Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting rotation of a projectile tip relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile. The projectile includes a tip and a jacket with a core. The tip includes a stem that protrudes into said core. The stem includes a plurality of grooves that engage the core. At least one transverse groove inhibits linear motion of the tip along a longitudinal axis of the projectile. At least one longitudinal groove extending along a portion of the length of the tip stem inhibits rotation about the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, three longitudinal grooves have a spiral shape with the grooves equally spaced about the circumference of the tip stem. In another embodiment, two sets of longitudinal grooves spiral in opposite directions around the tip stem.

Abstract: A venting lifting plug is provided for an unfuzed munition having a cavity with internal threads.

Abstract: Thermal insulation foam for high explosives is applied to the inner surface of warheads and guided weapons filled with high explosives, thus maximizing the storability and survivability of warheads and guided weapons despite changes in temperature and external environmental factors such as impacts. The thermal insulation foam includes porous microspheres, a prepolymer having a hydroxyl group, and an isocyanate, wherein the prepolymer includes any one selected from among a polybutadiene-, a polyester-, a polyether-, a polysiloxane-, and a fluorine-based prepolymer.

Abstract: A process for converting a crystalline energetic material to an amorphous energetic material that is less susceptible to accidental detonation initiation by mechanical insults. The process includes forming the amorphous energetic material as a deposition of a vapor of the crystalline energetic material sublimed from a hot surface in a vacuum. The deposition is onto a cryogenically cold surface of a dry ice layer. The deposition solidifies as a layer of amorphous energetic material. Subliming the dry ice layer therein breaking the layer of amorphous energetic material into a powder of the amorphous energetic material; and collecting the powder.

Abstract: A fuse housing structure including: a fuse housing coupled to a projectile and having a first surface exposed to the outside, a second surface hidden to the interior of the projectile, and a through-hole portion formed between the first surface and the second surface; and a position part deformed by an external force, in the state of being inserted into the through-hole portion, in such a manner as to be coupled to the fuse housing, the position part including a large diameter portion having a first outer diameter, an outer diameter reduction portion connected to one side of the large diameter portion, and a deformation portion protruding from the other side of the large diameter portion in such a manner as to be inserted into the through-hole portion by means of the deformation caused by the external force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifting plug for a high explosive projectile capable of forming a vent by a thermal fuse, in which the lifting plug is mounted to a front part of a shell of the high explosive projectile such that the vent can be formed in the lifting plug by the thermal fuse when unexpected accidents such as fires or terrorism occur during storage of the high explosive projectile, so the lifting plug can induce burning or deflagrating of the thermal fuse without allowing the high explosive projectile to be detonated or exploded by accumulated heat in the high explosive projectile due to the vent, thereby improving safety of the high explosive projectile.

Abstract: A barrier for reduction of a shock wave. The barrier has a spatially graded structure in which a density of the structure varies across a thickness thereof. The graded structure includes a polymer having hollow containers dispersed in the polymer to provide the density of the graded structure. The barrier can be included in at least one of 1) an explosive device, 2) a war head, 3) a demolition charge, and 4) an explosive containment. These devices have an exterior housing and at least one partitioned segment inside the housing with the partitioned segment including the barrier for reduction of the shock wave. Partitioned sections of the explosive devices are selectively or in total detonated.

Abstract: A nanocomposite explosive liner for a main fill charge in a warhead may include a secondary high explosive having a mean crystal size less than about one micron, and a binder. The porosity of the liner may be in a range of about 1% to about 20%. A weight percentage of the binder in the liner may be in a range of about 1% to about 20%.

Abstract: An Insensitive Munitions safety device mitigates the occurrence of a violent response of an anti-armor munition subjected to elevated temperatures. The anti-armor munition includes a projectile body having fore and aft ends, an explosive charge disposed in the projectile body, and a projectile-forming or jet-forming liner disposed in the projectile body. The liner includes an aft surface contiguous with the explosive charge and a fore surface that defines a void. A liner restraint abuts a fore end of the liner and restrains movement of the liner. A portion of the liner restraint comprises a material having a heat deflection temperature less than the critical temperature of the explosive charge in the munition.

Abstract: Compounded High Explosive Composites provide a novel family of low-cost explosives that exhibit anisotropic (directionally dependent, non-symmetric) sensitivity properties to replace current homogenous plastic bonded high explosives that are vulnerable to unwanted detonation from a variety of hazards and operating conditions. Anisotropic sensitivity behavior is largely achieved by manipulating the bulk property of critical diameter to fine-tune the compounded geometry of the explosive composite. As such, Compounded High Explosive Composites represent structural arrangements of small, spatially distributed, highly consolidated explosive units (pellets) arranged in a prescribed (but versatile) fashion in a motion and energy-dampening rubbery matrix. The compounded geometry and structural arrangement allows the explosive pellets to function cooperatively and detonate in an exemplary orientation, while ensuring the pellets do not cooperate in other directions to mitigate against known vulnerabilities and threats.

Abstract: A high velocity munition comprises a projectile, mounted on a cartridge case, that can be fired from an automatic cannon or weapon. During storage or transport an IM venting device included in the cartridge case prevents the propellant charge from firing the projectile, leaving the cartridge damaged, but intact upon premature ignition. The IM vent exhaust channel is filled with a solid fusible material that melts at a lower temperature than the ignition temperatures of the igniter (or primer) and the propellant charge of the projectile. At least one non-fusible, ruptureable member is included in the IM vent channel and positioned to provide structural integrity to the fusible material in the channel. Alternatively or in addition to the fusible material, a shape memory alloy ring surrounds the igniter (or primer) and separates from the cartridge when the cartridge reaches a temperature that causes auto-ignition.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a pressure discharge mechanism for closed vessels having an internal chamber designed to hold volatile and/or explosive substances in a sealed manner comprised of an at least one eutectic composition and a threaded joint designed to open or vent the closed vessel when the contents of the closed vessel reaches a predetermined temperature while maintaining full structural integrity during normal operation. In one aspect, the closed vessel is a munitions casing which functions as intended under normal operating environments, but then when exposed to extreme temperatures, reduces the munition's high order explosion capability, and is transformed into a safe, low order reaction with significantly less reactive potential. In one aspect, the closed vessel is a transport tanker which should not release substances contained therein. However, if the tanker catches fire, the pressure relief mechanism of the present invention reduces risk of explosion.

Abstract: A stand-off breaching device, for breaching a target, that includes a nose at a front end which is a rounded cone-shape and configured to cause the stand-off breaching device to rebound from a target after the nose impacts the target, and a body connected to the nose and extending to a back end of the stand-off breaching device. The body includes a main explosive fill that is detonated and explodes to provide an explosive breaching force, and a delay detonator that detonates the main explosive fill and that is triggered when the nose impacts a target. The delay-detonator is configured to delay detonation of the main explosive fill until the stand-off breaching device has rebounded to a determined stand-off distance chosen to cause effective breaching of the target. The nose, body, and their components are fabricated from material that will be substantially consumed by the explosion, minimizing any fragments.

Abstract: A grenade fuze assembly includes a fuze body, a striker lever pivotally mounted to the fuze body, and a pull pin assembly. The pull pin assembly includes a pull pin attached to a pull ring and a pull pin retainer fixed to the pull pin on a side of the striker lever opposite the pull ring. The pull pin retainer includes a through hole. The two legs of the pull pin are disposed in the through hole and deformed around the retainer to fix the retainer to the pull pin. The retainer includes a pair of nest areas on opposing sides of the retainer. The free end of each of the two pull pin legs is disposed in a respective nest area.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.

Abstract: The presently disclosed device provides a method and means for ensuring that containers of all types and sizes are vented or purged to atmospheric or environmental conditions upon the interior or exterior of the container reaching a critical temperature pressure, or humidity. Specifically, the presently disclosed invention integrates shape memory polymer (SMP) based, thermally activated fasteners into the venting systems. The result is a venting system that increases munitions safety without compromising the venting effectiveness, structural integrity, or the required bullet/fragment impact resistance requirements of the system.

Abstract: An auxiliary safety mechanism for a grenade to prevent detonation from shockwaves, heat, fragments, etc., the grenade including a fuse housing containing a delay detonator and explosive train. In at least one embodiment, the fuse housing includes a reversible slider element interposed between the delay detonator and the rest of the explosive train to form a barrier therebetween when the grenade is in an unarmed condition, and when the slider element is withdrawn the barrier between the delay detonator and explosive train is removed leaving the grenade in an armed condition. In another embodiment, a further safety mechanism involves connecting the two sections of the housing with a weak connection that ruptures prior to the explosive contained therein reaching the critical explosive temperature/pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides rupturing devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a casing (121), hollow tubular body or container, particularly a munition, when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. The device comprises an element of shape memory alloy (123) which is joined together by a connector (122) to form an annulus, which may be located on an exterior surface of a munitions casing (121) or launch such that upon heating through its transition temperature range will cause the annulus to contract radially inwardly, thereby rupturing the munition (121), allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously, the connector (122) is. reversible such that the device will be capable of being retro-fitted or removed during normal servicing of the munition (121).

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a large-calibre explosive projectile having a projectile casing with an ogival front part, which surrounds an internal area filled with a plastic-bonded explosive charge and, at a nose end, has a mouth closed by a nose fuze, wherein an elastic liner is arranged between the explosive charge and the inner wall of the projectile casing. The projectile casing is produced in two parts, such that, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile casing, a tail-end projectile casing section and an annular front projectile casing section, which contains the mouth, can be connected to one another in the area of the ogival front part, via a screw connection. The liner is introduced into the tail-end projectile casing section and the explosive charge is introduced into the liner before the two projectile casing sections are connected to one another.

Abstract: A venting lifting plug is provided for an unfuzed munition having a fuze cavity with internal threads, the venting lifting plug is formed of a threaded ring having both internal and external threads together with a lifting plug having a lifting ring, a neck and a round portion having external threads, external threads on the threaded ring being in threaded engagement with internal threads on the fuze cavity of the munition, internal threads on the threaded ring being in threaded engagement with external threads on the lifting plug, and a threaded joint formed between the lifting plug and threaded ring is soldered together with one or more eutectic materials having a melting point lower than a predetermined critical temperature of cook-off gases from the munition.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ammunition comprising an explosive charge confined in a compartment and a deconfinement device capable of deconfining the explosive charge under a pressure or temperature rise within the ammunition. The invention neutralizes the ammunition on command. According to the invention, the ammunition further includes means for activating the deconfinement device, these means being controllable.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a pressure discharge mechanism for closed vessels having an internal chamber designed to hold volatile and/or explosive substances in a sealed manner comprised of an at least one eutectic composition and a threaded joint designed to open or vent the closed vessel when the contents of the closed vessel reaches a predetermined temperature while maintaining full structural integrity during normal operation. In one aspect, the closed vessel is a munitions casing which functions as intended under normal operating environments, but then when exposed to extreme temperatures, reduces the munition's high order explosion capability, and is transformed into a safe, low order reaction with significantly less reactive potential. In one aspect, the closed vessel is a transport tanker which should not release substances contained therein. However, if the tanker catches fire, the pressure relief mechanism of the present invention reduces risk of explosion.

Abstract: A high velocity cartridge munition comprises a cartridge shell and a projectile inserted into it. A propulsion chamber within the cartridge shell receives a propulsive charge that may be ignited by a pyrotechnic igniter and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. To prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge due to the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, at least one exhaust channel between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell is filled with a fusible material. The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter and of the propulsive charge.

Abstract: An IM type steel cartridge whose base contains a central bore there through—within which bore is a steel base plug holding a primer cup, the base plug being held in place by a low melt, 220 to 250 degree F. melt eutectic solder—wherein, if the cartridge is subjected to an unforeseen thermal or kinetic event, the solder will melt, the base plug ejected, and the propellant will vent rather than explode. The solder bond between the base plug and the cartridge case within which it is held is capable of resisting the from about 72,000, to up to 90,000 psi, force generated within the firing chamber of the weapon by the ignition and firing of the cartridge.

Abstract: A venting cap system includes a first open-ended sleeve and a second open-ended sleeve. The first open-ended sleeve is made from a first material that melts at a selected temperature. The first open-ended sleeve has an internal region commencing at a first end and an externally-threaded region commencing at a second end. The second open-ended sleeve is made from a second material that does not melt at the selected temperature. The second open-ended sleeve is coaxially fitted in the first open-ended sleeve. The second open-ended sleeve includes a first end that is flush with the first end of the first open-ended sleeve. The second open-ended sleeve partially overlaps part of the externally-threaded region. The coefficients of linear expansion of the first material and the second material are about equal.

Abstract: A stand-off breaching device, for breaching a target, that includes a nose at a front end which is a rounded cone-shape and configured to cause the stand-off breaching device to rebound from a target after the nose impacts the target, and a body connected to the nose and extending to a back end of the stand-off breaching device. The body includes a main explosive fill that is detonated and explodes to provide an explosive breaching force, and a delay detonator that detonates the main explosive fill and that is triggered when the nose impacts a target. The delay-detonator is configured to delay detonation of the main explosive fill until the stand-off breaching device has rebounded to a determined stand-off distance chosen to cause effective breaching of the target. The nose, body, and their components are fabricated from material that will be substantially consumed by the explosion, minimizing any fragments.

Abstract: An insensitive munitions casing, such as a motor case, for housing a propellant charge is disclosed. The casing is formed by winding, wrapping or rolling a fiber, tape or sheet of material such that the casing has a plurality of reinforcing layers. At least some of the reinforcing layers have discontinuous interfaces. Other reinforcing layers may overlap the discontinuous interfaces. The reinforcing layers are coated with adhesive bonding material for adhering the reinforcing layer to itself and bonding the discontinuous interfaces. The adhesive bonding material has a bond-strength breakdown temperature which is below the auto-ignition temperature of the propellant charge. Once the bond strength breakdown temperature of the adhesive is reached, the bond fails at the discontinuous interface, thereby enabling release of propellant charge pressurization.

Abstract: To hinder activation caused by unplanned stimuli, a munition may include first and second discrete, separable parts. The first and second parts may include interlocking components to prevent relative axial translation of the first and second parts. The first and second parts may be torsionally biased in opposite directions. A binder with a low melting temperature may fix the first and second parts together to prevent the torsional bias from rotating the first and second parts in the opposite directions. When the binder melts, the torsional bias may cause the first part to rotate with respect to the second part. Relative rotation of the first and second parts may allow relative axial translation of the first and second parts.

Abstract: An enhanced grenade exhibiting improved insensitive munitions (IM) characteristics while providing improved lethality or non-lethality as desired.

Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to an example projectile that includes an enclosure and an umbilical interface that is exposed on the enclosure. The projectile further includes an umbilical interface cover attached to the enclosure such that the umbilical interface cover protects the umbilical interface. The umbilical interface cover includes a casing and a sensing system inside the casing. The sensing system monitors conditions that the projectile is exposed to until the umbilical interface cover is removed to expose the umbilical interface. The sensing system allows the umbilical interface cover to record data related to the conditions that the projectile is exposed to until the umbilical interface on the projectile is mated to a launcher's umbilical interface. The recorded data may provide valuable information in diagnosing why there was a projectile mission failure.

Abstract: A venting lifting plug is provided for an unfuzed munition having a fuze cavity with internal threads, the venting lifting plug is formed of a threaded ring having both internal and external threads together with a lifting plug having a lifting ring, a neck and a round portion having external threads, external threads on the threaded ring being in threaded engagement with internal threads on the fuze cavity of the munition, internal threads on the threaded ring being in threaded engagement with external threads on the lifting plug, and a threaded joint formed between the lifting plug and threaded ring is soldered together with one or more eutectic materials having a melting point lower than a predetermined critical temperature of cook-off gases from the munition.

Abstract: An initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with a venting device. A system for venting a container includes a venting device and an initiator coupled with the venting device. The initiator includes a detonation port and a reactive panel coupled with the detonation port. The reactive panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an explosive sheet disposed between the inner panel and the outer panel and operatively associated with the venting device. A method of venting a container includes providing a venting system operatively associated with a container, detonating an explosive sheet of the venting system, and venting the container as a result of detonating the explosive sheet.

Abstract: A venting system for a casing containing an explosive material includes a base plug having one or more venting ports. A ring-shaped failure mechanism mounted to the base plug seals the venting ports. The failure mechanism has a selected melting temperature such that raising the temperature of the failure mechanism to its melting temperature causes the failure mechanism to unseal the venting port to allow controlled burning of the explosive material. An insert ring formed of a durable material to protect the failure mechanism from being damaged may be mounted on an outer surface of the failure mechanism. An adhesive may be used to seal gaps between the failure mechanism, the insert ring and the base plug. The failure mechanism may have a peripheral tab formed to fit within a corresponding groove in the base plug to mount the failure mechanism securely to the base plug.

Abstract: A venting system for ordnance or rocket motors comprising a casing having at least one hole and a plug, the plug being formed from a plug slug swaged into the at least one hole. A method to fill a vent hole in a casing comprising transforming a plug slug positioned within the vent hole into a plug.

Abstract: A system for venting a container includes a venting device, a transition manifold coupled with the venting device, and an initiator coupled with the transition manifold. The initiator includes a reactive panel including a substrate and a plurality of reactive layers disposed on the substrate. A method of venting a container includes providing a venting system operatively associated with the container, reacting a first material of the venting system with a second material of the venting system to produce an exothermic reaction, and venting the container as a result of reacting the first material with the second material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ammunition comprising an explosive charge confined in a compartment and a deconfinement device capable of deconfining the explosive charge under a pressure or temperature rise within the ammunition. The invention neutralizes the ammunition on command. According to the invention, the ammunition further includes means for activating the deconfinement device, these means being controllable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel insensitive munition comprising one warhead and also munitions comprising one or more warheads. In particular, the invention lies in the field of insensitive munition warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises at least two portions of high explosive separated by a non-detonative material, wherein each portion has a cross section below its critical detonation cross section, and wherein the at least two portions are arranged such that the total cross section of the at least two portions exceeds the critical detonation cross section of said high explosive, such that in use only simultaneous detonation of the at least two high explosives causes detonation to occur.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a submunition is contemplated having a submunition body, an explosive payload housed within said submunition body and an elongated delay member housed within the submunition body, the elongated delay member coated with at least one reactive material that provides a controlled time delay between submunition impact and detonation of the explosive payload. The submunition may also comprise an elongated pendulum having a hollow core sized to receive said elongated delay member, the elongated pendulum adapted to be movable between a locked position that mitigates likelihood of inadvertent detonation of the explosive payload and an unlocked position that enables detonation of the explosive payload.

Abstract: An auxiliary safety mechanism for a grenade to prevent detonation from shockwaves, heat, fragments, etc., the grenade including a fuse housing containing a delay detonator and explosive train. In at least one embodiment, the fuse housing includes a reversible slider element interposed between the delay detonator and the rest of the explosive train to form a barrier therebetween when the grenade is in an unarmed condition, and when the slider element is withdrawn the barrier between the delay detonator and explosive train is removed leaving the grenade in an armed condition. In another embodiment, a further safety mechanism involves connecting the two sections of the housing with a weak connection that ruptures prior to the explosive contained therein reaching the critical explosive temperature/pressure.

Abstract: A munitions casing including an annulus of a shape memory alloy disposed around said casing where the shape memory alloy has been subjected to a combination of mechanical and thermal treatments so as to impart a memory, and a cutter located between the annulus and the casing wherein heating of the shape memory alloy to a predetermined temperature causes said annulus to contract radially inwardly and rupture the said munitions casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (1) for a block of explosive material, forming a missile decoy, that is introduced into an explosive material container (2) with a sabot (4) and an ignition transmission charge (5). The safety device (1) is characterized by a prestressed tube sensor/slide (6) that is connected between the sabot (4), the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material container (2) such that it can release or re-close an ignition channel (13) disposed between the ignition transmission charge (5) and the explosive material.

Abstract: The invention relates to cartridged ammunition, particularly blank ammunition, having a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) placed therein. A propellant chamber (4) accommodating a pyrotechnic of a propellant charge (5) is disposed in the cartridge shell, such charge being ignitable by an ignition device (13) also containing pyrotechnic material that generates propellant gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile and propel the shot out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device from self-igniting at high ambient temperatures, particularly in a fire, thus tearing apart the cartridge shell and projectile and being flung away, an inert, meltable material is mixed into the pyrotechnic charges of the propellant charge and/or the ignition device.

Abstract: The invention represents a novel system for controlling the yield of an explosive charge that enables the explosive yield to be selected or decreased from full-yield detonation incrementally down to low-yield detonation using a continuous linear shaped charge jet spiraled around the main charge explosive and deflagrating a selected portion of the main charge explosive. The spiral linear shaped charge jet initiation system activates and projects a liner in a radial direction across a diameter of the main charge explosive in a spiral around its axis at a preselected deflagration velocity toward a main-charge detonation shock front reducing the main charge explosive.

Abstract: Detonators comprising a base charge of explosive material present a safety hazard for transportation and storage, especially when a plurality of detonators are packaged together. Disclosed herein are detonator protectors for the explosive ends of detonators that, at least in preferred forms, prevent ejection of shrapnel and/or explosive energy upon detonator actuation. Also disclosed are corresponding detonator assemblies, packages comprising protected detonators or detonator assemblies, and corresponding packaging methods.

Abstract: A warhead including a case, a main explosive being received within the case, an initiator having at least a portion embedded within a main explosive charge, and a releasable coupling intermediate the main explosive charge and the initiator.

Abstract: A deconfinement device for the casing of a piece of ammunition enclosing an explosive load able to be ignited by a priming fuse, said device comprising a connecting ring linked to the casing and enabling the priming fuse to be joined to said casing, wherein said device incorporates a structure to ensure a weakened and shearable link between said fuse and said connecting ring, said link being sheared further to an increase in the pressure inside said casing, said connecting ring incorporating a base forming a plate that can be projected onto said explosive load during the ignition of said fuse, said base being able to be fractured by the presence of pressure inside said body of said projectile.

Abstract: A venting system for a casing containing an explosive material includes a base plug having one or more venting ports. A ring-shaped failure mechanism mounted to the base plug seals the venting ports. The failure mechanism has a selected melting temperature such that raising the temperature of the failure mechanism to its melting temperature causes the failure mechanism to unseal the venting port to allow controlled burning of the explosive material. An insert ring formed of a durable material to protect the failure mechanism from being damaged may be mounted on an outer surface of the failure mechanism. An adhesive may be used to seal gaps between the failure mechanism, the insert ring and the base plug. The failure mechanism may have a peripheral tab formed to fit within a corresponding groove in the base plug to mount the failure mechanism securely to the base plug.

Abstract: A warhead includes a body, a patterned liner made of plastic, and an explosive charge disposed within the liner. The liner pattern is formed of gaps and liner elements. The explosive charge includes a first set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner gaps and a second set of sections that are disposed adjacent to the liner elements. Upon detonation of the explosive charge and because of the temporal delay in transmitting the detonation energy between these two sets of sections, the warhead body is caused to shear and break into fragments with controlled size. The use of plastic as the liner material also provides a welcome safety feature for this warhead. In the event of unwanted heat ignition, the plastic (which is also low melt temperature material), would melt to seal the explosive and would also flow. Because of the plastic, neither sudden pressure nor heat/ignition inside the round, would therefore be as catastrophic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell (1) intended for firing from a weapon (6), preferably a mortar weapon (6), the shell (1) being designed for securing the shell (1) in a mortar weapon (6) in order thereby to prevent movement of the shell (1) when adjusting the angle of elevation of the weapon (6). According to the invention this is achieved in that the shell (1) comprises a locking part (19, 28, 37), the locking part (19, 28, 37) forming an integral part of the shell (1) and being designed so that the shell (1) after ramming home is locked to a corresponding securing part (19) in the mortar (6). The invention also relates to a mortar (6) intended for firing said shell (1), the mortar (6) being characterized in that the mortar (6) comprises a corresponding securing part (19) for locking the shell (1).

Abstract: A sympathetic detonation barrier for a munition includes a generally cylindrical polyethylene sleeve disposed over the munition. Preferably, the sleeve comprises HDPE. The sleeve may include vent openings in a side wall. In one embodiment, the sleeve extends from substantially a rear end of the munition to substantially a rear end of a fuze well of the munition.