Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.

Abstract: A tactical device holster (TDH) system is described that is a complete carry and deployment solution allowing for split-second deployment of hand-held non-lethal/lethal deployable devices (HNLDD) by tactical personnel. The TDH system allows tactical personnel to deploy HNLDDs without having to disarm because deployment requires only a single hand, and the TDH system indexes the HNLDD in the proper position for deployment. The TDH system allows the HNLDD to go from secure carry to deployment in under one second while not impeding the deadly force option during deployment. The TDH system keeps the fuze lever of the HNLDD fixed in a pre-specified position. The HNLDD is not altered for use with the TDH system and allows quick insertion of the HNLDD. The TDH system supports numerous HNLDDs and tactical pyrotechnic and incendiary devices, and can be fixed to various tactical clothing, vests, holsters, equipment, and vehicle components.

Abstract: There is provided an active protection system and an active protection method preferably for airborne platforms. According to the embodiment of the invention, the active protection system is mounted onboard a platform for protecting the platform, and comprises a radar system configured for generating output data including threat output data corresponding to a velocity, a range, and an angle of the threat with respect to the platform in an airspace around the platform, the output data being useful for detecting, identifying and tracking of at least one threat approaching the platform; a countermeasure system capable of launching at least one non-fragmentation interceptor projectile in response to receiving a control command; and a control unit configured for receiving the output data from the radar system and for generating the control command and transmitting the control command to the at least one non-fragmentation interceptor projectile, thereby enabling countering the threat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flare pellet assembly for generating visual and/or infrared energy output, and to methods of making and using the same. The flare pellet assembly generally includes a stack of flare pellets, the individual pellets of which may exhibit an at least generally tapering geometry. These flare pellets may be stacked in a manner that substantially prevents motion of one flare pellet relative to another flare pellet. This stacked arrangement of the flare pellets, along with one or more grooves that may be defined in and/or between adjacent flare pellets, may be said to at least generally enable the resultant flare pellet assembly to provide one or both infrared and visual energy output that reaches desired countermeasure energy output specifications without sacrificing structural integrity of the flare pellet assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to camouflage and decoy munitions for protecting objects against guided missiles comprising mist and/or target-imitation forming active materials and additional pyrotechnical lighting bodies producing a plurality of hot spots dispersed in the space. The hot-spot producing active material can be embodied in such a way that it is provided with pulsed fire.

Abstract: A flare includes an air-tight rupturable capsule and an energy releasing material, contained within the air-tight rupturable capsule, such that the energy-releasing material releases energy in response to exposure to at least one component of air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoys for heat-seeking missiles and methods of producing and using the same. The decoys are designed to be kinematic or pseudo-kinematic, producing one or more infra-red radiation emitting clouds that give the appearance of a moving infra-red target in the airspace in which the decoy has been released.

Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for initiating and dispensing an incendiary comprises a feed mechanism (12) for advancing a line of series connected incendiaries to a dispensing location D; an injection device (14); and a cutter (16). The injection device (14) injects a substance such as glycol into the incendiary as it is moved toward, but prior to reaching, the dispensing location D. The glycol reacts exothermically with another substance such as potassium permanganate in the incendiary. The cutter (16) cuts the incendiary into which the glycol has been injected from the line of series connected incendiary. After the incendiary has been injected with the glycol and cut by the cutter (16) from the line, the feed mechanism (12) advances the incendiary to the dispensing location D where it is dispensed by the action of gravity from the apparatus (10).

Abstract: An expendable infra-red radiating means having a rupturable container 1 housing a plurality of decoy plates (11) and an ignition means (17) for igniting the decoy plates (11). Each of the decoy plates (11) comprises a composition of a metal and an oxidant capable of an exothermic combustion reaction upon ignition which produces negligible quantities of radiation in the visible or ultra-violet regions and which results, after the combustion reaction is completed, in the decoy plates (11) containing hot metal emitting infra-red radiation.

Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pyrotechnic system includes a combustible material in a housing having a first and second portion. The first portion of the housing can have an inlet for receiving combustion products and the second portion can have an outlet to propagate combustion between the second portion of the housing and the combustible material. The system can further include a combustible carrier material movable from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing. The combustible carrier material can be ignited in a first portion of the housing and capable of sustaining combustion while being moved to the second portion of the housing. Additional embodiments can include a seal positioned to block a migration of combustion products between the first and second portions of the housing when the combustible carrier material is in the first portion of the housing.

Abstract: An infrared emitting device produces a certain heat emission. The device has a heat source for generating a specific amount of heat for heating inert material to a given temperature and expelling this heated material to form a cloud. The heated inert material produces an infrared emission for anti-missile operations.

Abstract: A countermeasure for luring an incoming hostile missile away from a vehicle is provided. The countermeasure includes a housing, an infrared-emission body containing a sublimation compound in a solid state, a heating source for converting the sublimation compound into a vapor state, and a case containing the infrared-emission body. The case includes an outlet for discharging the sublimation compound in the vapor state into the atmosphere, where the sublimation compound is returned to the solid state in the form of a discrete cloud of particles. Also provided is a method for using the countermeasure, for example, to evade a hostile missile.

Abstract: A heat seeking missile decoy device mounted on a military vehicle to change the infrared signature of the military vehicle. The device is at ambient temperature when stored on the military vehicle. When a heat seeking missile is fired at the military vehicle, the decoy device deploys and increases in temperature, changing the infrared signature of the vehicle and causing a hot spot away from vulnerable components of the vehicle. The hot spot radiates in the infrared in an area that is away from vulnerable parts of a military vehicle, drawing the heat seeking missile toward it. The termination trajectory of the heat seeking missile is at the end of the decoy device and not the vulnerable parts of the military vehicle. The energy required to heat the device is passive waste energy from the vehicle engine exhaust.

Abstract: A “crash-bang” shotgun cartridge assembly has a projectile consisting of a weighty and frangible ballast on its leading edge, a flash-bang charge, and, in the rear, a delay fuse which is lit by the detonation of the propellant charge in the cartridge. The weight of the ballast insures greater stability in flight, and accuracy in targeting, thus extending the range of the crash-bang cartridge. In addition, the weighty and frangible ballast disintegrates into low mass, low energy (and therefore less-lethal) fragments when the flash charge detonates.

Abstract: An incendiary 10 includes a plurality of containers 12 each containing a volume of a first substance such as potassium permanganate which, when mixed with a second substance such as glycol which is injected at a later time, reacts exothermically to generate a flame. Frangible couplings in the form of tabs 16 couple or connect adjacent containers 12 together. Thus the incendiary 10 is in the form of a flexible belt having a plurality of containers 12 which are mutually held together until separated by a dispensing/initiating machine. Each container 12 includes a flat surface 22 and a receptacle 18 having an opening 20 which opens onto the flat surface 22. A seal 24 extends across and closes the opening 20.

Abstract: A method of decoying an incoming missile from a target. The method comprises deploying an array of barrels each containing multiple projectiles, determining a position and orientation for a decoy image of the target in relation to the incoming missile, and firing multiple projectiles substantially simultaneously from respective barrels of the array to create the image. Each projectile contains image forming matter.

Abstract: A flare containment case is taught wherein the case has a end cap which is crimped into the sealed position with variously spaced crimps or indentations which may be machined in such a way as to increase and control the end cap release pressure.

Abstract: A pod (34) containing sensors and/or targeting systems such as laser designators or range finders are hung on a cable (30) below an aircraft (12). The line (30) can be reeled in or out similar to towed decoys. This allows the aircraft (12) to operate above or in the cloud cover while the sensors/targeting equipment (34) are operating below the cloud cover to find the enemy forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tow body for representing flying targets, having an infrared flare (3) situated at the rear of the tow body, the infrared flares being ejectable from the tow body and being pulled by the tow body by means of a reel-off towing cable during the burning time of the infrared flare.

Abstract: An infra-red emitting decoy flare capable of diverting an incoming missile equipped with a counter-countermeasures system away from an intended target consisting of a primer flare (2), a spectral flare (4) and a means for igniting the primer flare (22, 30), all contained within a flare casing (6). The primer flare (2) is formed from a fast burning pyrotechnic composition and is adapted to produce an intense infra-red source of short duration on ignition. The spectral flare (4) is ignited by the burning of the primer flare (2) and is adapted to produce a slower burning composition having a fixed ratio in the intensity of infra-red radiation emitted, when burning, in at least two fixed bands.

Abstract: A method for decoying an infrared seeker comprising the steps of providing a plurality of small pyrotechnic pellets, igniting the pellets and dispersing the pellets.

Abstract: Many of today's weapons systems use surveillance and target acquisition (STA) devices which can exploit the infrared and millimeter wavebands of the electromagnetic spectrum. Designing obscurant devices which can provide screening against such systems often results in complicated or costly solutions. A device capable of mitigating these problems is described wherein an obscurant device (10), and more particularly a device capable of providing screening against the visual, infrared and millimeter wave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, comprises an obscurant payload, a burster charge capable, when detonated by a detonator, of disseminating said payload and a payload casing wherein some or all of the payload casing is configured to disintegrate upon actuation of the burster charge and to act thereafter as an obscurant.

Abstract: An ejection device for ejecting a plurality of submunitions (24a-d) having an adapter (10) including a control unit (12, 13, 14a-c, 15a-b, 16) and adapted for releasable fastening in an ejection barrel (2) of a discharger (1), and a submunitions cluster (20) including the submunitions and adapted for releasable connection, both mechanical and electrical, with the adapter. In the assembled condition of the device, the submunitions cluster is connected with the adapter, permitting submunitions to be ejected from the submunitions cluster. The control unit of the adapter controls the device to eject submunitions in one or more of a variety of ejection modes, such as sequentially one by one or at least in part simultaneously. The period between ejection of two consecutive submunitions may be adjustable. The ejection device may be integrated into a discharging unit including at least one discharger (1), such as a conventional discharging unit.

Abstract: An enclosed ignition flare igniter that includes a housing and two slider assemblies. The housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The two slider assemblies are disposed within the housing; each slider assembly has an armed position and a safe position. The armed position allows conflagrant communication between an ignition device and flare grain, while the safe position does not. Each slider assembly includes an ignition portal portion, a tab portion, and a spring. The ignition portal portion and the tab portion are juxtaposed. The ignition portal portion includes an ignition portal for holding an ignition device, while the tab portion includes a spring bore for accepting the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for smoke generation for the protection of combat vehicles, wherein the shell has the form of an integral two-chamber double can (2) including a partition wall shared by both chambers (10), the wall thickness of the partition wall (10) being greater than the wall thickness of the double can outer wall (22), and the front end of the double can (2) being closed gas-tight.

Abstract: There is provided an electrically powered augmenter device that has a silicon window. The silicon window emits the infrared radiation from the augmenter in a specific waveband, to attract heat seeking missles. Moreover, the augmenter may be mounted on the fuselage of an unpowered aerial towed target or other airborne vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic active mass which is impenetrable in the visible spectrum, highly emissive in the infrared spectrum and used for camouflage and decoy purposes. As principal ingredients said mass contains red phosphorus and an alkali metal nitrate or mixture of alkali metal nitrates and as secondary ingredients at least one transition metal or a metal-rich compound or alloy thereof, at least one metalloid and a binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnic smoke screen unit for producing an aerosol which is impenetrable in the visible, infrared and millimetric wave range and used for camouflage and decoy purposes. The units are obtained by combining fibre-like conductive dipoles or dipole precursors which become conductive in situ and conventional pyrotechnic smoke substances active in the visible and infrared range.

Abstract: There is provided an electrically powered augmenter device that has a silicon window. The silicon window emits the infrared radiation from the augmenter in a specific waveband, to attract heat seeking missles. Moreover, the augmenter may be mounted on the fuselage of an unpowered aerial towed target or other airborne vehicle.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) decoy flare for a helicopter, or an aircraft with a similar size engine, the flare including a casing, at least two longitudinal flare pellets in the casing, a single impulse cartridge to serially expel and ignite the pellets, and a delay element associated with at least one of the flare pellets and arranged to be ignited by the impulse cartridge and to expel the associated flare pellet a predetermined interval after ignition.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device and method for making the same is disclosed which includes a pyrotechnic composition comprising a fuel, an oxidizing agent, and at least one of a metal salt and metal powder; wherein the pyrotechnic composition further comprises a cylinder with an internal surface area positioned within an outer cylindrical surface area; and, wherein prime is proximately disposed at least at one end of the internal surface area of said cylinder.

Abstract: A method and associated decoy for offering a phantom target for protecting land, air or water vehicles or the like as a defense against missiles possessing a target seeking head operating in the infrared (IR) or radar (RF) range, or a target seeking head simultaneously or serially operating in both wavelength ranges. An effective mass emitting radiation in the IR range (IR effective mass) based on flares and a mass backscattering RF radiation (RF effective mass) based on dipoles are simultaneously made to take effect in an appropriate position as a phantom target. A ratio of dipole mass to flare mass of approx. 3.4:1 to approx. 6:1 is employed; and flares presenting a descent rate approx. 0.5 to 1.5 m/s higher than that of the dipoles are used.

Abstract: An emergency rescue device is provided which includes a plurality of launching tubes, a plurality of upper and lower fixing pieces, a plurality of upper and lower connecting moving pieces, a plurality of groups of tenons and spring units, a lighting device, a plurality of supporting poles, a plurality of upper and lower uniting pieces, a plurality of upper and lower spring holder portions, an outer cylinder and a lid, etc. A flare used in the emergency rescue device comprises a far upper end loaded with signal powders; a second section loaded with pushing powders, below which lighting powders are loaded and are partially exposed to outside the circumference of the flare body; and a far lower end with a tail wing. The emergency rescue device of the present invention allows the flare to be fired immediately and consecutively at the sky for SOS signaling, enabling an immediate rescue for victims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a screening smoke which is one-way transparent in the infrared spectrum (780 nm-14.0 &mgr;m) and opaque in the visible spectrum. According to the invention a known pyrotechnic screening smoke which is highly absorbent in the visible spectrum (380 nm-780 nm) is generated in the form of an aerosol, pyrotechnic scattered particles between 10 and 100 &mgr;m in size are simultaneously produced in said aerosol, and the resulting two-component smoke is irradiated by an infrared radiation source (spectrum: 780 nm-14.0 &mgr;m) from the smoke producer side.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronically and mechanically-operated ignition delay which is used in cartridge-type pyrotechnic decoy flare ammunition. Said ignition delay comprises a cylindrical sleeve (10), containing an ignition device (1) in the base, a propellant (2) for expelling the inflammable active material (8) and devices (9) for delaying the ignition of the active material. The electric ignition device of the propellant charge is galvanically connected to a capacitor element (3) which is fixed in the propulsion reflector (4). Said capacitor element is galvanically connected to a mechanical switch-on element (7) in the active material, whereby said mechanical switch-on element is, in turn, galvanically connected to an electric ignition unit in the active material. The switch-on process is thus triggered by the relative movement of the active material as it travels along the sleeve axis away from the propulsion reflector.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic compositions having combustion reaction products that include a high percentage of carbon dioxide at high temperatures. These pyrotechnic compositions include a fuel component having combustion product with a relatively high percentage of carbon to hydrogen content, such as an aromatic polycarboxylic anhydride fuel component. These pyrotechnic compositions may be employed to emit infrared radiation from a decoy flare or other device. The compositions may also be employed as a gas generating propellant for a projectile, such as a flare or rocket, or for other applications such as an automobile airbag. These pyrotechnic compositions emit infrared emissions with minimized short wavelength components, and produce substantially non-toxic combustion gases having relatively small amounts of water vapor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge containing a propellant. When ignited, propellant gases expand through a diffuser, then through and into a clearing pad and then through and into a filler area, thereby de-agglomerating and fluidizing the filler and increasing pressure until a frangible end seal on the retainer end of the cartridge ruptures and releases the filler as an aerosol cloud. Methods for disseminating an aerosol and for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a towed body with infrared flares located at its rear, the flares are in an ejection unit and are pulled out of the towed body via a tow cable as they ignite, preventing the towed body from being destroyed by missiles when it is used during target simulation.

Abstract: A method for creating coherent masses of burning matter for countermeasures purposes such as for protecting an aircraft and other vehicles from infrared “heat seeking” hostile missiles and also from high power Laser beams and Laser radar. One or more spurious sources of radiation are created controllably in the general vicinity of the aircraft being protected; in missile countermeasures, each of these spurious sources is capable of emitting infrared energy comparable in wave length and at a higher intensity than that emitted by the target aircraft itself such that the hostile missile will be decoyed away from its intended target by the spurious radiation sources. In this method, the spurious source of radiation is created by igniting a small amount of aircraft fuel that is gelled and controllably ejected from the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pyrotechnic projectile comprising a body containing a bursting charge (4) and a combustible charge (5) which is ignited and dispersed by the bursting charge (4), characterized in that the combustible charge (5) is formed by a metallic powder combustible with oxygen, arranged in the busting charge (4) according to a pattern corresponding of the flare pattern to be obtained in the sky. The metallic powder can be titanium, aluminum or magnesium powder.

Abstract: In this process for producing a black body decoy flare, a composition which, when combusted, provides black body radiation is extruded. The compositions generally include from about 40% to about 70% metal such as magnesium or aluminum, from about 10% to about 40% polytetrafluoroethylene, and from about 8% to about 30% binder. Important to the operation of the invention is the production of carbon upon combustion of the composition. Accordingly, polyaromatic thermoplastics, such as polystyrene and dimethyl phthalate, serve as the binder.

Abstract: A device for dispersing birds in airport areas, including a self-propelled projectile with a delayed firing element (15, 18, 27, 29) and a sound-effect charge (9) designed to scare birds away and housed in said projectile.

Abstract: A multiple effect pyrotechnic shell (20), having a lift chamber (22), primary break (24), secondary break (26), and a tertiary break (28) has a desired weight distribution to inhibit tumbling. The secondary break weight is less than the primary break weight, and the tertiary break weight is less than both the primary and secondary break weights. Thus, the center of gravity of the shell (20) is positioned below a midpoint of the shell height. A first timing fuse (46) extends from a lift charge (30) into a primary break charge (50A) of the primary break (24), and a primary internal timing fuse (64) extends from the primary break (24) to the secondary break (26). Further, a secondary internal timing fuse (70) extends from the secondary break (26) to the tertiary break (28). Fuse fragments (52) are preferably disbursed within the break hulls (48) to provide filler and add an additional effect to each break (24-28).

Abstract: A flare apparatus including a shell case, an explosive assembly carried by the shell case, a flare cup located in the shell case and spaced apart from the first end of the shell case and having a closed end surface away from the first end of the shell case which is convex, a flare composition located in the interior space defined by the flare cup and a plug located in the interior chamber defined by the shell case and being in close proximity to the flare cup. The present flares are straightforward in construction, easy and inexpensive to produce and provide substantial performance benefits and substantial shipping/transporting benefits. In particular, the present flares are safer to ship/transport relative to conventional flares and can be shipped/transported under less restrictive conditions.

Abstract: A diversionary device has a housing having at least one opening and containing a non-explosive propellant and a quantity of fine powder packed within the housing, with the powder being located between the propellant and the opening. When the propellant is activated, it has sufficient energy to propel the powder through the opening to produce a cloud of powder outside the housing. An igniter is also provided for igniting the cloud of powder to create a diversionary flash and bang, but at a low enough pressure to avoid injuring nearby people.

Abstract: An infrared illuminating composition comprising approximately 70 weight % of an oxidant evidencing strong emission in the NIR region selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate and mixtures thereof; 9 weight % of a metallic fuel evidencing low visible light emission, 4 weight % of an epoxy resin binder, 16 weight % of a NIR light enhancer and 1% by weight of an additive selected from the group consisting of a double base propellant material, a triple base propellant material and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Compositions are provided which, when burned, produce significant levels of infrared radiation, but only limited levels of visible radiation. The basic components of the compositions include a binder, an oxidizer, and a fuel, where the binder also acts the fuel. Preferred oxidizers include those compounds which produce large quantities of infrared radiation when the flare composition is burned. Such oxidizers include potassium nitrate, cesium nitrate, rubidium nitrate, and combinations of these compounds. Selection of the binder is important in order to provide the composition with the desirable characteristics identified above. The binder of the present invention does not produce significant soot. At the same time, the binder serves to form a composition which is processible, avoids chunking, and is compatible with the oxidizers used. It has been found that polymer binders which include relatively short carbon chains (1-6 continuous carbon atoms) are preferred.

Abstract: A multiple effect pyrotechnic shell (20), having a lift chamber (22), primary break (24), secondary break (26), and a tertiary break (28) has a desired weight distribution to inhibit tumbling. The secondary break weight is less than the primary break weight, and the tertiary break weight is less than both the primary and secondary break weights. Thus, the center of gravity of the shell (20) is positioned below a midpoint of the shell height. A first timing fuse (46) extends from a lift charge (30) into a primary break charge (50A) of the primary break (24), and a primary internal timing fuse (64) extends from the primary break (24) to the secondary break (26). Further, a secondary internal timing fuse (70) extends from the secondary break (26) to the tertiary break (28). Fuse fragments (52) are preferably disbursed within the break hulls (48) to provide filler and add an additional effect to each break (24-28).