common module has some inputs that are used by all the missiles in a group for the same signals; some inputs that are used by all the missiles, but for different signals; and, some inputs that are used by some of the missile, but not by all of the missiles. The common module has an input port for a separation signal, a communications port for a fuze data signal, and an input port for a signal that can be used to determine safe separation.

Abstract: A projectile includes a pyrotechnical detonation chain arranged to be ignited in response to a launching of the projectile. The chain includes two successive spaced-apart portions that are spaced apart to prevent ignition from being transferred therebetween. One of the portions is movable into contact with the other. A holder imposes a yieldable retaining force (e.g., friction, or shear pin) against the movable portion. That force can be overcome by momentum of the movable portion when the projectile strikes a target, whereupon the movable portion moves into contact with, and ignites, the other portion.

Abstract: In a weapons system of the type in which a round having a case is fired from a gun, the round including a fuze processor, the round further made up of a firing circuit having a resistor and also having two contacts in the case of the round, the gun having two contacts which contact the two contacts of the round when the round is in the gun and ready to fire, the gun being fired by applying a voltage in excess of a certain threshold to the contacts of the round via the contacts of the gun, the weapons system including a fire control system outside the gun.

Abstract: A method for contactless inductive transmission of programming data to a programmable time fuse included in a shell for a single shot, semi-automatic, or fully automatic shell firing barrel weapon. While the shell is situated in a cartridge chamber of a barrel of the weapon, data is transmitted to the programmable time fuse from a programming device of the weapon via a transmitting coil arranged around the cartridge chamber of the barrel to a receiving coil arranged in the shell. At least a part of the barrel lying between the coils is replaced by a non-magnetic material and designed so that it does not form an electrically conductive short circuited layer that would prevent transmission between the coils.

Abstract: A shell-firing barrel weapon system for a single shot, semi-automatic or fully automatic firing, including a rifled barrel comprising a programming member for programming with programming pulses fuses in shells fired from the weapon before or in conjunction with firing of the shells. At least one contact is located in the barrel of the weapon and connected to the programming member for transmitting a programming pulse from the programming member to the fuses of the shells. The at least one contact is electrically insulated from the barrel and protrudes into the barrel beyond bars of rifling of the barrel. An electrically conductive contact ring is concentrically arranged on the shells. The contact ring is electrically insulated from main parts of the shells and has an external diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the bars of the rifling of the barrel.

Abstract: A penetrating, dual-mode warhead having soft target, surface burst mode and a hard target, penetrating mode is provided. The warhead has a cylindri outer fragmenting shell which contains an explosive surround. A long-rod penetrator with an explosive payload is located within the outer fragmenting shell. By arming selection prior to launch, the warhead can be configured for the surface burst mode which uses proximity sensor to initiate the outer shell explosive. The outer shell initiates the penetrator payload thereby detonating both explosives and fragmenting both the shell and penetrator casing. In the penetrating mode, the outer shell is stripped away on impact but is initiated just as the penetrator exits the shell. By this method the penetrator remains undamaged, but the outer shell nevertheless detonates to engage any surface targets. The penetrator continues into the hardened target, detonating on either a void sensor or on timing, whichever occurs first.

Abstract: A trimode fuze is provided which comprises a combination of a standard dual ode fuze with the addition of a void sensing mechanism. The modified fuze provides detonation of a warhead under three distinct scenarios: impact upon a hard target with detonation caused by the deformation of the warhead, displacing the hard target firing pin, penetration and continuous deceleration within a solid target with detonation caused by the expiration of a penetration delay timer, and penetration of a soft target with detonation caused by the transition from a target impact deceleration to the lower preset deceleration threshold.The first two modes of detonation are similar to those found in prior art dual mode fuzes. The third mode is brought about when target impact deceleration causes compression of a spring. As the spring compresses, steel balls slide out of a locking mechanism.

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 fuse plug pyrotechnic firing device includes a body, a pyrotechnic train, firing pin and a driving device. The body has an axis and a bore disposed along the axis. The pyrotechnic train is disposed along the axis and includes an upper part and a lower part. The firing pin has a firing pin axis and is disposed within the bore between the upper part and the lower part. The firing pin is also disposed to ignite the lower part. The driving device is coupled to the firing pin and to the upper part. The driving device drives the firing pin to move along the firing pin axis and to ignite the lower part, the firing pin rotating about the firing pin axis under pressure of gases generated by the ignition of the lower part. As a result, safe and effective operation of the fuse plug pyrotechnic firing device is ensured.

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: A launchable a fin-stabilized round having an HE warhead that is fully telescoped in a cartridge case. The round has a forward, cone-shaped nose section, a base section with a booster cavity and a high-explosive (HE) cavity located therebetween. An HE charge is positioned in the HE cavity and a booster charge is positioned in the booster cavity. A time fuze, mounted in the booster cavity, has a presettable counter that is set by the gunner at firing via a hardwire data link through an electric primer. The tiem fuze will fire the booster charge a predetermined time period after the round is launched to enable a normally disabled proximity fuze that is mounted in the nose section. The proximity fuze will detonate the HE charge upon detection of a proximate target. Also mounted in the nose section is a contact switch for detonating the HE charge upon impact with a hard target.

Abstract: A fluid sensitive, polarity sensitive safety detonator system for use in a perforating gun assembly is disclosed. The detonator system is housed within the perforating gun housing and is operatively connected to surface located detonating means. A non-electric detonator is selectively coupled with an electrically fired detonator so that the detonators are not coupled during transit, during arming of the device, during assembly of the device and at all other times. A polarity sensitive circuit selectively arms the detonator assembly and a safety interlock system automatically grounds the detonator assembly upon intrusion of borehole fluids within the peforating gun housing.

Abstract: A multiconnector whereby a primary length of low energy fuse can be connected to a selected number of secondary lengths of low energy fuse has an inlet port into which an end of the primary length can be inserted and a number of outlet ports into which ends of secondary lengths of fuse can be inserted. The outlet ports and the inlet port communicate via internal passages. The outlet port may be closed by removable plugs or rupturable membranes so that those outlet ports that are not used do not establish a communication path between the inlet port and the atmosphere or the multiconnector may have two parts that are relatively displaceable so that the number of outlet ports that communicate with the inlet port can be set by relative displacement of the two parts.

Abstract: This portable munition system has multiple modes of operation with the sensor inputs, output actuator circuits, and timing requirements determined by the control electronics. A self-check is performed initially before the munition can be armed. An indicator light driven by the electronics circuitry provides status information to the operator. The warhead can be aimed with integral sights.

Abstract: A fuze for a projectile-forming or fragment-forming, in essence, a spine or barb-forming charge, which affords that two detonating locations which are necessary for the splinter or fragment formation, are concurrently triggered in the region of the circumference of the charge. Through-extending bores are provided in a cover plate for the charge at the end facing towards the fuze, the bores containing a centrally located booster or intensifying charge, and spatially separated therefrom at lateral secure distances, two further booster or intensifying charges positioned diametrically opposite each other, whereby the further booster charges are interconnected through a rapidly reacting transmitting charge arranged in a V-shaped triggering passageway, two detonators being arranged in a slider at a distance from each other, and the detonators in the armed position, respectively, correlate with the central booster charge and with the detonating location for the transmitting charge.

Abstract: A warhead having a longitudinal axis comprises a housing containing an explosive charge and an axially displaceable firing pin assembly. The latter has a hollow body, as well as an initial fuse, a final fuse and a pyrotechnical delay segment installed in the hollow body. An axially oriented point projects from the pin body, and a needle is affixed to the housing and is oriented axially in a direction toward the initial fuse. A first safety slide is radially displaceably held in the housing for blocking an axial motion of the firing pin assembly towards the needle, and a second safety slide is radially displaceably held in the housing for blocking an axial motion of the firing pin assembly in a direction away from the needle. A detonator is held in the second safety slide such that in one position of the second safety slide it is out of axial alignment with the point and in another position thereof it is in axial alignment with the point for allowing contact between the point and the detonator.

Abstract: An impact or percussion detonator including a detonator cap which is piercable by a striker or firing pin actuated by a spring force from the rear end of the detonator, including a mechanical retarding or delay arrangement incorporating blocking members which, in their blocking position are located, on the one side, in recesses provided in the striker and on the other side, in recesses provided in a detonator component. The detonator component is constituted of an axially movable securing sleeve, and a recess which receives the blocking members is provided a base member fastened to a housing of the detonator at a distance in the direction towards detonating.

Abstract: A multi-path impact type, inertia class, igniter for use with both rotating and non-rotating projectiles or warheads includes two or more stab type "firing pins" that are arranged in a plane which is at 90.degree. to the center-line of the projectile. The firing pins are equally spaced apart on the plane and each bears directly upon a safety rupture-disc. The rupture-discs bear directly upon stab type primers, there being one primer per disc. Each firing pin has a sloped "conic" surface forming a cam which is in direct contact with a conic body-of-rotation inertia mass which lies on the projectile center-line. Upon impact, the conic shaped mass moves forward at a high rate forcing the firing pins outward at a much reduced velocity relative to that of impact. The moving firing pins pierce the rupture-discs and enter the stab primers, thereby causing the actuation of the latter.

Abstract: An electric ignition device having a pyrotechnical delay portion and a pyrotechnical ignition portion enclosed in a container. A first conducting ignition element is supported adjacent the delay portion and a second conducting ignition element is supported adjacent the ignition portion. The elements are connected in series to receive a voltage input from an external source. The first element is dimensioned so that it will heat to an ignition temperature in response to a particular low voltage level and will conduct when a higher second voltage level is applied. The second element will heat to an ignition temperature only when the second voltage level is applied. If the first voltage level is applied, the first element heats and ignites the delay portion and the delay portion burns at a particular rate for a characteristic delay interval and then ignites the ignition portion. If the second voltage is applied, the second element heats to rapidly ignite the ignition portion.

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: An electric ignition device having a pyrotechnical delay portion and a pyrotechnical ignition portion enclosed in a container. A first conducting ignition element is supported adjacent the delay portion and a second conducting ignition element is supported adjacent the ignition portion. The elements are connected in series to receive a voltage input from an external source. The first element is dimensioned so that it will heat to an ignition temperature in response to a particular low voltage level and will conduct when a higher second voltage level is applied. The second element will heat to an ignition temperature only when the second voltage level is applied. If the first voltage level is applied, the first element heats and ignites the delay portion and the delay portion burns at a particular rate for a characteristic delay interval and then ignites the ignition portion. If the second voltage is applied, the second element heats to rapidly ignite the ignition portion.

Abstract: A fuze for projectiles having electronic circuitry therein for receiving radiated signals having a fusible link connected to the electronic circuitry for altering the operation of the electronic circuitry and a threshold detector for sensing the rupture of the link to place the fuze in a first mode of operation when the link is ruptured prior to firing of the projectile and in a second mode of operation when the link is ruptured within a predetermined time period subsequent to firing of the projectile.

Abstract: Electric circuitry for fuze mode selection and safe and arm function in an nti-ship guided missile is disclosed. Circuitry provides optional proximity fuze selection, and automatic proximity fuze lockout in case of direct target impact. Target proximity encounter results in instantaneous warhead detonation while direct target impact results in delayed warhead detonation to provide time for target penetration.