Abstract: A reaction container has contains an amount of a water reactive material and a volume of water within the confined space of its interior. The water reactive material, which contains aluminum, is formed as two separate and spaced apart portions. The water is located between the two portions of the water reactive material. A detonation mechanism, which is configured to mix the amount of water reactive material and the volume of water, is provided in communication with each portion of the water reactive material. The volume of water and the aluminum in the water reactive material are stoichiometrically balanced.

Abstract: An underwater hydro-reactive explosive system includes a pressure vessel with a central section of water disposed between identical sections of a material selected from the group consisting of thermites, intermetallics, nano-sized metallic particles, and micro-sized metallic particles. The water is provided in a stoichiometric quantity that provides a complete reaction with the material following simultaneous detonation of the sections thereof.

Abstract: A bounding anti-armor/anti-vehicle mine attacks and destroys multiple targets simultaneously at the targets” closest point of approach. This is accomplished by utilizing multiple asymmetric explosively forged penetrators (EFPs) on a warhead that is capable of producing multiple armor penetrating kills horizontally in 360 degrees. The warhead comprises, for example, 16 curved copper or non-ferrous EFP metal plates arranged parallel to the central axis of the mine. The warhead is initiated either centrally or from either end, depending on the type of target being attacked.

Abstract: A method of fuze sterilization is provided for a fuze that includes a first component and a second component with a prescribed relationship being defined therebetween. The prescribed relationship is one that is required for proper detonation operation of the fuze. The first and second components are fabricated from materials having different galvanic potentials. An electrolyte is introduced between the first and second components to initiate galvanic corrosion of one of the components. The galvanic corrosion continues for a period of time until the prescribed relationship between the first and second components changes sufficiently to disable the detonation operation of the fuze.

Abstract: A method of fuze sterilization is provided for a fuze that includes a first component and a second component with a prescribed relationship being defined therebetween. The prescribed relationship is one that is required for proper detonation operation of the fuze. The first and second components are fabricated from materials having different galvanic potentials. An electrolyte is introduced between the first and second components to initiate galvanic corrosion of one of the components. The galvanic corrosion continues for a period of time until the prescribed relationship between the first and second components changes sufficiently to disable the detonation operation of the fuze.

Abstract: A mechanical device for generating actuating movement has a housing defining a first bore and a second bore contiguous therewith. The housing also defines radial ports that allow an environment about the housing to communicate with the first bore. A first piston is slidably mounted in the first bore. A second piston is slidably mounted in the second bore and is positioned so that it is flush with the first bore. A spring, coupled to the first piston, is capable of an at-rest state in which the first piston seals off the radial ports while being spaced apart from the second piston. The spring is also capable of a compressed state in which the first piston is positioned such that the radial ports communicate with the first bore between the first and second pistons.

Abstract: An air-safed underwater fuze system is provided for munitions that are to launch-deployed and water-detonated. A housing defines a first bore contiguous with a second bore. Radial ports in the housing communicate with the first bore. A first piston is slidably mounted in the first bore and a second piston is slidably mounted in the second bore and positioned flush with the first bore. Piston control means are coupled between the munitions and first piston for positioning the first piston in a first position prior to launch in which the first piston seals off the radial ports while being spaced apart from the second piston to define a chamber. The piston control means moves the first piston at launch to a second position so that the chamber expands and the radial ports are in communication with the chamber. The piston control means further drives the first piston from its second position towards its first position at a specified time after launch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater mine or decoy which should lie on the ocean bottom or which has buoyancy characteristics. The mine or decoy is made up of at least an expandable material and a foldable, preferably webbed shell which determines the external form of the mine. The disadvantages associated with the storage, transportation and stowage of heavy mines of fixed shape in submarines, small ships and aircraft are thereby avoided. It is possible to manufacture decoys or mines rapidly and economically, and they may have variable magnetic and/or sonar reflecting properties. The release of the decoys or mines from submerged submarines via forceful ejection is possible.

Abstract: A fuze for setting off jacketed explosive charges, particularly underwater charges, comprises a breaking wall aimed at the explosive charge, and an initiating charge aimed at the breaking wall. Between the initiating charge and the breaking wall, an intermediate space is provided which can be filled with water. With the intermediate space filled with water, upon detonating the initiating charge, a shockwave is produced in the water in the intermediate space by which the breaking wall is fragmented to form a piercing spike setting off the explosive charge.

Abstract: An underwater demolition device has magnets for holding the device on a ferrous structure and a plunger which, once the device has been planted, is held in a retracted position by the structure on which the device is held. If the device is moved from the structure, the plunger protrudes beyond the magnets. A visual indication is provided immediately upon arming of the device if the plunger is then in its protruding position and a timer is provided to prevent detonation until a predetermined delay has elapsed from arming.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated fuse has a housing formed with an inner chamber and with a passage having an outer end opening to the exterior and an inner end opening into the chamber. A plug in the passage has a porosity sufficient to allow slow liquid flow through itself. An actuating element is exposed inwardly in the chamber and outwardly to the exterior and is displaceable in the housing by a pressure differential between the chamber and the exterior along an actuating axis between an outer position and an inner position. The chamber is substantially closed to the exterior except through the passage. A valve in the passage connected to the actuating element blocks liquid flow along the passage only when the actuating element is in its outer position. Thus, when the element moves out of its outer position liquid can flow through the plug and limitedly along the passage into the chamber.

Abstract: An improved release apparatus, including an actuator device, a release dee and a firing device, releases the firing device in a water environment and not in an air environment when the actuator device is remotely actuated. When in a water environment, a predetermined gas pressure from the actuator device drives forward a pusher piston and valve sleeve arrangement, disposed in a water chamber of the release device, initially to close off lower entry/exit orifices in the water chamber by action of the valve sleeve, and then to compress an entrapped column of water to a predetermined water pressure sufficiently to cause shearing off of an annular lip of a ball lock piston thereby separating the firing device from the release device. When in an air environment, the pressure from a compressed entrapped air column is not sufficient to cause shearing off or folding down of the annular lip of the ball lock piston, and, accordingly, the release apparatus is safed.

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: A fuse apparatus for a depth charge or the like has a primary fuse that operates at a relatively shallow depth to position a detonator in line with a firing pin, and a secondary fuse that operates to release the firing pin to explose the detonator. A safety mechanism normally prevents operation of the primary fuse, but can be canceled to allow such operation. The secondary fuse cannot itself operate until the primary fuse has operated, so that the two fuses must operate successively to set off the detonator. In addition the two fuses operate along mutually perpendicular axes, so accidental jarring of the device cannot set it off. Finally the arrangement is constructed to leak slightly so that in the event it fails to go off it will rapidly become inoperative.