Abstract: An artillery projectile is configured to have a trajectory comprising a ballistic phase and a piloted phase. This projectile has at least one means ensuring its aerodynamic stabilization on part or all of its trajectory and a means configured to ensure a piloting during the piloted phase. This projectile is characterized in that the aerodynamic stabilization means comprises a wing system having at least two wings which are able to be positioned with respect to the axis of the projectile, at least during the piloted phase, with their sweepback angles being negative, that is, with the free ends of the wings being oriented towards the front of the projectile.

Abstract: A projectile launch container configured to propel one or more projectiles associated with pyrotechnic effects including a gas flow insert comprising a first face and a second face, the gas flow insert configured to be placed within the projectile launch container, the first face configured to underlie the projectiles and the second face configured to overlie a lift charge; the gas flow insert including a plurality of gas flow openings each fluidly connected to one or more gas flow channels that extend at least substantially axially to the launch container between the first and second faces, the plurality of gas flow openings on each of the first and second faces configured to control a flow of gases from an exploding lift charge entering the second face and exiting the first face; wherein the gas flow insert is configured to remain within the projectile launch container following detonation of the lift charge.

Abstract: An electro-pyrotechnical igniter includes a metal case, a cap and a plastic overmolding. The metal case contains pyrotechnical material and includes at least one vent on a side wall thereof. The cap is made from electrically insulating material and covers the metal case at least at the at least one vent. The plastic overmolding covers at least one end of the cap. The metal case includes at least one shoulder arranged between the side vent and a zone of the metal case across from the end of the cap covered by the overmolding.

Abstract: A projectile for use with a firearm having a rifled barrel including helical grooves extending longitudinally along an inner surface thereof includes: a substantially cylindrical projectile body having at a front end an ogival nose section and at a rear end a tail section, a driving band section formed on the projectile body between the nose section and the tail section having a first diameter, a bore rider section formed on the projectile body between the nose section and the tail section having a second diameter different from the first diameter, and a pilot band section formed on the projectile body forward of the driving band section having a third diameter different from the first diameter and the second diameter.

Abstract: A munition having a warhead and an ogive coaxially rotatably mounted to the warhead. A controllable motor is mechanically coupled to the ogive to control the rotational position of the ogive relative to the warhead. The ogive includes an asymmetric surface while a windscreen is detachably connected to the ogive over the asymmetric surface so that, with the windscreen attached to the ogive, the outer surface of the ogive together with the windscreen are axisymmetric in shape. A detachment mechanism, when activated, detaches the windscreen from the ogive which permits steering of the munition by placement of the asymmetric surface relative to the warhead. The introduction of the asymmetric surface during flight produces an asymmetric pressure field resulting in a lateral force on the munition causing is to change direction.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a new self-aligning rifle bullet. The resulting bullet offers greatly improved rifle accuracy and reduction in aerodynamic drag for better long range shooting. The resulting improvements will help shooters achieve longer ranges, higher scores, smaller group sizes, and higher probabilities of first shot hits.

Abstract: The bullet for striking obstructed targets includes a main bullet casing having a primary front portion and a primary rear portion, the main bullet casing including a primary propellant and a primary firing means configured to ignite the primary propellant, the primary firing means positioned in the primary rear portion of the main bullet casing, a detachable bullet casing having a secondary front portion and a secondary rear portion, the detachable bullet casing positioned in communicating relation to the main bullet casing, the detachable bullet casing including a secondary propellant and a secondary firing means configured to ignite the secondary propellant, the secondary firing means positioned in the secondary front portion of the detachable bullet casing, and a bullet head positioned on the secondary front portion of the detachable bullet casing, the bullet head having a triggering means positioned in communicating relation to the secondary firing means configured to ignite the secondary firing means.

Abstract: A projectile (1) for a small arms weapon. The projectile (1) comprises a projectile body (3) and a plurality of external peripheral fins (2) pivotable from a radially un-deployed position to a radially deployed position. When in the radially deployed position, each fin (2) is moveable in longitudinal direction into an engaged position with the projectile body (3) for radially securing the fin (2).

Abstract: A gun-launched, non-lethal, anti-personnel projectile includes a variable thrust, solid propellant rocket motor. The rocket motor has a variable thrust profile that maintains a substantially constant kinetic energy of the projectile below a lethal threshold from a range of about 5 meters to about 400 meters.

Abstract: A rocket without tail flame includes an outer socket which receives an ignition unit, a first bullet, a second powder filling unit, a hollow aluminum tube and a second bullet therein. A rocket head is fixed to the outer socket. The firing pin of the rocket launcher hits the primer of the second bullet to shoot the head of the second bullet, the rocket is launched from the rocket launcher. No tail flame is generated because only the powder in the second bullet is ignited. The head of the second bullet hits the firing pin of the ignition unit to ignite the primer of the first bullet so that the first powder of the first bullet is ignited. The second powder in the second powder filling unit is ignited after the rocket flies 3-5 seconds. There are two stages of ignition, and the rocket can carry heavier load.

Abstract: A scalable, inert munition data recorder cartridge. This inert cartridge allows users to record data from within a weapon system feed chute, breach, and extractor port. This cartridge is adaptable to any weapon system, packaging unit, environmental chamber, or other ammunition holding and storage device. Although the cartridge is designed to interface with a weapon and ammunition packaging based on its shape, it still functions as designed regardless of its location and application. This would allow the cartridge to be placed anywhere an actual live cartridge of ammunition could be placed.

Abstract: A projectile (and munition including the projectile) and a method of assembling the same, includes a body having a cavity, a propellant disposed in the cavity and a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity containing the propellant and a nozzle formed so as to be openable and closeable.

Abstract: A projectile (and munition including the projectile) and a method of assembling the same, includes a body having a cavity, a propellant disposed in the cavity and a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity containing the propellant and a nozzle formed so as to be openable and closeable.

Abstract: A round of ammunition for an assault rifle or the like includes a cartridge and a bullet or projectile. The cartridge includes a rear portion and a forward portion with a reduced diameter while the rear portion is dimensioned to fit into the breach of a rifle and defines a hollow chamber or interior volume for a mass of gun powder and primer. The forward portion of the cartridge joins a bullet. The bullet includes a bullet shaped rounded lead tip and an aerodynamically shaped forward portion including a tapered shell and a solid cylindrically shaped lead middle portion. The forward portion also includes an axial steel rod between the tip and the middle portion. The bullet also includes a rear portion including a tapered shell surrounding a second hollow chamber with a small opening in the distal part of the bullet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solid fuel rocket motor which may include a case and a nozzle coupled to the case. A plurality of fuel pellets may be disposed within the case. An igniter may be disposed to ignite at least a portion of the fuel pellets. A pellet retainer may be positioned within the case to retain the plurality of fuel pellets within the case. The pellet retainer may be perforated to allow exhaust gases to flow from the ignited fuel pellets to the nozzle while preventing unburned fuel pellets from being expelled through the nozzle.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

Abstract: A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled deceleration projectile, in particular, a projectile having a nose-mounted fuze thereon, which initiates an ignition/expulsion charge via an ignition shaft in the interior portion of the projectile body at a preset distance from target impact, resulting in inflation of the projectile body with propellant gases to a level sufficient to either expand same, rupturing of a rupture ring, or sliding of the hollow projectile body rearwards relative to the ignition shaft, so as to create an annular opening between the projectile body side wall and projectile body forward end. The payload, which is preferably non-lethal, is then ejected from this annular opening, the resulting forward velocity of the expelled payload and propellant gases producing a rearward thrust on the projectile, and a concomitant deceleration thereof.

Abstract: A weapon system and corresponding ammunition for causing less-than-lethal effects to a target employ a projectile fired from a rifle-mounted, rifle-operated or dedicated rifle-like device and configured for generating less-than-lethal effects to a human target. The projectile includes a rocket motor configured to mitigate velocity decay of the projectile. The rocket motor is preferably a sustainer motor for maintaining a roughly constant cruise velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A projectile (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) with a first (leading) end (14) and a second trailing axially opposed end (16). An internal cavity (18) is formed between the ends (14 and 16) and holds a volume of propellant material (22). The first end (14) is closed by a nose (20) that is fixed to the body (12). The end (14) is sealed with a base seal (26) that seats a primer (24) for igniting the propellant (22). The primer (24) is located inboard of the second end (16) and the base seal (26) to reduce the likelihood of accidental activation. Seals (30) are formed about the body (12) for maintaining gas pressure of deflagrating propellant. The seals (30) may be formed integrally with the body (12) or separately from the body (12) and seated in respective grooves (40) formed circumferentially about the body (12).

Abstract: An insensitive munitions casing, such as a motor case, for housing a propellant charge is disclosed. The casing is formed by winding, wrapping or rolling a fiber, tape or sheet of material such that the casing has a plurality of reinforcing layers. At least some of the reinforcing layers have discontinuous interfaces. Other reinforcing layers may overlap the discontinuous interfaces. The reinforcing layers are coated with adhesive bonding material for adhering the reinforcing layer to itself and bonding the discontinuous interfaces. The adhesive bonding material has a bond-strength breakdown temperature which is below the auto-ignition temperature of the propellant charge. Once the bond strength breakdown temperature of the adhesive is reached, the bond fails at the discontinuous interface, thereby enabling release of propellant charge pressurization.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solid fuel rocket motor which may include a case and a nozzle coupled to the case. A plurality of fuel pellets may be disposed within the case. An igniter may be disposed to ignite at least a portion of the fuel pellets. A pellet retainer may be positioned within the case to retain the plurality of fuel pellets within the case. The pellet retainer may be perforated to allow exhaust gases to flow from the ignited fuel pellets to the nozzle while preventing unburned fuel pellets from being expelled through the nozzle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solid fuel rocket motor which may include a case and a nozzle coupled to the case. A plurality of fuel pellets may be disposed within the case. An igniter may be disposed to ignite at least a portion of the fuel pellets. A pellet retainer may be positioned within the case to retain the plurality of fuel pellets within the case.

Abstract: A self-propelled projectile which will maintain a straight trajectory through air or water.

Abstract: A projectile (100) for piercing armor including a cruise propellant (116) for maintaining a cruise velocity of the projectile. The projectile (100) also includes an acceleration rocket motor (109) activated after launch for accelerating the projectile (100) from the cruise velocity to a penetration velocity, in a final stage of flight of the projectile.

Abstract: Semiautomatic pistol which is small enough to be carried in a pocket or otherwise concealed on the body of a person, and caseless ammunition for use in the pistol. The pistol has a grip adapted to be held in the hand of a shooter, a barrel extending in a forward direction from the grip, a closed chamber at the rear of the barrel, means for firing a caseless cartridge in the chamber with the entire cartridge being discharged through the barrel, and means responsive to the firing of the cartridge for opening the chamber and loading another cartridge into the chamber. The caseless cartridge consists of a hollow projectile filled with gunpowder, and a primer for igniting the powder. The primer is mounted directly to the projectile, and there is no casing or other material to ejected from the chamber before another round is loaded.

Abstract: A cartridge case and nozzle assembly is made from a single element of a lightweight durable polymer resin. The cartridge case and nozzle insert into a launch tube of an anti-armor projectile launcher and have improved adhesive connection to reduce relative movement between the assembly and the launch tube. Improved tolerances and better matching of the assembly and the launch tube provide improved reliability for firing. The adhesive connection prevents the launch tube from being reused by adversaries.

Abstract: A light armor piercing weapon, which is hand carried by a single man, is provided for firing or launching armor piercing rocket propelled projectiles. A propellent pack is worn or carried by the soldier along with a launching rifle. Unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine is provided as a propellent and inhibited red fuming nitric acid, Type IIIa, is provided as an oxidant in a combustion chamber in the rifle. The explosive combination of the propellent and oxidant propels the projectile out of a smooth bore barrel and simultaneously ignites the solid propellent in the projectile. The projectile is provided with a disposable sabot which seals the projectile within the smooth bore. The projectile is provided from a spiral drum magazine which is gear driven by a mechanical coupling with a reciprocating breech block within the rifle. The reciprocating breech block in turn is gear driven by a gas driven piston communicated with the barrel.

Abstract: A device for accelerating a projectile to an extremely high velocity includes a launch tube having electrodes engageable with the projectile assembly for applying a large electrical voltage to it, the projectile assembly includes a pair of travelling electrodes fixed to the rear end of the projectile and engageable with the launch tube electrodes during the travel of the projectile assembly through the launch tube. The travelling electrodes define a spark gap which, under the high voltage applied from the launch tube electrodes, forms a high-temperature, high-pressure plasma arc travelling with the projectile and effective to increase its acceleration.

Abstract: A rocket propelled missile assembly comprises an outer casing defining an internal solid rocket propellant chamber, the casing having an opening at its forward end aligned with an internal tube submerged in the rocket propellant chamber, and at least one exhaust nozzle at its rear end for venting exhaust gases from the propellant chamber. Solid propellant is contained within the propellant chamber surrounding the internal tube, and a separate terminal stage missile is partially or fully submerged in the tube with the capacity to separate from the tube forwardly through the front end of the casing. The missile separates from the remainder of the system on booster burn out.

Abstract: A gun barrel and projectile system utilizes a smooth central bore gun barrel fitted with a short rifled insert near the breech end. A projectile fitted with a perforated skirt and driving band about the base of the skirt are loaded into the gun barrel so that the driving band just engages the rifled insert, and the warhead portion of the projectile extends into the smooth bore portion of the barrel. Upon firing of a breech charge, gases from the breech charge are ducted to the space between the thin side walls of the projectile and the smooth central bore, thereby establishing a gas bearing. The gas bearing provides lateral support to the projectile and lubricates the projectile in the smooth central bore. Because of the lateral support the projectile receives from the gun barrel and the gas bearing, much less projectile structural strength is required to resist set-back forces. Mass fraction ratios of ordnance payload mass to structural mass in the projectile are on the order of ninety percent.

Abstract: A rocket launching cartridge case is formed by attaching a cylindrical extension member to the open end of a cartridge case. The extension member conforms to cartridge receiving chambers of conventional weapons. A rocket assembly is releasably locked within the extension member at a predetermined axial position. The rocket assembly can be slideably positioned within the extension member and locked in place prior to attachment of the extension member to the cartridge case. The locking means establishes a rocket assembly and launching case overall length for use in particular conventional weapons. An obturator member on the rocket assembly engages rifling in the conventional weapon bore imparting a stabilizing spin when the rocket assembly is fired. The obturator is connected to the rocket assembly in a manner permitting slip rotation therebetween providing a predetermined rate of stabilizing spin.

Abstract: A ballistic propulsion system of the type used to launch grenades from a rifle. The system includes a housing having a propulsion tail protion with a ballistic cartridge mounted inside and a nozzle with a rear opening having a diameter d.sub.1. This opening is surrounded by an annular seating surface having an outside diameter d.sub.2, which is larger than d.sub.1. A diaphragm is mounted in engagement with the seating surface, and the diaphragm is designed to remain intact when pressures generated by a ballistic cartridge are asserted on a surface area of diameter d.sub.1 or less, but to break away from the propulsion tail when the gas pressure is applied to a surface area having a diameter d.sub.2 or greater. As a result, the diaphragm remains intact when the projectile is first launched by gas pressure generated by a ballistic cartridge within the rifle, but the diaphragm breaks away when the ballistic cartridge inside the propulsion tail builds up sufficient pressure.

Abstract: A cartridge arrangement having a rocket assisted projectile for firing therefrom by ignition of propellant in the cartridge case and for subsequent ignition of a rocket grain within the projectile, in which the projectile has a sealed tubular chamber cavity encompassing a tubular or ring shaped end burning rocket grain, the rear end of which chamber is formed by a combined nozzle block and rear penetrator support which has nozzle openings sealed by ignitable time delay igniter plugs, and the outer, inner, and forward extremities of which are bounded by a thin-walled projectile case, a cylindrical penetrator, and a forward penetrator support, and which ignitable time delay igniter plugs are externally ignitable by the burning of the propellant to enable subsequent ignition of the adjacent end of the rocket grain.

Abstract: Coating compositions containing identifier particles are disclosed for the retrospective identification of articles. The compositions comprise a clear lacquer binder, visually-readable microparticles and reflective spotting particles. The reflective spotting particles facilitate location of the coating on the surface of the tagged article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lead bullet having a coating comprised of a thermoplastic composition of molybdenum disulfide and Nylon 11. Nylon 11 per se and other coatings are also disclosed. The coating minimizes or prevents deposition of lead along the barrel and other mechanisms of a firearm. To apply the coating, the bullet is initially degreased and heated to clean its surfaces. A phosphate coating is applied and the bullet is heated to a temperature of at least 425.degree. F. The heated bullet is then disposed in blended molybdenum disulfide and Nylon 11 powder, Nylon 11 per se, or other coating materials to obtain a coating thickness within a range of 1-12 mils. The coated bullet is subsequently heated to at least 367.degree. F. to fuse and to densify the coating on the bullet.

Abstract: A short delay burster for a canister ejecting projectile utilizes a multish screen operatively disposed in a choke configuration housing and held therein by an orificed retainer to permit the delay to be initiated by an expulsion charge while withstanding the high pressure shock wave of the expulsion charge explosion.

Abstract: A decoy flare cartridge for use in an aircraft photoflash cartridge rack. drocarbon compound plus gelling agents are placed in a photoflash cartridge. A primer in the base of the cartridge is fired to propel a piston which forces the gel out of the cartridge through an orifice plate. The expelled hydrocarbon compounds are then ignited to form an infrared source for decoying a hostile infrared seeking missile away from the tailpipe of the decoy-carrying aircraft.

Abstract: A projectile contains a load to be ejected therefrom during a flight and includes a one-piece casing having a streamlined outer surface and having a portion containing the load. The casing has a reduced wall thickness at a section of such portion, and a metallic liner is cast onto the inner wall of the casing at such section, the liner having an inner diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the remainder of the casing at such portion. An external guide ring on the casing is located on the greater wall thickness thereof, and projections on the inner wall of the casing at such section engage grooves provided in the liner.

Abstract: A launching tube accommodates sonobuoys of differing lengths for individually launching the sonobuoys. Compressed gas modules located between the sonobuoys are individually activated by electrical signals to expel respective sonobuoys from the launching tube. Electrical contacts on the modules engage electrically conducting guides on the inner surface of the launching tube whereby the electrical signals are communicated individually to respective ones of the modules.

Abstract: A versatile carrier projectile for receiving and ejecting differently-sized ejectable payloads such as guided missiles and incendiary bombs is described. The payloads are disposed in successive, longitudinally spaced relation within a central cylindrical body of the projectile, with successive ones of the payloads being separated by a spacer disc. Each spacer disc carries an outwardly biased blocking rod. The outer end of each blocking rod terminates in engagement with a sawtooth-shaped groove on the inner periphery of the cylindrical body, so that the forward propulsion of the successive payloads through the cylindrical body is accomplished under a steady spring load of the blocking member on the inner wall of the cylindrical body. The front and rear portions of the cylindrical body are respectively secured to the shell head and the ignition charge container by shear pins.

Abstract: A flare assembly including a flare mounted in a base and a plurality of wire legs pivotably connected to the base has its legs folded and the entire assembly inserted in a cup-shaped pusher element in a launch tube mounted beneath a vehicle. A spring under compression, when released by a trigger mechanism actuated from the vehicle dash, will force the pusher element through the tube to catapult the flare assembly into a roadway. The flare has a flint wheel in frictional engagement with the interior of the launch tube so when the flare assembly is launched, the wheel will ignite the flare. The flare will catapult from the vehicle and land on the legs which open to support the flare in an upright position, to warn oncoming vehicles of the distressed vehicle.

Abstract: A self pressurizing chaff canister having a frangible enclosure containing a chaff matrix and having an end cap with a spring loaded fracture pin, and gas ports, held in a case by shear pins, the case in turn is secured in a housing by a threaded electrical squib whereupon firing of the squib will shear the pins, force the enclosure from the case while simultaneously pressurizing the enclosure, whereupon ejection of the enclosure from the case will cause the fracture pin to strike the case at which time the chaff be appropriately disbursed.

Abstract: A smoke marker for indicating the location of a target drone. An aluminum tube with one open end and one closed end contains a polyethylene bottle filled with titanium tetrachloride, a smoke chemical. The bottle is held in place within the tube by means of set screws adjacent the bottle's neck. A nylon washer containing an explosive primer and a metallic disc are disposed between the bottle and the closed end of the tube. The open end of the tube is potted closed with styrofoam potting. Upon ignition, the explosive primer forces the copper disc to collapse the bottom of the bottle. The neck of the bottle shears and the titanium tetrachloride is expelled from the aluminum tube and the bottle, creating a 25 to 30 foot cloud of smoke.

Abstract: An igniter for a bore safe flare comprising a piston member and a cap mem designed to cause ignition only after the flare grain has cleared the launcher. Flame from the firing charge cannot reach the flare grain for ignition until separation of cap and piston. The cap member is fixed in the base of the flare grain and carries the ignition mix which projects into a central bore of the piston.

Abstract: The forward end of a rocket motor is attached, by a threaded adapter, to a cylindrical housing that is in turn attached to an elongated tube, the opposite end of which is fitted with a releasable nose cone. The elongated tube is filled with a series of bombs. Each bomb is a conical, shaped charge equipped at one end with a parachute protected by a split, conical, plastic shield loosely held together by a band and a pronged clip--all of which is seated in the conical recess of an adjacent bomb. A conical partition separates the tube from the housing; and the main parachute is attached in the housing. An acceleration actuated fuse in the adapter ignites a time delay charge, which ignites an explosive charge that when exploded forces a piston against the housing, so that it separates the housing and tube from the adapter and rocket.

Abstract: Ejection head for projectiles, rockets or the like having at least one ejection section including a carrier plate, a plurality of ejection tubes for containing active elements mounted annularly about the carrier plate, a descent controller connected to the carrier plate wherein the tubes are movable from a folded position to a spread-apart position for discharging the active elements contained therein. A locking device is provided for locking the tubes in the folded position and a spreading device is provided for spreading the tubes apart with a pyrotechnical element being provided for generating compressed gas for triggering the locking device to unlock the ejection tubes and causing the spreading device to spread the ejection tube apart.

Abstract: A kinetic energy penetrator assembly includes a motor casing having an aft pening. A nozzle with a nozzle opening is seated in the aft opening of the casing and confines expanding gases produced by burning propellant in the casing to a configuration for applying a thrust to the casing. An aft pusher plate is connected to a plug which plugs the nozzle opening and which has an aft space for receiving expanding gases. A penetrator rod is connected to the forward end of the motor casing and includes a bore riding sabot having substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the pusher plate and an aft portion of the motor casing. The penetrator assembly is meant to be launched from a gun with expanding gases in the gun barrel pushing against the pusher plate and ejecting the penetrator at some velocity from the barrel bore.