Abstract:
A method is disclosed for packaging sub-munitions within stacks of same, in a cylindrical payload space, such that the sub-munitions emerge into a circular delta grid pattern when deployed.
Abstract:
A submunition is formulated for destroying a target in a target area. Accommodated in a casing are a signal processing unit connected to a radar antenna and/or an infrared sensor and/or another target-detecting sensor. The submunition further has target recognition software and a charge provided with a covering. To increase the versatility of use and to simultaneously improve detection and decision certainty and reliability, the target recognition software has a software interface for the transfer of at least one parameter specific to the target area.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a warhead comprising a first and a second part, the parts being arranged relative to one another along a longitudinal axis, the first pail comprising a first explosive section, a casing, and a plurality of projectiles enclosed in the casing. The second part comprises an element designed to control the working of the warhead as a function of a control signal. The fact that the functioning of the warhead can be controlled means that the warhead can defeat a plurality of different targets, which makes the warhead versatile.
Abstract:
A flight kit that can be retrofitted to existing navy sonobuoys. The preferred embodiment gives sonobuoys the capability of self-deployment, allowing them to be sent to a location remotely without the use of manned aircraft or recoverable unmanned air vehicles. This capability is advantageous in instances where it is desired to place a sonobuoy in an area hostile or hazardous to manned aircraft. The preferred embodiment is an attachment of a GPS navigation and control system, wings, control surfaces, and a propulsion system, onto a naval size-A sonobuoy, using the sonobuoy as the central structural load-bearing component of the assembly. The invention navigates from a launch point on a ship to a designated position, where the sonobuoy separates from the invention, using the wings' aerodynamic forces to mechanically assist in separating the sonobuoy from the flight kit. The sonobuoy and the flight kit enter the water separately to ensure no interference with the sonobuoy.
Abstract:
This invention features a kinetic energy rod warhead including a projectile core including a plurality of different size projectiles, an explosive charge about the core, and at least one detonator for the explosive charge.
Abstract:
In one aspect, an artillery projectile apparatus is provided that includes a carrier projectile containing a payload, and a fuze disposed at an ogive of the projectile and which is configured to eject the payload when the fuze is detonated. The fuze includes a receiver configured to receive location information from a radionavigation source and a processor configured to acquire position data from the receiver. The processor is also configured to estimate a projectile flight path using the position data, to determine intercept parameters of the artillery projectile relative to an ejection plane of its payload cargo, and to adjust an ejection event initiation command time of the payload in accordance with the determined intercept parameters. In some configurations, the present invention dramatically decreases range errors typically associated with delivering artillery payloads to specific targets.
Abstract:
A kinetic energy rod warhead with imploding charges for isotropic firing of penetrators including a hull, a core in the hull including a plurality of individual penetrators, explosive charge sections in the hull about the core, and a detonator for each explosive charge section arranged to implode the core and isotropically deploy the penetrators.
Abstract:
A mission responsive ordnance includes projectiles arranged in a bundled configuration that defines a substantially solid structure with each of the projectiles forming a geometric portion thereof. In a unitary mode of operation, the bundled configuration is maintained to define an integral structural element that bears loads generated when the bundled configuration strikes and penetrates a target. In a sub-divided mode of operation, the projectiles are un-bundled before a target is struck so that the projectiles are released into a surrounding environment.
Abstract:
The invention entails apparatus for mounting a payload, such as a warhead, to bulkheads carried by munitions. The apparatus comprises fore and aft bulkheads depending from the munitions, each of the bulkheads having a substantially centrally located opening; bulkhead attaching structure carried by the payload and engaging at least one of the bulkheads, and at least one fastener carried by the bulkhead attaching structure and engaging both the payload and the bulkhead attaching structure. In one embodiment, the bulkhead attaching structure is an annular ring element disposed about and secured to the aft end of said payload. The ring element includes a first annular portion of a first diameter, and a second aft portion of a second diameter, the first diameter of said first portion being smaller than the second diameter to accommodate annular portions of the aft bulkhead. In a second embodiment, the bulkhead attaching structure comprises a step element carried by the payload, which abuts the fore bulkhead. The step element may be integral with the payload or a separate discrete element. In a third embodiment, the bulkhead attaching structure comprises a vertical buttress carried by the aft bulkhead and a tension element for fastening the vertical buttress to the aft end of the payload.
Abstract:
A mission responsive ordnance of the present invention arranges a plurality of projectiles in a bundled configuration. The bundled configuration is defined by the projectiles and a bundling means which, together, form a combination that bears loads generated when the bundled configuration strikes and penetrates a target. Unbundling means, coupled to the bundling means, can be operated to selectively render the bundling means inoperative before the target is struck so that one or more of the projectiles are released from their bundled configuration.