Abstract: A stand-off breaching device (20) for breaching a barrier, comprising a housing (21), an explosive main charge (24) having a barrier-end (25) and a rear-end (26), a detonator (29), and means for initiating the detonator (27) when the explosive main charge (24) is at a preselected distance from a barrier. The detonator (29) is configured to detonate explosive main charge (24) at the rear-end (26) such that the resultant detonation wave propagates through the explosive main charge (24) towards the barrier-end (25) and the barrier being breached. This configuration provides more efficient transfer of explosively generated overpressure towards a barrier, thereby enabling the use of explosive main charges (24) with reduced mass, and the associated improvements in operator safety. The breaching device (20) is particularly suited to use in door breaching operations.

Abstract: A thermal cutter device for cutting downhole objects in a reservoir wellbore, wherein the device lacks moving parts, and thus is more robust and less failure prone than prior art thermal cutter.

Abstract: A “mini-severing and back-off” tool includes a tubular magazine for a column of explosive pellets that are sized in diameter to provide a predetermined weight of explosive per unit column length. The tubular wall is vented at prescribed intervals for fluid pressure equalization between the internal bore of the tubular and the fluid pressure around the outside of the tubular. A fluid barrier is positioned between one end of the explosive pellet tubular and a detonator or an explosive booster provided to detonate the explosive pellet tubular. The explosive pellet tubular is positioned within the flow bore of a pipe string and adjacent to an intended pipe joint, and the explosive pellet tubular is detonated simultaneously with an application of torque on the pipe string, wherein the torque is applied in the thread release direction to disassemble the intended pipe joint.

Abstract: An initiator assembly with a housing, an exploding foil initiator, an input charge, which is formed of an energetic material, and a support plate. The exploding foil initiator has a base coupled to the housing, a bridge mounted to the base, a flyer overlying the bridge, and a barrel. The barrel is coupled to the base and defines a channel through which the flyer traverses when the exploding foil initiator is activated. The support plate supports an axial end of the input charge and is interposed in a path of travel of the flyer between the bridge and the input charge. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include causing a shock model to predict perforating effects for a proposed perforating string, optimizing a compliance curve of at least one proposed coupler, thereby mitigating the perforating effects for the proposed perforating string, and providing at least one actual coupler having substantially the same compliance curve as the proposed coupler. A well system can comprise a perforating string including at least one perforating gun and multiple couplers, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and at least two of the compliance curves being different from each other. A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include interconnecting multiple couplers spaced apart in a perforating string, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and selecting the compliance curves based on predictions by a shock model of shock generated by the perforating string.

Abstract: A radial-linear shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the booster explosive packed intimately into a booster aperture that is bored axially through the charge upper end plate. The cutter explosive is initiated at the interface between the upper margin of the cutter explosive and the contiguous inside surface of the upper end plate. This interface is within a critical initiation distance from the half charge juncture plane. In one embodiment, a half charge liner is configured as the assembly of two, coaxial, frusto-cones with the smaller cone diverging from the half charge juncture plane at a smaller angle than the outer cone. In another embodiment, the liner thickness increases from the juncture plane out to the liner perimeter.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.

Abstract: A detonator assembly is provided. The detonator assembly comprises a deflagration to detonation transition body, a first thermally stable secondary explosive contained by the body, and a bulkhead coupled to the deflagration to detonation transition body. The bulkhead contains pressure within the body associated with firing the detonator assembly at least until a transition from a deflagration operation mode of the detonator assembly to a detonation operation mode of the detonator assembly has occurred. A second thermally stable secondary explosive may alternatively be included in the deflagration to detonation transition body, either separated from the first thermally stable secondary explosive or mixed with the first thermally stable secondary explosive. The detonator assembly comprises effectively no primary explosive.

Abstract: The invention represents a novel system for controlling the yield of an explosive charge that enables the explosive yield to be selected or decreased from full-yield detonation incrementally down to low-yield detonation using a continuous linear shaped charge jet spiraled around the main charge explosive and deflagrating a selected portion of the main charge explosive. The spiral linear shaped charge jet initiation system activates and projects a liner in a radial direction across a diameter of the main charge explosive in a spiral around its axis at a preselected deflagration velocity toward a main-charge detonation shock front reducing the main charge explosive.

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 perforating charge for use in a wellbore includes an explosive and a liner to be collapsed by detonation of the explosive. The liner includes at least a first liner portion and a second liner portion which have different cohesiveness.

Abstract: A lightweight man-packable system for breaching in a single application reinforced structure such as steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls. Embodiments comprise two explosive charge arrays installed in a housing that is abutted against a wall using either studs or prop sticks. One embodiment positions a secondary linear shaped charge (LSC) or self-forming fragment charge (SFF) spaced apart from a primary high explosive (HE) charge that contacts the structure. The HE is detonated to remove concrete in a pattern sufficient to enable a human to transit the resultant opening and the secondary charge cuts the reinforcement shortly thereafter enabling a “clean” breach via a single application of the system. In select embodiments the second array is positioned on a hinged frame to increase stand-off from the first array and moves into place to detonate over the opening immediately after detonation of the first array.

Abstract: A perforating charge for use in a wellbore includes an explosive and a liner to be collapsed by detonation of the explosive. The liner includes at least a first liner portion and a second liner portion which have different cohesiveness.

Abstract: A perforating charge for use in a wellbore includes an explosive and a liner to be collapsed by detonation of the explosive. The liner includes at least a first liner portion and a second liner portion which have different cohesiveness.

Abstract: A radial-linear shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the booster explosive packed intimately into a booster aperture that is bored axially through the charge upper end plate. The cutter explosive is initiated at the interface between the upper margin of the cutter explosive and the contiguous inside surface of the upper end plate. This interface is within a critical initiation distance from the half charge juncture plane. In one embodiment, a half charge liner is configured as the assembly of two, coaxial, frusto-cones with the smaller cone diverging from the half charge juncture plane at a smaller angle than the outer cone. In another embodiment, the liner thickness increases from the juncture plane out to the liner perimeter.

Abstract: A lightweight man-packable system for breaching in a single application reinforced structure such as steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls. Embodiments comprise two explosive charge arrays installed in a housing that is abutted against a wall using either studs or prop sticks. One embodiment positions a secondary linear shaped charge (LSC) or self-forming fragment charge (SFF) spaced apart from a primary high explosive (HE) charge that contacts the structure. The HE is detonated to remove concrete in a pattern sufficient to enable a human to transit the resultant opening and the secondary charge cuts the reinforcement shortly thereafter enabling a “clean” breach via a single application of the system. In select embodiments the second array is positioned on a hinged frame to increase stand-off from the first array and moves into place to detonate over the opening immediately after detonation of the first array.

Abstract: A radial-linear shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the booster explosive packed intimately into a booster aperture that is bored axially through the charge upper end plate. The cutter explosive is initiated at the interface between the upper margin of the cutter explosive and the contiguous inside surface of the upper end plate. This interface is within a critical initiation distance from the half charge juncture plane. In one embodiment, a half charge liner is configured as the assembly of two, coaxial, frusto-cones with the smaller cone diverging from the half charge juncture plane at a smaller angle than the outer cone. In another embodiment, the liner thickness increases from the juncture plane out to the liner perimeter.

Abstract: A tandem shaped charge warhead having a forward charge and a rear charge mounted in tandem along a charge axis. The forward charge has a shaped charge liner with an explosive surrounding it, along with a metallic confinement housing surrounding the explosive and liner, with a retaining ring at the front to secure the liner to the confinement housing. The confinement housing has a cavity between the explosive and its' exterior surface which houses a booster and detonator. The rear charge is a conventional shaped charge warhead with a conical liner. A delay timing means is provided for imparting an activation delay in the detonations of the charges from the forward to the rear charge. In one embodiment, a lightweight blast shield is placed between the forward and the rear charge. The tandem system is capable of time delays which exceed the state-of-the-art by more than factor of four.

Abstract: A projectile casing is designed to insure proper operation of the charges located therein. The charges are spaced by spacer tubes constructed such that the tubes are dispersed radially after the detonation of the preliminary charge without adversely affecting the effect of the following main charge by shock waves and/or vibrations. Solid shock barriers and damping members are provided in addition to a thin-walled projectile casing. Such a construction has proved successful, in particular, for tandem hollow charges, and also for use against active armour plating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating apparatus and method for externally perforating a wellbore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers. Each pressure chamber is positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: A projectile comprises an imaging seeker at a front of the projectile; a front warhead behind the imaging seeker; a power supply; an electronics unit connected to the power supply and comprising a microprocessor circuit board, a voltage regulator circuit board, an inertial measurement circuit board and a fuze and safe and arm circuit board, all electrically connected to each other, the microprocessor circuit board also being connected to the imaging seeker; a rear warhead, the front and rear warheads being electrically connected to the safe and arm circuit board; a rocket motor electrically connected to the electronics unit; foldable fins mounted at the rear of the projectile; a shell that encases the front warhead, the power supply, the electronics unit, the rear warhead and the rocket motor; and a maneuver mechanism disposed in the shell and electrically connected to the microprocessor circuit board.

Abstract: Hollow charges are often used for combating moving, lightly armored targets and do not fulfill their task due to relatively small effective charges which arrive at the target. When using blasting charges for civilian purposes, large borings must often be made at inaccessible positions without substantially affecting the environment. A shape charge (8) having a lining (3) which explodes outward in the axial area thereof punches an overcalibrated opening in the target area. A large effective charge (7) or other elements can be inserted through said opening. According to the invention, the delayed ignition of a large effective charge (7) results in a massively increased effect thereof in the target. The ammunition body (1) is provided for use predominantly in combating moving, lightly armored targets, but can also be used for oil exploration and delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ammunition unit in the form of a shell or the like, with at least two warheads connected via a supporting structure. In order to prevent the impact from the first activated warhead reaching the warheads situated to the rear, and to prevent an interference effect on these warheads, according to the invention a structure-dividing charge is arranged in the supporting structure in order to divide the structure into two separate parts.

Abstract: A joint for a shell with at least a first charge unit and a second charge unit arranged in series one after the other is provided. The charge units include one shaped charge each. The charges are designed to be detonated one after the other with a time separation between the detonations. In order to suppress the interference to an undetonated charge by a shock wave generated by the detonation of a previously detonated charge, the joint that connects the charge units has been designed in a special way. The joint includes a damping section parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, that mechanically fastens together the two charge units. In addition a rigid support device is connected to the damping section and dimensioned so that when the damping section is in an unstressed state there is a clearance in the longitudinal axis of the device between the two charge units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative, safe, explosive device. The device has many potential fields of utility, including, but not limited to mining, oil exploration, seismology, and particularly to shaped charges. These shaped charges may be used as a well perforation system using energetic, electrically-activated reactive blends in place of high explosives. The reactive blends are highly impact inert and relatively thermally inert until activated. The proposed system requires no conventional explosives and it is environmentally benign. The system and its components can be shipped and transported easily with little concern for premature explosion. It also needs no special handling or packing. The performance in oil and gas well perforation can be expected to exceed that of conventional explosive techniques.

Abstract: A guided missile which can be fired as a mortar projectile with armour-piercing hollow-charge warhead behind a seeking head for autonomous or semi-autonomous final phase guidance is to be capable of use for universal use from the same mortar weapon selectively against hard-armoured targets and against concreted protective constructions. For that purpose provided in front of the blast-forming main hollow charge is a boring hollow charge which is also blast-forming but slower and of higher mass and which, in the event of impact against a target, clears in a region-wise manner the reactive additional armouring of an armoured vehicle or penetrates the concrete wall of a protection arrangement. Upon impact against the target, a sub-calibre post-firing fragmentation explosive charge is released due to inertia from its holder in order to detonate after passing through the hole in the concrete wall therebehind or in the event of impact against a hard target to produce secondary effects against sensor elements.

Abstract: In a tandem warhead, the preliminary shaped charge (5) is arranged at the front end of a spacer (9) which is displaceable toward the front in a guide (12) provided in the preliminary structure (13) of the warhead. Shearing pins (14) are provided for fixing the spacer (9) in the pushed in position. A pyrotechnical element (16) is fastened at the spacer (9). The spacer (9) is provided at its rear end with an annular element (28) which contacts the lining (3) of the main charge (1) in the pushed in position. A pressure space (32) is accordingly formed, so that a high pressure is achieved when the pyrotechnical element (16) is fired, whereupon a recoil occurs due to the propellant gases of the pyrotechnical element (14) flowing out through nozzles (25), which recoil ensures a gentle starting of the spacer (9) into the moved out position.

Abstract: The warhead comprises a preliminary shaped charge, a coaxial main shaped charge which is arranged at a distance from the latter, and an arrangement for increasing the axial distance between the preliminary shaped charge and the main shaped charge, which arrangement consists of a tube, in which the preliminary shaped charge is supported, a propelling charge, which is arranged behind the preliminary shaped charge, and a supporting device for the tube. The preliminary shaped charge is held in the tube by means of one or more shearing pins, wherein both the tube and the supporting device are provided in the ogive portion of the warhead with a cooperating catch device, so that the tube can be moved from the moved-in rest position into a moved-out working position after the ignition of the propelling charge for the preliminary shaped charge and can be caught in that position.

Abstract: In a shaped-charge device, the liner is so shaped that bulges are formed in the jet without causing the jet to deviate from the central axis. The shaped-charge device includes a case defining an axisymmetrical forwardly-opening cavity uniformly disposed about a central axis; an axisymmetrical, homogeneous-material, liner of variable thickness defining a forwardly-opening cavity having a closed apex, with the cavity being uniformly disposed within the casing about the central axis; and explosive material symmetrically disposed between the casing and the liner. The liner is so shaped that in response to the explosive material being detonated to thereby explode, the liner is progressively collapsed inward by the exploding material to be formed into a fluid jet of the homogeneous liner material that is forwardly expelled at a varying velocity from the casing along the central axis, with the forward portion of the jet being squeezed from the apex of the collapsing liner.

Abstract: This invention involves a warhead, for use against armor containing several reactive stages, specifically, an anti-tank warhead, of a type comprising shape charges acting sequentially from front to rear and separated by protective elements. It includes:a front module containing at least two tandem-mounted shape charges (1, 2) whose caliber is between 25 and 50% of the caliber of the warhead, with a delay of 100 to 500 microseconds between their respective initiations; anda main charge (3) whose caliber is the same as that of the warhead and which is initiated after a delay of 200 to 2000 microseconds after initiation of the rear charge in the front module.Applications involve shells, rockets or missiles intended to attack multi-stage, spaced, composite or reactive armor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tandem warhead with a secondary projectile. An explosives gas protector shields the secondary projectile with respect to a hollow charge located in front of the secondary projectile, and wherein the housing possesses a conical section having a tubular segment of smaller diameter arranged thereon, whereby a bottom is provided on the tubular section which opposite the hollow charge has the secondary projectile smaller in caliber and at its circumference includes a screwthread into which there engages a screwthread of the tubular section, and whereby the secondary projectile contacts against the bottom under prestressing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tandem warhead with a preliminary charge (1) and a main charge (2) respectively each with an associated fuse (3, 4).So that on ignition two fuses (3, 4) which are completely identical can be used, piezoelectrical percussion fuses (3, 4) are used which can be triggered by shockwaves. To establish the delay period of the fuses (3, 4) the housing construction, the arrangement of the fuses (3, 4) and the material composition of the housing (5) are to be selected in such a way that the propagation time of the shockwave imparts the required delay period.

Abstract: An explosive device with a hollow charge of the type including a main warhead with a wave shaper and a primary warhead for the penetration of active primary armor. The primary warhead comprises a hollow charge provided at the apex of the main warhead and separated from the latter by wave transmitting means in the form of a third hollow charge placed inverted relative to the other two hollow charges, the primary warhead also acting as a wave shaper for the main warhead.

Abstract: The invention provides a linear explosive cutting or fracturing charge comprising a plurality of elements connected together for articulation. Each element comprises a body portion (1) defining a recess (9) for containing explosive material and connecting means (2) whereby a plurality of elements can be connected together for articulation.

Abstract: A hypervelocity projectile launcher for use in perforating borehole casings provides improved penetration into the surrounding rock structure. The launcher includes a first cylinder of explosive material that defines an axial air-filled cavity, a second cylinder of explosive material defining an axial frustum-shaped cavity abutting and axially aligned with the first cylinder. A pliant washer is located between and axially aligned with the first and second cylinders. The frustum shaped cavity is lined with a metal liner effective to form a projectile when the first and second cylinders are detonated. The washer forms a unique intermediate projectile in advance of the liner projectile and enables the liner projectile to further penetrate into and fracture the adjacent rock structure.

Abstract: An explosive charge for underwater use comprising a shaped charge behind a ain charge. The shaped charge is detonated, propelling a jet from the liner of the shaped charge through a tube extending through the main charge. When the jet passes through the water, it creates a cavity behind it. The main charge is detonated after a delay sufficient to allow the explosive energy to enter the cavity before the cavity begin to collapse.

Abstract: A fuzing system for use in operating tandem demolition warheads to sequentially activate a propellant on the rear of a follow through charge, detonate a forward shaped charge and detonate the follow through charge after a brief delay. An interface charge is located proximate to blasting caps. A first fuze responsive to the interface charge is configured to ignite the propellant and to arm the first arming assembly. A second fuze responsive to the interface charge is configured to arm the second arming assembly. A first arming assembly containing a first firing pin is located proximate to the follow through charge. A delay fuze is interposed between the first primary charge and the follow through charge. A second arming assembly containing a second firing pin is located proximate to the forward-shaped charge. In the armed state, a primary explosives are interposed between the firing pins and the follow through charge and forward shaped charge.

Abstract: A delay fuse for a warhead (1) including at least two charges (3, 8) for sequential detonation disposed inside a casing (2). The delay fuse comprises a screen (6) movable in a longitudinal axial direction inside the casing (2) and under the effect of the first charge detonating, from a starting position to a destination position in which it acts on control means (12) for firing a second charge. The fuse includes a component of compressible material (13) disposed inside the casing between the screen (6) and the control means (12). The invention is applicable to shells, rockets, or missiles.

Abstract: A munition and method for making a borehole in a target and for placement an explosive unit in the borehole. The munition includes an outer body having a chamber, an inner body disposed in the chamber and having a cavity, a piston disposed in the cavity forming a rear space, the outer body having a front shaped charge wall, the chamber having a first explosive and detonator, a penetrator partly disposed in the cavity and extending through a front wall of the inner body, and a second detonator and explosive disposed in a penetrator compartment.

Abstract: A warhead (10') which includes a shaped or projectile forming charge in the form of a liner (14) of a multi-phase metallic material or a metal-metal laminate. To prevent the liner (14) from being destroyed by the incoming shock wave and make impossible the formation of a projectile, that is, a shaped charge jet, a layer (15) is arranged, in front of the liner (14) on the side of the explosive, with the layer (15) causing the shock wave front to be flattened and damped and having an acoustic impedance which is lower than that of the liner (14).

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

Abstract: A high explosive assembly and a method are disclosed for projecting a long od at high velocity with enhanced penetrating energy. The high explosive assembly has an elongated core of a first high explosive having a first Chapman-Jouguet detonation velocity, an elongated liner positioned substantially along the longitudinal axis of the core, and an elongated jacket of a second high explosive encasing the core and having a second Chapman-Jouguet detonation velocity greater than the core Chapman-Jouguet detonation velocity. The jacket high explosive, upon detonation, continuously initiates detonation of the core high explosive by an imposed oblique detonation front which converges toward the center of the detonating core with time, until a trailing mach stem emerges therefrom as detonation progresses.

Abstract: A tandem warhead missile arrangement that has a composite material housing structure with a first warhead mounted at one end and a second warhead mounted near another end of the composite structure with a dome shaped composite material blast shield mounted between the warheads to protect the second warhead from the blast of the first warhead.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-fragmenting explosive device for perforating a target injecting a material through the perforation to disrupt structure behind the target. The device is particularly adapted to safely disarm unexploded explosive devices such as bombs without detonation of the bomb. The device includes an outer covering of explosive material for explosively confining the disruptive material to a well defined shape for total injection into the target.

Abstract: The funnel- or bowl-shaped insert for hollow charges consists of a hollow body (10) which is produced and shaped from a copper monocrystal obtained through crystal growth. The growth orientation is the (111) main orientation. It coincides with the longitudinal axis of the hollow body. For production using the Bridgman zone melting process a mould is proposed consisting of an inner and outer mould section (18, 20). Both mould sections may be moved axially in relation to each other and will be brought into their terminal position determined by stop (26) during the melting process.

Abstract: In the inventive shaped charge, the main charge and the propagating charge are held together solely by the barrier. This union is possible (and is distinguished by pronounced freedom from flaws) because the barrier is produced directly in the cavity in which it is to remain and is able to conform with the utmost accuracy to the surfaces of the charges. The barrier is advantageously formed under vacuum. Factors to be considered in the selection of the barrier material are its fluidifiability, its solidification and shrinkage behavior, and its compatibility with the explosive. Suitable barrier materials include single- or two-component foams, casting compounds, resins and adhesives.

Abstract: A precursor warhead for a high-explosive, anti-armor (HEAA) warhead is provided. The precursor warhead is a cylindrically-shaped attachment adapted for a friction fit over the nose cone of existing HEAA warheads. The precursor warhead has an instantaneous fuse which initiates a precursor penetrator which causes early detonation of reactive armor, thereby protecting the main charge and penetrator on the HEAA round from damage. The precursor warhead replaces the existing crush switch on the HEAA round and also initiates, with appropriate time delay, the main explosive charge.

Abstract: This invention involves a hard target penetrating warhead designed to penetrate several layers of a target. A standard warhead casing is divided into several compartments with each compartment separated by a shock-absorbing shield. Explosive fill in contained within each compartment. The shock-absorbing shield inhibits the dynamic shock produced by detonating a compartment, thus preventing sympathetic detonation of adjoining compartments. Each compartment also contains a delay element, which permits each compartment to be ignited at the desired time. This allows the warhead to destroy a layer of a target then proceed to the next layer or layers, eliminating the need for several missiles to destroy the entire target.

Abstract: A tandem warhead arrangement that has a booster motor mounted between first nd second warheads with the booster motor providing penetrator structure for the second warhead and a blast shield portion for protecting the second warhead from the blast of the first warhead.