Abstract: Shaped charge devices, systems, and related methods of use. A housing sheet is configurable to form at least part of a shaped charge enclosure enclosing a shaped charge and biasing an explosion in a desired direction. The housing sheet can include one or more incisions in at least one surface thereof. The housing sheet can have at least one connection mechanism integrally formed therein, and the housing sheet can be configurable to form a plurality of sizes of shaped charge housing portions. The housing sheet can also provide for forming a plurality of dimensions of the shaped charge enclosure.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composite projectile body with preformed fragments precisely embedded within the walls of the projectile body. The process utilizes a combination of additive manufacturing and advanced powder metallurgy fabrication techniques. Specifically a skeletal structure or prefabricated cage body is filled with preformed fragments. The cage structure may be situated on a mandrel or tool inside a container. The container is filled with metal powder, degassed under vacuum, and sealed. The canister is then subjected to heat and pressure to consolidate the powder to full density. The canister is then removed and the compacted billet product is further machined to obtain a desired projectile body.

Abstract: An electromagnetic launcher with a curved or spiral-shaped, open-ended guideway and conductors for launching a projectile. The projectile, movably retained on or within the guideway, is accelerated along the guideway using electromagnetic forces until it reaches an end of the guideway, then the projectile is launched in a desired direction. The direction of the launch of the projectile is determined by orienting the guideway in the desired direction using an actuator.

Abstract: A method of characterizing fragmentation of an explosive device (110) comprises receiving a image of a witness plate (100) that has been subject to impact by fragments from explosion of the device; warping the image to remove deformations of the plate (100); marking strike damage sites (120) caused by impact of the fragments; and recording the position and area of the strike damage sites (120).

Abstract: A liner includes a plurality of individual projectile cells and a web of joining material holding the plurality of projectile cells in a monolithic and continuous structure. The liner is cylindrical and formed of an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An explosive warhead includes shear liners to enhance rupturing of the warhead's housing following an initiation of a detonation charge in the warhead. The shear liners are positioned directly upon the warhead housing's inside surface. The shear liners are applied as metallic powder granules embedded in structural patterns, and applied in a liquid form which is allowed to cure before the charge is installed in to the warhead. Rupture patterns of the warhead housing upon detonation, approximately mimic the structural patterns on the said shear liners.

Abstract: A projectile apparatus is provided that includes a projectile, a propellant, and optional components such as a wading, a sabot, and an intermediary device. The projectile can be fired through a barrel having a smooth bore. A sabot is provided that can include molded features, for example, a base portion and a plurality of petal portions defining, in-part, a volume for accommodating a projectile. The sabot and wadding can include molded features that control and direct gases produced by the propellant. The apparatus can convert gas pressure or gas velocity into a high rate of projectile spin. The projectile has long-range accuracy due to a high or sustainable velocity and high rate of spin.

Abstract: A device for the controlled initiation of a subdetonative reaction of an explosive charge arranged in a shell includes at least one explosive charge core extending in a region of a longitudinal axis of the explosive charge. A transverse dimension of the explosive charge core is adaptable to a radial extent of the shell in a longitudinal direction of the explosive charge, while a charging of the explosive charge core is set homogeneously or locally variably over a length of the explosive charge core with respect to a type of explosive material.

Abstract: A hollow tube projectile is configured with a leading edge to first exit a firearm barrel and a trailing edge to follow there through, the hollow tube projectile comprising an annular airfoil slug. A longitudinal cross section of the annular airfoil slug resembles an airplane wing having a rounded leading edge and a sharp trailing edge and an outer lift surface there around and an inner cylindrical surface. Three or more fins are distributed equidistantly around the annular airfoil slug, each fin having an inner edge complementary to the outer lift surface and an outer edge parallel to a major axis through the annular airfoil slug. The hollow tube projectile further comprises a launch wafer comprising a metal insert adapted to contain combustion gases during launch of the annular airfoil slug. The launch wafer is adapted to receive the metal insert and concentrically position it within a hollow tube cartridge.

Abstract: Ammunition comprising bullets having destabilizing mechanisms that, under ballistic phase conditions, create instability in the bullets resulting in failure of the trajectory of the bullet and/or the sustainable velocity of the bullets.

Abstract: An apparatus being a lined fabric material is disclosed. One embodiment of the lined fabric is used as an augmentation sleeve for use with a non lethal, explosive device and includes a lined material having a liner material in between a first fabric and a second fabric, where at least said first fabric is likely to rupture when an explosive force being substantially applied to a liner material in said lined fabric. A liner material is a material that reduces the likelihood of injury when expelled from the lined fabric and contacts a person. The fabric material has some properties of flexible light weight material properties and also has the properties of substantially rigid materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to fragmentation-beam ammunition capable of simultaneous axial and circular field destruction. The objects of this invention are providing a variable configuration axial field of the fabricated destructive elements for the reliable destruction of different types of tank threatening targets and providing for the complete destruction of the fragmentation unit following explosive charge detonation in the projectile. The technical solution according to this invention, the projectile comprises an elongated explosive charge with a detonator in the form of a rotation body with a curvilinear generatrix located coaxially with the fragmentation unit wherein said detonator is electrically connected with the fuse and said fuse comprises a device (an adapter booster) for varying the time interval between the activation of both detonators depending on the setting, said detonators comprising safety devices.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for fitting a normally non-explosive containing projectile with a spotting charge. A spotting charge capsule is inserted into an opening in the front of a projectile. The opening may be made by removing part of the nose of the projectile and making a shaped opening for inserting the spotting charge capsule. The spotting charge capsule includes an opening at its front and a bore behind the opening leading to a cavity for holding an explosive mixture, usually one or more pressed incendiary pellets. The opening and bore together form a venturi, or venturi-like, tube. The tube ends short of the cavity leaving only a thin wall between the bore and the explosive. On impact on soft media, such as dirt, sand or mud, the soft media will enter the tube and shear the thin wall, creating a high speed flier plate that ignites the explosive mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile (1) having a projectile casing (3) in which an explosive charge (8), surrounded by a fragmentation casing, (9) is disposed, wherein the fragmentation casing (9) is fixed to the projectile casing (3), and the projectile (1) comprises a first ignition unit (11) adjacent to the explosive charge (8) disposed to the rear for igniting the explosive charge (8). The projectile (1) may be selectively used as a fragmentation projectile or as a projectile whose effect is due to pressure waves resulting from explosion of the explosive charge (8) due to an ejection charge (15), and the explosive charge (8) is axially displaceable relative to the fragmentation casing (9), which allows the explosive charge (8) to slide out of the projectile casing (3) at least far enough so that the explosive charge cannot act on the fragmentation casing (9) to fragment it.

Abstract: A projectile (1) is optionally used as a fragmentation projectile or as a projectile that utilizes a pressure wave effect created when the explosive charge (3) explodes. The projectile (1) contains an ejection charge (12), and an explosive charge (3) arranged in a jacket (4) that can be moved axially with respect to a fragmentation casing (5). The ejection charge (12) allows the explosive charge (3) and surrounding jacket (4) to be pushed at least so far out of the projectile casing (2) that, in the event of explosion, the explosive charge does not act on the fragmentation casing (5). In order to ensure that the jacket (4) of the explosive charge (3) does not develop any fragmentation effect, or develops only a small fragmentation effect, when the explosive charge (3) is ignited, a molded part composed of plastic or a light alloy is used as the jacket (4).

Abstract: Bombs lined with reactive liners that improve the blast and fragmentation of the bombs is disclosed. The effect is caused by the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability which is introduced at the explosive/reactive liner interface by introducing semi-cylindrical open linear cells between the reactive liner and the explosive that are void. This geometry produces a turbulent flow effect which readily mixes the reactive liner when accelerated by the grazing shock wave generated during detonation, which moves through the liner and case material. The geometry produces the added effect of creating faster and more plentiful fragments that are lighter in mass than those produced by typical bombs that are annularly lined with reactive liners, while maintaining insensitive munitions capability.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead comprising manual selection means for generating larger fragments versus smaller fragments upon detonation. The warhead includes a generally cylindrically shaped fragmenting metal outer warhead within which lies a generally cylindrically shaped explosive charge. Cylindrically arranged ring mechanisms within the warhead may be rotated to select desired fragmentation patterns.

Abstract: The dynamically configurable controlled fragmentation insert mechanism of this invention includes an assembly of three or more sleeves with differing through hole patterns thereon, that fit inside the shell casing. The individual sleeves can move independently of one another and a simple pinning mechanism holds the parts in place for a selected configuration. The warfighter can realign the insert sleeves by to create different geometric patterns of holes, each designed to engage a different target set with optimally sized fragments. The aligned patterns of holes creates individual geometric shapes that focus high-velocity jets to cut into the steel shell casing to correlate to the through-holes in the aligned patterned sleeves. Realigning the insert sleeves changes the through-hole pattern to produce different fragment sizes and mass distributions.

Abstract: A method for detonating a munition comprising the steps of providing a plurality of micro-detonators and microprocessors in said munition and initiating said micro-detonators in a predetermined sequence by means of said microprocessor. Depending on the specific predetermined sequence which is selected, one of a variety of explosive modes may be achieved.

Abstract: A warhead apparatus, method of making same, and method of detonating same comprising employing a high explosive core, an energetically and physically dense reactive material substantially surrounding the core, and a pressure vessel substantially surrounding the reactive material.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost part of the warhead body. Upon detonation of the explosive charge, the warhead body is ultimately caused to shear and break into fragments with controlled sizes, shapes. Metallurgical composition of the warhead body can be used to influence the size of fragments ultimately generated when the warhead breaks apart through detonation, since the size and positioning of fragments in the warhead body is preselected. Fabrication of explosive fragmentation ammunition with preformed fragment tungsten alloy fragmenting shells of complex shapes and small and medium calibers is provided in this invention. According to an embodiment of this invention, fabrication begins with “green” tungsten alloy fragment pellets of a given, full strength, enwrapped in a green lower strength matrix alloy.

Abstract: A projectile is provided for simulating multiple sequential ballistic impacts. The projectile has a plurality of relatively dense loading layers spaced along the firing direction of the projectile. Each pair of nearest-neighbor loading layers is separated by a less dense support element which maintains the spacing of the loading layers. The projectile may be suitable for simulating bird slurry impacts on stator vanes of an aero gas turbine engine.

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 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 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 projectile (1) having a projectile casing (3) in which an explosive charge (8), surrounded by a fragmentation casing, (9) is disposed, wherein the fragmentation casing (9) is fixed to the projectile casing (3), and the projectile (1) comprises a first ignition unit (11) adjacent to the explosive charge (8) disposed to the rear for igniting the explosive charge (8). The projectile (1) may be selectively used as a fragmentation projectile or as a projectile whose effect is due to pressure waves resulting from explosion of the explosive charge (8) due to an ejection charge (15), and the explosive charge (8) is axially displaceable relative to the fragmentation casing (9), which allows the explosive charge (8) to slide out of the projectile casing (3) at least far enough so that the explosive charge cannot act on the fragmentation casing (9) to fragment it.

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 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 a warhead (10) for attacking particularly half-hard and/or soft targets, wherein the warhead comprises a splinter-forming casing (1) and an explosive material positioned in the casing (1). The warhead (10) further has a front plate (2) having a splinter formation, into which a distance sensor (3) is integrated. An igniter (5) for the explosive material and a stabilizing strap for adjusting perpendicular flight characteristics on the way to the target are located in the rear part of the warhead (10), wherein the initiation of the igniter (5) is determined by a property of the target to be attacked, namely, the parameter of a defined height from the target.

Abstract: Weapons, weapon components and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a weapon component includes one or more discrete fragments embedded in a reactive material matrix. The weapon component may be used as a warhead that includes an explosive charge. In one embodiment the weapon component is configured such that, upon explosive launch, the reactive material matrix fractures to define one or more reactive material matrix fragments. The weapon component may be configured such that the discrete fragments are propelled at a first velocity over a defined distance while the reactive material matrix fragments are propelled at a second velocity over the defined distance, the second velocity being less than the first velocity. The weapon component may be used, for example, in a countermeasure weapon used to defeat a target weapon. Other embodiments of weapon components, weapons and related methods are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A reactive munition uses a housing made from a housing in a state that is three-dimensionally rigid. The housing can be made of metal, such as aluminum. A reactive filler, such as powdered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fills the one or more cavities in the aluminum housing. A jacket encases the housing filled with the reactive filler.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tandem warhead needing only a single initiation has a casing that forms front, middle and rear portions. A shaped charge is positioned in the rear portion of the casing and a fragmentation charge is positioned in the front portion of the casing. The middle portion between the front and rear portions is an open area that serves as a jet formation region. An impact switch is positioned at the front of the warhead. Upon impact with a target the impact switch sends a detonation signal to a detonator positioned at the rear end of the warhead causing the shaped charge to initiate. Upon the detonation of the rear shaped charge, a high-speed shaped-charge jet forms into the hollow jet formation region, penetrates into and initiates the forward fragmentation charge, and continues through the fragmentation charge. The residual shaped charge jet provides lethality against light armored targets while the fragmentation from the forward charge provides lethality against personnel and other soft targets.

Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises a variable yield warhead comprising an inner core of cylindrically-shaped, explosive material surrounded by an outer annulus of a different explosive material. The inner core explosive material has a heat of combustion comprising about 16 kcal/cc or higher and the outer annulus of explosive material has a heat of detonation comprising about 2.1 kcal/cc or higher. A warhead casing surrounds the outer annulus of material. The warhead has a dual initiation system. The first initiation system comprises a detonation cord that extends substantially through the inner core of explosive material and has an initiator at the tope side. The second initiation system comprises a booster explosive that contacts the bottom side of the outer annulus of explosive material and an initiator proximate to the booster.

Abstract: A highly effective and also inert active penetrator, an active projectile, an active airborne body or an active multipurpose projectile with a constructively adjustable or settable relationship between penetrating power and lateral effect. The end ballistic total effect which is obtained from the penetrating depth and covering the surface or stressing of the surface is initiated in an active case by means of a releasable arrangement or installation which is independent of the position of the active body.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead including a plurality of sections each enclosing a plurality of projectile and an explosive charge partially surrounding the projectiles defining a primary projectile firing direction. The firing direction of each section is different for isotropically deploying the projectiles.

Abstract: A tandem warhead for destroying a target, the tandem warhead including a kinetic energy rod section with a plurality of lengthy individual projectiles, a blast fragmentation section deployable proximate the target, and a guidance subsystem for deploying the projectiles of the kinetic energy rod section first in the trajectory path of the target and for deploying the blast fragmentation section second proximate the target.

Abstract: A penetrator, including a penetrator housing in which there is arranged an explosive charge and an ignition system for the triggering of the explosive charge. The penetrator housing consists of a composite of a steel outer housing and a heavy-metal inner component, whereby the heavy-metal inner component, at predetermined external dimensions of the penetrator, is provided for the reduction of the mass of the steel outer housing and thus leads to an increase in the volume of the explosive charge and correspondingly to an increase in the mass of the explosive charge.

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-effective ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: Projectiles or war-heads with an inner arrangement for the formation of bulging zones (4,4a) are proposed, comprised of an enclosed bulging medium (1) which is terminal-ballistically substantially ineffective and is radially enclosed by a penetration material (2) which is terminal-ballistically effective, with the bulging medium (1) having a lower density as compared with the enclosing penetration material (2). This leads to the effect that on impact or on penetrating a target plate (3) the bulging medium (1) remains behind relative to the encompassing terminal-ballistic effective body (2) and is laterally increasingly bulged by the bulging material (1) which continues to flow in from behind. As a result of the high pressures, a conical (crowned) pressure and bulging zone (4,4a) is formed dynamically, which zone radially widens or fragments the passing ambient effective material (5,5a).

Abstract: A fragmentation explosive munition element comprising a casing capable of generating fragments, having an axis of revolution, an explosive charge surrounded by the casing having the same axis of revolution and comprising a hole in the form of a cylindrical canal, the generatrices of which are parallel to the axis of revolution of the charge, a single peripheral and punctual means of initiating the charge. A design of this type makes it possible, for a given explosive charge, to obtain a markedly higher fragment velocity that is obtained with known designs.

Abstract: A kinetic energy rod warhead with aligned projectiles includes a projectile core in a hull including a plurality of individual projectiles and an explosive charge in the hull about the core. The individual projectiles are aligned when the explosive charge deploys the projectiles. The projectiles may also be aimed in a specific direction.

Abstract: This invention involves a hard target penetrating warhead designed to produce a variable explosive discharge. A standard warhead casing is divided into several compartments with each compartment separated by a shock-absorbing shield. Explosive fill in contained within each compartment. The shock-absorbing shield inhibits the dynamic shock produced by detonating a compartment, thus preventing sympathetic detonation of adjoining compartments. As a result, the size of an explosive blast is controlled by detonating the explosive fill, in a set number of compartments. Each compartment also contains an igniter element, which initiates a slow burn of undetonated explosive fill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for selectively producing a coherent or ispersed jet pattern upon detonation of a shaped charge ammunition round. Multiple detonators are provided which may be arranged in a symmetrical or non-symmetrical pattern around or on the axis of the charge. Selection of a coherent or dispersed jet pattern may be provided by controlling the number and timing of detonators used. A coherent jet may be produced, for example, by actuating only one detonator along the centerline of the round. Dispersed jets in selected patterns may be achieved by actuating multiple detonators in different patterns.

Abstract: A tungsten heavy alloy composition comprising tungsten, iron and elements selected from the groups X, Y and Z and having the formula W.sub.100-p Fe.sub.i X.sub.j Y.sub.k Z.sub.l. Such that "X" is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ni, Mn and Co; "Y" is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo and V; "Z" is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ti and Al; "i" ranges from 5 to 19.5 weight percent; "j" ranges from 0.05 to 6 weight percent; "k" ranges from 0.15 to 5 weight percent; "l" ranges from 0.05 to 4 weight percent; and "p" is the mathematical sum of i, j, k and l, and ranges from 7 to 20 such that "100-p" ranges from 93 to 80 weight percent. The blended powder mixture thus formed is hot consolidated to full density. The hot consolidated blended powder mixture is subjected to a hardening heat treatment.

Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a target that includes dispersing submunition fragments in an array that is directed to intercept the target, and engaging said fragments to collide against an outer shell of the target, wherein said array distributes said fragments as having a ratio between a characteristic length of said fragments and a separation distance of at most 2.5 and a collision velocity of between 1.8 km/s 2.0 km/s. The ratio is preferably at most 1.9. The characteristic length corresponds to a spherical radius of the fragment. Each fragment has a mass between 150 grains and 300 grains. The array is preferably aligned to intercept the target at an angle offset by between 15° and 45° from perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the target. Each fragment has a preferable shape of a prism, a trapezoid or a pyramid.