Abstract: A warhead includes an outer casing and an inner shell, which delimits a central space for an explosive substance. The inner shell receives a series of preformed elements, which are arranged in contact with the outer side of the inner shell. The inner shell is arranged for a controlled fragmentation upon a detonation of the explosive substance. The preformed elements are arranged with a surface contact against the inner shell.

Abstract: A deliverable weapon, such as a missile, an artillery round, an aerial bomb, or a mortar round, having an explosive warhead, utilizes concentric annular sleeves that upon detonation provide placement of smaller fragments of an inner annular sleeve interstitially with respect to larger fragments of an outer annular sleeve in an expanding fragmentation curtain that contains expanding gases to increase the pressure of the explosion and the kinetic energy transferred to the fragments. In embodiments, the sleeves are comprised of ordered layers of spherical metal fragments encased in binder material and an outer casing.

Abstract: There is provided a mold apparatus and process whereby a warhead body can be fabricated in a single over molding process which may also include therein metal fragments, metal balls, obturators, boat tails and other aerodynamic features, metal rings and/or threads. Other molds and processes are presented whereby a warhead body may be over molded in a polymer matrix in sequential steps which may include adding therein metal balls, then fragments, and any of obturators, boat tails and other aerodynamic features, metal rings and/or threads, as desired. Still another process for fabricating a warhead body is presented whereby an insert section is first preloaded with metal fragments and covered with a skin, then the insert section is inserted into an oversized area in a mold, and polymer is then loaded around the insert section to form a unitary warhead body.

Abstract: A munition has preformed fragments at two radial distances from a center axis, for instance having inner fragments in or within or adjacent to a casing, and outer fragments outside of the casing. The outer fragments may be between the casing and an outer enclosure that surrounds the casing. The casing may be part of a warhead, and may be a penetrator casing. The fragments at different radial distances from the center may have different sizes, different materials, and/or different shapes. The use of fragments at different radial distances aids in providing enhanced fragmentation effects, such as controlling dispersal of fragments to limit fragmentation effects and/or provide more even distribution of fragments.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for pre fragmentation of a warhead (1) comprising a warhead body (2), an explosive charge (6), a fin part (3), and a warhead shell (4) with the density ?shell wherein the warhead shell (4) comprises pre formed cavities (5), where each cavity (5) comprises at least one pre formed projectile (7) with the density ?proj and filler material or agent (8) with the density ?fill, wherein the method comprises the following steps: —pre formation of the cavities (5) in the warhead shell (4), —arrangement of at least one projectile (7) in each pre formed cavities (5), —filling of filler material or agent (8) in the cavities (5) so that the cavities (5) are filled, —treatment of the filler material or agent (8) so that the filler material or agent (8) forms a connected structure vid high adhesiveness to the projectiles (7) and to the walls of the cavity (5). The invention further relates to a pre fragmented warhead.

Abstract: A munition, such as a warhead, includes a penetrator casing for penetrating hard targets, such as a fortification or reinforced building or other structure, with the penetrator casing having reduced-thickness portions. The reduced-thickness portions provide weak points to the casing that facilitate the casing being transformed into fragments of a desired size/quantity when an explosive within the casing is detonated after the penetration occurs, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the munition. In addition, the warhead may have lethality-enhancing materials, such as additional fragments and/or energetic materials, at the reduced-thickness portions of the penetrator casing. The reduced-thickness portions may be holes, such as longitudinal holes, in the casing, or may be grooves on an inner and/or outer surface of the casing. The munition may be a dual-use munition, with the explosive able to be detonated at a burst height for use of the warhead as a non-penetrating area fragmentation weapon.

Abstract: A fragmentation casing includes a monolithic tube defined by an alternating axial arrangement of first and second rings. Each first ring is a contiguous ring of fused powder defining spaced-apart first elements of the fused powder and at least one second element of the fused powder joining adjacent ones of the first elements. Each second ring is a contiguous lattice of the fused powder. Each of the first elements is contiguous with a portion of the lattice associated with at least one of the second rings.

Abstract: A fragmentable package for use in an explosive armament, is disclosed having individual fragments formed by additively depositing layers, of at least one of selected metal type and a composite that includes a selected metal type, to create interconnected individual fragments to form a plurality of voids around an individual outer surface of the individual fragments defining a separation of fragments when detonated, the individual fragments providing structural stiffness and strength. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A crowd control projectile includes a payload carrier, an incapacitating agent inside the payload carrier, and an activating mechanism for activating the incapacitating agent. The activating mechanism includes a sensor and a timer. The timer delays the activation until a predetermined delay after the sensor senses that the projectile has been launched. Alternatively, the activating mechanism includes a receiver for receiving an activation signal after the projectile has been launched. Preferably, the projectile has the shape of a clay pigeon. A launcher of such a projectile includes a communication mechanism for transmitting a timing signal or an activation signal to the projectile and an arm for launching the projectile by direct contact. To control a crowd, the projectile is launched over the crowd by direct contact with a solid arm and the activating mechanism is used to activate the incapacitating agent when the projectile is above the crowd.

Abstract: A flexible warhead which can be used for a bunker defeat mechanism. The warhead has a polysterene membrane embedded with lethal tungsten alloy fragments, contains an explosive gel, and also has an attached time delay fuze. The warhead is folded and stored in a case. In use, the warhead is expelled from the case by a propellant and the membrane is exploded with its fragments proximate to impacting a target, after the time delay.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost part of the warhead body comprised of slidable positionable explosives, their times of detonation controllable by an operator. The apparatus can produce numbers and sizes of fragments ranging from relatively large to relatively small.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for production preformed fabrication casing or associated parts intended to generate fragments initiated by the explosive of contained warhead charges. Molded parts having fragmentation bodies (4, 21, 34) embedded therein are produced by a two-stage powder compaction method followed by sintering together the compacted powder metal. The method described in the present invention defines how in an initial stage the fragmentation bodies (4, 21, 34) are fixed in position using a fixture (2) after which the bodies are covered with powder metal that is then compacted until the powder forms a single molded part (2) after which the fixture is replaced with a secondary quantity of powder that is also compacted to form a self-supporting unit (12) together with the first quantity of powder.

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

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

Abstract: A munition is described including a reactive fragment having an energetic material dispersed in a metallic binder material. A method is also described including forming a energetic material; combining the energetic material with a metallic binder material to form a mixture; and shaping the mixture to form a reactive fragment. The munition may be in the form of a warhead, and the reactive fragment may be contained within a casing of the warhead.

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

Abstract: A high-lethality fragmentation warhead with reduced risk of collateral damage to the warhead launch platform. High lethality is achieved with a forward-firing fragmentation assembly placed in front of the explosive and a side-firing fragmentation assembly placed in a void space in the aft section of the explosive. The risk of collateral damage to the launch platform is reduced by forming the case and explosive containment structures of materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. This substantially eliminates radial fragments and in particular fragments thrown back towards the platform. Performance may be enhanced by tapering the aft section of the containment structure and explosive to eliminate explosive that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the forward-firing fragmentation assembly by the pressure wave to create the void space for the side-firing fragmentation assembly.

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

Abstract: An explosive fragmentation munition having a longitudinal axis which includes a cylindrical shell portion having a thickness and an interior; a rounded shell portion having a thickness and an interior, the rounded shell portion being disposed at a front end of the cylindrical shell portion; an explosive disposed in the interiors of the cylindrical shell portion and the rounded shell portion; wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion equals the thickness of the cylindrical shell portion where the rounded shell portion joins the cylindrical shell portion, and wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion increases in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis.

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 reactive composite projectile includes a reactive composite material in a solid form and an encasement material applied to and surrounding the solid form for exerting compressive forces thereon. Additionally or alternatively, an elongate structure can be positioned in the solid form. The elongate structure is made from a material having a mass density that is approximately 2 to 10 times the mass density of the reactive composite material.

Abstract: A reactive composite projectile includes a reactive composite material in a solid shape and an encasement material applied to and surrounding the solid shape for exerting compressive forces thereon. Additionally or alternatively, an elongate structure can be positioned in the solid shape. The elongate structure is made from a material having a mass density that is approximately 2 to 10 times the mass density of the reactive composite material.

Abstract: A perforating ammunition having a penetration body delimiting an internal cavity closed by a base which penetration body includes a front nose with at least one insert integral with the nose, the insert being a material denser than that of the body and arranged in a housing opening to the outside of the body.

Abstract: An explosive fragmentation munition having a longitudinal axis which includes a cylindrical shell portion having a thickness and an interior; a rounded shell portion having a thickness and an interior, the rounded shell portion being disposed at a front end of the cylindrical shell portion; an explosive disposed in the interiors of the cylindrical shell portion and the rounded shell portion; wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion equals the thickness of the cylindrical shell portion where the rounded shell portion joins the cylindrical shell portion, and wherein the thickness of the rounded shell portion increases in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis.

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

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: A shell for combating air targets is provided. The shell comprises a proximity fuse with up to four seeking directions together with an explosive charge arranged in the shell. One or more fragment-forming casings are arranged in the shell. The fragment-forming casings are designed to have main directions of action aligned with the seeking directions of the proximity fuse. Therefore, on detonation of the explosive charge, the shell has ball sheaves aligned with the seeking directions.

Abstract: In an infantry grenade (5) the fragmentation effect is enhanced in that a cup portion (7) of a ductile steel--which serves to receive an explosive charge (9)--has at its periphery in a substantially cylindrical longitudinal portion (25) a pre-notched fragmentation arrangement (28, 29) and in a rounded longitudinal portion (26) ball-type fragmentation portions (32). The entire fragmentation arrangement is enclosed by a plastic shell (17).

Abstract: Described is a system (10) for protecting a target such as an armoured vehicle, a bunker or the like from missiles. The protective system (10) has a launching container (12) with at least one launching tube (36) for an associated fragmentation projectile (38), mounted adjustably on a base portion (14). A sensor arrangement (26, 28) is provided for detecting the target to be combatted and aligning the launching container (12) with the target to be combatted. A control device (32) for a drive arrangement (24) is connected together with the sensor arrangement (26, 28) by way of a signal processing device (30). The drive arrangement (24) serves for aligning the launching container (12) with respect to the base portion (14). The/each fragmentation projectile has a special fragmentation filling (40) and a fuse device (44) for controlling the time of detonation.

Abstract: A fragmentation casing for a secondary projectile of a tandem warhead which includes a forwardly located active charge, a rearwardly located active charge and a fuze arranged between the charges. The secondary projectile possesses on both sides thereof a generally ovoid, thick-walled and uniformly thick nose cone with a heavy wall thickness and with an inwardly located separate fragment charge; a one-sided overhung fastening of a fuze through a collar extending between two housing parts of the secondary projectile, whereby the fuze is almost completely and; in essence, also around the periphery thereof, embedded in the explosive of the rearwardly located active charge, and with a gapless arrangement of the interconnected active charges, the casing, the prefinished fragments and the nose cones.

Abstract: A fragmentation warhead device has a fabric liner woven from high-strength fibers located between the explosive charge and the fragments. The liner has a maximum diameter larger than that of the overall warhead, and is compressed to fit closely around the explosive charge prior to detonation by forming one or more longitudinal folds or pleats in the fabric. The fragments are retained against the outer surface of the sleeve prior to detonation by a suitable outer enclosure, and may be located between adjacent pleats in the fabric. On detonation, the sleeve expands to contain the gases produced by the explosion for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A fin stabilized ballistic projectile comprises a projectile body having a plurality of stabilizing fins and an ejectable projectile tip detachably attached to the front of the projectile body. An ejection mechanism is operatively disposed for ejecting the projectile tip. A sensor is disposed in the projectile tip for scanning a target area. A warhead is disposed at the front of the projectile body behind the projectile tip and includes a curved fragmentation plate for discharging fragments at a target, with the fragmentation plate being openly exposed when the projectile tip is ejected, and an explosive charge disposed behind the fragmentation plate.

Abstract: Improved missile warhead body has three sections forming a tubular body closed by a cap section at one end thereof and having a center section comprising high density material inclusions of a selected size and weight which separate from the warhead when detonated and form shrapnel on the order of the size and weight of the high density material inclusions.

Abstract: The conventional monocoque missile ordnance section is replaced by a compte sheet stringer design. The composite sheet stringer design consists of a full-length, filamentary composite outer shell attached to stringers. Bending and axial loads are carried by the stringers while the outer shell will resist shear loads. The forward part of the ordnance section is devoted to the warhead. Here, fragment material would be sandwiched between the stringers, the outer shell, and possibly a filamentary composite inner shell. Fragment options include discrete fragments, plates, or rods. The aft part of the ordnance section would be available for fuzing assemblies. The composite ordnance section is connected to the rest of the missile through end joints rigidly attached to the outer composite shell and stringers.

Abstract: The conventional missile warhead is replaced by a dual wall composite franting warhead. This design consists of two concentric composite shells which sandwich a layer of fragmentation material. All missile structural loads are carried by the shells. The warhead is connected to the rest of the missile through end joints rigidly attached to the shells.

Abstract: A spherical warhead is disclosed which yields a greater than 120.degree. ped charge of preformed fragments and which further permits non-destructive cook-off of explosives to prevent undesirable detonation.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for manufacturing a flechette load, a series of operative steps are carried out to produce a matrix-supported load of flechettes held in a desired array. First, a load of flechettes are mounted by a die end cap in a desired array in which at least the trailing end portions thereof are exposed and disposed in closely spaced side-by-side relation. Next, the die end cap is assembled to a die body such that at least the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes are placed in the mold cavity of the assembled die. A mixture of expandable thermoplastic beads and, preferably, a bond weakening agent is also placed in the mold cavity with the mixture surrounding the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes therein. Finally, the mixture is heated so as to produce in the mold cavity directly on and about the exposed trailing end portions of the flechettes a matrix in the form of a solid foam body of a thermoplastic foam material.

Abstract: A fragmentation plate composed of juxtaposed contacting metal bodies or fragmentation elements which is to be disposed in front of an explosive charge in an explosive grenade or other projectile, for example a sub-projectile. The metal bodies or fragmentation elements, for example, metal balls, are held, at least on the side of the plate facing the explosive, by a tray or shell, for example of sheet metal. The tray or shell may be perforated, i.e. provided with holes, for the metal bodies. Moreover, an encasing substance may be disposed between the tray and the bodies and over the outer surfaces of the metal bodies. Additionally, the fragmentation plate may have an outer covering shell or tray.

Abstract: A fragment or splinter body for fragmentation projectiles, in which fragments which are in the shape of balls or spheroids are pressed intermediate two sleeves which are concentrically arranged within each other, whereby the outer sleeve is plastically formed into a recess which possesses the spheroids.

Abstract: A ballistic missile about to re-enter the atmosphere is destroyed by explosively dispersing for large quantities of inherently-light C.sub.60 molecules in clouds in the path of the missile. The sharp edges of the molecules scar the missile and subject it to destruction from the heat or re-entry.

Abstract: A projectile delivery apparatus for enhancing the penetration capability of a projectile including a friable capsule, which traverses the distance from a firearm to a preselected target while retaining the launch weight of the projectile intact, and a projectile, which is mounted internally of the friable capsule and is released from the capsule to achieve increased penetration of the target.

Abstract: An explosive missile or projectile assembly which possesses a projectile body and a ballistic hood which is positioned in front of the projectile body, wherein the hood encompasses a head end portion of the projectile body, and which includes an explosive charge arranged within the projectile body and a base detonator. An in-depth effect and fragmentation effect comes into bearing in the direction of firing, in that fragments are arranged intermediate the head end portion of the projectile body and the ballistic hood, and in which the projectile body is equipped with performed fragments.

Abstract: Fragmentation shell for grenades, particularly hand-grenades, consisting of a hollow body, the wall of which is made of metal particles embedded in plastic and which has a form stretched out of the spherical, e.g. an egg-shaped. The wall of the fragmentation shell in the transition zone between bottom surface and side surface and/or between shoulder surface and side surface has an axially symmetrical thickening, with an increased density of metal particles compared with the adjacent wall zones of the fragmentation shell.

Abstract: A grenade body, in particular for hand grenades, comprising a muti-part fragmentation body which forms a hollow body and which comprises metal particles (7) embedded in plastics material, and an outer casing of plastics material which encloses the fragmentation body, wherein the parts (1, 2) of the fragmentation body interengage positively at the connecting surfaces (6). The preferably substantially spherical metal particles (7) project with only a small distance beyond the connecting surface (6) when the fragmentation body is assembled. In the region of the conecting surfaces (6), the inner layer of particles is displaced relative to the outer layer of particles by approximately half a particle diameter (FIG. 5).

Abstract: A shell formed of a cylindrical casing having a reduced diameter cylindrical package of explosive contained therein and means to ignite the explosive and a plurality of metallic pellets positioned in the annular area between the explosive and the casing, each pellet being in the form of a polyhedron having a polygonal base and triangular faces meeting in a common apex, the base and all faces being equally dimensioned and shaped.

Abstract: Improved shaped charge assembly of relative lightweight and sealable consction and composed of nonmetallic and nonmagnetic materials that can be used for selectively destroying or disarming a variety of targets. The assembly is generally made up of casing means of tubular-like configuration, jet-forming linear means of conical shape and shaped charge body means. The liner means is interposed between the ends of the casing means where the charge body means is interposed between the casing means and the liner means at one end of the casing means. Depending upon the manner in which the assembly is to be used, at least the one end of the casing means is capped. Suitable plastic materials for use in the liner means have been found to be either polyethylene or polypropylene, having an ultra-high molecular weight.

Abstract: A rod for use in fragmenting warheads is notched so that when it is subjed to an explosive load it will break into individual fragments of predetermined shape and size. Various materials can be used depending on the desired kill mechanism. The rods may be alternated and stacked to combine materials and kill mechanisms.

Abstract: A rod is constructed using two or more materials. It is notched so that w it is subject to an explosive load it will break into individual fragments of predetermined shape and size. Rod materials are selected so that a combination of two or more kill mechanisms can be included in a single fragment. If desired, the rod can be divided into segments that contain liquid compounds.