Abstract: A bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblet can be programmed to detonate at a desired time after it has been dropped. Program signals are transmitted to the bomblet from a wire that runs through an opening in the bomblet, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblet. the bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code. A series of timing program signals can be transmitted to a plurality of bomblets, with the bomblet addresses adjusted after each program signal so that only one bomblet (or more, if desired) responds to each successive program signal.

Abstract: A projectile forming the head of a carrier has a defined balllistic trajectory and contains sub-munitions ejected, at a given moment in the trajectory of the projectile, in a controlled direction. In the projectile, the sub-munitions are arranged so as to have a single direction, namely with the head of the sub-munition facing the front of the projectile, in one or more rows. In each row, the shells of the sub-munitions are tangential to one another and their fin systems ar placed in one another in a self-locking way. The projectile further comprises securing means among the sub-munitions and between these interstitial spaces are further filled with a powdery material.

Abstract: A fuse for an explosive shell comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, a hood unit fitting over the body and movable along the body vertical axis between a first position and a second position, and a parachute linked to the hood unit for pulling the hood unit from its first position to its second position when the explosive shell is released. A slide catch is housed in the body and is moveable in a direction perpendicular to the body perpendicular axis from an unprimed to a primed position. A primary detonator is housed in the slide catch. The primary detonator is out of alignment with the main charge of the explosive shell when the slide catch is in its unprimed position, and is in alignment with the main charge of the explosive shell when the slide catch is in its primed position. A safety catch holds the slide catch in its unprimed position until it is released by inertial forces acting on the fuze. A firing pin detonates the primary detonator.

Abstract: A sub-munition warhead contains several flechettes arranged in a circumferential pattern. A canister with a length less than that of the flechettes surrounds the rear ends of the flechettes. A frangible fairing extends from the canister to a small diameter nose cone. An indexer adjacent the nose cone and a sabot for each flechette retain the flechettes in position on a piston joining the canister and the nose cone. The warhead is normally launched with a rocket motor. It is spun so that on burnout, the warhead is travelling at high speed and spinning. On burnout, a fuze is ignited and the piston is propelled down the canister. This drives the flechettes forwardly, rupturing the fairing and allowing the flechettes to separate for independent flight to a target.

Abstract: A fuze for a parachute-stabilized or band-stabilized small bomb which rotates during flight, including a detonator arranged in a transversely movable slider; a detonator pin for blocking the slider in a secured position thereof through engagement into a bore, and wherein the detonator pin can be turned out of the bore by the rotating parachute or band through the intermediary of a screw-coupling in a housing. A pyrotechnic charge or composition is arranged within the slider and which serves as a timing element, which charge is ignited by a destructor pin supported in the slider, whereby the pyrotechnic charge will trigger the detonator at its exit side, and in the secured position, the detonator pin will block the resiliently pretensioned destructor pin.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which provides for the controlled deployment of a flexible samara blade used to orient and decelerate a submunition cannister which is dispensed at altitude and allowed to free fall to earth. Spin pins are anchored in and extend outwardly from the downstream end of the cannister. Placement of the pins is such that the flexible samara blade can be wrapped around the pins to place the blade in a stowed condition within the periphery of the cannister end prior to launch of the submunition. Caps on the pins are used to inhibit the stowed blade from slipping off the pins. The blade is wrapped around the pins in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the submunition during launch. Launching the submunition in a spinning state creates a centrifugal force in the weighted tip of the samara blade causing the wing to unwrap from the stowed to the deployed state. The pins keep tension in the unfolding wing and preclude erroneous twist-up of the flexible blade.

Abstract: A carrier projectile for aerodynamically braked submunition which can be ejected rearwardly from the tail end of the carrier projectile while contacting a cup-shaped base of the projectile. The carrier projectile has the inner edge of the fabric of a braking sail retained within the cup-shaped recess of the base of the projectile, with the outer edge of the fabric of the sail being equipped with centrifugal masses or flyweights mounted in proximity to the opening of the cup-shaped recess in the base. Provision is made to arrange the fabric of a radially outwardly tensionable braking sail in the already available recess in the base of the projectile, the braking sail being extended through the pulling action exerted thereon from the centrifugal flyweights.

Abstract: An airborne system (10) and method of dispensing a plurality of sub-units (22) such that the ground plane impact pattern of the plurality of sub-units (22) substantially corresponds to a particular geometric target area. An onboard control module (150) including a microprocessor (130) which receives flight data (138) and a selected target data (140) also has a program store of sub-unit ejection sequences (132) and a logic selection of sub-unit ejection velocities (134). The microprocessor (130) selects an appropriate sub-unit ejection sequence and individual sub-unit ejection velocity in accordance with the flight and selected target data and effects a release of the plurality of sub-units in a manner such that they disperse and impact in the pattern of the selected target.

Abstract: The design of low cost, safe to use cluster bombs is a prime military objective of aircraft weaponization. Present barriers to cost and safety result from the needed complex dispersion system of the submunition cargo. Spin-up, propulsion of the submunitions, projection of the submunitions and cutting of the walls of the bomb require usually explosives or propellants and always involve complex designs, which are costly to fabricate. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing for a novel, simple and inert ejection and adequate dispersion system of the submunition cargo, of multi-purpose, anti-tank, anti-personnel, incendiary bomblets wherein the bomblets are dispersed through the nose end and the aerodynamic forces of the air impinging on the high speed bomblets cause these to fan out and provide for an area coverage which is equivalent to that obtained by the prior more complex and costly dispersal systems.

Abstract: Each bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblets can be programmed to detonate at desired intervals over a relatively long period of time. Program signals are transmitted to a number of bomblets at the same time from a wire that runs through openings in the bomblets, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblets. The wire is attached to the bomb canister at selected points and is severed inbetween the connection points when the canister is opened, thus permitting the wire sections to be pulled away without disrupting the bomblets' dispersion pattern. Each bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code.

Abstract: A cluster bomb grenade having a fuse and striker pin mechanism in the rear ortion is known per se. On the rear portion there are mounted telescoping wings in a centro-symmetrical arrangement and adapted to swing from a folded to an unfolded position. There are provided retainer means cooperating with the striker pin in such a fashion that in the locking position of the striker pin the wings are located in the folded position, which retainer means are adapted to be jettisoned upon retraction of the striker pin. There are also provided stop means for arresting the wings in a desired position. When in operation the grenade is rejected from its cargo projectile the telescoping wings unfold and extend, whereby the spin rate of the grenade is gradually reduced.

Abstract: Up to now exceedingly precise manufacturing tolerances had to be observed in securing or mounting a flare composition or incandescent charge sleeve in a blind borehole in the tail portion of a projectile body to ensure reliable sealing against propellant gases. To prevent this disadvantage a bolt member or plug is inserted into the blind borehole of the projectile body until the face or end surface of this bolt member or plug abuts the bottom region or portion of the blind borehole. The bolt member or plug and the projectile body are rotated relative to one another. Due to friction between the end surface of the bolt member or plug and the bottom portion of the blind borehole sufficient heat is generated at the front end of the bolt member or plug such that material of this front end of the bolt member or plug flows into an annular groove of the blind borehole to form a flange member. This flange member securely anchors the bolt member or plug in the blind borehole.

Abstract: A multi-head military charge for dispersing multiple warheads from a vehicle has a carrier structure for carrying the projectiles. The carrying structure includes an ejectable casing and a central tube which is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the carrying vehicle. The central tube holds an annular support upon which the projectiles rest. A plurality of resilient securing devices hold the projectiles onto the annular support member. Each securing device has a bolt for clamping the securing device to the associated projectile. Ejector pistons are disposed within the carrier structure to propel each of the projectiles outside of the vehicle. Each ejector piston simultaneously releases the bolt clamping the securing device to the associated projectile and projects the projectile outside of the carrying vehicle.

Abstract: An airborne spin dispensing apparatus (100,101) and method of dispensing a plurality of sub-units (60) such that the ground plane impact pattern of the plurality of sub-units substantially corresponds to a particular geometric ground target. An onboard microprocessor (24) which receives flight data (26) and a selected target data (28) also has a program store of sub-unit ejection sequences each of which corresponds to a particular target impact geometry. The microprocessor (24) selects an appropriate sub-unit ejection sequence in accordance with the flight and selected target data and effects a release of the sub-units (60) from the spinning apparatus such that their ground impact pattern substantially matches the geometry of the ground target.

Abstract: A telescopic warhead for a submunition ejectable from a carrier projectile the explosive charge of which is made up of submunitions scatterable and housed in the front portion of the carrier projectile, characterized in that the telescopic head includes a telescopic sliding skirt formed of a plurality of cylindrical elements, which are preferably metallic. The telescopic warhead, during storage, does not reduce the inside space requirement of the carrier projectile which leaves the inner volume available in front of the explosive charge whether the telescopic warhead is in a storage configuration or in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A fuse or triggering device for a small bomb arranged in an artillery grenade, which includes a percussion fuse constituted of a striker and a detonator. The above-mentioned artillery grenade contains a plurality of small bombs arranged behind each other, which are ejected at a predetermined point in the trajectory of the artillery grenade. Each small bomb possesses an autonomous fuse. A slider containing the detonator is secured in a safety position, in that the slider lies against an outwardly pivotable securing lever which lies resiliently prestressed against the inner wall of a further small bomb, and in which the striker is fixed in position between the slider and a securing disc which is deformable in response to the firing acceleration of the artillery grenade.

Abstract: Each bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblets can be programmed to detonate at desired intervals over a relatively long period of time. Program signals are transmitted to a number of bomblets at the same time from a wire that runs through openings in the bomblets, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblets. The wire is attached to the bomb canister at selected points and is severed inbetween the connection points when the canister is opened, thus permitting the wire sections to be pulled away without disrupting the bomblets' dispersion pattern. A shaped charge running along at least one of the canister sections is used to sever the wire. The shaped charge is arranged to direct its explosive force toward the adjacent canister section and generally away from the bomblets, and generally comprises a chevron-shaped casing filled with an explosive.

Abstract: An aerial missile carrying multiple launching tubes for submissiles in a circular locus about the longitudinal axis of the aerial missile has independent activating means for each said launching tube to pivot the rear discharge end of each launching tube radially outwardly from the aerial missile. Means for ejecting the individual submissile rearwardly from the launching tube are provided. In one embodiment, a single gas generator activates the launching tube and ejects the submissile. Multiple pyrotechnic charges are provided in one embodiment to establish the ejection velocity of the submissile.

Abstract: A method for the attacking of target objects through the intermediary of small bombs which are ejected from a carrier or canister in the longitudinal axial direction of the latter. The small bomb-carrier or canister includes a controllably ignitable ejector propellent charge for the ejection of small bombs in parallel with the longitudinal axis thereof upon reaching of a predetermined drop height during falling into a target area. The ejection of the small bombs is delayed until the reaching of a height above ground which is reduced relative to a reference of standard height, when prior to the reaching of the standard height there is detected a target object within a surface area corresponding to a smaller dispersing and target area.

Abstract: An improved warhead for transporting a plurality of useful loads which are disposed in a useful load chamber of the warhead. The warhead includes a casing in which a star-shaped hollow body is disposed. The hollow body acts as a brace for the structural assembly and has a central axial pressurized gas passage. The hollow body divides the useful load chamber into a plurality of cells in each one of which a useful load is mounted. Each cell also has an inflatable bag which is disposed radially inwardly relative to the useful load. Each inflatable bag is in fluid communication with the central axial pressurized gas passage and is adapted to expel the useful load transversely with respect to the direction of flight of the warhead upon receiving an internal or external command. Each leg of the star-shaped hollow body has longitudinally extending grooves in which a detonating charge is disposed for severing the casing.

Abstract: A projectile arrangement for a gun barrel weapon having a plurality of sub-caliber projectiles which are mounted on a common sabot which is composed of a plurality of segments. These projectiles are designed for a sequential flight one behind the other at predetermined distances and along a common flight path and are joined to each other by means of a wire. The leading projectile deactivates a detonating charge upon impacting on a target region of a "actively armored" target, so that the next following projectiles can become target-effective without being disturbed.

Abstract: A flying vehicle or projectile for transporting a plurality of useful loads which are to be expelled at a predetermined point of the flight path. The flying projectile or transport vehicle includes a useful load chamber that is defined by a cylindrically-shaped housing and includes means for expelling the useful load. The cylindrically shaped housing is formed by means of a plurality of mutually joined segments 13, 13' which are detachable from each other and which form a cylindrical housing surface. The individual segments have hook-shaped extensions 15, 15' through which a rod lockingly extends. Upon the predetermined ignition of a pyrotechnic charge a force is formed by the charge which causes each rod to move so as to unlock the mutually joined segments which thereupon detach themselves from each other to permit the expulsion of the useful loads.

Abstract: In combination: an elongated container comprising a plurality of explosively separable parts extending rearwardly from a closed forward end; a load in the rearward end of said container; and a frangible, unitary ballast member in the container between the closed end and the load.

Abstract: Minimum probability of collision during the dispensing procedure is desirable in the distribution of submunition, such as mines, bomblets, or subsidiary projectiles by means of rockets or shells.For this purpose, a dual ejection process is provided wherein the individual submunitions are accommodated severally in special dispensing units which units, in turn, are inserted as secondary elements in the rockets or shells. Upon primary ejection over the target area, the dispensing units are ejected, stabilized at a distance from the rockets or shells, and subjected to a deceleration different from that of the rockets or shells so that the flight paths diverge, thus precluding collision. Subsequently, in a secondary ejection, the submunition is ejected from the dispensing units.

Abstract: A submunition having an infrared detector disposed in a nose portion thereof, the detector having a narrow angularly-displaced field of view, and vanes for causing the submunition to rotate at an essentially constant rate while in flight, thus to cause the infrared detector to scan a target area and to detect the presence of a target having a selected higher temperature than the background infrared radiation. The submunition includes a small explosive charge sheet disposed on its outer surface and concentrated in one area, and firing pulse generation means for firing the charge. When the infrared detector scans past a detectable target within the target area, it produces a detection signal that triggers a firing pulse from the firing pulse generation means, thereby firing the explosive charge to create a lateral impulse or offset of the submunition.

Abstract: An ordnance system which includes a warhead accommodating a number of secondary elements, especially explosive elements as a payload, with the secondary elements adapted to be distributed over a target area. The warhead includes a coaxially arranged rotation-producing propulsion unit such as a rocket engine.

Abstract: Clustered ammunition which is ejectable from canisters for the combating of ground targets, which includes a central body which is encompassed by the ammunition with a member for clustering the ammunition. The clustered ammunition is retained by a clamping band and is fixed in position through the intermediary of formed-fitted components.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bomblet is designed for accomplishing various military mions. A standoff spike and shaped charged are provided for piercing heavy armor and a fragmentation case surrounds the shaped charge. Upon detonation of the shaped charge, the fragmentation case disintegrates to provide shrapnel which is effective against personnel. An inner liner of incendiary material also surrounds the shaped charge and, upon detonation of the shaped charge, the incendiary material is ignited and dispersed and is useful for starting fires.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying one or more submissiles (15) from a carrier missile (25) whereby each submissile (15) is deployed into a flight path which is initially parallel to a streamline (20) of the fluid flow contiguous to the carrier missile (25). An ejection mechanism (45) has a submissile support member (105) oriented substantially parallel to the streamline (20) at the point where the submissile (15) is separated from the support member (105). The ejection mechanism (45) also provides a minimum side force to the submissile (15) which is proportional to a speed of the carrier vehicle (25). Provisions are also made to reduce or minimize any change in the aerodynamic characteristics of the carrier missile (25) after a submissile (15) has been deployed.

Abstract: A system for multistage aerial dispersion of materials or substances in mte form to provide an aerial array of interspaced clouds or cloud-like patterns of such materials or substances. Although the materials or substances may be in the nature of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and the like, suitable for domestic applications, there is basically disclosed a system for military applications. In this latter regard, rapid multipositional aerial dispersion of decoy material, such as thin metallic strips, chaff, or the like, to deceive or confuse enemy radar is achieved by packaging the decoy material in a carrier missile structured to carry a plurality of separate frangible canisters or modules respectively containing the decoy material in the form of a myriad of such metallic strips or chaff.

Abstract: An antipersonnel mine is shown, a plurality of such mines being adapted to be loaded into a round of ammunition for dispersal and subsequent detonation at random instants. The timing for detonation of each mine is determined by the discharge of a capacitor, starting when dispersal occurs. The condition of the explosive lead of each mine before loading is indicated by a position indicator in the safing and arming mechanism.

Abstract: The system includes an elongated support structure positioned substantially central of the carrier missile, wherein the support structure includes a gas-actuated piston-like device which moves between a start position and an extended position. A series of elongated launch tubes, in which submissiles are positioned, are arranged around, and parallel to, the support structure. The forward end of each launch tube is pivotally connected to the central support structure. The other end of each launch tube is connected to the piston-like device through levers which are hinged at both ends, so that as the piston-like device moves, the rear end of the launch tubes move radially relative to the support structure, so that the launch tubes are at an angle relative to the carrier missile. In this position, the submissiles in the launch tubes may be ejected rearwardly of the carrier missile by an explosive charge or similar means.

Abstract: A subcaliber missile to be launched from a barrel, in order to serve as a carrier for satellite missiles of other ejectable bodies, has an envelope divided into two half-shells of tapering configuration which are articulated to the missile bottom and are held together by a missile head and by internal partitions separating the ejectable bodies from one another. When the missile is in flight, the ejection of the head by the detonation of a charge exerts a backward reaction force upon the envelope, causing its load to move forward therein whereby the partitions are disengaged from the two half-shells and allow them to flip apart. The half-shells are provided with slots for a recessed tail-wing assembly and with back fins which, like the missile bottom, conform to the caliber of the barrel.