Abstract: A system and method for launching projectiles, such as fireworks projectiles, which explode in the air into a pyrotechnic display. The projectile includes a shell constructed from a binding agent and an explosive additive which explodes the shell into small particles. The explosive additive, which may be nitrocellulose, causes the exploded particles to be rapidly burned and consumed to form lightweight, inert flakes that fall harmlessly to the ground. The projectile is aimed and launched by a launcher using a compressed gas to rapidly expel the projectile from a launching tube. Once in the air at a predetermined location in the sky, an electronic fuse inside the projectile operates to detonate the projectile into its intended pyrotechnic display. The fuse is extremely accurate and enables detonation of the projectile at precise altitudes. An electronic control system controls launching and detonation of the projectiles in a precise and repeatable manner.

Abstract: An improved method of producing a controlled fragmentation warhead case by mbedding an expanded metal liner on the interior surface of a casing for a warhead or other ordnance device. The process of embedding an expanded metal liner into the casing during the forming of the casing produces a controlled fragmentation grid on the interior surface of the casing. The improved method of producing a controlled fragmentation warhead case is particularly suitable for weapon systems employing large, unitary warheads.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic device comprises a receptacle which contains a charge of pyrotechnic material and an electric fuse to initiate the charge. The receptacle is formed of a plastics housing which has an area formed of lines of weakness adapted to rupture on activation of the pyrotechnic material and a closure having an integrally moulded projection which defines a screw-thread, electric contacts being associated with the projection and trapping the bared ends of wires associated with the fuse.

Abstract: A controlled fragmentation explosive device is disclosed. Fragmentation crol is achieved by providing both the inner and outer surfaces of a cylindrical case with intersecting longitudinal and circumferential "v" grooves having specific depth relationships. The inner and outer grooves are aligned with each other. The outer grooves are filled with a material for improving the acoustic impedence mismatch between the case and the volume within the "v" groove.

Abstract: A fragmentation projectile having at least two adjacent casings including an inner casing having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one outer casing substantially surrounding the outer surface of the inner casing. An explosive charge is disposed within the inner casing, and an incendiary mass is disposed on the inner surface of the inner casing and facing the explosive. Structured zones are defined on the inner casing and include regions of lesser wall thickness than the portions of the inner casing surrounding the regions to cause a shock wave generated when the explosive charge is detonated to be transferred locally into the at least one outer casing to produce fragments of a predetermined size and shape.

Abstract: The fragmentation casing has a one-piece hollow body (1) that incorporates nominal break points; this hollow body (1) is divided at least in one section (4) by at least one separating cut (5) that forms a separating gap. The separating cut is so made that the hollow body remains in the form of a one-piece structure. The surfaces of the separating cut that are adjacent in the separating gap are brought into contact with each other and are so fixed in contact with each other.

Abstract: A cartridge case for a telescoped ammunition round has a generally tubular case wall and an axially extending elongate score line in said wall to provide pressure relief during firing of the round. The elongate score line has a radial depth less than the radial thickness of the wall.

Abstract: The fragmenting single walled cylinder disclosed yields a plurality of frents having shapes and masses according to a predetermined distribution. Fragment yield is controlled by the profile and orientation of internally formed grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protective casing for ejectable munitions, having means enabling it to be broken through, this being a necessary operation for the sub-munitions to be ejected, in the next stage, without any difficulty of breaking through and ejection. The fracture lines are obtained by means of screens of high temperature resistant fibers arranged in a plane perpendicular to the internal and external surfaces of the casing. This casing is a part obtained, for example, by fusion and molding. The screen is integrated so that, during the casting of the metal, this metal links up all the fibers forming the screen together. The invention can be applied to protective casings, notably for rockets and munitions carriers.

Abstract: The fragmentation jacket of a projectile or shell should be prefragmentized in the simplest possible manner by means of reference fracture locations provided at the inner side or interior surface of the fragmentation jacket. For this purpose, the reference fracture locations are impressed into a disk, for example, by stamping. Subsequently, the thus formed disk is shaped by deep drawing to form a fragmentation jacket such that the reference fracture locations formed by grooves are located at the inner side or interior surface of a cup-shaped fragmentation jacket. This cup-shaped fragmentation jacket is filled with an explosive charge which is detonated by a base fuze or by a tip or point fuze.

Abstract: A fragmentation device includes a core of munitions in the form of a sphere. The sphere of munitions is surrounded by a spherical outer shell of a rubberized material. Further provide is a fuze at the surface of the internal rubberized material which is an electrical communication with a detonator which is embedded within the spherical core of munitions. The rubberized spherical shell is provided with spherically symmetrical fractures which radiate out from the core to insure a symmetrical dispersion of the force associated with the detonated munitions core.

Abstract: An improved well perforating device comprising a body member in the form of a cylindrical pressure vessel containing shaped explosive charges positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of the body member. The perforating device body is systematically shaped externally at the foci of the hollow cones so that both focused and wall expansion energy of the explosive energy of detonation is sufficiently controlled to prevent excessive deformation of the outer diameter of the body member.

Abstract: A warhead casing containing an explosive charge for the formation of projectiles, and in which the casing has portions with notches formed therein to facilitate the formation of splinters or fragments in addition to the projectiles. The notches may be formed in the outside surface, inside surface or both inside and outside surfaces of the casing to provide splinters of specific sizes and shapes optimized for the attacking of specific types of targets.

Abstract: An improved fragmentable warhead of modular construction for a missile and he like, that is generally made up of an intermediate warhead missile section and an explosive cartridge. The cartridge is selectively removable from the missile section thereby permitting the missile to be without an explosive charge until the missile is ready for tactical use. Moreover, the cartridge is of composite construction such that the outer shell of the cartridge is advantageously composed of an admixture of a suitable resin and a graphite material. By reason of this admixture the shell is not only of thin wall construction and of sufficient strength for handling the cartridge during storage and assembly, but also has sufficient electric characteristics so that the cartridge will not have electrostatic buildup that would detonate its explosive during handling and storage of the cartridge prior to assembly to a missile section.

Abstract: An explosive, fragmentation structure having means for selectively controlling fragment size and configuration. The structure includes an outer casing having an inner surface defining a chamber and further includes means for propagating shock waves across the inner surface from a selected one of two detonation points with the chamber. Means are provided for directing shock waves, propagated from the first detonation point, against the surface in a first pattern of segment-defining lines and for directing shock waves, propagated from the second detonation point, against the surface in a second pattern of lines which define segments larger than those of the first pattern.

Abstract: An improved anti-ballistic missile warhead in which the missile structure and warhead projectiles are combined into a single entity. The structure, which may be formed of superalloy to resist heat, requires no heat shield, the outer surface being aerodynamically smooth. It is fabricated by precision casting, individual projectiles being pre-formed by casting internal cavities which delineate the projectiles for at least a substantial part of the thickness of the casting. Figuratively, the combined missile structure and warhead is in the form of a pineapple or hand grenade which is "inside out". The explosive may be cast in place or installed separately within a thin canister. Because there is no skin to pierce, less explosive is required and dispersion is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A fragment layer for a warhead including a plurality of axially adjacent, annular rings of preformed fragments, an annular retaining layer covering the outside surface of the rings, an annular explosive layer disposed between the annular rings and the warhead, and a detonator for detonating the annular explosive layer.

Abstract: An explosive shell case of the kind in which fragments are produced by bursting of the case material into a number of small particles. The case material comprises a completely dense, non-compressible material which is made with embrittling zones (4) which when the shell bursts gives fragments of a predetermined shape. The case is preferably manufactured powder-metallurgically, the embrittling zones then being formed by filling at predetermined intervals with powder with the embrittling component. The case is then pressed under high all-round pressure and high temperature into a dense, compact jacket and is imparted its final properties through heat treatment.

Abstract: Ammunition, such as a warhead with an explosive charge comprises a casing which is provided with a material construction of a nature providing at least controlled formation of fragments of a certain preferred mass, coverings for formation of explosion formed projectiles of a certain preferred mass, or preformed fragments of a certain preferred mass. The explosive charge is located within the casing and there are means for selective munition conversion alternatively to control formation of fragments or to natural fragmentation. For this purpose one or more recesses are provided in the explosive charge adjacent the casing as a means for munition conversion to the formation of explosion formed projectiles or unshattered preformed fragments. The filling of inert material is provided in at least a portion of the recess and it comprises a liquid inert material or a plastic inert material or a liquid explosive or plastic explosive.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the invention are directed to a fragmentation casing for a munition in which the size and distribution pattern of the shrapnel is carefully controlled. Typically, the casing is formed from a stacked array of rings in which angularly oriented inner and outer surface grooves form apertures at the mutual intersections. Through control of ring size, groove depth and shape, a light-weight, efficient fragmentation casing is provided in which the size, shape and bursting pattern of the resulting shrapnel is regulated in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A fuzeless annular wing projectile composed of a tubular projectile body having essentially smooth interior and exterior cylindrical faces extending in the longitudinal direction of the body, and a guide band mounted on the body with the body being formed and/or treated to exhibit desired break locations in the region of at least one face and at least at a location between the front end of the body and the location of the guide band.

Abstract: A solid fuel rocket in which the rocket casing acts as a warhead. Solid propellant rocket motors require relatively heavy cases to contain the 1000-2000 psi combustion pressure needed for efficient performance. This casing can be used as a fragmentation warhead by forming longitudinal grooves in the elongated rocket casing, causing the casing to fracture along the grooves and allowing the pressure within the casing to disperse the fragments. The resulting strip-like fragments are particularly useful against "soft" equipment targets, such as anti-vehicle and anti-radar applications. Several different methods for rupturing the case along spaced, parallel longitudinal lines are disclosed. This system eliminates the need for a separate warhead including case and explosive at the cost of a slight increase in propellant case thickness and weight.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bomblet is designed for accomplishing various military mions. A standoff spike and shaped charged are provided for piercing heavy armor and a fragmentation case surrounds the shaped charge. Upon detonation of the shaped charge, the fragmentation case disintegrates to provide shrapnel which is effective against personnel. An inner liner of incendiary material also surrounds the shaped charge and, upon detonation of the shaped charge, the incendiary material is ignited and dispersed and is useful for starting fires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile having a head extended by a tubular tail and containing an explosive charge as well as a firing chain for the latter. The tail is made of two telescopic tubular parts, one of which is integral with the head and together with the head carries a first part of the firing chain, the other carrying the remaining part of the firing chain, and guiding means that are distributed over the two parts in order to assign them a determined angular position depending on their relative axial position.

Abstract: A method of making an incendiary munition and product utilizes a quasi alloy zirconium or titanium type incendiary material which is formed either as an inner liner or outer liner of the shell of the munitions body by use of heat and pressure. When used as an inner liner the incendiary material may be engraved by use of a molding process to determine the explosive particulate pattern and fragmentation size of the munition. With proper location of the material in a HEAT warhead it will be ingested into the penetrated unit.

Abstract: The fin-stabilized projectile has an ogival projectile body having a nose portion and a base portion joined to a tail tube having a finned tailed unit. The nose and base portions are fixedly secured to respective ends of an internal connecting tube. The tube has a plurality of recesses disposed around the peripheral outer surface of the internal connecting tube. A bursting charge is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube and the material used to form the bursting charge fills the recesses to provide a distribution of thrust forces along the length of the bursting charge, which is disposed between the nose and base portions.

Abstract: A warhead comprising an explosive charge surrounded by discrete individual etal fragments is increased in effectiveness by the addition of pyrophoric fragment material combined therewith. For this purpose, misch metal or zirconium-tin sleeves are placed around or within the fragmentation layers or, alternatively, a percentage of the ferrous metal cubes are replaced with a number of preformed zirconium fragments.

Abstract: The lethality of a fragmentation warhead is increased by including pyrophc material consisting of spongy zirconium metal rings in combination with the fragmentation material.

Abstract: An anti-aircraft projectile for intercepting flying objects, such as aircraft and missiles, includes three independent zones which can be coupled to one another and which respectively form a base, a high-explosive body and an ogive. The base includes a bourrelet and has a recess which forms a skirt provided with bypass holes. The high-explosive body is formed by a pair of concentric cylinders wherebetween there is formed a chamber in which are disposed steel balls or spheres which fill the chamber. Both cylinders are coupled at the corresponding ends thereof to both the base and the ogive.

Abstract: Warhead fragment size can be selectively controlled by: (1) internally or externally grooving a warhead casing; (2) providing an internal casing liner or explosive charge with a predetermined cutting groove pattern confronting the grooves in the casing; (3) positioning the liner or explosive charge groove pattern relative to the casing groove pattern so that warhead fragments of one size will be produced if the grooves in the liner or explosive charge are rendered ineffective for cutting the warhead and so that fragments of another size will be produced if the grooves in the linear or explosive charge are not rendered ineffective and therefore are utilized to cut the casing; (4) providing apparatus in the warhead for delivering a fluid such as water to the grooves in the linear or explosive charge to selectively inhibit the cutting action of those grooves to provide desired warhead fragment size(s).

Abstract: Warhead for projectiles and rockets in which the projectile or rocket casing can be relied upon to decompose into splinters of predetermined size, shape, and distribution. To accomplish this result, a thin-walled insert is positioned between the projectile or rocket casing and the explosive charge, such insert being provided with a number of ribs forming a series of saddle-roof shaped structures which exert a cutting charge effect on the casing on the detonation of the explosive charge.

Abstract: A dual purpose armor piercing and antipersonnel round for battlefield use s a penetrator core surrounded by multiple wedge-shaped blades which disperse radially outward upon impact of the round against a target. The penetrator maintains a uniform path of travel to punch through armor, while the multiple blades tumble at high speed laterally to defeat massed troops around the area of impact.

Abstract: A projectile to be fired from a tubular or rail-shaped launcher has a warhead integral with a rearwardly extending tube of smaller diameter which contains a propulsive charge inserted between the warhead and a sabot carrying a frangible inertial mass. The rear end of the tube has a constricted opening which, upon detonation of the charge, retains the rearwardly moving sabot while giving passage to the disintegrating mass as the projectile is propelled forwardly. The propulsion gases evolving within the tube are temporarily retained by one or more heat-destructible plugs in the sabot and/or in the tube which melt, burn or char to allow the delayed escape of the gases whereby an in-flight thrust is imparted to the projectile.

Abstract: A missile with an air breathing gas turbine propulsion engine configured with a translating exhaust plug nozzle to minimize longitudinal length of the engine section.

Abstract: Weapon system, notably of the light anti-tank type for infantry, which is fully consumable, which comprises a launching tube acting as a sealed tactical container and a rocket, preferably of the hollow charge type, and a rocket acceleration propulsion unit provided with a casing consisting of a compound fibre-and-resin assembly, preferably of the aramid-and-epoxy type, said casing consisting of two sections, i.e. an inner sleeve and an external structure.

Abstract: Dual thrust solid propellant rocket motor is described. The motor comprises a housing having a nozzle, a first propellant grain received by the housing, a second propellant grain arranged within the first propellant grain, and igniter means. The first propellant grain has projections extending into the second propellant grain for positive ignition.

Abstract: A gun-launched projectile with a chamber for generation of combustion gases from a propellant grain is disclosed. The chamber is arranged with at least one gas outlet in its base plane, said propellant grain having a burning area, mass and static burning rate so related with the area of the gas outlet/outlets, that a low mass flow of gaseous combustion product is operable to continue from the time of muzzle exit for a considerable portion of projectile flight and to provide a substantial decrease in base drag with a concomitant increase in projectile range. The pressure in the combustion chamber during flight only slightly exceeds the base pressure in an amount of 0.01 to 0.5 bar.

Abstract: A rocket assisted projectile has a solid propellant charge within the projectile casing extending substantially throughout the length of the casing and has an inhibited centerport therein which axially extends substantially throughout the length of the propellant charge, and the solid propellant charge comprises a cast single explosive sensitized charge bonded to the casing and bonded to the inhibitor material of the inhibited centerport during cure of the cast charge with said charge having bifunctional characteristics to produce rocket thrust for the projectile in flight and high explosive blast of the projectile at target.

Abstract: A cylindrical shell for a rocket motor is prepared by rolling up a thin, high tensile strength metal sheet and an adhesive to form a multi-layer cylindrical inner metal shell, winding on said metal shell filaments having a high tensile strength and adhesive to form an outer cylindrical shell and then curing said adhesives to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A "caseless" rocket having a solid propellant grain body which as a result of its shape and surface burning creates, in effect, an outer case or barrier formed by the surrounding airstream and the burning propellant. An exhaust "nozzle" is generated as an annulus in which the air stream serves as one surface while the propellant grain serves as the other. Stores or a payload are enclosed within the propellant body.

Abstract: A training projectile having an auxiliary drive mechanism for counteracting the aerodynamic resistance to which the projectile is exposed during the training flight phase of projectile travel. The auxiliary drive mechanism preferably is in the form of a rocket or jet drive. The training projectile is also provided with a mass so that the ratio of the resultant axial force to the mass of the training projectile is at least approximately equal to the ratio of the resistance force to the mass of a corresponding live projectile during the training flight phase.

Abstract: In a missile assembly (or the like) including a motor nozzle positioned in a central portion of a rear surface of the missile and a sustainer motor positioned a distance away from the rear surface of the missile, the invention comprising a blow pipe joining the sustainer motor and nozzle assembly, with the blow pipe including a portion extending along an axis which is eccentrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the missile.

Abstract: A combustible rocket is constructed with a laminate which comprises high tensile strength metal foils, easily combustible metal foils, and easily combustible adhesive layers. The rocket has sufficient mechanical strength and its shell can be gasified or disintegrated into finely divided pieces after the propellant of the rocket has burnt out at high altitudes. This rocket can be launched safely even in the vicinity of population centers without risk of injury to living things.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for more efficiently igniting and thereafter maintaining an optimum burning efficiency of a hollow, solid propellant charge cartridge disposed in a combustion chamber at the rear end of a rocket or other ballistic projectile is described. A support tube is mounted for extension coaxially into the hollow interior of the charge cartridge with a radial clearance therebetween. The rear end of the support tube is carried within the locking member at the rear end of the combustion chamber, so that upon bursting of a rupture disc between the locking member and the rear end of the combustion chamber, both the locking member and the support tube can be propelled axially rearwardly out of the combustion chamber. The advantageous function of the support tube to absorb radial acceleration forces during firing of the rocket, is preserved, while thereafter the deleterious effect of having the support tube remain in place during the ignition of the main propellant charge is obviated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving combustion efficiency in external bung assisted projectiles by slowing te exit speed of fuel-rich exhaust gases to subsonic flow.

Abstract: The warhead of a missile is loaded with a payload that can either be burned r exploded. If propulsion is lost and either aerodynamic steering is not present or the velocity level of the missile is degraded to a point where steering is marginal, steerage is maintained by igniting the warhead payload and exhausting gases through nozzles attached to the warhead.

Abstract: A rocket motor nozzle closure for controlling the initial release of prese from the rocket motor nozzle to reduce the occurrence of high pressure shock fronts which are detrimental to the weapon operator. The mass and geometry of the nozzle closure are predetermined to fit the desired motor performance. The release of motor pressure is controlled by the rate of change of momentum of the nozzle closure.

Abstract: A rocket motor nozzle closure for controlling the initial release of prese from the rocket motor nozzle to reduce the occurrence of high pressure shock fronts which are detrimental to the weapon operator. The mass and geometry of the nozzle closure are predetermined to fit the desired motor performance. The release of motor pressure is controlled by the rate of change of momentum of the nozzle closure.

Abstract: An improved explosive warhead casing of novel fragmentation design that can e tailored for use with an increased number of weapons and thus impact a greater variety of targets with enhanced effectiveness. The casing is generally made up of a plurality of stacked ring-like elements. The adjacent outer peripheral portions of adjoining stacked elements are metallurgically bonded together in precise fashion such as by a laser device so as to form a unitized casing. A series of relatively spaced and longitudinally extending grooves are preferably formed on and about both the interior and exterior annular surfaces of the casing. Further, the series of grooves together with the bonds between the elements all cooperate to form a plurality of novel-shaped fragments where the configuration of each explosively formed fragment is subject to less distortion, metal flow, micro cracking, etc.; thereby approaching, with greater degree, the intended design configuration for each fragment.

Abstract: Improved armor-piercing projectile of either caliber or saboted, subcaliber esign for effectively penetrating and destroying a fast moving, armored target. The improved projectile is generally comprised of a dome-shaped nose, a fragmentable hollow body of thimble-like configuration, and an integrated base-plug and fuse device. The hollow body is advantageously made up of a heavy metal, preferably either a tungsten alloy or depleted uranium, having a predetermined density of at least eleven grams per cubic centimeter (11.0 gm/cc). The interior of the hollow body is filled with a suitable high energy explosive material. The improved projectile, by reason of its hollow body, not only exhibits an improved ballistic coefficient as compared to previous projectile designs, but also maintains a substantially more uniform velocity throughout its effective range so as to strike a target in shorter time and with greater momentum.