Abstract: A ballistic projectile (10) includes a body (12) defining a hollow, open-ended payload cavity (22) covered by means of a cover portion (26) fitting as a spigot into a socket (12.1) defined by the body (12). Peripheral seats in the form of grooves (32), (34) are provided in register in peripheral slide surfaces of respectively the cover portion (26) and the body (12) forming the spigot-socket combination. A peripheral, discontinuous shear ring (36) is received within the respective grooves (32), (34) to bridge the interface and thus to lock the cover portion to the body. Pressure selectively generated in the payload cavity shears the ring (36) to allow parting of the cover portion to expose the payload cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile using an expandable device. Exemplary embodiments are directed to an apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes a case, and a core within the case including a plurality of munitions. At least one expandable device is in operative communication with at least one of the munitions, and multiple gas generators are associated with the at least one expandable device. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes separating a case from a core of the projectile, then, after a delay, activating at least one gas generator to deploy plural munitions using an expandable device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a projectile including a projectile charge consisting of a plurality of submunitions (2b), arranged in a shell jacket, of metal bodies (3) which contain at least one pyrotechnical active mass (10) and at least one igniter charge (12), wherein the submunitions (2b) are arranged around a tube (4), the lumen (5) of which forms a passage in the direction of the projectile's longitudinal axis (6), an ejector charge for ejecting the submunitions (2b) following launch of the projectile after reaching the target area, the tube (4) including throttle bores (11) directly communicating with the igniter charges (12) of the respective submunitions (2b).

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: 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: A method an apparatus for inducing spin, or rotation, in a dispersed payload of a non-spin guided projectile is taught. Rifling is applied to a cylindrical surface of a projectile casing. The rifling engages a member on a payload, which may be a bulkhead, as the payload is expelled from the projectile casing. The rotation imparted to the payload causes the dispersed projectile, grenades in the preferred embodiment, to form a spiral pattern that provides a more uniform coverage of the target area as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling the launch and burst of pyrotechnic projectiles in a pyrotechnic, or “fireworks”, display.

Abstract: A radio frequency receiver, in response to input command signals from some remote source, initiates electrical powering of an electronic firing circuit through which electric pulses are generated and fed through a power cable to impulse cartridges at the upper ends of storage tubes within a payload dispenser. The impulse cartridges in response to such pulses ignites the payloads stored therebelow within the storage tubes closed by retention caps that are ejected with the payload from the dispenser during ignition.

Abstract: There is provided a countermeasure defense system against hostile missiles by employing non-explosive intercepting (“NEI”) elements 14 deployed by the spin stabilized rocket 10. The NEI are carried in a payload section 17 and contained by a sleeve assembly 16 which is removed by a drive mechanism 20 or a pyrotechnic device 152 after a countdown time delay programmed into the trigger release assembly 46 as controlled by the control unit 150. The drive assembly includes a drive rod 26 that is releasably held by a release assembly 46 a compressed coiled spring unit 30 drives the sleeve assembly 16 forward exposing the payload section 17 to the centrifugal force of the spin stabilized rocket propelling the NEI elements out from the rocket at constant angular velocity creating an interceptor cloud of elements.

Abstract: A device (26) for propelling novelty items (28) comprising a structure (30) for holding the novelty items (28). A component (32) is for supporting the holding structure (30) in an upright position. A facility (34) in the supporting component (32) is for ejecting the novelty items (28) out of an open top end (36) of the holding structure (30) when activated.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispersal or scattering dispenser (cannister) in accordance with the species concept of claim 1, in which the muzzle velocity of the munitions can be changed during the munitions ejection in a target dedicated manner by the chronologically phased opening of a pressure chamber arranged between the gas generator and the munitions tube. Embodiment examples are described and illustrated in the figures of the drawing.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile containing a payload is presented. The projectile includes a projectile body with a payload chamber that may be laterally defined by a projectile casing, on top by an axial fixing device for a payload disposed in the payload chamber, and on the bottom, by a dividing wall. The projectile casing may include axial grooves on the inside, which on the contribute to the fixing of the payload and include intended break zones for freeing the payload. Below the dividing wall, an opening charge may be disposed, which includes complete radial contact and is axially spaced apart from the dividing wall by a damping device. The detonation of opening charge causes the projectile casing to immediately split open at the intended break zones to release, by centrifugal force, the payload from the payload chamber. The damping device prevents the payload from being damaged in the region of the dividing wall and prevents the release of the payload from being interrupted.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile containing a payload is presented. The projectile includes a projectile body with a payload chamber that may be laterally defined by a projectile casing, on top by an axial fixing device for a payload disposed in the payload chamber, and on the bottom, by a dividing wall. The projectile casing may include axial grooves on the inside, which on the contribute to the fixing of the payload and include intended break zones for freeing the payload. Below the dividing wall, an opening charge may be disposed, which includes complete radial contact and is axially spaced apart from the dividing wall by a damping device. The detonation of opening charge causes the projectile casing to immediately split open at the intended break zones to release, by centrifugal force, the payload from the payload chamber. The damping device prevents the payload from being damaged in the region of the dividing wall and prevents the release of the payload from being interrupted.

Abstract: A projectile, particularly for nonlethal active components. The projectile has a disintegratable shell with pyrotechnic means. The projectile has two or more shell layers made of explosive foil, each alternating with another shell layer made of supportive foil material, between a radially outer shell layer made of supportive foil material and a radially inner protective shell. The different layers made of explosive foil can be ignited sequentially when viewed radially from the outside to the inside.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus (11) for full-calibre submunitions or the like payloads (12) which are coaxially stacked in its load space (19) results in a system which operates in a fault-free manner when, for ejecting the payloads (12), detachment of the load space (19) from the rocket motor (17) disposed therebehind and detachment of the ogive (14) from the opposite end of the load space (19) are each promoted by a pyrotechnic charge (28, 31), with the load space (19) being braked as a result of being positioned transversely beside the trajectory (26) of the separated motor (17) which flies further along the trajectory and past the load space in a stable configuration and with the load space (19) only then being turned by a braking parachute (23) connected to its end (22). The load space tail (18) which thereafter then faces forwardly in the direction of flight is opened by detachment of a cover (25) and the load space (19) is pulled away from the payload stack (12--12) by means of the braking parachute (23).

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device includes a launcher for launching and igniting a plurality of pyrotechnic stars for creating an aerial fireworks display. The launcher comprises a launching tube having an igniter that ignites the pyrotechnic stars as they are being expelled from the launching tube under the force of pressurized air. The igniter may comprise a section of the launching tube having a locally reduced diameter so that the pyrotechnic star frictionally engages it during launch, causing a striker composition on the interior of the launching tube to ignite a prime composition on the exterior surface of the pyrotechnic star. Alternatively, the igniter may comprise a flame within the launching tube to ignite the prime composition on the star. Various feeding mechanisms are provided to rapidly feed a large number of pyrotechnic stars for launching from the launching tube. The launcher utilizes pressurized air to launch the pyrotechnic stars and, thus, minimizes adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: A resupply projectile is described which can deliver critical logistic supplies rapidly and accurately to forward combatants with minimum risk to supply personnel or equipment and which is not hampered by either weather or terrain.

Abstract: A millimeter wave screening cloud-forming product is made by forming comped hollow disks of carbon fiber cut to a desired length. The handleable disks are stacked inside a grenade body forming a hollow cylindrical shape. A high explosive mass is inserted into the resulting compacted hollow cylinder, enabling bursting of the compacted mass to release the individual carbon fibers.

Abstract: A rocket-fired visual signalling apparatus and method includes a rocket, an elongated streamer having a first end portion connected to the rocket and a rocket launcher for launching the rocket so that the rocket pulls the streamer into the air such that when the rocket burns out, the streamer is spread out over the surrounding ground cover to facilitate visibility of the streamer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a warhead to be delivered to a target from a carrier missile flying at high speed in a first aerodynamic trajectory include a rocket motor attached to the warhead in the carrier missile and an ejection tube positioned obliquely in the carrier missile rearwardly and upwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier missile from which the warhead is ejected by the rocket motor into a second aerodynamic trajectory having a substantially higher maximum flight altitude then the first trajectory. The warhead is separated from the rocket motor after ejection by aerodynamic forces created from the angle of the ejection of the warhead from the carrier missile and the relative flight velocities of the warhead and the carrier missile. The aerodynamic forces act on a connection between the rocket motor and the warhead, whereby the motor and warhead upon the burnout of the motor follow separate forward trajectories upon separation.

Abstract: A propellant system is disclosed which includes a propellant applied to at least one surface of a substrate which is in the form of a strip. The propellant strip is adhesively attached to itself in a configuration which conceals propellant within the configuration and which allows the attached strip to peel away from itself under applied forces thereby resulting in smooth and continuous exposure of propellant for burning. The system is directed to use with ejectable projectiles which are slidably disposed within a canister or casing. The propellant system is interconnected between the projectile and the cannister which houses the projectile. The propellant is urged to peel, and thus expose propellant for burning, as the projectile is ejected from the canister. Alternatively, the propellant is telescoped and covered with a sleeve which peels away as the projectile is ejected.

Abstract: The member bearing electromagnetic decoys comprises a sliding member (23 to 27) having an open major face closed by a cover of which an extension projects opposite an opening (21A) in a compartment (21) provided for a pyrotechnic portion. When the pyrotechnic charge there disposed has caused ejection of the decoy-bearing sliding member, and after a given delay, it will act on the extension of the cover in order to remove the latter and thereby release it from the electromagnetic decoys. This ensures that the decoys are deployed at the end of a given delay after ejection of the decoy-bearing member from the aircraft.

Abstract: A projectile assembly includes a spin-stabilized carrier projectile having a carrier casing and a base at one end of the casing; and a sub-ammunition assembly composed of a plurality of sub-ammunition components stacked to form a column. One of the components is an end component adjoining the base. A component surface of the end component is oriented towards and is in engagement with the base surface. At least two of the components are sub-ammunition projectiles. An arrangement maintains a frictional lock between the base surface and the component surface of the end component. According to the arrangement a portion of the base surface and a portion of the component surface of the end component have high coefficients of friction.

Abstract: A smoke screen shell is provided having a rapidly burning decoy charge that generates a spontaneous fog and a slowly burning camouflage charge that generates a lasting fog. The decoy charge and camouflage charge are fired from a canister sleeve by an ejection charge. Upon firing, pressure from the ejection charge is communicated through a channel to a relief chamber positioned between the decoy charge and the camouflage charge. This results in an accelleration difference, causing a separation and slightly different trajectories, the decoy component accelerating at a higher rate. The decoy charge takes effect in the air prior to the camouflage charge. The collocation of the spontaneous fog and of the lasting fog essentially occurs in the target. The decoy charge and the camouflage charge land within a proximity at a target area such that a collocation occurs between the spontaneous fog and of the delayed lasting fog. The ignition and relief chambers, the channel therebetween, the charges, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pyrotechnical head of the type comprising an elongate envelope, a pyrotechnical composition contained in the envelope, and dispersal means for dispersing said pyrotechnical composition. The dispersal means include longitudinal detonating fuses adapted to split the envelope longitudinally, and a transverse detonating fuse adapted to split the envelope transversely.

Abstract: A munition has at least two smoke pots disposed in a casing and ejected outside the casing by an ejection composition. Each pot has an axial channel, and the axial channels are aligned so as to constitute an ignition channel of the smoke pots, ignition being ensured by the ejection composition. The munition has a temporary axial link between the two smoke pots when they are ejected and on their trajectory.

Abstract: Payload delivery of a payload compartment containing a delivery device is initiated by a suitable fusing device which ejects the delivery device from a payload section by firing a gas generator in the section base to propel the delivery device forwardly, thereby shearing retaining pins and ejecting the delivery device from the payload section. The fusing device concurrently fires a time-delayed mechanism leading to a second gas generator in the center of the delivery device. The gas generator ignites after the chaff dispenser is clear of the payload section. The ignition reaction pneumatically blows chaff (e.g. metallized dipoles) out of wrapped bundles, leaving the wrapper bonded to the delivery device and disseminating the chaff in a cloud of hot gas and air turbulently mixed in the wind shear occurring in the wake of the delivery device. The delivery device survives the dispensing and dissemination processes without losing structural integrity. Thus, no harmful debris is ejected into the chaff cloud.

Abstract: Daughter missiles 11 are catapulted forward from a mother missile 10 when a rocket motor 12 of the mother no longer accelerates the missiles. A catapult force generated at a piston head 43 by the pressure of gas from the rocket motor on rearward facing surfaces 26 of the daughters is large enough to shear pins 34 holding the daughters to the mother, but only when the forces of reaction of the daughters 11 on the piston 43, due to acceleration, have fallen off. Preferably the daughters are thrown outwardly at release, most preferably by axial spinning of the structure of the mother to which they are mounted.

Abstract: A flare-antenna assembly has flare material enclosed in a cylindrical anta and forms part of a marker beacon. The flare aids in the search for the marker beacon by providing means for both visual and infrared detection. The flare is actuated in response to a specific remote radio signal being received by the antenna. The received signal is decoded by the electronic system within the marker beacon. If the received signal meets the necessary criteria the electronic system generates an electrical signal that detonates a squib embedded in the flare material. The detonation of the squib activates the flare.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic bomb comprising a body (1) containing a burst charge (2) and flare charges (6) whose dispersion and ignition are ensured during the burst, characterized in that the said body (1) is made at least partially from a pyrotechnic composition.

Abstract: Rigid containers held assembled together form a dispenser from which chaff s dispersed by internally generated pressure when it exceeds a predetermined ejection level to displace and remove a sealing cap from a retention position causing rupture of an associated snap-lock, followed by controlled dispersal of the chaff.

Abstract: A propellant system is disclosed which includes a propellant applied to at least one surface of a substrate which is in the form of a strip. The propellant strip is adhesively attached to itself in a configuration which conceals propellant within the configuration and which allows the attached strip to peel away from itself under applied forces thereby resulting in smooth and continuous exposure of propellant for burning. The system is directed to use with ejectable projectiles which are slidably disposed within a canister or casing. The propellant system is interconnected between the projectile and the canister which houses the projectile. The propellant is urged to peel, and thus expose propellant for burning, as the projectile is ejected from the canister.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention relates to devices providing for the ejection of a plurality of payload elements from the casing of a carrier shell. The ejection device according to the invention includes a pyrotechnic composition placed in a head and intended to create, after ignition, a gas pressure that pushes a piston over a short distance so as to displace towards a base a moving assemblage having a pusher plate and payload elements, and to eject the base, the piston then being stopped relative to the head and having an orifice which allows the gases to pass towards the moving assemblage so as to push the latter. The device includes braking means disposed between at least a part of the moving assemblage and the shell casing. This invention is applicable to mine-dispersing carrier shells.

Abstract: A method of separating a sub-combat unit from a protective canister. The method comprises the steps of discharging the sub-combat unit from the protective canister by causing a displacement of a driving sabot within the protective canister. The driving sabot is displaced by an elevated gas pressure generated by the combustion of a gas-generating pyrotechnical charge. The displacement of the sabot imparts a trajectory to the sub-combat unit. The displaceable driving sabot is prevented, by arrest means interconnected between the driving sabot and the canister, from accompanying the sub-combat unit in its new trajectory. A division of the protective canister into a plurality of parts is caused. The division ensures a change in at least one of the trajectory and the velocity of the parts of the canister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell, the base of which acts as the parachute can of a sub-munition. The shell contains sub-munitions stacked one behind the other and is closed at the rear by a base. The submunitions are each equipped with a parachute and a can containing the folded parachute, the separation of each sub-munition from its can permitting the deployment of the parachute. The can of the sub-munition situated at the rear of the shell is constituted by the base of the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to carrier shells which can eject a payload in flight. A carrier shell for transporting a payload includes a body closed at one of its ends by a base and at the other by a head, inside of which is placed a pyrotechnic composition for generating gases intended to act on a piston at the time the payload is ejected. The shell includes an attachment between the piston and the shell after ejection of the payload. This invention is applicable to mine-dispersing carrier shells.

Abstract: A technique and apparatus for rearward launch of a missile. The inventive apparatus (10) includes a launch tube (12) in which the missile (14) is mounted with the forward end of the missile being mounted at the forward end (16) of the tube. The rearward end of the launch tube is sealed with a break-away material (18) prior to expulsion of the missile (14). An expulsion mechanism expels the missile in a rearward direction from the launch tube. The expulsion mechanism includes an airbag (20) and a pressurization mechanism (30). The airbag (20) includes a bra (22) for maintaining the orientation of the missile (14) during the expulsion thereof. The airbag (20) also includes a metallized enclosure (24) for sealing the launch tube (14) after the expulsion of the missile (14).

Abstract: A projection for dispersing a pyrotechnic charge (10) is described. It comprises a first and a second pressure chamber (7,9) with a throttled gas connection (16) between them. A piston (8) expells the charge (10) out of its casing (2) when the gas pressure in the second pressure chamber (9) reaches a predetermined level. The projectile is characterized particularly by a third pressure chamber (18) in gas connection with the first pressure chamber (7) in the first piston (8). A second piston (20) provided with a striking pin (22) for activating an igniting element (11) for igniting the charge (10) is movable in the first piston (8). The second piston (20) is detended against movement by a first locking element (24) until this is released by the casing (2).

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of carrier artillery shells. The carrier shell according to the invention is intended to transport at least one payload and contains a casing on which is placed at least one spinner band, the casing being closed at one of its ends by a base and at the other by a head inside of which is placed a gas-generating pyrotechnic composition intended to act on a piston at the time the payload is ejected; the shell being characterized in that the means by which the payload is spun by the casing includes lugs provided on an extension of the head and which interact with notches provided on an upper face of the piston, as well as means to cause the piston and the payload itself to spin together. This invention is applicable to mine-dispersing shells.

Abstract: A munition release system for carrier weapons is disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging and ejecting munitions from the carrier housing operate in response to a common gas generator. Disengagement from the housing is effected just prior to ejection. Use of a common gas source improves reliability, while coordinated disengagement and ejection minimizes forces exerted on the munitions.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for ejecting munitions from carrier weapon housings through the inflation of inflatable bags, without imparting excessive acceleration loads to the munitions. The current invention combines the features of a ballistically tailored propellant grain with control nozzles to provide hot gases to an inflatable bladder in a fashion that permits control and tailoring of the acceleration pulse.

Abstract: A soft-recovery projectile having an aft portion, a forward portion and a gas seal mounted between the portions. The aft portion includes a recoverable payload such as projectile components or the like. The forward portion includes a parachute that is attached to the payload and is stored in a housing which is separably attached to the payload. The housing includes an explosive charge which is slectively triggered to cause separation of the housing from the payload and deployment of the parachute. A fin assembly, mounted on the housing, exerts a destablizing moment on the projectile when it is oriented with the fin assembly directed into the flight path. The projectile is launched with the fin assembly as the nose and the payload as the tail. After launch, the destabilizing moment will reorient the projectile into a position where the payload is the nose and the fin assembly is the tail. In this position, the fin assembly exerts a stabilizing moment on the projectile.

Abstract: An arrangement for ejecting objects from a projectile, includes a hollow projectile body having a nose end with a plurality of objects disposed in a column within the projectile body. An ejection charge is disposed within the projectile body at the nose end. An ejection device including a hood enclosing a cavity is ejectably disposed within the projectile body between the ejection charge and the column. The hood has a wall with an opening facing the ejection charge so that, after ignition of the ejection charge, resulting powder gases enter into the cavity through the opening to generate a gas pressure between the hood and the adjacent object and simultaneously exert a force on an exterior portion of the wall of the hood that causes the hood and the column to be ejected from the tail end of the projectile body, whereby the hood separates from the column once the hood and column are free of the projectile due to the pressure in the cavity.

Abstract: An auxiliary target area chaff container for dispensing chaff and other rr counter measure materials from an aircraft includes a housing, chaff canister located in said housing; trigger wires for dispensing the chaff means for retaining said chaff canisters in said housing and means for attaching said housing to an aircraft. The chaff canisters are automatically dispensed when a bomb is released.

Abstract: A submunition unit for a spin stabilized carrier projectile (1), with the submunition unit including an antenna disposed at the nose of its casing (7), and with the antenna (5) being covered by a protective cover (6). The casing (7) and the protective cover (6) are provided with respective axially overlapping collars (8, 9) which are each provided with respective opposed circumferential grooves (14, 15) to form an annular recess to accommodate an elastic securing ring (16). The securing ring, which is normally positioned within the innermost of the circumferential grooves, expands under the influence of centrifugal forces to connect the casing and protective cover together in a form-locking manner.

Abstract: An improved store launching device is disclosed wherein the inside of a sdard sonobuoy launch container is modified to accept, and properly dispense, only one smaller and lighter store. A positioning ring is fitted securely onto the inner walls a preselected distance from the discharge end to provide a seat for a perforated obturator. A slotted pressure relief ring, with the edge adjacent the obturator having a biased cut of a predetermined angle therein, is placed adjacent the obturator and the discharge end of the container to surround the store.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically attaching a substantially U-shaped support stand to a fusee includes an annular indexable turntable provided with holders for receiving support stands at one workstation, and fusees in assembled relationship with the support stands at another workstation. The support stands are deformed from substantially straight shapes to substantially U-shapes as they are loaded into the holders on the turntable. The free ends of the support stand are subsequently inwardly curled prior to assembly with the fusees. The fusees are fed from a supply hopper, cleaned, and successively inserted into a holder on the turntable in assembled relationship with successively presented support stands.Subsequently, the turntable is indexed to additional workstations where predetermined lengths of polyfilament tape are successively applied to end portions of the fusees, and subsequently wrapped about the fusees and associated end portions of the support stand to securely join one to the other.

Abstract: A push-type cracker wherein frictional ignition is effected between a trigger string and a powder explosive by depressing the trigger string from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the string, the powder explosive being thereby accurately exploded.

Abstract: The invention concerns a guided munition, fired from a launching system with a cannon effect. This munition comprising sub-assemblies is supported, during acceleration in the cannon, by a peripheral casing which rests on the first sub-assembly of the munition placed at the front of the munition and is fixed to an ejectable sub-assembly placed at the rear of the munition. The weight of this casing is necessary to withstand the forces due to acceleration and it enables the range of the munition to be increased during the ballistic phase. During the transition from the ballistic phase to the guided phase, the ejectable sub-assembly is ejected, taking with it the casing which thus frees the airfoil surfaces to open out. The casing thus positioned also provides sealing and protection of the sensitive parts and rigidity of the whole of the munition.

Abstract: System for clearing both light and heavy obstacles, in which one or more flying metal plates are propelled against heavy obstacles by explosive forces which also expand a folded continous rod member into a curvilinear, generally annular configuration that cuts through light obstacles such as concertina wire in the process of unfolding.