Abstract: A projectile having variable kinetic energy contains multiple propellant charges (14) that are able to be individually selected for ignition. Each charge (14) has a selectable initiator (15) that may be triggered by a wired or wireless firing system, preferably an inductive system, in order to determine the kinetic energy of the projectile. The projectiles are axially stacked for firing from the barrel of a weapon, with nose portion (11) shaped to seal against tail portion (12) of a leading projectile. Ignition gas exit ports (17) are located in nose portion (11) for propulsion of a leading projectile from the weapon. Alternative, the ports may be located in tail portion (12) for propulsion of each respective projectile. Charges (14) may be distributed around the longitudinal axis of body (10) of the projectile.

Abstract: An elastic retention ring for the combustible casing of a piece of ammunition with respect to a base, said ring comprising two concentric substantially ring-shaped portions, one internal the other one external, said portions being linked by radial arms, said portions being continuous or not and being of different diameter, said external portion incorporating at least one plane part and said radial arms forming an angle with respect to the plane of said plane part.

Abstract: A combustible propellant charge casing for ammunition which can be shot from the barrel of a weapon. So that the erosion-reducing additive will lead to a decrease in the erosive action of the propellant powder present in the molded part of the ammunition better than that of known additives, either polyacetylene or a mixture of WO3 and MoO3 and CeO2 or La2O3 or Y2O3 is used as the erosion-reducing additive. The particle size of the erosion-reducing additive does not exceed 30 ?m, and the specific surface area of the erosion-reducing additive is at least 2 m2/g. The mixture can also contain polyoxymethylene (POM).

Abstract: A firearm cartridge has a case configured with a relatively straight-walled portion and a shoulder portion for housing a quantity of propellant. The case further includes a neck for retaining a bullet. The straight-walled portion defines a base cavity having an interior base diameter. The interior base diameter is approximately twice or more the neck diameter. The diameter ratios of the base and neck optimize combustion efficiency to reduce heat and acceleration losses. The cartridge body cavity is sized and configured to contain a sufficient quantity of propellant such that igniting the propellant causes formation of a propellant plug having a diameter that is approximately the diameter of the bullet, and wherein the propellant plug shears free from unburned propellant that is disposed adjacent the relatively straight-walled body portion.

Abstract: According to known techniques for winding an ammunition shell the number of thread layers is often reinforced as compared to the remaining part of the shell wall, especially in those zones of the shell where the load is the highest, thereby, however, inevitably increasing the thickness of the shell wall. If the space for the propelling charge in the wound shell is to be enlarged while the outer geometry of the wound shell remains the same, that is with the same space provided in the weapon for the charge, the wall thickness has to be reduced. In order to provide the shell with the same mechanical stability, despite the reduction in wall thickness, as shells whose wall thickness is not reduced, the wound body of the shell (50) is produced from chemical fibers (53), preferably from synthetic and inorganic chemical fibers.

Abstract: Mines are fabricated in the form of munitions, specifically including cartridges for firearms and several types of grenade, including both hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades, the cartridges containing either very high energy explosives or very high temperature burning materials, that upon ignition will at least destroy the firearm in which fired or may exert lethal force against the user, while such mines in the form of grenades will explode immediately upon being activated rather than exhibit the expected time delay, both types of mines being supplied surreptitiously to an enemy force for its unknowing use, thereby to direct the lethal effect of such munitions against those enemy forces rather than the friendly forces as the enemy forces would have intended.

Abstract: A method for producing a combustible cartridge case for cartridge ammunition, wherein an aqueous pulp containing nitrocellulose and cellulose fibers is produced, a raw felt is produced from the pulp through draining the fiber material on a sieve, and the raw felt is then compressed and shaped. To produce combustible cartridge cases possessing a greater mechanical stability than known cartridge cases of comparable dimensions, additives are mixed into the aqueous pulp prior to the production of the raw felt, to increase the stability of the fiber composite after the compressing process, so the breaking strength and the breaking elongation, and the resistance to tear propagation are increased. The additive is preferably a polymer material having a hydrophilic character and a high content of OH, NH2 and/or similar functional groups, and is capable of forming chemical bonds and/or engaging in intermolecular interaction with the cellulose or nitrocellulose molecules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to a cased telescoped ammunition assembly configured to be fired from a firing device. Under one aspect of the invention, a cased telescoped ammunition assembly includes a combustible case body and noncombustible end caps connected to opposing ends of the case body. The case body is configured to be substantially consumed in combustion when the ammunition assembly is fired. An internal support structure is positioned in the interior portion of the case body and connected to the end caps. The internal support structure and the end caps define a load-bearing unit that provides a load path substantially independent of the case body. The load-bearing unit is configured to react external loads, such that the combustible case body is substantially isolated from and does not react the external loads.

Abstract: A transport container with a removable cover which is repeatedly removable and refastenable to the transport container. The transport container is sized to accommodate a plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder. Each of the plurality of individual premeasured charges of gunpowder comprises a tube which is open at least one end thereof and the at least one open end of the tube is sealed with a removable cap once a suitable quantity of the loose granular charge of gunpowder is loaded therein. Each individual premeasured charge of gunpowder is loaded with gunpowder which has a relatively low moisture content to facilitate reliable and substantially complete ignition of all of the gunpowder ignition, upon detonation of a firearm.

Abstract: An ammunition round assembly having a combustible cartridge is provided. In one embodiment, the ammunition round assembly comprises a cartridge body made of a combustible material consumed in combustion upon firing the ammunition round assembly. A base is releasably connected to the cartridge body's bottom end portion. A retention member is positioned in a locking groove defined by groove in the cartridge body and the base. A projectile is positioned adjacent to the top end portion of the cartridge body. An attachment sleeve releasably connects the projectile and the cartridge body. The attachment sleeve has a connection member releasably engaging the connection member on the top end portion of the cartridge body. The attachment sleeve is configured to resist longitudinal motion of the projectile relative to the cartridge body until the ammunition round assembly is fired.

Abstract: A cartridge with a propellant case (4) that contains a propellant charge (3) and an electrothermal ignition device, wherein several ignition channels (9) are provided in the charge (3), and extend axial-symmetrical in the direction of longitudinal axis (8) of cartridge (1), with each channel comprising a propellant tube (10) and an electrically conducting layer (11). To achieve a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the cartridge (1) in the chamber of the respective weapon, electric arcs (21) that form during the ignition operation in the ignition channels (9), are decoupled in that the electrically conducting layer (11) is composed of successively connected rhombi or other shapes (circles, ovals, etc.) that electrically function as decoupling resistances. When current flows through such a structure, the current bridges (20) arranged in the current-flow direction between the individual rhombi (15) etc. initially break apart explosively.

Abstract: According to known techniques for winding an ammunition shell the number of thread layers is often reinforced as compared to the remaining part of the shell wall, especially in those zones of the shell where the load is the highest, thereby, however, inevitably increasing the thickness of the shell wall. If the space for the propelling charge in the wound shell is to be enlarged while the outer geometry of the wound shell remains the same, that is with the same space provided in the weapon for the charge, the wall thickness has to be reduced. In order to provide the shell with the same mechanical stability, despite the reduction in wall thickness, as shells whose wall thickness is not reduced, the wound body of the shell (50) is produced from chemical fibers (53), preferably from synthetic and inorganic chemical fibers.

Abstract: A proportional modular assembly of two charges for use in a gun, which charges are structured so that the power of one charge is related to the power of the other charge by a ratio of integers.

Abstract: An ammunition base with an electrical igniter located in an axial bore within a cylindrical base, wherein the base is made of a metallic material coated with an electrically insulating material and has at least one non-insulated conductive area constituted by a ring-shaped bearing area of a shoulder of the base or by at least one non-insulated conductive ring crimped into a housing arranged in the base.

Abstract: An ammunition round assembly having a combustible cartridge is provided. In one embodiment, the ammunition round assembly comprises a cartridge body made of a combustible material consumed in combustion upon firing the ammunition round assembly. A base is releasably connected to the cartridge body's bottom end portion. A retention member is positioned in a locking groove defined by groove in the cartridge body and the base. A projectile is positioned adjacent to the top end portion of the cartridge body. An attachment sleeve releasably connects the projectile and the cartridge body. The attachment sleeve has a connection member releasably engaging the connection member on the top end portion of the cartridge body. The attachment sleeve is configured to resist longitudinal motion of the projectile relative to the cartridge body until the ammunition round assembly is fired.

Abstract: A method for producing a combustible cartridge case for cartridge ammunition, wherein an aqueous pulp containing nitrocellulose and cellulose fibers is produced, a raw felt is produced from the pulp through draining the fiber material on a sieve, and the raw felt is then compressed and shaped. To produce combustible cartridge cases possessing a greater mechanical stability than known cartridge cases of comparable dimensions, additives are mixed into the aqueous pulp prior to the production of the raw felt, to increase the stability of the fiber composite after the compressing process, so the breaking strength and the breaking elongation, and the resistance to tear propagation are increased. The additive is preferably a polymer material having a hydrophilic character and a high content of OH, NH2 and/or similar functional groups, and is capable of forming chemical bonds and/or engaging in intermolecular interaction with the cellulose or nitrocellulose molecules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to a cased telescoped ammunition assembly configured to be fired from a firing device. Under one aspect of the invention, a cased telescoped ammunition assembly includes a combustible case body and noncombustible end caps connected to opposing ends of the case body. The case body is configured to be substantially consumed in combustion when the ammunition assembly is fired. An internal support structure is positioned in the interior portion of the case body and connected to the end caps. The internal support structure and the end caps define a load-bearing unit that provides a load path substantially independent of the case body. The load-bearing unit is configured to react external loads, such that the combustible case body is substantially isolated from and does not react the external loads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cartridge consisting of a case and a projectile, characterized in that, once the cartridge is fully manufactured, a capillary active, acrylate-based adhesive sealing agent is applied in a controlled manner to the gap arising in the inner mouth of the case when the projectile is inserted therein, in a sufficient quantity as to guarantee full sealing of said gap.

Abstract: A projectile for being propelled toward a target includes a cylindrical body of Type 55 Nitinol that has a soft martensitic state that is readily deformed by rifling in the bore of a gun barrel to form grooves which ride on the rifling to spin the projectile. The Nitinol has a low coefficient of friction with the steel barrel and is sufficiently strong to prevent shedding particles or depositing projectile material in the bore. On impact with the target, the Nitinol undergoes a strain-induced shift to an ultra-high strength state in which the projectile is capable of remaining intact and concentrating its full energy on the small area of contact for maximal penetration and damage to the target instead of mushrooming widely and spreading its energy over a wide area as conventional projectiles do. Projectiles in the form of bullets, shotgun slugs, penetrating warheads, caseless ammunition and artillery shells are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrothermal ignition device for igniting a powder propellant charge (4), which comprises at least one electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22), that extends, at least partially, through the propellant charge, and can be connected to a current source (3). The electrically-conductive wire (11; 15; 19; 22) is coated with a pyrotechnical ignition mixture (12; 16; 20)so that the ignition device can have a low electrical-energy requirement and be easily adapted to the different requirements placed on it. A mixture on a potassium perchlorate-zirconium (KClO4—Zr) base has proven to be an advantageous ignition mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a primer tube (1), notably for the propellant charge (4) of artillery ammunition (2). The primer tube (1) is formed of a tubular body (8) accommodating a priming composition (14). It is characterized in that the tubular body (8) incorporates at least one receiving surface (25) oriented so as to receive the propellant gas pressure generated when the propellant charge (4) is ignited, said gas acting to propel the primer tube (1). The pressure receiving surface (25) is a disk (20) arranged substantially radially to the tubular body (8).

Abstract: A cartridge having an electrothermal ignition device, in which, ignition conduits extend axially through a first propellant-charge powder (4) filling a cartridge sleeve (5), with the conduits essentially comprising an electrical wire (11-13) that is guided axially through a tube (14-16) comprising a second propellant-charge powder. Propellant-charge-powder tubes (14-16) comprising an optically transparent propellant-charge powder are used so that even cartridges (1) having a first propellant-charge powder (4) that is difficult to ignite can be ignited rapidly and reliably, requiring the smallest possible quantity of electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention aims at improving the quality of ammunition having a shell whose wall consists of a combustible or consumable wound body with at least one double layer of crossed threads. The wound body (1) forms a single piece. The winding density of the wound body (1) varies along the length of the wound body (1) so that distribution of the threads (3) optimally matches the charge of the shell (12).

Abstract: A cartridge with a propellant case (4) that contains a propellant charge (3) and an electrothermal ignition device, wherein several ignition channels (9) are provided in the charge (3), and extend axial-symmetrical in the direction of longitudinal axis (8) of cartridge (1), with each channel comprising a propellant tube (10) and an electrically conducting layer (11). To achieve a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the cartridge (1) in the chamber of the respective weapon, electric arcs (21) that form during the ignition operation in the ignition channels (9), are decoupled in that the electrically conducting layer (11) is composed of successively connected rhombi or other shapes (circles, ovals, etc.)that electrically function as decoupling resistances. When current flows through such a structure, the current bridges (20) arranged in the current-flow direction between the individual rhombi (15) etc. initially break apart explosively.

Abstract: A spring disc includes a contiguous outer ring including a first plurality of holes and having a contiguous, upwardly curved portion having an outer edge. A middle ring encompasses a second plurality of holes, and a contiguous inner ring, is encompassed by the outer ring and the middle ring. The inner ring surrounds a central aperture sized to accommodate installation onto a cartridge case member, where the outer ring, inner ring and middle ring operate together so as to support the cartridge case by evenly distributing stresses when installed on a cartridge case. A taper angel &thgr; is built into a bottom with a value of about 1° as measured from the bottom extending radially from the center of the inner ring to the outer edge with reference to a plane parallel to an imaginary plane overlaid on the contiguous outer edge.

Abstract: A joining device for a sealing base, notably for a large calibre munition having a combustible case, device in which the case carries or is fitted with a cup having a central opening, said device being characterised in that support means are fastened to the cup by first linking means, said supporting means being in the form of a rod incorporating a cylindrical support onto which a bore of the base is positioned, said base being made integral with the support means by second linking means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cartridge consisting of a case and a projectile, characterized in that, once the cartridge is fully manufactured, a capillary active, acrylate-based adhesive sealing agent is applied in a controlled manner to the gap arising in the inner mouth of the case when the projectile is inserted therein, in a sufficient quantity as to guarantee full sealing of said gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for avoiding uneven ignition when initiating artillery propellant powder charges (1) which comprise a plurality of partial charges of the so-called modular type and which are initiated by means of laser initiation systems or conventional ignition cartridges. The invention also includes artillery propellant powder charge modules designed in accordance with this method. The invention is also based on the fact that each such charge module or modular charge has on the one hand been provided with an initiating charge (18, 19) at each end of the central ignition channel (11), where this initiating charge can consist for example of black powder, and, on the other hand, the middle part of the same ignition channel has been provided with a specially designed firing unit (14) consisting of a number of ring elements between which narrow ignition gaps (17) are maintained.

Abstract: A case base (1; 1′) for large-caliber ammunition, in which the case jacket (2) comprises a combustible material, with the case base (1; 1′) comprising a metallic base plate (3) and a support ring (4; 4′) that projects axially beyond the surface of the base plate (3) at its edge, and an elastomer or thermoplastic obturation ring (5; 5′) that is disposed on the projectile side of the support ring (4; 4′). In order for the obturation ring (5; 5′) to be secured simply to the support ring (4; 4′) and removed again after the ammunition has been fired, the support ring (4; 4′) has, on its inner surface (6) facing the obturation ring (5; 5′), a groove-shaped undercut (7), into which the end (8) of the obturation ring (5; 5′) that faces the support ring (4; 4′) extends with a form-fit and/or positive lockup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cartridge consisting of a case and a projectile, characterized in that, once the cartridge is fully manufactured, a capillary active, acrylate-based adhesive sealing agent is applied in a controlled manner to the gap arising in the inner mouth of the case when the projectile is inserted therein, in a sufficient quantity as to guarantee full sealing of said gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in filling and capping artillery charge system modules or the like including a lower fixture carried by a base plate for receiving a module with an open center core tube and fixing the module in place relative to the base plate for filling and capping. An upper fixture is carried by a pivot plate for capping a filled module, the pivot plate being hingedly attached with respect to the lower fixture to enable the upper fixture to swing clear of the lower fixture during module loading and thereafter addressing a fixed module to cap same. The lower fixture further includes a centering rod that carries a peripherally disposed flexible expanding member and a shaped cam lock member which operate the expander member to receive, lock and unlock a center core tube to the centering rod to capture and fix the module in place. The cam lock member also aligns the system for lid insertion by an adjustable stroke air cylinder mounted on the pivot plate.

Abstract: A system and method for use in providing a peripheral seal between the case and lid of a MACS modular unit or other workpiece interface, the system including a workpiece holding device for carrying and moving a workpiece of interest in relation to a solvent dispensing system and a solvent dispensing system for dispensing a metered amount of solvent into the interface to be sealed on the workpiece, the solvent dispensing system further including a metering device for dispensing a predetermined known amount of the solvent, a stationary dispensing valve for dispensing solvent supplied from the metering device over a predetermined time, a re-supply system for reloading the metering device of the known amount of liquid solvent; and a control system for controlling the operation of the workpiece holding device and the solvent dispensing system.

Abstract: This invention provides a projectile assembly (10) having a body part (14) including a trailing portion (19) which reduces in diameter rearwardly and supports a sealing band (16) having a substantially cylindrical outer face for engagement with the bore (21) of the barrel (11). The body part (14) may move rearwardly through the sealing band (16) to expand it outwardly into sealing engagement with the bore (21). Upon firing the body part (14) moves forwardly relative to the sealing band (16) to free it from the bore (21).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ammunition casing made of a composite fiber material, which comprises fiber material and a bonding agent, is at least partially flammable and has a high strength. The ammunition casing is particularly useful when surrounding a smoke screen unit, and the combustion reaction products of the composite fiber material form soot particles, preferably of hydrocarbon C.sub.X H.sub.Y, which will contribute to the smoke screen effect of the smoke screen unit during combustion.

Abstract: A cartridge case for service ammunition is designed to reduce the damage effect on the environment in the event of an extreme pressure increase in the propellent powder forming part of the charged ammunition, upon accidental ignition of the propellent powder and to a method for reduction of the damage. The cartridge case comprises at least one longitudinal weakening in the case material, the weakening being designed in such a manner that the case material, when the case is supported by the cartridge chamber of the weapon during the combustion of the powder, withstands stresses from the internal gas pressure, but breaks under the same gas pressure if the propellent powder is ignited when the case is located outside the cartridge chamber, thus splitting open along the weakening.

Abstract: A tank cartridge is described which is capable of withstanding rough handg during loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: A wrapped gas generant cartridge is incorporated in an inflator of a vehicle occupant restraint system. The gas generant cartridge includes a stacked, aligned plurality of substantially flat annular wafers of gas generant material having a central opening therethrough. A wrap of sheet material surrounds the plurality of wafers and has marginal end panels folded along the end surfaces of the plurality of wafers, leaving at least one end opening exposed for receiving an ignition tube of the inflator. The wrap of sheet material is selected from metal foil, expanded metal, cellulose, thermoplastics, including polyolefin shrink wrap, with tape, adhesive or adhesive laminates holding the wrap in position. The gas generant cartridge is received in a filter and screen pack within the inflator.

Abstract: A modular artillery charge system consists of two distinct solid propellant harge modules. Each module consists of a three-piece combustible cartridge case design and bi-directional center core core ignition system. The three-piece combustible cartridge case consists of a combustible case body, having an open end and a end; a cap, having a closed end and an open end; and a center tube. The closed ends of the body and the cap have a hole in the center. The center core tube is positioned longitudinally through the combustible case body, and contacts the closed ends of both the cap and the body. The bi-directional center core ignition system comprises a core igniter bag and two end igniter bags. The core igniter bag occupies the center core tube, and the end igniter bags contact the core igniter bag. The bi-directional center core ignition system may be ignited by percussion primers or a laser ignition system. The first module is used individually or in groups of two.

Abstract: A preformed unitary pellet formed from an appropriate propellant for use in muzzle loading firearms. Particular formulations, dimensions, densities, and other parameters for specific applications are set forth. A method of manufacture is also included.

Abstract: A live powder propellant charge combustible container for field artillery ammunition,having substantially the same overall dimensions as a conventional slow powder propellant charge container used for long range firing and having,means (R, E) to reduce its inner volume (7) to enclose the quantity of live powder necessary for the field artillery to be used to carry out short range firing, and somemeans (R, E) to be able to differentiate it, visually and by touch, from a conventional slow powder container.

Abstract: Ammunition round comprising a primary cartridge (1) and a secondary cartridge (2) provided with mutually cooperable push fit connection means for connecting the two cartridges during loading. The cartridges (1, 2) incorporate sockets (10, 12) which contain and are connected by a connecting piece (14). Socket (12) includes a cavity (20) having sufficient longitudinal depth to allow some axial movement of the connecting piece (14) ensuring that strain on the connecting piece (14) during loading is minimized.

Abstract: A priming mechanism for a propellant charge, notably for field artillery ammunition, comprising a tube (2) made of a combustible material, whose inner wall is lined with a priming charge which marks out a central channel (5) inside the tube (2), characterised in that the priming charge is formed of several successive layers (3) of black powder granules with a binder (4).

Abstract: A case for use with a propellant charge has a substantially cylindrical envelope. The envelope is formed from a combustible material. At least one support, that is formed from a combustible material, is coated to a substantially uniform thickness on at least one reception section with an anti-wear additive. A mechanism, formed from a combustible material, positions the support relative to the envelope such that, after assembly, at least one empty space is defined between an inner surface of the envelope and the anti-wear additive.

Abstract: An igniting system for a projectile propellant includes a combustible support tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of throughgoing apertures provided in the support tube; a free igniting channel coaxially surrounded by the support tube; and an ignition transfer charge formed of a pyrotechnical hard foam layer having a thickness between 1 and 3 mm and being carried on the outer surface of the support tube. The hard foam layer is composed of a large-pore inner layer and two opposite surface layers which are of densely closed structure and between which the inner layer is sandwiched.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant disposed in the case; a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom; and a coating of igniting substance applied to at least one part of the surface of the rear projectile length portion. A clearance defined by a distance between a frontal terminus of the propellant igniter and the rear terminus of the rear length portion of the arrow projectile is such that upon igniting the propellant igniter igniting flames emanating from the propellant igniter bridge the clearance and ignite the coating of igniting substance.

Abstract: A firing system for a small firearm including a caseless munition of a small calibre that is discharged by an electric arc in the vicinity of the primer of the munition from a high voltage applied between two electrodes. The electrode forming the anode is mounted on a support fastened to the rear of a firing chamber. The support ensures sealing for the combustive gases and insulation for the anode. The electrode forming the cathode is constituted by the metallic firing chamber of the weapon.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a case having a case bottom; a propellant powder disposed in the case, a propellant igniter mounted centrally on the case bottom; and an arrow projectile having a rear length portion extending into the case towards the case bottom. At least those grains of the propellant powder which are situated axially beyond the propellant igniter are coated with an igniting substance.

Abstract: A new joint for use in combustible cartridge case munitions which reduces e risk of combustible cartridge case and case base and seal assembly separation during routine handling and minimizes the problems related to dechambering, comprised of a seal mated to the case base and into the exterior of the combustible cartridge case.

Abstract: In cannon ammunition including a cartridge case containing a propellant charge, a case bottom to which the cartridge case is connected, a charge igniter, and a primmer element positioned in the case bottom, the improvement in which the cartridge case is combustible, is connected to the primer element, and includes a combustible material and a pyrotechnical mixture which is embedded within the combustible material and which is composed of at least one reducing agent and at least one oxidizing agent which form a pyrotechnical redox system; and the charge igniter consists of the cartridge case.

Abstract: A system and method for launching projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode in the air into a pyrotechnic display. The projectile includes a shell constructed from a binding agent and an explosive additive which explodes the shell into small particles. The explosive additive, which may be nitrocellulose, causes the exploded particles to be rapidly burned and consumed to form lightweight, inert flakes that fall harmlessly to the ground. The projectile is aimed and launched by a launcher to rapidly expel the projectile from a launching tube. Once in the air at a predetermined location in the sky, a fuse inside the projectile operates to detonate the projectile into its intended pyrotechnic display. The fuse is extremely accurate and enables detonation of the projectile at precise altitudes. An electronic control system controls launching and detonation of the projectiles in a precise and repeatable manner.