Abstract: The present invention provides an explosive device for use with a warhead comprising a rupturable core having a spherical interior chamber which is filled with a volume of a flammable gas. A frequency generator resonates the gas at a high frequency to fully resonate the gas to produce a new and more powerful type of explosion. Means for securing the frequency generator to the core are also provided, as well as a detonator having a high-temperature metal as a conductive material and means for inserting the conductive material into the core.

Abstract: A munition includes a casing, the casing formed at least in part from a material comprising (i) a meltable or phase-changing material, and (ii) an energetic material; an explosive payload contained within the casing; and a fuze arrangement, the fuze arrangement comprising a main fuze configured and arranged to ignite the high explosive, and at least one secondary fuze configured and arranged to cause the casing material to melt or undergo a phase change.

Abstract: A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target.

Abstract: A thermobaric munition including a composite explosive material, the composite explosive material having a high-explosive composition, and a detonable energetic material dispersed within the high-explosive composition, the detonable energetic material in the form of a thin film, the thin film having at least one layer composed at least in part by a reducing metal and at least one layer composed at least in part by a metal oxide.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting, processing, and selectively responding to radio frequency transmissions detected by at least one projectile deployed above a geographic area.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for providing a multi-mode munition generally includes a modular projectile assembly having an aft module suitably configured for mechanical and electrical engagement with a forward module. The aft module generally provides a common assembly for engagement with a variety of forward modules as well as engagement with cartridge casings of various calibers. Disclosed features and specifications may be suitably controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve optimization of artillery projectiles for a specific role. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide munition cartridges that may be augmented in the field with the utilization of specialized forward modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shell (1) for firing from a gun barrel, which shell (1) comprises a shell body (2), comprising a front shell body part (3) and a rear shell body part (4), and a girdle (7), mutually joined together. The object of the invention is a shell (1) designed such that it is quicker and easier to assemble/disassemble the shell (1) when the explosive charges of the shell (1) need to be exchanged, or when the shell (1) has to be destroyed and/or recovered. The invention is characterized in that the girdle (7) of the shell (1) constitutes a binding element (7) for the shell body parts (3, 4) and in that the shell body parts (3, 4) are joined together with the girdle (7).

Abstract: A munition includes a structural component formed from a composite material comprising a energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also provided that includes forming a energetic material, combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture, and shaping the mixture to form a composite structural munition component.

Abstract: A novel pyrotechnic delay composition for use in metal delay fuse cartridges, including as its primary constituent Si—Al—Fe3O4 prepared from powdered form. The delay composition yields a progressive burning zone and burns substantially gas-free, is safe to handle, is resistant to moisture and degradation over time, can be incorporated within the confines of existing detonator shells, and poses no environmental hazards.

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: The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a shell (1), such as a mortar shell, into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon, the arrangement comprising a support element (8) to be fastened to the tail of the mortar shell, the element comprising a rim flange (87), means for fastening the support element to the tail of the mortar shell (1), and firing means (9) for firing an actual primer (5) of the mortar shell (1) for firing the mortar shell. The arrangement is characterized in that the means for fastening the support element to the shell tail are arranged in the support element (8) by means of finger-like fastening members (80) settling onto the shell tail tube (3) and arranged to constitute an interference fit between the shell (1) and the support element (8) when the shell (1) is placed in the support element (8). The invention also relates to a support element and a method for supporting a mortar shell (1) into the barrel of a breechloading weapon.

Abstract: A hybrid spin/fin stabilized projectile. The novel projectile includes a body, a first mechanism for spin stabilizing the body during a first mode, and a second mechanism for fin stabilizing the body during a second mode. In an illustrative embodiment, the projectile includes a rifling band adapted to engage with rifling in a gun during gun launch to impart a spin rate compatible with spin stabilization to the projectile, and a plurality of folding fins attached to an aft end of the body. A fin locking mechanism locks the fins in an undeployed position during the first mode and unlocks to deploy the fins at a predetermined time to switch the projectile to fin stabilization during the second mode. The projectile also includes a mechanism for reducing the spin of the projectile to a rate compatible with guided flight during the second mode.

Abstract: An arrow-type warhead (100,200,300,400,500,600,700) comprises an envelope (102,202), a filling (108), a hardened head section (104) to promote penetration of the target and a stabilizing mechanism (106,210,302,402,502,602) to stabilize the warhead in flight, hi some embodiments the filling (108) is pyrophoric and undergoes an exothermic reaction with the envelope upon impact. In other embodiments the filling is incendiary and undergoes reaction with the envelope upon impact in an oxygen rich-environment. In yet other embodiments, the filling is explosive. In all embodiments, the warhead may be equipped with a mini-rocket propulsion mechanism (802) for propelling the warhead to the target.

Abstract: A munition includes a casing, the casing formed at least in part from a material comprising (i) a meltable or phase-changing material, and (ii) an energetic material; an explosive payload contained within the casing; and a fuze arrangement, the fuze arrangement comprising a main fuze configured and arranged to ignite the high explosive, and at least one secondary fuze configured and arranged to cause the casing material to melt or undergo a phase change.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for supporting a shell (1) into a barrel (2) of a breech-loading weapon, the arrangement comprising a rim-flanged support element (6) attachable to a shell tail (4). The arrangement is characterized in that the arrangement comprises a propelling charge element (12) comprising a propelling charge (14) and a primer (13), the element having a threading (15a) suited for the shell tail allowing the support element (6) to be fastened to the shell tail by threading the propelling charge element (6) into the tail of the shell (1) through the support element (6). The invention further relates to a method of supporting a shell into a barrel of a breech-loading weapon.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a shell (1) into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon, the arrangement comprising a support piece (4) provided with a rim flange (15) and to be fastened to the tail of the shell (1), the support piece being fastened in connection with the tail of the shell (1) with one or more adhesive materials. In addition, a method of fastening a support piece (4) to a shell (1).

Abstract: A method and system for guiding and controlling an ordinance body having a trajectory and a bore sight angle including making corrections to the trajectory based on bore sight angle vs. time history. The system is incorporated with existing fuse components in a replacement kit for existing munitions. The method determines nominal time values of the ballistic trajectory of the munition in relation to launch time and determines deviation from the nominal time values by an algorithm by analyzing signals received from a source of radiation located at the target. A processor determines lateral (left/right) and range errors and provides commands to a plurality of flight control surfaces mounted on the munition.

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a mortar shell into a breech-loading weapon barrel (2). The arrangement comprises a support piece (6) provided with an edge flange (7) and to be attached to the tail of the mortar shell (1), whereby the arrangement further comprises a connecting piece (8) between the support piece and the mortar shell tail, which connecting piece is arranged to be attached to the mortar shell and the support piece and thus to attach the support piece with a mechanical joint to the mortar shell tail. In connection with the connecting piece (8), there is a point which is arranged to yield in a firing situation and thus to allow the mortar shell (1) to be detached from the support piece (6); and a firing mechanism (17) for firing the actual primer (10) of the mortar shell. The mechanical joint between the connecting piece (8) and the support piece (6) has been formed by means of cotter attachment (14).

Abstract: A projectile and method of extending the range of the projectile. The projectile includes a storage tank operable to release a working fluid through an exhaust manifold to at least partially fill a wake aft of the projectile during projectile flight.

Abstract: The present inventions provide methods of manufacturing methods for case metallic materials for munitions that have high enthalpic energy release and controlled fragmentation and breakup enabling fragment speeds up to twice what is otherwise possible in explosively driven metal systems, and munitions made by such methods. Embodiments of the invention involve the thixotropic processing of energetic materials such as aluminum together with high density materials such as tantalum or tungsten to achieve material microstructures with a bulk density equivalent to steel, but with the energy release potential of materials such as finely dispersed aluminum powders.

Abstract: A guided missile or projectile and associated guidance control are provided to control a path to a point of intersection with a potentially moving target. A new path is repetitively recomputed and acceleration orthogonal to the path is applied to minimize heading error and thereby to converge on the target. The gain of the control function is partly proportional to heading error, but the gain is reduced approaching the point of convergence. In this way, the guidance control is more responsive to actual variance of the true heading error and is less responsive to random error in sensing the target heading, which random error would otherwise increase in its contribution to corrective guidance movements approaching the point of intersection.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a vehicle body maneuverable onto a near collision course with a target and a plurality of inflatable ballutes which, when inflated, extend generally radially from the vehicle body. A controller may cause the ballutes to be inflated prior to an anticipated time of collision with the target. A plurality of explosive charges may be attached to at least some of the ballutes. A detonation controller may be coupled to the controller and to the plurality of explosive charges.

Abstract: A munition has an external surface. The munition may be of any type. The external surface includes a coating on at least part of it. Coatings may be, for example, paints, tapes, appliqués or other materials. The coating on the munition includes one or more of reflective material, phosphorescent material and fluorescent material. The reflective, phosphorescent and/or fluorescent coatings are applied to the munition prior to its being deployed. The reflective, phosphorescent and/or fluorescent materials in the coatings are visible at a safe distance from the munition and help to identify unexploded ordnance.

Abstract: An article and a process are provided for reducing the shear stress on an interface of a structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load. The article is in the form of a wedge that is forcibly placed against the sidewall of one end or both ends of the structural member. The wedge may take the form of a ring that can be placed on the inside or outside surface of a hollow cylindrical structural member. The process of forcibly placing a wedge against the sidewall at one or both ends of the structural member produces a transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall. The transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall attenuates the tendency of said sidewall to deflect when the structural member is subjected to a compressive load. A reduction in the deflection of the sidewall reduces the shear stress generated proximal to the interface of the structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load and increases the structural member load bearing capacity.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of novel explosives, compositions and munitions comprising the same, as well as methods of synthesis and their use. The invention particularly relates to the field of explosives which are switchable between two different liquid crystalline states, and which possesses a general formula below. wherein M is a mesogenic core, R1 and R2 are independently selected terminal end groups attached to the mesogenic core, and wherein the mesogenic core contains sufficient (NO2)x to provide an explosive output. The explosive compound may form part of an explosive composition, which may be used as a high explosive fill for any part of a munition. The explosive composition may contain other components such as non-explosive LC compounds, or binders, or further known explosive compounds.

Abstract: A penetration-capable projectile has a casing and a fuze with a fuze housing lower part. An interface area between the casing of the projectile and the fuze housing lower part is formed with a shape and/or strength modification which prevents the fuze housing lower part from being pushed into the casing on impact with a target that is to be penetrated.

Abstract: A missile guidance system and method for guiding a missile, mainly horizontally flying, to pass a target at a desired passage height.

Abstract: In order to prevent slipping of the liner on an explosive charge in a missile, the invention provides that at least one flaring or cam is fixed in the liner which, when deformed inwards, can hook itself on the explosive charge.

Abstract: A projectile having a reactive material disposed therein is provided. The projectile includes a housing which defines a cavity, the cavity being open at one end of thereof. A reactive material is disposed within the cavity. A tip is coupled with the housing and substantially encloses the opening of the cavity. The housing, the reactive material and the tip are cooperatively positioned and configured so as to define a void space between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material. Upon impact with a target, the tip of the projectile is designed to become displaced within the cavity until it contacts the reactive material and transfers kinetic energy thereto, thereby causing ignition of the reactive material. The void space may be defined to provide a desired amount of time between initial impact of the projectile with a target and the subsequent ignition of the reactive material.

Abstract: A warhead delivery system (25) including a multi-hydrogen bomb warhead (5) preferably having a plurality of bombs (3) located behind a door (2) of a nose cone (1) of the warhead (5). A plurality of decoys (4) may be used in conjunction with the bombs (3). The bombs (3) and decoys (4) are spring-ejected from the nose cone (1) through the doors (2). However, the bomb (3) may be transported via missile or via alternative delivery systems (23), such as aircraft (19), the back of a pick-up truck (6) or via flat-bed trailer (21).

Abstract: A spin-stabilized correctible-trajectory artillery shell has a generator in the rotation-decoupled engagement region between a canard guidance unit and its munition body. The generator can be switched over to avoid load fluctuations between an adjusting motor and a substitute load. In order to avoid an additional heat source in the interior of the guidance unit the substitute load is in the form of an electrical resistance on, at or in canard surfaces behind the afflux flow edges. The canard surfaces are preferably formed on anti-spin canards which are not adjustably mounted.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for determining the roll orientation of a body with respect to a local fixed coordinate system or a predetermined reference vector. The device uses a measurement of an external magnetic field, such as the Earth's magnetic field, to determine a roll orientation reference with respect to the field or an uncompensated roll orientation. The uncompensated roll orientation is then adjusted according to a bias angle, such as an angular difference between the external magnetic field and a local fixed coordinate system, to determine the roll orientation of the device with respect to the local fixed coordinate system or a compensated roll angle.

Abstract: A non-lethal projectile carrier includes a base having a plurality of hinges, each hinge including a tab; and a payload case attached to the base, the payload case comprising a plurality of petaloid members, each petaloid member including an opening in a rear surface for insertion of a corresponding tab; wherein upon exiting a gun tube the petaloid members open and fold toward the base. Each petaloid member includes a lip on one edge and an undercut on another edge so that adjacent petaloid members form lap joints. The hinges are defined by zones of small cross-sectional area in the base.

Abstract: A casing for warhead components, and a warhead including such a casing. The casing includes a laser sintered material. The laser sintered material may include metal powder such as aluminium powder and binder particles. The casing may be include a lacquer coating, and optionally an outer lining. A warhead including the casing.

Abstract: A hollow cylinder has an electromagnet to hold back a canister and either an induction heating linear actuator or a firing pin to ignite the primer-containing combustive material inside the canister to eject a locked piston from the cylinder. There is a motor-included turbogenerator around the cylinder, which converts the energy of the post-combustion gases into electricity to get stored and to power an integrated or separate annular stator assembly to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. Another device has a helically arranged, multi-pole permanent magnet assembly annularly integrated around the cylinder to give the ejected piston a rotatory motion for stability in projectile motion. In other forms, an annular stator assembly around the cylinder is supplied with switched, externally generated electric power without either a turbogenerator or the motor-included turbogenerator to respectively produce electricity or to provide gyroscopic stability to the cylinder.

Abstract: An optically guided mortar comprising a three axis canard assembly, an optical seeker, a guidance and control processor, and a fuze mechanism. The optical seeker is a direct replacement for existing standard mortar fuzes. The resulting system significantly improves current mortar circular error probability (CEP) and results in overall reduction of cost of target prosecution, reduction in collateral damage, improved crew survivability, and adds compatibility against limited non-stationary targets. The optical seeker detects an optical illuminator located at a target and supplies signals to the guidance and control processor which through a guidance algorithm supplies steering commands to drive motors of the three axis canard assembly which move a plurality of guidance canards to accurately direct the munition toward a target.

Abstract: An article for neutralizing an enemy weapon comprising an interceptor and a deployable net attached to the interceptor, said deployable net remaining attached to the interceptor upon deployment is disclosed. A method of neutralizing an airborne enemy weapon comprising launching an interceptor, with a capture sock, towards the enemy weapon and deploying the capture sock just prior to the interceptor encountering the enemy weapon is also disclosed. The capture sock remains attached to the interceptor upon deployment.

Abstract: A firearm projectile includes a precision-machined outer component having a generally cylindrical body, a tip at the forward end of the body, a base at the rear end of the body, and a precision-machined cavity machined into the outer component. A precision-machined inner component is pressed into the cavity. The outer component includes a homogenous material that is softer than firearm barrel steel. The inner component includes a material having a higher density than the outer component and a higher density than an armor plate, such as solid tungsten, tungsten carbide and potential some Nanotechnology materials such as NanoSteel™. A cap may be attached to the outer component to seal the inner component inside the cavity. The cavity can be machined from the front or rear end of the outer component. The cap fits into the rear of the projectile or may be a bullet tip. The cavity and the inner component may be cylindrical or tapered.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having an outer casing. The warhead includes a frangible container within the outer casing of the warhead and a destructive element within the frangible container. The destructive element is formed with a non-explosive material. The weapon may also include a guidance section configured to direct the weapon to a target.

Abstract: A modular gun-launch projectile is provided to include a core section; a base section, a payload section and a nose section. The base section can be translatably inserted into the core section. The payload section includes an annular opening that enables the core section to pass therethrough. The nose section can be inserted into the core section. The sections are separable into discrete components and can be assembled together into an all-up-round. The core section can be a cylindrical solid rod or cylindrical hollow tube. The base section can include a propulsion system. The payload section can be a unitary explosive or contain submunitions. The nose section can include a fuse, a seeker, an air inlet, a guidance receiver and/or guidance vanes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bulkhead shield particularly of a projectile with a pyrotechnic charge, situated between the pyrotechnic portion and the command and control portion. The bulkhead shield comprises at least: one wall pierced by a duct; an end-cap consisting of a support portion and a portion engaged in the duct leaving a space between itself and the wall of the duct, the two portions being connected by a mechanical weakness zone; the support portion pressing on the wall, at the front, so that the engaged portion separates from the support portion under the effect of an external pressure to come into contact with the inner wall of the duct and close the space. The invention applies in particular to shells whose detonation is programmed a given delay after impact on the target.

Abstract: By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to “miniaturize” unitary interceptors. The placement of a short-band imaging sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint to impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides a MKV interceptor including multiple kill vehicles with autonomous management capability and kinematic reach to prosecute a large threat extent. Each KV can self-manage its own KV deployment and target engagement for a determined target volume assigned by a designated master KV. At least one KV is master capable of managing the post-separation of all of the KVs without requiring updates to the mission plan post-separation. The autonomous capability and increased kinematic reach provides for a more efficient use of boosters and more effective engagement of the threat.

Abstract: A projectile, (Cruise Munition Detonator Projectile or CMDP), can be fired from a tank, modified grenade launcher or gun using a laser range finder, radar or manual input (dialer or keypad) range selector. The CMDP will prevent, neutralize and eliminate enemy close infighting. The CMDP can defend aircraft against SAM, shoulder launched missiles, and air-to-air missiles. The CMDP will travel a predetermined programmed distance and detonate in front of or behind, over or beside, or in the mist of a target. The CMDP allows small forces to strategically neutralize larger forces with devastating effect. The CMDP is a force multiplier and an anti-personnel weapon.

Abstract: A projectile has the ability to generate and provide power to components located in two sections of the projectile which have relative rotation to each other. The projectile has a pair of generators allowing the powering of components in two sections. The projectile has a force-producing device for altering the direction of the projectile as the projectile moves along the longitudinal axis of the projectile and the relative rotational position of the force-producing device on the projectile is controlled by a generator.

Abstract: A warhead including a hit-to-kill vehicle and a hub about the hit-to-kill vehicle including, packaged therein, a net and a plurality of rods held in a spaced relationship by the net for destroying a target when the net is deployed in the vicinity of the target in case the hit-to-kill vehicle misses the target.

Abstract: A method of destroying a target includes positioning a hit-to-kill vehicle in the trajectory path of a target, and deploying a net including a plurality of rods held in a spaced relationship by the net for destroying the target in case the hit-to-kill vehicle misses the target.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a roll damping apparatus for a spinning projectile having a first section and a second section rotatably attached about a roll axis. The roll damping apparatus comprises a first portion attached to the front section, and a second portion attached to the rear section. The first portion is adapted to cause a braking frictional force to act on the second portion, the braking force being effective to control the spin rate of the front section relative to the rear section. The invention further relates to a spinning projectile having a roll damping apparatus.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of ammunition types to be used against a wide set of targets. At least two explosive charges are made use of in cooperation. Each of the explosive charges has changeable characteristics and is arranged to mutually cooperate in different ways depending on the particular changeable characteristics given to the explosive charges in a specific case and the type of target to be combated. An ammunition device admitting a reduction of the amount of ammunition types to be used. At least two cooperating explosive charges are arranged in a row along the direction of movement of the ammunition device when activated. Each of the explosive charges is switchable between at least two operating conditions having different operating characteristics.