Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating surface plasmas, for ignition of propellants. The invention provides a plurality of sheet fuses with insulating sheets separating each fuse. One of the fuses is complete, while the other fuses have a gap. The fuses are sheets formed into concentric coaxial cylinders. The complete fuse forms the outer most cylinder. The fuses sequentially become a plasma starting from the outer most fuse to the inner most fuse.

Abstract: An electrostatically dischargeable primer which in a preferred embodiment is characterized by an electrically non-conductive plastic case having a base end, an open end and a powder cavity filled with powder, an electrically conductive metallized plastic, or carbon-filled, or metal electrode extending through the base and the plastic case and communicating with the powder cavity and an electrically conductive membrane seal closing the open end of the non-conductive plastic case and sealing the powder cavity. In a first preferred embodiment a concave tower receptacle is defined in the base of the non-conductive plastic case opposite the conductive membrane seal to interface with the electrode tower and positive electrode of an ignition coil. In a second preferred embodiment the tower receptacle is eliminated in favor of a flat base, through which the electrode projects.

Abstract: A plasma injection device in combination with a projectile includes a reusable multi-part propellant case which has a cartridge base and an electrically insulating case body directly attached to the cartridge base. The case body has an interior, a front end and an opposite rearward end. The rearward end of the case body is directly attached to the cartridge base. The case body has an outer surface for engaging an inner surface of a weapon tube whereby the case body constitutes an obturator. An electrode is held in the cartridge base in direct contact therewith. The electrode extends into the electrically insulating material and is exposed to the interior of the case body. The device further includes a plasma-receiving container having a front end and a rearward end; the rearward end is attached to the front end of the case body. The case body and the plasma-receiving container are substantially consecutively disposed end-to-end.

Abstract: A projectile accelerating pulsed gas source comprises a structure including a high voltage electrode for establishing axial electrical discharges in axial gaps behind an outlet where the projectile is located. Plasma flows at right angles to the discharges into a propellant that is converted into a high pressure component of the gas pulse. The gaps are arranged so that after the projectile moves away from its initial position, power applied to the plasma via gaps close to the outlet is greater than power applied to the plasma via gaps farther from the outlet. The gaps are arranged so power applied to the plasma is substantially the same in the discharges when plasma is initially produced. The gaps include walls that are eroded differently by the discharges so gap walls close to the outlet erode faster than gap walls farther from the outlet.

Abstract: At a first end of an optic-fiber prism assembly are fiber terminations to contact a relieved surface, e. g. finger (stabilized by a handgrip). In a region where fiber diameter is essentially constant with longitudinal position, light enters the prism, crosses the fibers and enters individual fibers through their sidewalls, lighting the terminations. To allow crosslighting of the assembly, the fiber-optic numerical aperture (NA) is small: preferably not exceeding one-half. Due to fingerprint etc. detail, fractions of light pass along the fibers; at the assembly second end a detector responds with an electrical-signal array based on the surface relief. The signals are processed to check finger etc. identity and applied to control access to a personal weapon, other equipment, facilities, data, or a money service. FTIR ("frustrated total internal reflection") bright- and dark-field versions have various benefits.

Abstract: A plasma injection device (plasma burner) for a projectile has a multi-part propellant case and a plasma-receiving container attached to the propellant case. The multi-part propellant case includes a cartridge base; an electrically insulating case body directly attached to the cartridge base and also constituting an obturator; and an electrode held in and being electrically insulated from the cartridge base.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a plasma generation device particularly adapted to an electrothermal-chemical propulsion system. The device comprises a membranous conductive substance having structural compositions which enable the formation of a continuous and volumetrically distributed plasma arc. The membranous substance is versatile and operates, inter alia, as a fuse wire, plasma incubator, plasma container, plasma distributor, plasma infusion and permeation media as well as a fuel container.

Abstract: A multiple squib assembly is provided for use in a chaff deployment system. A method of manufacture is also provided. The assembly of this invention represents an improvement over prior art squib assemblies, such as the BBU48. In preferred embodiments, the assembly comprises a brass base plate, a pair of squibs, a center contact connected to the squibs, and a zener diode connected between one of the squibs and the baseplate. All of those components are retained within a molded rubber or plastic body, which is shaped to hold the components in the desired relative position and to form sealing elements around each of the squibs. A reliable, integral assembly is thus provided using a minimal number of parts and electrical connections. In alternative embodiments, a larger number of squibs may be incorporated into the assembly, and alternative discrimination elements may be employed.

Abstract: A gun is provided with an electronically fired cartridge. The cartridge includes a primer cap with a heat sensitive primer therein. A fuse wire of appropriate electrical resistance extends through the primer, and a pair of contacts are affixed with a gun to provide a voltage to the fuse wire in order to cause a flow of current through the fuse wire to ignite the primer. An electric circuit is provided on the gun body for supplying electric power to the contacts. The circuit includes a switch, a battery, and first and second contacts which are in electrical communication with the fuse wire when the cartridge is in the gun.

Abstract: A high pressure pulsed gas source for accelerating a projectile along a gun barrel comprises a structure including a high voltage electrode for establishing axial electrical discharges in corresponding axial gaps behind an outlet where the projectile is located. Plasma flows at right angles to the discharges into a propellant mass that is converted into a high pressure component of the gas pulse. The gaps are arranged so that after the projectile moves away from its initial position and is in the barrel, power applied to the plasma via gaps close to the outlet is greater than power applied to the plasma via gaps farther from the outlet. To avoid damage to the gun, the gaps are arranged so power applied to the plasma is substantially the same in the discharges when plasma is initially produced. The gaps include walls that are eroded differently by the discharges so gap walls close to the outlet erode faster than gap walls farther from the outlet.

Abstract: A plasma generator (44) for an electrothermal gun cartridge has elongated metallic rod and tube members (58,60) extending along a central axis thereof with the tube member (58) having at least one axial gap (62) and with an elongated annular insulator located between and in engagement with both metallic members to provide support therebetween as an electrical voltage generates an electrical arc at the axial gap to provide a plasma that ignites a propellant (46). Different embodiments of the plasma generator have a plurality of the axial gaps (62) located along the tube member (60) and are constructed for both simultaneous and sequential firing with fuses (74) controlling the timing. Helically extending member portions (78) provide rotation of the electrical arc and hence the plasma generated to distribute it for ignition of the propellent (46).

Abstract: An electrical power feed assembly (12) for supplying high current to an electrothermal gun has first and second electrical connectors (38) and (42) with associated contact portions (40) and (44) for engaging and plastically deforming first and second side contacts (20,22) on a cartridge (14) to provide firing while maintaining the electrical contact without any arcing. The first connector (38) has a curved contact portion (40) that provides an interference fit to plastically deform the first contact (20) and establish the electrical contact as the cartridge (14) is inserted into the gun. The second connector (42) has a pair of curved knife edges (48) that engage and plastically deform the second contact (22) of the cartridge to establish and maintain the electrical contact under spring action of the second connector and by operation of a cam mechanism (50) of a breech block (26) of the gun.

Abstract: Ignition current is conducted by a firing circuit through a firing pin to a rimer mixture retained by its cap within a cartridge case from which the cap is electrically separated by an insulator to effect primer ignition with reduced lock time by activation of a firing switch independently of the firing pin. Voltage for the firing circuit is derived from a battery, maintained in a charged condition by alternate voltage supply sources, and stored at an ignition firing level for a prolonged period of time to accommodate selective activation of the firing switch after the firing pin contacts the primer cap.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a plasma generation device particularly adapted to an electrothermal-chemical propulsion system. The device comprises a membranous conductive substance having structural compositions which enable the formation of a continuous and volumetrically distributed plasma arc. The membranous substance is versatile and operates, inter alia, as a fuse wire, plasma incubator, plasma container, plasma distributor, plasma infusion and permeation media as well as a fuel container.

Abstract: Ignition current is conducted by a firing circuit through a firing pin to a rimer mixture retained by its cap within a cartridge case from which the cap is electrically separated by an insulator to effect primer ignition with reduced lock time by activation of a firing switch independently of the firing pin. Voltage for the firing circuit is derived from a battery, maintained in a charged condition by alternate voltage supply sources, and stored at an ignition firing level for a prolonged period of time to accommodate selective activation of the firing switch after the firing pin contacts the primer cap.

Abstract: A system (10) for detonating an electro-explosive device (EED) (46) includes a primer (40, 70) connected to an expansion chamber (36) by a shaped vent passage (38). A releasably retained element (60) within the expansion chamber (36) is propelled by expanding gas from the detonated primer to impact a piezoelectric crystal (48) in circuit with the EED (46). Particular safety arrangements are disclosed which prevent the application of voltage from the crystal to the EED until the system is intentionally activated. Some of these arrangements also prevent electromagnetic interference and stray field voltages from reaching the EED.

Abstract: An electrical ignition device (1) has a metal container (2) for a firing resistor or bridge, a first (3) and a second (4) terminal pin and at least one ignition charge (5, 6).So that firing of the ignition charge does not occur in the event of electrical discharges between terminal pins and a housing, it is proposed that the container (2) be capable of being embedded in a plastic material by injection moulding and inserted in the housing, that a first outward extension (8) be provided on the container (2) which is electrically conductively connected to the first terminal pin (3), and that a second outward extension (9) be provided on the container (2) which can be formed so as to extend to the housing leaving a small clearance and of which an outer end is not embedded in the plastic material.

Abstract: An electrothermal chemical cartridge with a fuse of tapering cross section enables higher impulse energy to be imparted to a projectile by means of complete controlled burning of propellant. A long, narrow tube filled with propellant has a fuse on its inside surface with a cross section that tapers toward the discharge end, separated from the electrical ground of the cartridge casing by a layer of insulation sufficiently thin to be destroyed as the fuse ignites the propellant. A high-voltage electrode connected at the back end of the tube provides for application of a pulse of sufficient current density to ohmically heat or burn the fuse in a controlled fashion from the discharge end to the back end. Many such tubes can be bundled together in a large casing for wide barrel guns.

Abstract: A firearm cartridge with a pre-pressurizing charge and a main propellant charge. The pre-pressurizing charge is located adjacent the rear end of the projectile. The pre-pressurizing charge can burn and exert pressure on the main propellant charge without igniting the main propellant charge.

Abstract: An electric primer for cartridge ammunition is designed to minimize antenna oupling, capacitive coupling, and aperture coupling of stray electromagnetic radiation thereinto to avoid accidental primer detonation with resulting ignition of cartridge propellant. The primer is provided with a button electrode deeply recessed totally behind a small diameter access aperture which physically guards the button electrode from antenna and capacitive coupling while allowing activating plunger entry. Furthermore, the small opening channels stray radiation about its periphery rather than admitting it to the button electrode.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to harnessing plasma to ignite, pressurize and distribute plasma, plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel throughout a propellant mass. Particularly, the present invention enables the creation of a progressive burning surface whereby the propellant reaches maximum pressure controllably and losses pressure much more slowly thus creating high piezometric efficiency. More particularly, in gun-charge-projectile systems, by using radial perforations designed to provide a balanced plasma discharge through a capillary wall and by developing forward accelerating thrust components, induced by the plasma pressure on a plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel mixture, the propelling charge travels down the gun tube with the projectile thus exerting substantial uniform pressure throughout the tube length and yielding a high ballistic efficiency which results in the attainment of high muzzle velocities.

Abstract: The technical aspect of the invention relates to containers for a propulsive charge in at least two parts. The container (1a-1b)) according to the invention comprises a casing (9a-9b) demarcating an internal space, in which may be positioned, in particular, a propulsive charge, and it is intended to be rigidly affixed to a second container at one of their frontal faces (10a-10b), wherein it comprises means for the conduction of electricity, intended to receive and transmit a signal emanating from the weapon, as well as connecting means for providing, after the first container has been rigidly affixed to the second container, an electrical connection between these conduction means and other conduction means in the second container. Application for tank ammunition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a propellant charge igniter mountable in a propellant charge carrier or in a cartridge. Propellant charge igniter is provided with an expulsion charge to avoid breech flash, said charge being suitable for driving an ignition guide tube completely out of an annular chamber formed between a bottom part and a flame guide tube of the propellant charge igniter.

Abstract: An electrothermal firing device (1) including a tube containing a charge chamber (4') in which a first electrode (9) is disposed at the end of the charge chamber (4') adjacent the breechblock (2) and a second electrode (10) is disposed at the end of the charge chamber adjacent the projectile (6). To permit the first electrode (9) adjacent the breechblock to be arranged in the charge chamber without expensive supports, in contrast to such prior art devices, this first electrode (9) is configured as the grounded electrode and the second electrode (10) is configured as the high voltage electrode. Preferably, the two electrodes (9, 10) are arranged in an exchangeable cartouche (18) so that conventional charge chambers employing corresponding loading devices can be retrofitted in a simple manner for use with electrothermal firing devices (1).

Abstract: A shielding device such as for a primer fuse is disclosed. The shielding device is multi-layered, and combines the shielding affectivity of metal foil with electrically conductive adhesive and a dielectric film. Upon application of the shielding device, the primer in the base of the shell is shielded, yet an electrical connection can be made upon firing the pin to fire the round without requiring removal of the shielding device.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to a precision generator and distributor device for plasma and plasma discharge arc as it particularly applies to electro-thermal chemical gun system operations. A self-adjusting filament erodably controls the formation, energy content, consistency and dimension of a plasma arc in a capillary. Specifically, in cooperation with radially and longitudinally formed perforations in the capillary wall, the filament enables the distribution of a predetermined amount of plasma and plasma-ignited chemical fluid into segments and regions of a combustible chemical in a contiguous chamber to thereby control combustion and increase piezometric and ballistic efficiency of the gun system. More specifically, the filament enables the creation of a plasma arc that is sustainable, definite and consistent and one which yields high pressure and temperature at a reduced ohmic resistance for a given power supply.

Abstract: An RF-insensitive semiconductor ignitor and primer cup assembly is created sing a double polished n-type silicon substrate having its top and bottom surfaces partially metallized to form Schottky barrier diodes. The metallized portion of the back side of the substrate is placed in contact with a conductive surface, and means are provided to electrically isolate those portions of the substrate which have not been metallized from both the metallized portions and the conductive surface. In one embodiment, the isolating means is an integral oxide ring which extends from the periphery of the contact metal to the edge of the substrate. In another embodiment, the means of isolation is a separate plastic ring.

Abstract: A multi-piece ammunition round includes an aft cartridge, a forward cartridge, and a projectile disposed in an end-to-end nested, serial arrangement. The aft and forward cartridges each contain a charge of propellant. The projectile contains a high explosive filler and a projectile fuze. The round also includes a propellant-primer electrical ignition interconnect arrangement associated with the aft and forward cartridges.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to a precision capillary discharge switch to deliver a predetermined power across a gap at the ends of electrodes enclosed in a containment envelop with a fluid media therein. A method of calibration is used to assign specific operating and arc triggering voltages based on a given gap dimension, ionization properties of the fluid or gas media and pressure within the containment envelope. The ends of the electrodes at the calibrated gap include tip geometry designed to reliably transfer power across the gap when the desired operating voltage range is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to modular containers for propellant charges. The container includes a container casing which partially defines an inner volume for a propellant charge. The container 1a of the invention that shall be rigidly assembled to another container 1b at one of its end surfaces and is characterized in that it comprises electrical connection means ensuring at least one electrical connection to the second container.

Abstract: A system for controlling the application of firing signals to electrically fired ammunition rounds which are chambered in the gun or the like. A plurality of insulated contacts are installed in the firing chamber wall so as to connect electrically to mating insulated contacts which are built into the case of the chambered round. Various configurations of annular contact rings are provided for both the inner surface of a gun firing chamber and for the mating exterior surface of a cartridge to be positioned therein. Timing control circuitry for such systems is also disclosed, suitable for use in a single barrel gun or a multiple barrel gun of the Gatling type or a revolving chamber gun with one or more fixed barrels.

Abstract: A sliding breech block system and method for repetitive firing of electrothermal cartridges in an electrothermal gun are provided. The sliding breech block system comprises a high-power, low resistance, flexible coaxial cable which is routed through a sliding breech-block, a pulse-forming network, and two groups of bristles for conducting the pulses from the breech block to the electrothermal cartridge. The power cable comprises two layers of individually insulated, multi-strand wires both within a jacket of braided wire. The method for repetitively igniting an electrothermal gun comprises the steps of fixedly attaching tightly-packed, brass bristles to the electrothermal cartridge conductors, sliding the breech-block into position so that its surface contacts the brass bristles of the cartridge, and supplying an electrical current from the pulse-forming network to the cartridge by means of a flexible high-power cable.

Abstract: A device for simulating weapons firing by igniting various signature cartridges both singularly and in multiple burst sequences. A electronic timing source which provides the necessary control and impulses to perform said ignition. A unique cartridge design which provides safe and reliable performance.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein relates to plasma injection and distribution systems which release high energy plasma into a combustible mass to promote efficient combustion and maximize the muzzle velocity of a projectile. The devices inject plasma streams into a combustible mass in a coherent and directed manner such that pressure peaks and the resultant thermal and dynamic stresses are eliminated. Particularly, strategically positioned outlet orifices and nozzles enable the invasion of a propellant mass by plasma jet streams to create controllable uniform ignition and combustion therein.

Abstract: A device for firing ammunition includes a combustion chamber accommodating several propellant charge members which latter contain a propellant charge and an ignition system for igniting the propellant charge. A fixedly disposed primary coil which receives an ignition signal is provided at the combustion chamber while a secondary coil is arranged in each propellant charge member, this secondary coil being connected to a resistor initiating the ignition system. The magnetic field, changing with time, which is produced by the primary coil penetrates the combustion chamber and induces a current in the secondary coils of each propellant charge member at the same time so that the ignition systems of all propellant charge members are simultaneously activated and ignite all propellant charges at once. On account of the simultaneous ignition of the propellant charge members, rapid firing sequences can be attained.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to the generation of primary and fuel-enriched plasma to provide ignition and delivery for large amounts of electrical and electrothermal power to a propellant mass. Particularly, the present invention enables the creation of zones of controlled combustion by initially incubating primary plasma in a capillary chamber and mixing the primary plasma with fuel in a fuel chamber thus creating a fuel-enriched plasma. The primary plasma and the fuel-enriched plasma are segregatively, collectively and substantially simultaneously injected into the propellant mass via outlet ports and nozzles. The capillary and fuel chambers, and the nozzles and outlet ports undergo staged disintegration at reaching predetermined pressures and temperatures and are thereby consumed in the combustion process.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to axially aligned electrical contacts which connect a high electrical power pulse forming network to an electrothermal ammunition integrated plasma injector in a combustion augmented plasma gun for launching projectiles thereof. The contacts transfer high energy, intermittent pulses without arcing because structure provides for axially preloading the contacts to reduce contact resistance, for axially stiffening the contacts to eliminate contact bounce and for providing complementary conical contact surfaces to facilitate a high current density transfer.

Abstract: An electric primer for cartridge ammunition (e.g., Phalanx 20 mm cartridg is designed to minimize antenna coupling, capacitive coupling, and aperture coupling of stray electromagnetic radiation thereinto for avoiding accidental primer detonation with resulting ignition of cartridge propellant. The primer is provide with a button electrode which is deeply recessed totally behind a small diameter access aperture which physically guards the button electrode from antenna and capacitive coupling. Furthermore, the small opening channels stray radiation about its periphery rather than admitting it to the button.

Abstract: A propellant casing assembly for an electrothermic projectile firing device has a casing and an electrically energizable coil disposed in the casing. The coil vaporizes at a predetermined current intensity and generates at least one part of propellant gases for accelerating a projectile.

Abstract: A base mounted remote set digital time fuze permits a chambered round to e power, time setting information and cartridge case firing voltage available at an electric primer terminal of the cartridge case. Fuze power, time setting information and cartridge firing are performed sequentially over the same hardwire line.

Abstract: A cartridge has a case of an electrically non-conductive material. A head of the case is typically formed with a coaxial through bore seating a terminal assembly comprising an annular electrode within which is an annular insulator holding a central electrode. A spark gap is defined between inner ends of the central electrode and annular electrode. The outer end of the central electrode terminates in a recess in the outer face of the head of the case in axially spaced relation to the outer end of the annular electrode. A hammer in operative association with the cartridge has spaced contact points in alignment with the annular electrode and central electrode, the contact points having the forementioned axial spacing. The entrance to the recess of the outer face of the head of the case is covered by an insulator which is displaceable by a boss on the opposed face of the hammer.

Abstract: A gun for accelerating projectiles in which the travelling chemical charges are ignited by electrothermal energy sources. By one mode there are provided electrothermal energy injectors along the gun barrel which are fired synchronously with the displacement of the projectile within the barrel, each such injector igniting a distinct chemical propellant charge attached to the projectile. Essentially that mode of the gun operates by the travelling charge principle in which the boosting of the thrust on the projectile is brought about by successively ignited propellant charges attached to the projectile itself while the electrothermal energy injectors on the barrel serve for ignition only.By an alternative mode a plasma injector unit is mounted at the rear of the gun coaxially with the barrel and the injected plasma acts via fluid to initiate the chemical propellant and enhances the chemical propellant burning rate to improve the gun performance.

Abstract: A round for placement and firing in the barrel of a large caliber gun, the round comprising a cartridge case defining a cylindrical chamber having axially opposed open and closed ends, a plurality of axially-adjacent annualr explosive charges coaxially-disposed in the chamber, the charges defining a bore coaxial with said chamber and each charge being shaped to generate on detonation a predetermined shock wave in the case, a projectile disposed in the chamber proximate the closed end, the projectile having a trailing end shaped to convert shock waves generated by detonation of the annular charges to projectile acceleration, an explosive in the case for initially propelling the projectile axially through the bore toward the open, end, an electrical detonator for each annular charge responsive to an electrical signal, and a power source and circuit for generating the electrical signal in response to axial movement of the projectile in the bore.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical igniter for an adaptive cartridge of a subcaliber barrel system by which the firing pin extension (12) is arranged axially movable by means of a guide (13) made of an electrically non-conductive material. A slide valve (22) grips a safety rod (17) in the guide (13). The safety rod (17) is situated adjacent the breech mechanism (6) only such that the firing pin (12) borders on the percussion cap (29) of the cartridge (11). By an open breech mechanism (6) the safety rod (17), under spring tension, is moved in the direction of the cartridge (11) together with the firing pin (12).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to small-arm shot ammunition having a propelling charge and an explosive charge. Separate igniters are provided for each of the charges. An ignition means is coupled to a trigger unit for operating the propelling charge igniter and the explosive charge igniter with different time intervals. The intervals are automatically selected as a function of range between the small-arm and the target. In this way, the disintegration of the ammunition ocurs as close to the target as possible.

Abstract: A temperature compensating ballistic control tube system for varying the volume containing primary propellant, for the purpose of affecting the effect of the propellant on the projectile in order to compensate for the effect of ambient temperature upon the performance of the primary propellant. The volume containing the primary propellant is changed by pushing the projectile away from the casing containing the primary propellant, down a gun bore by a piston of the ballistic control tube. The piston, pushing the projectile, is moved by an ignited secondary charge in the ballistic control tube. Electronic components detect initial movement of the piston and projectile and, after a certain delay, ignite the primary propellant thereby ejecting the projectile from the gun. A typical primary propellant, within a given volume, is temperature senstive, that is, it provides more force to the projectile at higher temperatures.

Abstract: A propellant charge igniter for ammunition including an ignition-conducting housing accommodating an electrical ignition system and an initiating charge therein, the housing being formed of an exothermally burning material.

Abstract: A secondary coil is provided for use in inductive igniters for the igniting of propellant charge powder. In these igniters, two coil systems cooperate with each other in accordance with the transformer system, wherein the secondary coil is to be as small as possible and is to form a compact unit with the igniter. This is accomplished by arranging the windings of the secondary coil in the form of flat sandwich coils on a support material in an insulated fashion so that upon folding of the support material, the individual flat coils are placed in mutual opposition so that they form a cylinder coil.

Abstract: A multi-range ammunition unit for firing at a high angle and with preselected muzzle velocities. The ammunition unit includes at least two partial propellant charges, a first one of which is fixedly mounted to the bottom of the shell casing and the second one or ones of which are fixedly mounted to the bottom of the projectile of the ammunition unit. All partial propellant charges are coaxially arranged with respect to the shell casing. Mechanical and/or electrical ignition means are provided to first ignite the first propellant charge and then selectively sequentially ignite the second propellant charge or charges.

Abstract: A post burn hydrogen light gas cartridge utilizes a separation tube to prde a high velocity flow to allow for separation of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen-oxygen combustion product water in a high temperature state produced in a primer initiated combustion chamber containing pressurized hydrogen gas. An accumulator is utilized to provide a large volume of hydrogen gas at high pressure and temperature to feed the expansion of the hydrogen. A second oxidant ampoule reacting with the expanded hydrogen provides a secondary propulsion means giving a velocity additive to the velocity resulting from a primary expansion means.