Abstract: A device for restraining a shell in a barrel of a disposable anti-armour weapon being stored in a compartment of a transport box. A stopper member is configured to be placed in the barrel in front of and adjacent to a shell loaded therein. The stopper member has at least three radially expandable legs, which are distributed circumferentially and configured to face and engage a tapered front surface of the shell in the barrel. The legs are provided with gripping elements on radially outermost surfaces thereof and configured to cut into the barrel wall upon a forward movement of the shell in the barrel.

Abstract: An internal pressure relieving device for anti-armour ammunition. The device is mainly adapted for use with barrel-loaded ammunition, that is a naked round including a cartridge case, which normally would be located in its packaging. A plurality of slot formed openings have been cut out through a wall of the cartridge case and the openings have been sealed by inserts of polymeric plastic introduced with a tight fit into each opening. Hence, by the characteristics of the plastic material, the inserts can be configured to open up at a predetermined level of temperature. Alternatively, the inserts open up at a predetermined level of pressure in the cartridge case.

Abstract: An internal pressure relieving device for anti-armour ammunition. The device is mainly adapted for use with barrel-loaded ammunition, that is a naked round including a cartridge case, which normally would be located in its packaging. A plurality of slot formed openings have been cut out through a wall of the cartridge case and the openings have been sealed by inserts of polymeric plastic introduced with a tight fit into each opening. Hence, by the characteristics of the plastic material, the inserts can be configured to open up at a predetermined level of temperature. Alternatively, the inserts open up at a predetermined level of pressure in the cartridge case.

Abstract: A safety and arming unit with a safe separation distance device (14), which acts as a function of a free-flight incident flow and temperature, for the fuze (12) of a projectile (11), which fuze is hermetically sealed from environmental influences, has, as a measurement device for the cooling, as a function of the incident flow, of a conductor through which current passes, in the heating circuit (18) of a resistant heating element (16) which is fitted flat on the fuze casing surface (17), an electronic current measurement apparatus (21) which is connected upstream of an evaluation circuit (22), in order to ram a firing circuit. Two heating elements (16, 16?), which are fed in the same way, are preferably arranged one behind the other in the incident flow direction (15), and, additionally as an environmental temperature sensor, a comparison heating element (16?) which is not influenced by the incident flow (15).

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: A device for inhibiting inadvertent initiation of a munition includes a sorbing refrigeration device adapted to at least partially surround an energetic material of the munition. A container includes an energetic material and a sorbing refrigeration device at least partially surrounding the energetic material. A method for inhibiting an inadvertent initiation of a munition includes cooling an energetic material of the munition by sorption refrigeration.

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 container has at least one seam, the at least one seam having a joined portion and an unjoined portion. A seal seals the unjoined portion of the seam, the seal being operative to fail due to internal pressure before a remainder of the container. The container may be cylindrical, comprise metal and have at least one longitudinal seam. Generally, the joined portion comprises a weld. The seal may comprise one or more of a fluid adhesive, a gasket, a patch and an I-shaped gasket. A cover attached to the container with fasteners may at least partially cover the seal to protect it from damage.

Abstract: A projectile may be used in a boat tail or base bleed configuration. The projectile includes a warhead casing having a nose end and a base end; a payload disposed in the warhead casing; a motor body attached to the base end of the warhead casing and having an igniter disposed therein; a base closure attached to the motor body, an exterior surface of the base closure being tapered to form a boat tail, the base closure and the motor body defining an interior volume; a propellant disposed in the interior volume, the propellant being used for base bleed operation; and a converter attached to the base closure and extending into the interior volume.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heat-to-detonation transition manifold, a heat pipe connected to the transition manifold, a linear shaped charge, and a transfer line connecting the heat-to-detonation transition manifold and the linear shaped charge. An apparatus includes a thermally-activated pyrotechnic train and a linear shaped charge coupled with the pyrotechnic train. A method includes initiating a deflagrating material at a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined range of temperatures, initiating a detonating material with the deflagrating material, and initiating a linear shaped charge with the detonated material.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a munition when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. In one arrangement there is device which consists of a connector that is at least in part formed from a shape memory alloy, which typically undergoes large dimensional changes when heated or cooled through a particular transition temperature range. The connector in this invention is designed to form a locking engagement, between two components of a munitions casing at one temperature, but when subjected to external heating through the transition temperature range will deform to allow the connector to disengage and thus release the two joined components, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously if the co-operative parts of the connector and components are threaded portions, then the locking engagement will be capable of being dismantled during normal servicing of the munition.

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: 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: Apparatus for venting munitions exposed to high ambient temperatures. The munition includes a casing having a nose end and an opening in the nose end; a lifting plug disposed in the opening in the nose end, the lifting plug including a bore therethrough; and a seal disposed in the bore in the lifting plug, the seal comprising an ionomer. The munition may further include a fuze well disposed in the casing, the opening in the nose end leading into the fuze well; and a second seal disposed in the fuze well. The seals will rupture and vent the munition's explosive to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A fluid jet apparatus includes a housing defining a propellant cavity, a fluid cavity, and a passage through the housing in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. The apparatus further includes a membrane separating the propellant cavity and the fluid cavity, a propellant disposed in the propellant cavity, and a fluid retained in the fluid cavity. The propellant urges the fluid from the fluid cavity through the passage upon initiation of the propellant. A munition system includes a munition and at least one fluid jet apparatus adapted to vent the munition. A method includes initiating a propellant to produce a rapidly expanding gas and urging a fluid through a passageway with the gas to produce a fluid jet.

Abstract: A device for venting a container housing an energetic material includes an insulating portion, a charge holder disposed in the insulating portion, and an explosive cutting charge disposed in the charge holder. The device further includes a thermally activated initiation device, and a transfer line coupling the thermally activated initiation device and the explosive cutting charge. An apparatus includes a container, an energetic material disposed within the container, and a device, disposed within the container, for venting the container. The device for venting the container includes an insulating portion, a charge holder disposed in the insulating portion, and an explosive cutting charge disposed in the charge holder. The device for venting the container further includes a thermally activated initiation device, and a transfer line coupling the thermally activated initiation device and the explosive cutting charge.

Abstract: A deconfinement device for the casing of a piece of ammunition enclosing an explosive load able to be ignited by a priming fuse, device including at least one vent enabling the explosive load to communicate with the free air, device where the vent opens into a chamber located between the fuse and the explosive load.

Abstract: An ordnance venting system has one or more adapters that separate the warhead section from other sections of a rocket, or submunition compartments within the warhead itself. The adapters structurally fail at given temperatures and pressures to reduce the danger of explosion from heat induced over-pressurization. By dividing the sections of the rocket with the adapters, the separate sections of the rocket become physically separated by the structural failure of the adapters.

Abstract: A cartridge munition, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,107,909, includes a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) inserted into it. A propulsion chamber (4) is provided within the cartridge shell that receives a propulsive charge (5) that may be ignited by means of a pyrotechnic igniter (13) and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge (5) because of the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, it is proposed by the invention to provide exhaust channels (14) between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell (3) that are filled with a fusible material, particularly a fusible metal (15). The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter (13) and of the propulsive charge (5).

Abstract: A projectile for a large caliber gun including a fall-back preventer ring disposed within a fall-back preventer recess defined by the projectile. The fall-back preventer ring engaging the barrel of the large caliber gun during a loading cycle and releasing from the barrel when the projectile is fired. The fall-back preventer ring is a multifaceted split ring device sized for both axial and radial movement within the fall back preventer recess. The present invention thus maintains the projectile safely within the barrel during loading and in the presence of other external forces.

Abstract: An explosive shell comprising a fusible explosive load placed in a casing incorporating an opening, such shell comprising shimming means placed in the vicinity of the shell opening, such shimming means comprising a ring made of an elastic material placed between a front part of the shell casing and the explosive load, such ring being compressed by compression means, shell wherein the shimming ring incorporates a flange housed in a groove made in the casing of the shell.

Abstract: An active part of an ammunition device. A casing is provided with a sleeve in association with an opening of the casing. A sprung device is arranged between a locking device arranged at the opening of the casing and the sleeve. The end of the sleeve facing away from the sprung device contacts an explosive charge arranged inside the casing of the active part or a liner arranged on the surface of the explosive charge which faces towards the sleeve and the locking device. The locking device is designed to be released from the casing by the action of a force. The active part keeps the active part intact even if materials in the active part have greatly varying coefficients of thermal expansion, while at the same time, in extreme temperatures, the active part is prevented from detonating by the locking device being released from the casing.

Abstract: A cartridge munition, particularly practice round, includes a cartridge shell (3) and a projectile (2) inserted into it. A propulsion chamber (4) is provided within the cartridge shell that receives a propulsive charge (5) that may be ignited by means of a pyrotechnic igniter (13) and that develops propulsive gases that act on the base (8) of the projectile, driving it out of the cartridge shell. In order to prevent the pyrotechnic igniter from igniting spontaneously, and from igniting the propulsive charge (5) because of the ambient temperature or because of a fire, which would cause the cartridge shell and projectile to be separated and fly apart, it is proposed by the invention to provide exhaust channels (14) between the propulsion chamber and the exterior of the cartridge shell (3) that are filled with a fusible material, particularly a fusible metal (15). The fusible material has a lower melting point than the ignition point of the igniter (13) and of the propulsive charge (5).

Abstract: A new mechanism substantially reduces the vulnerability of explosive load munitions to thermal stimuli, such as fire or heat during transport and storage, thus enhancing personnel safety and the survivability of adjacent munitions. The mechanism includes a threaded fuze adapter made of plastic and having a melting temperature that is lower than the auto-ignition temperature of the explosive. The adapter secures a fuze or metal closing plug to an explosive loaded projectile and is designed to permit venting of combustion gases through the nose of the projectile upon auto-ignition of the explosive, thereby preventing detonation of the explosive and fragmentation of the projectile body.

Abstract: Passive venting apparatus and method for a rocket motor or ordnance device containing propellant or explosive material enclosed in a case, which presents an explosion hazard when subjected to external heat. A combustible strip is secured to the exterior surface of the case and is constructed to burn and generate sufficient heat when exposed to predetermined external heat to weaken the adjacent portion of the case and effect rupture of the case to vent interior gases therein prior to autoignition of the propellant or explosive.

Abstract: An explosive composition having a main explosive and an additive, such as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine. The explosive composition is resistant to slow cook-off. The main explosive includes Composition B or a Composition B replacement. The 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine is present in the explosive composition at less than or equal to approximately 5% by weight. An insensitive munition resistant to slow cook-off is also disclosed, as is a method of forming the explosive composition having a main explosive and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and a method of mitigating slow cook-off violence.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a closure plate to an open end of a cylindrical casing, the apparatus having an inner member; a threaded outer ring biased in tension, disposed adjacent to the inner member, for releasably engaging an interior wall of the casing; and a eutectic spacer between the inner member and the outer ring. At temperatures below the melting point of the eutectic spacer, the outer ring is held in threaded engagement with the casing, and holds the closure plate in position in abutment with the casing. When the temperature of the eutectic spacer reaches its melting temperature, the eutectic spacer transitions to a liquid state, flows away from the apparatus, allowing the outer ring to retract into a groove in the inner member, and the closure to be released from the casing.

Abstract: A ballistic projectile (10) includes a body (12) defining a hollow, open-ended payload cavity (22) covered by means of a cover portion (26) fitting as a spigot into a socket (12.1) defined by the body (12). Peripheral seats in the form of grooves (32), (34) are provided in register in peripheral slide surfaces of respectively the cover portion (26) and the body (12) forming the spigot-socket combination. A peripheral, discontinuous shear ring (36) is received within the respective grooves (32), (34) to bridge the interface and thus to lock the cover portion to the body. Pressure selectively generated in the payload cavity shears the ring (36) to allow parting of the cover portion to expose the payload cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably attaching a closure plate to an open end of a cylindrical casing, the apparatus having an inner member; a threaded outer ring biased in tension, disposed adjacent to the inner member, for releasably engaging an interior wall of the casing; and a eutectic spacer between the inner member and the outer ring. At temperatures below the melting point of the eutectic spacer, the outer ring is held in threaded engagement with the casing, and holds the closure plate in position in abutment with the casing. When the temperature of the eutectic spacer reaches its melting temperature, the eutectic spacer transitions to a liquid state, flows away from the apparatus, allowing the outer ring to retract into a groove in the inner member, and the closure to be released from the casing.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the present invention is a safety igniter for a pyrotechnic munition component capable of being subjected to slow cook-off comprising a structure in the form of a casing and a solid pyrotechnic charge present in the structure. This safety igniter, which is composed solely of a block of solid pyrotechnic composition based on pentrite, is intended to bring about the combustion without detonation of the pyrotechnic charge when the munition component is subjected to slow cook-off.

Abstract: A warhead assembly includes a penetrating casing having a forward nose portion and an generally cylindrical aft portion opposite said nose portion. A closure ring is disposed in said aft portion, a vent also being provided in said aft portion. The warhead casing is filled with a predetermined level of explosive material. Preferably the explosive composition contain reduced amounts of explosive material and a strong oxidizer. The warhead assembly possesses superior penetration and blast performance, as well as superior Insensitive Munitions characteristics.

Abstract: A warhead assembly includes a penetrating casing having a forward nose portion and an generally cylindrical aft portion opposite said nose portion. A closure ring is disposed in said aft portion, a vent also being provided in said aft portion. The warhead casing is filled with a predetermined level of explosive material. Preferably the explosive composition contain reduced amounts of explosive material and a strong oxidizer. The warhead assembly possesses superior penetration and blast performance, as well as superior Insensitive Munitions characteristics.

Abstract: A subject-matter of the present invention is a safety igniter 5 for a pyrotechnic munition component comprising a structure 1 in the form of a jacket and a solid pyrotechnic charge 4 present in the structure 1. This safety igniter 5, which is composed solely of a block of solid pyrotechnic composition based on pentrite, is intended to bring about the combustion without detonation of the pyrotechnic charge 4 when the munition component is subjected to slow cook off.

Abstract: A deforming charge assembly is provided which has an inner and an outer cylinder formed from carbon fiber. Each of the inner and outer cylinders have an inner circumference surface having an inner diameter and an outer circumference surface having an outer diameter. The inner diameter of the outer cylinder is greater than the outer diameter of the inner cylinder. Each of the inner and outer cylinders have a first layer of circumferentially wound carbon fiber, a second layer of unidirectional carbon fiber sheet and a plurality of layers of carbon fibers circumferentially wrapped around the second layer. A plurality of sympathetic detonation barrier members are provided and have an inner surface in contact with the outer circumference surface of the inner cylinder and an outer surface in contact with the inner circumference surface of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: An ordnance venting system has a thermally initiated rapid deflagrating composition that detonates a high energy material. The high energy material is configured as a shaped charge and surrounds the ordnance housing of a rocket motor. During cook-off of the munition, the high energy material detonates, rupturing the structural integrity of the ordnance housing sufficiently to release pressure therefrom.

Abstract: A rocket motor having a desensitizing mechanism for preventing explosion or violent reaction during slow cook-off is provided. The rocket motor includes a case contained rocket propellant with a desensitizing assembly attached forward of the propellant charge. The desensitizing assembly is formed with an enclosure containing a desensitizing fluid, and connected to the interior of the rocket motor by a tube which is sealed by a heat sensitive plug. The heat sensitive plug melts at a temperature below the slow cook-off temperature of the rocket propellant. The melting of the plug allows the desensitizing fluid to be ejected into the interior of the casing and onto the propellant charges, thereby, desensitizing the propellant charge.

Abstract: To prevent the violent bursting of the casing of a thruster containing propergol during an accidental fire in its vicinity, a pyrotechnic composition (5, 6) is attached to this casing. This pyrotechnic composition locally heats the casing during this fire, and therefore embrittles this casing which opens at this place before the internal pressure becomes excessive. This prevents the fragmentation of the casing and the bursting out of the fragments.

Abstract: An ordnance venting system has an ordnance device having a casing with a vent opening, a dome plug fitted into the formed vent opening and an adapter fitted over the dome plug on the outside of the casing. The adapter connects sufficiently to the casing to retain the dome plug against the formed vent opening for given pressures. The adapter melts at high temperatures and releases the dome plug to reduce the danger of explosion from heat induced over-pressurization.

Abstract: A container subject to damage through inadvertent overheating and pressure build up such as a rocket casing containing a propellant which can be subjected to damage or inadvertent firing when the ignition temperature is achieved inadvertently includes a thermally actuated release mechanism. The rocket casing includes two sections which are mechanically latched. A thermally responsive material such as Nitinol is provided in a shape such that upon being subjected to a predetermined transition temperature lower than the ignition temperature of the rocket propellant, it changes shape so as to mechanically unlatch the rocket casing sections.

Abstract: This invention is a non-fragmenting warhead casing prepared from at least one thermosetting epoxy resin and carbon fibers wherein the epoxy resin is characterized as a liquid, low viscosity resin at ambient temperatures, curable at temperatures ranging up to 175° F. and further characterized has having a glass transition temperature T(g) ranging from about 200° F. to 250° F.

Abstract: A process for indicating the likelihood of cook-off for energetic materials by calculating the heat flux and chemical venting relative to known crial parameters for the energetic materials. The process further may include an alarm.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and material for forming warhead casin The material itself consists of tightly wound carbon fiber bonded by a low temperature (room temperature) resin. This process of formation gives several advantages, including the ease of manufacturing and the elimination of the need to do inside threading as the interior of the casing can be totally formed during winding of the carbon thread. This also increases the speed of the formation process. The use of carbon thread and low temperature resins also gives several key advantages. First, the low temperature aspect of the resin allows the resulting casing to break down at temperatures significantly less than the ignition point of the munitions held within it. Because the fibers tend to separate as the ambient temperature increases, the casing will auto-ventilate at high temperatures. Additionally, since the casing is formed from carbon fibers, it maintains a high tensile strength while minimizing the weight of the casing.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable case for supporting and controllably combusting propellant and/or gas-generant combustion gases is disclosed. The case is permeable to the combustion gases produced at temperatures above ambient temperature but below the auto-ignition temperature of the propellant and/or gas-generant supported therein. Further, the case is dimensionally stable without the use of metals, alloys or the like that yield shrapnel upon explosion in the barrel section of the case. Thus, an Insensitive Munitions case capable of passing cook-off tests is provided.

Abstract: A device for initiating burning of an explosive or propellant material subjected to external heating prior to detonation is described, the device comprising at least two materials, at least a first one of which materials melts at a temperature below the temperature at which detonation of said explosive or propellant material is induced and reacts with said second material to produce an exothermic reaction to cause initiation of burning in said explosive or propellant material.

Abstract: A hard-target penetrating warhead (10) adapted for use with length constrained warhead payload bays. The warhead (10) includes a warhead case (12) for containing warhead explosives (22, 27). A tungsten ballast (16) is disposed within the case (12) for providing a high warhead sectional pressure upon impact of the warhead (10) on a target. A fuse (19) detonates the warhead explosives (22, 27) upon penetration of the target. The fuse (19) is housed by a fuse well (18) that is attached to the case (12) at one end. A slip fit section of the fuse well (18) provides structural support to the case (12) and prevents dislodging of the fuse well (18) and the fuse (19) from the case (12) upon warhead target impact. Explosives blowout ports (24) included in the fuse well (18) inhibit undesirable explosion or detonation of the warhead explosives (22, 27) by accidental exposure to high heat or fire. In a specific embodiment, the case (12) has a 6 caliber radius head nose (14).

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for imparting a non-explosive and a non-propulsive property to a rocket motor casing made from a composite material during a slow cook-off test, which consists of using a predetermined pyrotechnic pellet having an ignition temperature of at least 140.degree. C. but below the violent ignition temperature of the propellant material under slow cook conditions, whereby the composite material of said casing is significantly weakened in the predetermined temperature, causing a casing failure and a non-propulsive burning of the rocket motor. The predetermined pyrotechnic pellet is located on the inner surface and will ignite the propellant grain at a lower rate.

Abstract: A rocket system employing at least one rocket motor closure that includes low and high load capability retainers that, respectively, provide an insensitive munitions system during storage and positive locking of a nozzle assembly at launch. The rocket motor also includes a pressure equalizing system that accommodates changing temperature conditions during storage as well as varying gas pressure inherent in gun-launched rocket systems in a manner that allows for thinner case cylinder design and increased propellant volume.

Abstract: A device for imparting non-explosive and non-propulsive properties to a warhead during a slow cook-off test, which comprises a pyrotechnic pellet located inside a tube having a predetermined ignition temperature of at least 130.degree. C. but below the violent ignition temperature of the material under slow cook-off conditions, whereby the venting holes present in the aft closure of said tube, are covered by a composite material that loses its strength below the predetermined temperature, causing a pressure relief and a non-propulsive burning of said warhead.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and material for forming warhead casin The material itself consists of tightly wound carbon fiber bonded by a low temperature (room temperature) resin. This process of formation gives several advantages, including the ease of manufacturing and the elimination of the need to do inside threading as the interior of the casing can be totally formed during winding of the carbon thread. This also increases the speed of the formation process. The use of carbon thread and low temperature resins also gives several key advantages. First, the low temperature aspect of the resin allows the resulting casing to break down at temperatures significantly less than the ignition point of the munitions held within it. Because the fibers tend to separate as the ambient temperature increases, the casing will auto-ventilate at high temperatures. Additionally, since the casing is formed from carbon fibers, it maintains a high tensile strength while minimizing the weight of the casing.