Abstract: A mortar shell including: a metallic inner layer; a polymer outer layer having reinforcing fibers dispersed therein; and at least one layer of metallic fragments disposed between the inner and outer layers, the layer of metallic fragments including a plurality of individual metallic fragments unconnected to each other. In a variation, the mortar shell including: a metallic inner layer, the metallic inner layer having a grid formed on an outer surface to define a plurality of metallic fragments separated by grooves; a polymer having first reinforcing fibers disposed within the grooves; and a polymer outer layer having second reinforcing fibers dispersed therein. In another variation, the mortar shell including a polymer outer layer having reinforcing fibers dispersed therein; and a metallic inner layer having a plurality of metallic fragments with a shape to interlock to each of the other and assembled together into the metallic inner layer.

Abstract: A mortar ammunition round which contains at least three fragment producing regions covered by a threadably removable aluminum cowling. Detachment of the cowling provides access to several of the fragment producing regions which are located on a removable cup device. A different cup device may then be selectively inserted and the cowling replaced, forming a new mortar round of different select performance capabilities.

Abstract: An indirect fire mission training round includes a projectile training shell having an outer periphery, a proximal end, and a distal end, the proximal end defining an interior chamber. The projectile training shell is configured to be inserted within a cavity of a projectile firing instrument. The round includes an interlock member configured to securely receive a proximal portion of a subsequent training round within the interior chamber of the projectile training shell. The round includes a resistance brake extending outward from the outer periphery and configured to contact a wall of the cavity of the firing instrument and provide resistance that secures the projectile training shell at a position within the cavity. The resistance break is selectively disengageable such that the position of the projectile training shell is adjustable.

Abstract: A mortar system includes a launch unit that comprises a mortar ignition cartridge provided with a flashtube. The flashtube incorporates a ring-like nozzle that is positioned within the flashtube, which acts to restrain the motion of the black powder pellets as well as to choke the flow of the resultant combustion products. The nozzle separates the flashtube into two compartments: a flashtube venting chamber and a pellet combustion chamber. The mortar ignition cartridge combustion chamber acts as the product-gas venting area of the flashtube. The combustion of the black powder pellets essentially takes place in the pellet combustion chamber. The present design modification improves the overall performance of the mortar system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a shell (1) into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon and to a support member for supporting a shell. The arrangement comprises a flanged support element (5), to which a fastening element is connected with threads. A sleeve-like clamping element is arranged around the fastening element. Both have grooves for tail fins of the shell (1). The support member (5) has a support element, to which a fastening element is connected with threads and on top of which a sleeve-like support element is arranged.

Abstract: A cooling fin for a mortar tube comprises a plurality of discrete nibs disposed on an external surface of the mortar tube wherein the nibs are arranged in longitudinal rows spaced circumferentially around the mortar tube. Preferably, the number of longitudinal rows of nibs is thirty-six. The nibs have a substantially square cross-section.

Abstract: A training mortar apparatus includes a small mortar tube and a large mortar tube, the small mortar tube being disposed in the large mortar tube; a removable base cap attached to one end of the small mortar tube; a plug inserted in the removable base cap; a removable firing pin inserted in the plug; a second base cap attached to one end of the large mortar tube; and at least one opening in the large mortar tube, the opening being axially aligned with the removable firing pin of the small mortar tube. Improved manufacturing methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mortar cartridge generates effective white or colored smoke obscuration with reduced adverse environmental impact and collateral damage and provides an improved drag assembly that reduces drift during projectile descent and improves targeting.

Abstract: A non-lethal cargo projectile comprises a projectile body; a fuze adapter attached to a front of the projectile body; a fuze attached to the fuze adapter; a boattail attached to a rear of the projectile body; a pressure tube extending from the fuze adapter to the boattail; a decelerator and drogue chute disposed aft of the fuze adapter; a flexible line that connects the pressure tube to the decelerator; a center disc disposed aft of the decelerator and drogue chute; a rear disc disposed aft of the center disc, the center disc and the rear disc defining a payload volume therebetween; a second flexible line that connects the rear disc to the boattail; at least one shearable fastener that fastens the projectile body to the fuze adapter; and at least one vent extending from the boattail to the fuze adapter.

Abstract: A mortar cartridge generates effective white or colored smoke obscuration with reduced adverse environmental impact and collateral damage, and provides an improved drag assembly that reduces drift during projectile descent and improves targeting.

Abstract: A propelling charge support comprises horseshoe-shaped clips for engaging the tail fin and holding the propelling charges together for protection, a rounded saddle for holding the propelling charges of the cartridge, and winged edges to protect the propelling charges and aid in removal of the propelling charge support from the tail fin. The propelling charge support further comprises a flat outer surface on which the propelling charge support loaded with propelling charges can rest while being installed onto the tail fin. It comprises a fin engagement clip that interfaces with a fin blade when installed on the cartridge, and that prevents rotation of the propelling charge support and propelling charges about the tail fin axis during rough handling and transportation, preventing damage to the propelling charges.

Abstract: A projectile, such as a mortar projectile, includes a self-discarding or self-consumable propelling charge holder. A self-discarding propelling charge holder is made up of multiple segments. The propelling charge holder is maintained in place during launch by an igniter holder, and by folding fins of the projectile. The propelling charge increments are consumed during the launch process. After launch, as the folding fins deploy, the segments of the propelling charge holder separate from each other and from the remainder of the projectile, and the igniter holder is forcibly removed from the propelling charge holder segments. Alternatively, the propelling charge holder may be self-consumable, being made of a material that is consumed along with the propelling charge increments.

Abstract: A practice projectile allows for the release of flame or smoke and bang upon impact to simulate a successful deployment of the tactical cartridge. The practice projectile includes three main components: a center vent tube, a plurality of vent holes, and a plurality of vent plugs. The center vent tube compensates for the physical properties of the tactical mortar cartridge and provides a passage for an efficient release of smoke upon a fuze function. The vent holes are positioned at the rear end of the projectile body to sufficiently release pressure, flame and smoke upon a fuze function. The vent plugs seal the vent holes to protect the interior of the projectile during storage, handling, and launching.

Abstract: A non-lethal payload delivery assembly for use with a launching device having a non-lethal payload releasably contained in a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly being openable upon application of a deploying force to deploy the non-lethal payload after the carrier assembly and the non-lethal payload are launched as a unit from the launching device. An openable sabot assembly releasably contains the carrier assembly during before and during launch. The sabot assembly configured to absorb launch forces that exceed the strength of the carrier assembly alone independent of the sabot assembly. A payload deployment system connected to the carrier assembly is activatable after separation of the carrier unit from the sabot assembly following launch. The payload deployment system opens the carrier assembly for deployment of the non-lethal payload away from the carrier assembly and before reaching the target.

Abstract: A sub-caliber projectile cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, a forward cavity/an inner bore in the piston, a sub-caliber projectile, and a link. The sub-caliber projectile is seated into the forward cavity/inner bore located in the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the sub-caliber projectile and to accelerate the sub-caliber projectile upon firing. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or another similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing.

Abstract: This low impulse payload cartridge for automatic weapons includes a case, a piston, an ogive, a payload cup, a payload, and a link. The payload cup and payload is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the payload and to accelerate the payload upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the payload. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provides a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.

Abstract: A low impulse telescoping cartridge includes a case, a piston, a projectile, and a link. The projectile is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the projectile and to accelerate the projectile upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the projectile. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provide a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function.

Abstract: A mortar bedding or training round has a canister filled with a heavy, dispersible filling and a sidewall that will rupture after firing of the round. The canister sleeve may be dimensioned to provide an expansion gap within the barrel, allowing the canister sidewall to partially expand upon firing, weakening it for subsequent rupture upon leaving the mortar barrel. Such a round can bed a mortar without launching a projectile to a high altitude where it might be detected.

Abstract: A Mortar adapter intended to be received in the barrel of a mortar. The adapter includes a projectile firing tube and a breech region (2), wherein the projectile firing tube is intended to accommodate a practice projectile of smaller caliber than the caliber of the mortar barrel. The projectile is brought to a firing and locked state automatically as the projectile is inserted into the mortar adapter. There is provided a safety facility, which includes a breech block (7, 9) which is intended to be inserted into the adapter through the agency of a guide means (4, 5) which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical breech (2) and when fully inserted forms the bottom of the breech.

Abstract: A composite lead-free bullet is disclosed comprising a heavy constituents selected from the group of tungsten, tungsten carbide, carballoy, and ferro-tungsten and a second binder constituent consisting of either a metal alloy or a plastic blend.

Abstract: An apparatus for mortars for simulating the loading and firing of live ammunition by using a dummy shell. The apparatus includes a mortar, a spacer piece, and a dummy shell. The spacer piece and dummy shell are inserted into the mortar barrel. The length of the spacer piece and dummy shell are such that the top of the dummy shell projects a distance past the muzzle of the barrel. The spacer piece includes a firing pin mechanism including a firing pin and a triggering mechanism. A triggering pin projects from a top plate of the spacer piece and is movable from a projected position into a retracted position for triggering. The firing pin mechanism includes spring biassed rods which project out from the top plate of the spacer piece and are urged inwards by the dummy shell. The firing pin mechanism is biassed by a latch which is releaseable by an electromagnet.

Abstract: An improved mortar training ammunition device is characterized by a propulsion module which can be altered for short range and full range operation. The module includes a stabilizer tube containing spaced groups of openings which are selectively opened or closed by rings mounted on the tube. Propelling charges are mounted on the rings. By selecting simulated or active propelling charges and the condition of the openings, the device can be used for garrison or field training.

Abstract: There is proposed an ejector device (6) for grenade projector or mortar projectiles (1), which permits simulation of mortar firing even in halls or very limited areas. It is known that blank cartridges (17) for rifles, pistols or bolt firing devices have only a slight degree of scatter in terms of gas pressure. Therefore the ejection speed of a piston (13) which is inserted into the ejector device (6) and which is driven by the powder propellent gases of the blank cartridge (17) is always the same. In that way it is always possible to achieve the same firing ranges of only a few meters.

Abstract: A modified propellant increment for the propulsion system of an ammunition round includes a body composed of combustible propellant material and having a hollow interior, and a plurality of holes defined through the body which communicate the exterior of the body with the hollow interior thereof. The hollow interior of the body is empty of any propellant other than the propellant material composing the body. The holes are arranged in first and second arcuate rows on opposite planar end portions of the body and ensure complete combustion of the body upon burning thereof.

Abstract: An initiating device which employs discardable arming members is disclosed. The design qualifies as a low cost, responsive, impact initiating system for a practice projectile. The method is embodied in a sub-caliber flight projectile as part of a mortar training device.

Abstract: A wing-stabilized hollow charge shell constructed as dummy ammunition and having a tail unit (13) of the same caliber comprises a front explosive chamber (1) and a rear explosive chamber (2) and at the end face of the shell case is provided with a detonator rod (4). The entire shell case, including the detonator rod (4), is formed by parts (3, 5, 7) consisting of the same or similar material which are undetachably connected together.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained fuse assembly for producing a near surface burst of a military projectile such as a mortar shell.

Abstract: A mortar training device which includes full-size, simulated, propelling charges is disclosed. The device enables a trainee to subtract simulated charges, as required, to achieve a desired zone of reduced firing distance, following procedures similar to those used with standard service ammunition. The method is embodied in a sabot projectile having a sub-caliber flight projectile. The system provides zones of firing distance which are approximately one-tenth that of standard service ammunition.

Abstract: Shell for firing practice comprised of a master projectile in the form of a conventional shell which has a hole along its entire axis for the purpose of inserting inside a small bore projectile that comprises a sleeve and in whose inside there is concentrically placed in axial continuity, a cartridge positioned on the bottom of the sleeve which has a first explosive charge that is activated by the mortar firing pin, and where said cartridge possesses a wad having at least one hole to allow the expansive wave to be transmitted to a second firing pin which activates a second explosive charge, and means for transmitting the impelling action of said second charge to a carried projectile.

Abstract: Arrangement for interconnecting a projectile and a projectile extension component. The projectile and the extension component each incorporates its own connecting element which are capable of being introduced into each other by causing one of the connecting elements to be so deformed as to be retained in its deformed state in the second connecting element. The connecting elements are capable of being introduced into each other with the help of the firing forces whose effect is immediate when the projectile and the extension component are fired from the barrel of a weapon.

Abstract: The practice projectile of this invention has a variable projectile range when fired from the barrel of a firearm. The projectile comprises a shell body portion having a front end section and a rear end section and includes an outer surface, an inner gas-conveying passage, propellant gas ingress openings and propellant gas exit openings. The outer surface includes an outer, caliber section which contacts the inside surface of the barrel out of which the projectile is fired. The outer caliber section is located intermediate the front and rear end sections. The inner gas-conveying passage extends between the front end and rear end sections. The propellant gas ingress openings are located in the rear end section and openly connect the rear end section of the inner gas-conveying passage to the outside of the shell body. The propellant gas exit openings are located in the front end section and openly connect the front end section of the inner gas-conveying passage to the outside of the shell body.