Abstract: A shell case comprising prefabricated fragments (4), preferably of a material with high density, and a supporting material which surrounds the fragments and together with these forms a connected shell which surrounds the explosive of the shell. The supporting material consists of a completely dense non-compressible material which is permanently connected with the pre-fabricated fragments, for instance a hardenable steel. The shell is preferably manufactured by a powder metallurgical procedure in which the supporting material in the form of a metal powder together with the pre-fabricated fragments (4) are pressed under high all-round pressure and high temperature into a dense compact jacket.

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: Known projectiles with molded fragments are usually produced in the shape of steels or rollers produced with the aid of powder technology or in a flow compression process. The molded fragments are located in a dense packing in the wall of fragmentation bodies without being able to be brought into an orientation which is advantageous for the fragmentation effect. In order to enhance the fragmentation effect, the fragments are arranged with regard to their orientation and mutual spacing within a casting form in a pattern provided in an inner mold form, and subsequently provided with the cast material. Required through the form-fitting support of the fragments through protuberances projecting into the fragments, after the removal of the fragmentation body the recesses formed in the fragments can have incendiary charges pressed therein. Thereby the fragmentation is enhanced by the additional incendiary effect.

Abstract: A projectile is shown which has stacked bays to receive packs of flechettes. The flechettes of each pack are bound together and supported by a frangible matrix. The matrix consists of small smooth glass spheres bound together and to the flechettes by a resin. The matrix prevents the flechettes from becoming damaged during acceleration of the projectile.

Abstract: An explosive fragmentation device such as a grenade or a mortar bomb has a casing formed from flat sided notched wire formed into a coil. Instead of coiling the wire so that sides of the coiled wire which are adjacent after coiling lie normal to the longitudinal axis of the coil, as in a known form of grenade body, the wire is given additionally a twist about its own longitudinal axis during coiling, so that the adjacent flat faces of adjacent turns are substantially normal to the surface of the finished casing. In this way adjacent turns overlay one another, preferably completely, and the outer surface of the casing can then be smooth. Also, adjacent turns can then be bonded together as by brazing or soldering, which is impractical with coiling "normal to the axis". This means explosive cannot be trapped between adjacent turns to be accidentally detonated, an outer casing is unnecessary, and the casing is stronger.

Abstract: A method of producing plastic-based casings including preformed metal fragments for ordnance articles, such as hand grenades, weapon-launched grenades or the like, by rotational molding in a shell-mold; a pulverulent thermoplastic polymer material, such as polyethylene, and steel fragments or particles are introduced into the cold shell mold, optionally in the form of a pre-compact; the closed mold is rotated slowly, i.e. at a speed where the polymer and metal constituents tend to tumble about the inner mold surface and are not held substantially thereon by centrifugal effects; while continuously rotating the shell mold about two or more axes of rotation, the mold is heated by an externally applied hot fluid such as hot gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new kinetic-energy projectile. The projectile of the invention comprises a piercing head consisting of:a head penetrating meansa main penetrating meansand a spacing means located between the head penetrating means and the main penetrating means.The projectile of the invention is used to pierce light, heavy and strongly sloping armor.

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: A process for producing a formed member, and a formed member which includes spherical fragments embedded in a metallic matrix is effected through round cold forging. The spheres are arranged in the interspace between a basic support member, which may be a thinwalled inner casing, and an outer casing. Forging of the outer casing causes the material of the support member and the outer casing to be pressed into the spaces between the spheres, densifies the support member and the outer casing, and prestresses the outer casing and spheres, thus allowing the inner casing to be extremely thinwalled. The prestressing of the spheres and outer casing, together with the inner casing imparts a high degree of energy to the casing fragments and to the spheres, affords economies in manufacture and a substantial increase in fragmenting energy at detonation of the formed member.

Abstract: A sensor for rocket engines having at least one combustion chamber including a pressure-sensitive sensing device responsive to pressure in the combustion chamber for providing an output signal to a control device in response to the pressure in the combustion dropping below and/or rising above at least one predetermined pressure. The pressure-sensitive sensing device includes a piston arranged for displacement between first and second positions. The piston is displaceable from at least the first position to the second position in response to a first predetermined pressure value in the combustion chamber. A restoring force is effective for displacing the piston from the second position toward the first position in accordance with a second predetermined pressure value in the combustion chamber. The piston is arranged for triggering a signal in at least one of the first and second positions thereof.

Abstract: A pressure activated, timed missile flight termination system for destroy a test missile after a predetermined period of flight to shorten its hazard space so that it can be used on firing ranges having a minimum amount of area. A delayed destruct sequence is initiated by pressure in the missile combustion chamber upon ignition of the missile. A pressure driven piston is compressed by the pressure created in the combustion chamber, causing it to strike a primer which initiates a delay fuse, a detonator, and a linear-shaped charge to destroy the missile.

Abstract: A guided missile fuze comprising a safety-arming mechanism. Upon intentio launch of the missile the explosive train of the fuze is mechanically and electrically aligned, provided prescribed launch and flight events occur and a specific time has elapsed. The first step in the arming cycle of the present invention is the transmittal of intent to launch logic to the fuze by the pilot just prior to launch. This connects power to the fuze and removes a solenoid interlock from the mechanism. At separation the movement of a rod used to enable the rocket motor initiating device removes a second mechanical interlock from the device. After separation initiation of the rocket motor causes hot gas pressure to be applied to a piston located in the rocket motor section external to the fuze and interfacing with a plunger that extends from the safety-arming mechanism. Action of the piston on the fuze plunger applies arming energy to the mechanism.

Abstract: A projectile having a chamber containing a propellant charge with an electric igniter and also having a chamber containing an explosive charge with a time delay fuse. The chambers are separated by a wall in which there is a firing pin actuated by pressure from the propellant charge when ignited to start the time delay fuse. The projectile has a safety pin locking the firing pin in ineffective position and which is withdrawable to arm the projectile. The fuse has a detonator spaced from the firing pin and a heat resistant resilient disc is interposed between the firing pin and detonator and is connected about the periphery to the wall on the side facing the detonator while a passage through the wall equalizes the pressures in the chambers.