EP0614065B1 - Pyrotechnical warhead with improved dispersing means - Google Patents

Pyrotechnical warhead with improved dispersing means Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0614065B1
EP0614065B1 EP94400453A EP94400453A EP0614065B1 EP 0614065 B1 EP0614065 B1 EP 0614065B1 EP 94400453 A EP94400453 A EP 94400453A EP 94400453 A EP94400453 A EP 94400453A EP 0614065 B1 EP0614065 B1 EP 0614065B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pyrotechnical
envelope
longitudinal
detonating
head according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94400453A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0614065A1 (en
Inventor
Philippe Cassagne
Denis Dilhan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Etienne LaCroix Tous Artifices SA
Original Assignee
Etienne LaCroix Tous Artifices SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Etienne LaCroix Tous Artifices SA filed Critical Etienne LaCroix Tous Artifices SA
Publication of EP0614065A1 publication Critical patent/EP0614065A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0614065B1 publication Critical patent/EP0614065B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F42B12/44—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of incendiary type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F42B12/46—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F42B12/46—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances
    • F42B12/48—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances smoke-producing, e.g. infrared clouds
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F42B12/46—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances
    • F42B12/50—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information for dispensing gases, vapours, powders or chemically-reactive substances by dispersion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of heads pyrotechnics.
  • the present invention relates more precisely to a head pyrotechnics intended mainly to disperse on or near contact of a target a pyrotechnic composition comprising one or more pyrotechnic substances chosen according to the desired effect, incendiary and / or incapacitating.
  • Publication US-A-3,103,888 describes a pyrotechnic head comprising an elongated envelope, a pyrotechnic composition smoke smoke consisting of white phosphorus contained in the envelope and dispersing means for dispersing it and cutting the envelope longitudinally.
  • the dispersing means are arranged in this head pyrotechnic known so that white phosphorus is sparingly dispersed and burns in the form of large pieces in the manner of smoke pots. So, this known head is not suitable for an incendiary composition or incapacitating where a wider spread is sought.
  • Document DE-A-3920016 describes a pyrotechnic head having an elongated envelope provided with detonating cords suitable for cut the envelope transversely.
  • the present invention aims to propose a pyrotechnic head comprising an elongated envelope comprising a cylindrical body of revolution around an axis of symmetry, closed at the back by a bottom, a pyrotechnic composition contained in the envelope and means of dispersion to disperse said pyrotechnic composition, remedying the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular which does not require costly machining for its realization, which ensures a regular dispersion of the composition pyrotechnic and as wide as possible for the desired application.
  • the invention achieves this by means of a pyrotechnic head such as defined in claim 1 annexed which is delimited under form of preamble and characterizing part with respect to document US-A-3,103,888.
  • the transverse detonating cord opens the envelope to the rear and thus facilitates, with the action of the longitudinal cords, the dispersion of the composition.
  • said pyrotechnic composition comprises an incendiary substance and a pyrogenic substance suitable for lighting the latter, the two substances being placed in separate compartments inside the envelope.
  • the envelope is closed at the front by a generally convex nose towards the outside, the pyrogenic substance is placed in the envelope nose and the incendiary substance in the body cylindrical.
  • said pyrotechnic composition comprises in in addition to a tear gas substance placed in a compartment located in the nose of the envelope, opposite the compartment containing the substance incendiary.
  • the pawn explosive is placed in front of the compartment containing the said substance pyrogenic.
  • the explosive counter is placed between the compartment containing the tear substance and the one containing the substance pyrogenic.
  • said means of initiation pyrotechnics are placed in the center of the envelope and extend according to said axis of symmetry of the envelope.
  • the transverse detonating cord is placed near at least one cord longitudinal detonator so that the initiation of the detonating cord transverse is carried out by the longitudinal detonating cords.
  • the transverse detonating cord is placed at distance from the axial ends of the longitudinal detonating cords, and preferably placed at a distance between a quarter and an eighth of the length of these.
  • said pyrotechnic initiation means are placed near the longitudinal detonating cords so that said means of pyrotechnic initiation initiate the detonating cords longitudinal which in turn initiate the transverse detonating cord.
  • the longitudinal detonating cords are placed on the inner surface of the envelope.
  • the longitudinal detonating cords extend each in a plane containing the axis of symmetry of the envelope.
  • FIG. 1 shows a pyrotechnic head conforming to the invention, intended to be preferably equipped with a tailplane known in itself and not shown to form a projectile.
  • rear part and front part respectively the most parts of the head near and furthest from this empennage, the rear part being located right in Figure 1.
  • the pyrotechnic head comprises an envelope 100 preferably symmetric of revolution around an axis referenced X contained in the plane section of Figure 1.
  • the envelope 100 comprises a cylindrical body 110 of revolution around the X axis, extended at the rear by a shaped bottom general convex towards the outside, symmetrical of revolution around the axis X, formed by training with the cylindrical body 110 or attached thereto latest.
  • the cylindrical body 110 is closed at the front by a nose 125.
  • This last includes a symmetrical frustoconical intermediate hollow body 128 of revolution around the X axis, located in front of the cylindrical body 110 and assembled by screwing in 126 thereon and a hollow end body 127 located in front of the intermediate body 128 and assembled by screwing in 129 on this one.
  • the intermediate hollow body 128 comprises a frustoconical wall widening towards the rear, connected at the rear to a wall 144 perpendicular to the X axis, provided in its center with a passage circular 171 and a cylindrical skirt 172 internally threaded, extending wall 144 backwards at its outer periphery to be screwed on the cylindrical body 110.
  • the bottom 120 has on its surface external, at its top, a threaded cylindrical flank 131 on which is screwed a connecting piece 132 with a tailplane and / or propulsion means or for guiding the head, known in themselves and not shown.
  • the piece of link 132 houses a nut 133 used to hold a support element 134 which will be described in more detail below.
  • the cylindrical body 110 has a length slightly greater than three times its diameter and the length of the nose 125 is equal to about half the length of the cylindrical body 110.
  • the envelope 100 contains a pyrotechnic composition and dispersing means for dispersing this last. More particularly, these dispersing means are constituted in the described embodiment of three longitudinal detonating cords 10 cutting, adapted to cut the envelope longitudinally, parallel to the X axis and a transverse detonating cutting cord 20, suitable for cutting the envelope transversely, perpendicular to the X axis.
  • the three longitudinal detonating cords are placed respectively in three diametrical planes containing the axis of symmetry X, angularly distributed around this axis and only one of these lines longitudinal detonators appears in the sectional view of Figure 1.
  • a cord cutting detonator C there is shown in Figure 2, in cross section, a cord cutting detonator C, known in itself.
  • the cord is made up of a metallic sheath 181 of essentially triangular section comprising two sides inclined to each other at an angle close to 60 °, with vertex 184 rounded convex outwards and base 185 concave outwards, symmetrical with respect to a bisector plane P passing through the vertex 184, which is also plane of symmetry for the sheath.
  • the sheath is charged with an explosive 182.
  • the concavity facing outwards from the base of the sheath 181 ensures the concentration of the explosive power in the bisector plane P in direction of a wall W on which the cord is placed.
  • the bisector plan P is advantageously confused with a diametrical plane of the head incendiary for longitudinal detonating cords 10 and with a plane perpendicular to the X axis for the transverse detonating cord 20.
  • the sheath metallic 181 is advantageously made of lead and the explosive 182 is advantageously hexogen.
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the behavior of the sheath 181 during the detonation of the explosive 182. Under the effect of the detonation ( Figure 3), the base of the sheath 181 of the cords is projected towards the wall W to form a dart 183 which pierces it (FIG. 4).
  • the detonating cord transverse 20 is preferably located, as shown, substantially at level of the junction between the cylindrical body 110 and the bottom 120.
  • the 10 longitudinal detonating cords are placed on the inner surface of the envelope 100 and extend over the entire length of the cylindrical body 110 and on the bottom 120. There is thus crossing of the transverse detonating cord 20 and longitudinal detonating cords 10, and in the crossing region, pyrotechnic contact or "possibility of fire transfer" of the cords longitudinal detonators 10 towards the transverse detonating cord 20 as this will be seen in the following.
  • the support element 134 preferably made of material composite, has an elongated body of generally tubular shape symmetrical of revolution around the X axis, with an extension at the front 142 extending radially to the internal surface of the envelope 100 at level of the junction between the cylindrical body 110 and the bottom 120.
  • the element 134 is traversed along its length by a central light coaxial with the axis X for the passage of pyrotechnic initiation means 160 which will be described in more detail below.
  • the support element 134 has a part rear 145 extending out of the envelope 100 thanks to a drilling formed in the bottom 120, externally threaded and engaged by screwing in the nut 133.
  • the element 134 axially abuts by an enlarged part 147, when tightening the nut 133, against an annular transverse rim 146 bordering said bore formed in the bottom 120, on the inner side of the envelope.
  • the enlarged part 147 has radial openings on the central light of element 134 and in which the rear axial ends of the longitudinal detonating cords 10, in view to be in pyrotechnic contact with the pyrotechnic initiation means 160.
  • Extension 142 is formed by radial arms which carry a crown ring 148 serving to support the transverse detonating cord 20. More particularly, the transverse detonating cord is received in a housing formed on the radially outer surface of the crown 148, open towards the inner surface of the envelope. Longitudinal passages 175 are provided to allow crossing of the crown 148 by the detonating cords longitudinal 10. These are maintained on the internal surface of the envelope by gluing or by any other suitable means known to the skilled person.
  • the pyrotechnic composition includes an incendiary substance 200.
  • this substance incendiary is based on liquid or gelled hydrocarbon which one designates usually by "incendiary gel”.
  • Incendiary substance 200 is contained in a compartment 140 delimited longitudinally by the internal surface of the cylindrical body 110, axially at the rear by the internal surface of the bottom 120 and at the front by the wall 144 of the intermediate hollow body 128.
  • the ignition of the incendiary substance 200 is carried out by a pyrogenic substance 210 contained in a compartment 130 located in front compartment 140 and separated from the latter by the above-mentioned wall 144.
  • the pyrogenic substance is suitable for producing very thermal radiation intense, also called thermal flash or "flash". For example, of a powdery mixture of an oxidizing body and a reducing body.
  • the compartment 130 is formed inside the intermediate body 128 and it is delimited longitudinally by the frustoconical wall of the hollow body intermediate 128, transversely at the rear by the wall 144 and at the front by the hollow end body 127.
  • An explosive pin 150 shown very schematically in Figure 1 is placed in front of compartment 130 containing the pyrogenic substance 210 to initiate the latter by combustion.
  • the explosive piece 150 is preferably as shown, placed in a bore 151 formed on the rear face of the hollow end body 127 and oriented in this bore 151 in order to generate a shock wave directed mainly towards the rear.
  • Explosive pawn 150 is ignited by the pyrotechnic initiation means 160, preferably consisting of a explosive cord coaxial with the X axis, having a front axial end in pyrotechnic contact with the explosive pin 150 and an axial end rear 170 in pyrotechnic contact with known firing means in themselves and not shown, comprising for example by a inertia striker in the case of a projectile intended to explode on contact with target.
  • the explosive cord 160 is preferably placed in a tube of holding, coaxial to the X axis passing through the incendiary substance 200, not shown in figure 1.
  • the pyrotechnic composition further comprises a tear substance 220 placed in the nose 125 of the head pyrotechnic. More particularly, the tear substance 220 is contained in a compartment 161 formed inside the hollow body end 127, delimited longitudinally and at the front by the surface internal of the hollow end body 127, transversely to the rear by the explosive counter 150.
  • the explosive counter 150 is advantageously located between the compartment containing the tear substance 220 and the compartment containing the pyrogenic substance 210.
  • the transverse detonating cord 20 is in pyrotechnic contact with the longitudinal detonating cords 10 so that the initiation of the cord transverse detonation is carried out by the longitudinal detonating cords.
  • the cord transverse detonator is formed by the union of three arcuate segments of circle centered around the X axis, each segment extending over the surface internal envelope between two longitudinal detonating cords.
  • Setting fire pyrotechnic initiation means 160 is performed so known in itself, for example by means of an inertia striker such as mentioned above.
  • These, placed in contact pyrotechnics with the initiation means 160 are then initiated in detonation.
  • the detonation of the initiation means 160 continues forward while the longitudinal detonating cords 10 cut the bottom 120 of the envelope in three angularly equally divided cutting lines around the X axis.
  • the detonation of the longitudinal detonating cords 10 reaches the transverse detonating cord 20, this is initiated in detonation and cuts the bottom of the envelope along a plane perpendicular to the X axis.
  • the envelope 100 is thus "open" at the rear, to facilitate the dispersion of the pyrotechnic composition contained in the envelope, as will be seen in the following.
  • the detonation of the initiation means 160 continues to be propagate towards the explosive pawn 150 while the detonating cords longitudinal 10 cut the cylindrical body 110 from the casing 100 according to three cutting lines evenly distributed angularly around the X axis and parallel to this one.
  • the initiation means 160 When the detonation of the initiation means 160 reaches the explosive piece 150, it is ignited and causes a shock wave directed essentially backwards, in particular to initiate in reaction the pyrogenic substance 210 and dispersing the incendiary substance 200.
  • the pyrogenic substance 210 is projected under the effect of the pressure wave of the explosion of the pawn 150 towards the incendiary substance 200.
  • the dispersion of the incendiary substance 200 backwards out of the envelope is aided by cutting the bottom 120 thereof.
  • the combustion reaction of the substance pyrogen 210 creates a flash of very intense thermal radiation, which in addition to the traumatic effect it can cause, serves to inflame the incendiary substance.
  • the explosive counter also serves to disperse the tear substance 220 and to compensate for the speed of arrival of the projectile on the target to ensure better dispersion of the composition pyrotechnic.
  • the rearward-facing shock wave component "neutralizes" the speed of training of the pyrotechnic composition at time of its arrival at the target.
  • the invention allows to disperse a composition in a particularly effective manner pyrotechnic contained in the envelope, in particular towards the rear of the point of impact.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine des têtes pyrotechniques. The present invention relates to the field of heads pyrotechnics.

La présente invention concerne plus précisément une tête pyrotechnique destinée principalement à disperser au contact ou à proximité d'une cible une composition pyrotechnique comprenant une ou plusieurs substances pyrotechniques choisies en fonction de l'effet recherché, incendiaire et/ou incapacitant. The present invention relates more precisely to a head pyrotechnics intended mainly to disperse on or near contact of a target a pyrotechnic composition comprising one or more pyrotechnic substances chosen according to the desired effect, incendiary and / or incapacitating.

Afin d'accroítre la portée des armes incendiaires et/ou incapacitantes, il a été proposé de monter sur un projectile une tête pyrotechnique comportant une enveloppe remplie d'une composition pyrotechnique et des moyens de dispersion de cette composition sur la cible, classiquement une charge explosive placée au sein de la composition pyrotechnique. La rupture de l'enveloppe a lieu sous l'effet de la pression dégagée lors de l'explosion de la charge explosive. Les têtes pyrotechniques connues de ce type présentent l'inconvénient de provoquer un éclatement irrégulier de l'enveloppe et la dispersion de la composition pyrotechnique s'effectue dans des directions et avec une étendue qui ne correspondent pas toujours à la dispersion souhaitée. Lors de l'emploi de compositions pyrotechniques comprenant une substance incendiaire notamment, la dispersion ne doit pas être trop étendue car la substance devient difficile à enflammer ni trop confinée car on perd alors en efficacité. In order to increase the range of incendiary weapons and / or incapacitating, it has been proposed to mount on a projectile a head pyrotechnic with an envelope filled with a composition pyrotechnics and means for dispersing this composition on the target, conventionally an explosive charge placed within the composition pyrotechnic. The rupture of the envelope takes place under the effect of pressure released during the explosion of the explosive charge. Pyrotechnic heads known of this type have the disadvantage of causing a burst irregular envelope and dispersion of the pyrotechnic composition takes place in directions and with an extent that do not correspond always at the desired dispersion. When using compositions pyrotechnics including an incendiary substance in particular, the dispersion should not be too wide as the substance becomes difficult to ignite or too confined because we lose efficiency.

Afin de remédier à cet inconvénient, il a été proposé de préfragmenter l'enveloppe de façon à ce que celle-ci éclate de façon déterminée. Cependant, la réalisation d'une enveloppe préfragmentée se heurte à la difficulté du compromis étendue de la dispersion de la composition pyrotechnique / degré de préfragilisation de l'enveloppe. En effet, une charge explosive puissante, placée dans une enveloppe résistante, génère une pression élevée avant la rupture de l'enveloppe et disperse la composition pyrotechnique sur une grande étendue. Par contre, une enveloppe préfragilisée éclate à une pression plus faible, réduisant ainsi l'étendue de la dispersion de la composition pyrotechnique mais offre une tenue mécanique moindre vis à vis des accélérations subies par le projectile au cours de son lancement ou de sa manutention. Par ailleurs, les usinages mis en oeuvre pour préfragmenter une enveloppe doivent être précis et sont coûteux. In order to remedy this drawback, it has been proposed to prefragment the envelope so that it bursts so determined. However, the realization of a pre-fragmented envelope is comes up against the difficulty of the extensive compromise of the dispersion of the composition pyrotechnics / degree of pre-embrittlement of the envelope. Indeed, a powerful explosive charge, placed in a resistant envelope, generates high pressure before the envelope ruptures and disperses the pyrotechnic composition over a large area. However, a pre-weakened shell bursts at a lower pressure, thereby reducing the extent of the dispersion of the pyrotechnic composition but offers a less mechanical resistance to accelerations undergone by the projectile during launch or handling. Furthermore, the machining implemented to prefragment an envelope must be precise and are expensive.  

La publication US-A-3 103 888 décrit une tète pyrotechnique comprenant une enveloppe allongée, une composition pyrotechnique fumigène constituée de phosphore blanc contenue dans l'enveloppe et des moyens de dispersion pour disperser celle-ci et découper l'enveloppe longitudinalement. Les moyens de dispersion sont agencés dans cette tète pyrotechnique connue de manière que le phosphore blanc soit peu dispersé et brûle sous forme de gros morceaux à la manière de pots fumigènes. Ainsi, cette tête connue ne convient pas pour une composition incendiaire ou incapacitante où l'on recherche une dispersion plus étendue. Publication US-A-3,103,888 describes a pyrotechnic head comprising an elongated envelope, a pyrotechnic composition smoke smoke consisting of white phosphorus contained in the envelope and dispersing means for dispersing it and cutting the envelope longitudinally. The dispersing means are arranged in this head pyrotechnic known so that white phosphorus is sparingly dispersed and burns in the form of large pieces in the manner of smoke pots. So, this known head is not suitable for an incendiary composition or incapacitating where a wider spread is sought.

Le document DE-A-3920016 décrit une tête pyrotechnique présentant une enveloppe allongée munie de cordeaux détonants adaptés pour découper l'enveloppe transversalement. Document DE-A-3920016 describes a pyrotechnic head having an elongated envelope provided with detonating cords suitable for cut the envelope transversely.

La présente invention vise à proposer une tête pyrotechnique comprenant une enveloppe allongée comportant un corps cylindrique de révolution autour d'un axe de symétrie, fermé à l'arrière par un fond, une composition pyrotechnique contenue dans l'enveloppe et des moyens de dispersion pour disperser ladite composition pyrotechnique, remédiant aux inconvénients précités, notamment qui ne nécessite pas d'usinages coûteux pour sa réalisation, qui assure une dispersion régulière de la composition pyrotechnique et la plus étendue possible pour l'application souhaitée. The present invention aims to propose a pyrotechnic head comprising an elongated envelope comprising a cylindrical body of revolution around an axis of symmetry, closed at the back by a bottom, a pyrotechnic composition contained in the envelope and means of dispersion to disperse said pyrotechnic composition, remedying the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular which does not require costly machining for its realization, which ensures a regular dispersion of the composition pyrotechnic and as wide as possible for the desired application.

L'invention y parvient grâce à une tête pyrotechnique telle que définie en revendication 1 annexée qui est délimitée sous forme de préambule et partie caractérisante par rapport au document US-A-3 103 888. The invention achieves this by means of a pyrotechnic head such as defined in claim 1 annexed which is delimited under form of preamble and characterizing part with respect to document US-A-3,103,888.

Le cordeau détonant transversal permet d'ouvrir l'enveloppe à l'arrière et facilite ainsi, avec l'action des cordeaux longitudinaux, la dispersion de la composition. The transverse detonating cord opens the envelope to the rear and thus facilitates, with the action of the longitudinal cords, the dispersion of the composition.

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, ladite composition pyrotechnique comprend une substance incendiaire et une substance pyrogène adaptée à allumer cette dernière, les deux substances étant placées dans des compartiments séparés à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe. According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said pyrotechnic composition comprises an incendiary substance and a pyrogenic substance suitable for lighting the latter, the two substances being placed in separate compartments inside the envelope.

Dans une réalisation préférée, l'enveloppe est fermée à l'avant par un nez de forme générale convexe vers l'extérieur, la substance pyrogène est placée dans le nez de l'enveloppe et la substance incendiaire dans le corps cylindrique. In a preferred embodiment, the envelope is closed at the front by a generally convex nose towards the outside, the pyrogenic substance is placed in the envelope nose and the incendiary substance in the body cylindrical.

Avantageusement, ladite composition pyrotechnique comprend en outre une substance lacrymogène placée dans un compartiment situé dans le nez de l'enveloppe, à l'opposé du compartiment contenant la substance incendiaire. Advantageously, said pyrotechnic composition comprises in in addition to a tear gas substance placed in a compartment located in the      nose of the envelope, opposite the compartment containing the substance incendiary.

Avantageusement, le pion explosif est placé en avant du compartiment contenant ladite substance pyrogène. De préférence, le pion explosif est placé entre le compartiment contenant la substance lacrymogène et celui contenant la substance pyrogène. Advantageously, the pawn explosive is placed in front of the compartment containing the said substance pyrogenic. Preferably, the explosive counter is placed between the compartment containing the tear substance and the one containing the substance pyrogenic.

De préférence, lesdits moyens d'initiation pyrotechniques sont placés au centre de l'enveloppe et s'étendent selon ledit axe de symétrie de l'enveloppe. Preferably, said means of initiation pyrotechnics are placed in the center of the envelope and extend according to said axis of symmetry of the envelope.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le cordeau détonant transversal est placé à proximité d'au moins un cordeau détonant longitudinal de sorte que l'initiation du cordeau détonant transversal est effectuée par les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux. According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the transverse detonating cord is placed near at least one cord longitudinal detonator so that the initiation of the detonating cord transverse is carried out by the longitudinal detonating cords.

Avantageusement, le cordeau détonant transversal est placé à distance des extrémités axiales des cordeaux détonants longitudinaux, et de préférence placé à une distance comprise entre le quart et le huitième de la longueur de ceux-ci. Advantageously, the transverse detonating cord is placed at distance from the axial ends of the longitudinal detonating cords, and preferably placed at a distance between a quarter and an eighth of the length of these.

Avantageusement, lesdits moyens d'initiation pyrotechniques sont placés à proximité des cordeaux détonants longitudinaux de sorte que lesdits moyens d'initiation pyrotechniques initient les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux qui à leur tour initient le cordeau détonant transversal. Advantageously, said pyrotechnic initiation means are placed near the longitudinal detonating cords so that said means of pyrotechnic initiation initiate the detonating cords longitudinal which in turn initiate the transverse detonating cord.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux sont placés sur la surface interne de l'enveloppe. According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the longitudinal detonating cords are placed on the inner surface of the envelope.

De préférence, les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux s'étendent chacun dans un plan contenant l'axe de symétrie de l'enveloppe. Preferably, the longitudinal detonating cords extend each in a plane containing the axis of symmetry of the envelope.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaitront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre, d'un exemple de réalisation non limitatif de l'invention, et à l'examen du dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une coupe longitudinale prise selon un axe de symétrie de l'enveloppe d'une tète pyrotechnique conforme à l'invention,
  • les figures 2 à 4 montrent en section droite un cordeau détonant de découpage et l'effet de la détonation de ce cordeau sur une paroi.
Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section taken along an axis of symmetry of the envelope of a pyrotechnic head according to the invention,
  • Figures 2 to 4 show in cross section a detonating cutting cord and the effect of the detonation of this cord on a wall.

On a représenté sur la figure 1 une tête pyrotechnique conforme à l'invention, destinée à être équipée de préférence d'un empenage connu en lui-même et non représenté pour former un projectile. FIG. 1 shows a pyrotechnic head conforming to the invention, intended to be preferably equipped with a tailplane known in itself and not shown to form a projectile.

Dans la suite de la description, on désignera respectivement par partie arrière et partie avant les parties de la tête respectivement les plus proches et les plus éloignées de cet empenage, la partie arrière étant située à droite sur la figure 1. In the following description, respectively denote by rear part and front part respectively the most parts of the head near and furthest from this empennage, the rear part being located right in Figure 1.

La tête pyrotechnique comprend une enveloppe 100 de préférence symétrique de révolution autour d'un axe référencé X contenu dans le plan de coupe de la figure 1. L'enveloppe 100 comprend un corps 110 cylindrique de révolution autour de l'axe X, prolongé à l'arrière par un fond de forme générale convexe vers l'extérieur, symétrique de révolution autour de l'axe X, venu de formation avec le corps cylindrique 110 ou rapporté sur ce dernier. Le corps cylindrique 110 est fermé à l'avant par un nez 125. Ce dernier comprend un corps creux intermédiaire tronconique 128, symétrique de révolution autour de l'axe X, situé en avant du corps cylindrique 110 et assemblé par vissage en 126 sur celui-ci et un corps creux d'extrémité 127 situé en avant du corps intermédiaire 128 et assemblé par vissage en 129 sur celui-ci. Plus particulièrement, le corps creux intermédiaire 128 comporte une paroi tronconique s'élargissant vers l'arrière, raccordée à l'arrière à une paroi 144 perpendiculaire à l'axe X, munie en son centre d'un passage circulaire 171 et une jupe cylindrique 172 filetée intérieurement, prolongeant la paroi 144 vers l'arrière à sa périphérie externe pour être vissée sur le corps cylindrique 110. Le fond 120 présente sur sa surface externe, en son sommet, un flanc cylindrique fileté 131 sur lequel est vissé une pièce de liaison 132 avec un empenage et/ou des moyens de propulsion ou de guidage de la tête, connus en eux-mêmes et non représentés. La pièce de liaison 132 loge un écrou 133 servant au maintien d'un élément de support 134 qui sera décrit plus en détail dans la suite. Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, le corps cylindrique 110 présente une longueur légèrement supérieure au triple de son diamètre et la longueur du nez 125 est égal à environ la moitié de la longueur du corps cylindrique 110. The pyrotechnic head comprises an envelope 100 preferably symmetric of revolution around an axis referenced X contained in the plane section of Figure 1. The envelope 100 comprises a cylindrical body 110 of revolution around the X axis, extended at the rear by a shaped bottom general convex towards the outside, symmetrical of revolution around the axis X, formed by training with the cylindrical body 110 or attached thereto latest. The cylindrical body 110 is closed at the front by a nose 125. This last includes a symmetrical frustoconical intermediate hollow body 128 of revolution around the X axis, located in front of the cylindrical body 110 and assembled by screwing in 126 thereon and a hollow end body 127 located in front of the intermediate body 128 and assembled by screwing in 129 on this one. More particularly, the intermediate hollow body 128 comprises a frustoconical wall widening towards the rear, connected at the rear to a wall 144 perpendicular to the X axis, provided in its center with a passage circular 171 and a cylindrical skirt 172 internally threaded, extending wall 144 backwards at its outer periphery to be screwed on the cylindrical body 110. The bottom 120 has on its surface external, at its top, a threaded cylindrical flank 131 on which is screwed a connecting piece 132 with a tailplane and / or propulsion means or for guiding the head, known in themselves and not shown. The piece of link 132 houses a nut 133 used to hold a support element 134 which will be described in more detail below. In the example of realization described, the cylindrical body 110 has a length slightly greater than three times its diameter and the length of the nose 125 is equal to about half the length of the cylindrical body 110.

Conformément à l'invention, l'enveloppe 100 renferme une composition pyrotechnique et des moyens de dispersion pour disperser cette dernière. Plus particulièrement, ces moyens de dispersion sont constitués dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit de trois cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 de découpage, adaptés à découper l'enveloppe longitudinalement, parallèlement à l'axe X et d'un cordeau détonant transversal 20 de découpage, adapté à découper l'enveloppe transversalement, perpendiculairement à l'axe X. Les trois cordeaux détonants longitudinaux sont placés respectivement dans trois plans diamétraux contenant l'axe de symétrie X, équirépartis angulairement autour de cet axe et un seul de ces cordeaux détonants longitudinaux apparaít sur la vue en coupe de la figure 1. In accordance with the invention, the envelope 100 contains a pyrotechnic composition and dispersing means for dispersing this last. More particularly, these dispersing means are constituted in the described embodiment of three longitudinal detonating cords 10 cutting, adapted to cut the envelope longitudinally,   parallel to the X axis and a transverse detonating cutting cord 20, suitable for cutting the envelope transversely, perpendicular to the X axis. The three longitudinal detonating cords are placed respectively in three diametrical planes containing the axis of symmetry X, angularly distributed around this axis and only one of these lines longitudinal detonators appears in the sectional view of Figure 1.

On a représenté sur la figure 2, en section droite, un cordeau détonant de découpage C, connu en lui-même. Le cordeau est constitué par une gaine métallique 181 de section essentiellement triangulaire comportant deux flancs inclinés entre eux d'un angle voisin de 60°, de sommet 184 arrondi convexe vers l'extérieur et de base 185 concave vers l'extérieur, symétrique par rapport à un plan bissecteur P passant par le sommet 184, qui est aussi plan de symétrie pour la gaine. La gaine est chargée d'un explosif 182. La concavité tournée vers l'extérieur de la base de la gaine 181 assure la concentration de la puissance explosive dans le plan bissecteur P en direction d'une paroi W sur laquelle est placée le cordeau. Le plan bissecteur P est avantageusement confondu avec un plan diamétral de la tête incendiaire pour les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 et avec un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X pour le cordeau détonant transversal 20. La gaine métallique 181 est avantageusement réalisée en plomb et l'explosif 182 est avantageusement de l'hexogène. Les figures 3 et 4 illustrent le comportement de la gaine 181 lors de la détonation de l'explosif 182. Sous l'effet de la détonation (figure 3), la base de la gaine 181 des cordeaux est projetée vers la paroi W pour former un dard 183 qui la transperce (figure 4). There is shown in Figure 2, in cross section, a cord cutting detonator C, known in itself. The cord is made up of a metallic sheath 181 of essentially triangular section comprising two sides inclined to each other at an angle close to 60 °, with vertex 184 rounded convex outwards and base 185 concave outwards, symmetrical with respect to a bisector plane P passing through the vertex 184, which is also plane of symmetry for the sheath. The sheath is charged with an explosive 182. The concavity facing outwards from the base of the sheath 181 ensures the concentration of the explosive power in the bisector plane P in direction of a wall W on which the cord is placed. The bisector plan P is advantageously confused with a diametrical plane of the head incendiary for longitudinal detonating cords 10 and with a plane perpendicular to the X axis for the transverse detonating cord 20. The sheath metallic 181 is advantageously made of lead and the explosive 182 is advantageously hexogen. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the behavior of the sheath 181 during the detonation of the explosive 182. Under the effect of the detonation (Figure 3), the base of the sheath 181 of the cords is projected towards the wall W to form a dart 183 which pierces it (FIG. 4).

En se reportant de nouveau à la figure 1, le cordeau détonant transversal 20 est de préférence situé, comme représenté, sensiblement au niveau de la jonction entre le corps cylindrique 110 et le fond 120. Les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 sont placés sur la surface interne de l'enveloppe 100 et s'étendent sur toute la longueur du corps cylindrique 110 et sur le fond 120. Il y a ainsi croisement du cordeau détonant transversal 20 et des cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10, et dans la région de croisement, contact pyrotechnique ou "possibilité de transfert de feu" des cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 vers le cordeau détonant transversal 20 comme cela sera vu dans la suite. Referring again to Figure 1, the detonating cord transverse 20 is preferably located, as shown, substantially at level of the junction between the cylindrical body 110 and the bottom 120. The 10 longitudinal detonating cords are placed on the inner surface of the envelope 100 and extend over the entire length of the cylindrical body 110 and on the bottom 120. There is thus crossing of the transverse detonating cord 20 and longitudinal detonating cords 10, and in the crossing region, pyrotechnic contact or "possibility of fire transfer" of the cords longitudinal detonators 10 towards the transverse detonating cord 20 as this will be seen in the following.

L'élément de support 134, de préférence réalisé en matériau composite, comporte un corps allongé de forme générale tubulaire symétrique de révolution autour de l'axe X, muni à l'avant d'une extension 142 s'étendant radialement jusqu'à la surface interne de l'enveloppe 100 au niveau de la jonction entre le corps cylindrique 110 et le fond 120. L'élément 134 est parcouru sur sa longueur par une lumière centrale coaxiale à l'axe X pour le passage de moyens d'initiation pyrotechniques 160 qui seront décrits plus en détail dans la suite. L'élément support 134 comporte une partie arrière 145 s'étendant hors de l'enveloppe 100 à la faveur d'un perçage ménagé dans le fond 120, filetée extérieurement et engagée par vissage dans l'écrou 133. L'élément 134 vient axialement en butée par une partie élargie 147, lors du serrage de l'écrou 133, contre un rebord transversal annulaire 146 bordant ledit perçage ménagé dans le fond 120, du côté intérieur de l'enveloppe. La partie élargie 147 comporte des lumières radiales débouchant sur la lumière centrale de l'élément 134 et dans lesquelles sont engagées les extrémités axiales arrière des cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10, en vue d'être en contact pyrotechnique avec les moyens d'initiation pyrotechnique 160. L'extension 142 est formée de bras radiaux qui portent une couronne annulaire 148 servant de support au cordeau détonant transversal 20. Plus particulièrement, le cordeau détonant transversal est reçu dans un logement ménagé sur la surface radialement externe de la couronne 148, ouvert vers la surface interne de l'enveloppe. Des passages longitudinaux 175 sont prévus pour permettre la traversée de la couronne 148 par les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10. Ces derniers sont maintenus sur la surface interne de l'enveloppe par collage ou par tout autre moyen approprié connu de l'homme du métier. The support element 134, preferably made of material composite, has an elongated body of generally tubular shape symmetrical of revolution around the X axis, with an extension at the front   142 extending radially to the internal surface of the envelope 100 at level of the junction between the cylindrical body 110 and the bottom 120. The element 134 is traversed along its length by a central light coaxial with the axis X for the passage of pyrotechnic initiation means 160 which will be described in more detail below. The support element 134 has a part rear 145 extending out of the envelope 100 thanks to a drilling formed in the bottom 120, externally threaded and engaged by screwing in the nut 133. The element 134 axially abuts by an enlarged part 147, when tightening the nut 133, against an annular transverse rim 146 bordering said bore formed in the bottom 120, on the inner side of the envelope. The enlarged part 147 has radial openings on the central light of element 134 and in which the rear axial ends of the longitudinal detonating cords 10, in view to be in pyrotechnic contact with the pyrotechnic initiation means 160. Extension 142 is formed by radial arms which carry a crown ring 148 serving to support the transverse detonating cord 20. More particularly, the transverse detonating cord is received in a housing formed on the radially outer surface of the crown 148, open towards the inner surface of the envelope. Longitudinal passages 175 are provided to allow crossing of the crown 148 by the detonating cords longitudinal 10. These are maintained on the internal surface of the envelope by gluing or by any other suitable means known to the skilled person.

Dans la réalisation décrite, la composition pyrotechnique comprend une substance incendiaire 200. De préférence, cette substance incendiaire est à base d'hydrocarbure liquide ou gélifié que l'on désigne habituellement par "gel incendiaire". In the embodiment described, the pyrotechnic composition includes an incendiary substance 200. Preferably, this substance incendiary is based on liquid or gelled hydrocarbon which one designates usually by "incendiary gel".

Afin d'accroítre l'effet exothermique, il est avantageusement incorporé à ce gel incendiaire un agent dopant, par exemple des copeaux d'un métal ou alliage réducteur. Ces copeaux sont projetés incandescents sur la cible et lui transmettent par conduction leur énergie thermique, ajoutant ainsi à la chaleur transmise par convexion apportée par la combustion du gel enflammé. La substance incendiaire 200 est contenue dans un compartiment 140 délimité longitudinalement par la surface interne du corps cylindrique 110, axialement à l'arrière par la surface interne du fond 120 et à l'avant par la paroi 144 du corps creux intermédiaire 128. In order to increase the exothermic effect, it is advantageously incorporated into this incendiary gel a doping agent, for example chips of a reducing metal or alloy. These shavings are projected incandescent on the target and transmit their thermal energy to it, adding thus to the heat transmitted by convection brought by the combustion of the gel inflamed. Incendiary substance 200 is contained in a compartment 140 delimited longitudinally by the internal surface of the cylindrical body 110, axially at the rear by the internal surface of the bottom 120 and at the front by the wall 144 of the intermediate hollow body 128.  

L'allumage de la substance incendiaire 200 est effectué par une substance pyrogène 210 contenue dans un compartiment 130 situé en avant du compartiment 140 et séparé de ce dernier par la paroi 144 précitée. La substance pyrogène est adaptée à produire un rayonnement thermique très intense, encore appelé éclair ou "flash" thermique. Il s'agit par exemple d'un mélange pulvérulent d'un corps oxydant et d'un corps réducteur. Le compartiment 130 est formé à l'intérieur du corps intermédiaire 128 et il est délimité longitudinalement par la paroi tronconique du corps creux intermédiaire 128, transversalement à l'arrière par la paroi 144 et à l'avant par le corps creux d'extrémité 127. Un pion explosif 150 représenté très schématiquement sur la figure 1 est placé en avant du compartiment 130 contenant la substance pyrogène 210 pour initier cette dernière en combustion. Le pion explosif 150 est de préférence comme représenté, placé dans un alésage 151 ménagé sur la face arrière du corps creux d'extrémité 127 et orienté dans cet alésage 151 en vue de générer une onde de choc dirigée principalement vers l'arrière. Le pion explosif 150 est mis à feu par les moyens d'initiation pyrotechniques 160, constitués de préférence par un cordeau explosif coaxial à l'axe X, présentant une extrémité axiale avant en contact pyrotechnique avec le pion explosif 150 et une extrémité axiale arrière 170 en contact pyrotechnique avec des moyens de mise à feu connus en eux-mêmes et non représentés, comprenant par exemple par un percuteur à inertie dans le cas d'un projectile destiné à exploser au contact de la cible. Le cordeau explosif 160 est de préférence placé dans un tube de maintien, coaxial à l'axe X traversant la substance incendiaire 200, non représenté sur la figure 1. The ignition of the incendiary substance 200 is carried out by a pyrogenic substance 210 contained in a compartment 130 located in front compartment 140 and separated from the latter by the above-mentioned wall 144. The pyrogenic substance is suitable for producing very thermal radiation intense, also called thermal flash or "flash". For example, of a powdery mixture of an oxidizing body and a reducing body. The compartment 130 is formed inside the intermediate body 128 and it is delimited longitudinally by the frustoconical wall of the hollow body intermediate 128, transversely at the rear by the wall 144 and at the front by the hollow end body 127. An explosive pin 150 shown very schematically in Figure 1 is placed in front of compartment 130 containing the pyrogenic substance 210 to initiate the latter by combustion. The explosive piece 150 is preferably as shown, placed in a bore 151 formed on the rear face of the hollow end body 127 and oriented in this bore 151 in order to generate a shock wave directed mainly towards the rear. Explosive pawn 150 is ignited by the pyrotechnic initiation means 160, preferably consisting of a explosive cord coaxial with the X axis, having a front axial end in pyrotechnic contact with the explosive pin 150 and an axial end rear 170 in pyrotechnic contact with known firing means in themselves and not shown, comprising for example by a inertia striker in the case of a projectile intended to explode on contact with target. The explosive cord 160 is preferably placed in a tube of holding, coaxial to the X axis passing through the incendiary substance 200, not shown in figure 1.

De préférence, la composition pyrotechnique comprend en outre une substance lacrymogène 220 placée dans le nez 125 de la tête pyrotechnique. Plus particulièrement, la substance lacrymogène 220 est contenue dans un compartiment 161 formé à l'intérieur du corps creux d'extrémité 127, délimité longitudinalement et à l'avant par la surface interne du corps creux d'extrémité 127, transversalement à l'arrière par le pion explosif 150. Ainsi, le pion explosif 150 est avantageusement situé entre le compartiment contenant la substance lacrymogène 220 et le compartiment contenant la substance pyrogène 210. Preferably, the pyrotechnic composition further comprises a tear substance 220 placed in the nose 125 of the head pyrotechnic. More particularly, the tear substance 220 is contained in a compartment 161 formed inside the hollow body end 127, delimited longitudinally and at the front by the surface internal of the hollow end body 127, transversely to the rear by the explosive counter 150. Thus, the explosive counter 150 is advantageously located between the compartment containing the tear substance 220 and the compartment containing the pyrogenic substance 210.

Conformément à une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le cordeau détonant transversal 20 est en contact pyrotechnique avec les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 de sorte que l'initiation du cordeau détonant transversal est effectuée par les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux. Plus particulièrement, dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, le cordeau détonant transversal est constitué par la réunion de trois segments en arc de cercle centrés autour de l'axe X, chaque segment s'étendant sur la surface interne de l'enveloppe entre deux cordeaux détonants longitudinaux. En variante, on peut proposer de réaliser le cordeau détonant transversal 20 d'un seul tenant, les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux passant alors sous le cordeau détonant transversal dans la région de croisement à la faveur de renfoncements ménagés sur la surface interne de l'enveloppe 100. In accordance with an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the transverse detonating cord 20 is in pyrotechnic contact with the longitudinal detonating cords 10 so that the initiation of the cord   transverse detonation is carried out by the longitudinal detonating cords. More particularly, in the example of embodiment described, the cord transverse detonator is formed by the union of three arcuate segments of circle centered around the X axis, each segment extending over the surface internal envelope between two longitudinal detonating cords. In variant, it is possible to propose making the transverse detonating cord 20 in one piece, the longitudinal detonating cords then passing under the transverse detonating cord in the crossing region in favor of indentations formed on the internal surface of the envelope 100.

Le fonctionnement de la tête pyrotechnique est le suivant. La mise à feu des moyens d'initiation pyrotechniques 160 est effectuée de façon connue en elle-même, par exemple au moyen d'un percuteur à inertie tel que mentionné plus haut. La détonation, initiée à l'extrémité arrière 170 de ces derniers, se propage vers l'avant à travers la pièce de raccord 132, l'écrou 133 et l'élément de support 134 jusqu'à atteindre les extrémités axiales arrière 141 des cordeaux détonants longitudinaux. Celles-ci, placées en contact pyrotechnique avec les moyens d'initiation 160 sont alors initiées en détonation. La détonation des moyens d'initiation 160 se continue vers l'avant tandis que les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 découpent le fond 120 de l'enveloppe selon trois lignes de découpe équiréparties angulairement autour de l'axe X. Lorsque la détonation des cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 atteint le cordeau détonant transversal 20, celui-ci est initié en détonation et découpe le fond de l'enveloppe selon un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X. L'enveloppe 100 est ainsi "ouverte" à l'arrière, pour faciliter la dispersion de la composition pyrotechnique contenue dans l'enveloppe, comme cela va être vu dans la suite. La détonation des moyens d'initiation 160 continue à se propager vers le pion explosif 150 tandis que les cordeaux détonants longitudinaux 10 découpent le corps cylindrique 110 de l'enveloppe 100 selon trois lignes de découpe équiréparties angulairement autour de l'axe X et parallèles à celui-ci. Lorsque la détonation des moyens d'initiation 160 atteint le pion explosif 150, celui-ci est mis à feu et provoque une onde de choc dirigée essentiellement vers l'arrière, notamment pour amorcer en réaction la substance pyrogène 210 et disperser la substance incendiaire 200. La substance pyrogène 210 est projetée sous l'effet de l'onde de pression de l'explosion du pion 150 vers la substance incendiaire 200. La dispersion de la substance incendiaire 200 vers l'arrière hors de l'enveloppe est facilitée par la découpe du fond 120 de celle-ci. La réaction de combustion de la substance pyrogène 210 crée un éclair de rayonnement thermique très intense, qui outre l'effet traumatisant qu'il peut provoquer, sert à enflammer la substance incendiaire. Le pion explosif sert également à disperser la substance lacrymogène 220 et à compenser la vitesse d'arrivée du projectile sur la cible pour assurer une meilleure dispersion de la composition pyrotechnique. La composante de l'onde de choc dirigée vers l'arrière "neutralise" la vitesse d'entraínement de la composition pyrotechnique au moment de son arrivée à la cible. On notera, et c'est là une caractéristique importante de l'invention, que la découpe rapide et quasi-initiale du fond 120, par le cordeau détonant transversal 20, permet ensuite de découper et d'ouvrir le corps cylindrique 110, grâce à l'effet des cordeaux longitudinaux 10, sous forme de segments articulés sur l'avant. The operation of the pyrotechnic head is as follows. Setting fire pyrotechnic initiation means 160 is performed so known in itself, for example by means of an inertia striker such as mentioned above. The detonation, initiated at the rear end 170 of these last, propagates forward through the connecting piece 132, the nut 133 and the support element 134 until reaching the rear axial ends 141 of the longitudinal detonating cords. These, placed in contact pyrotechnics with the initiation means 160 are then initiated in detonation. The detonation of the initiation means 160 continues forward while the longitudinal detonating cords 10 cut the bottom 120 of the envelope in three angularly equally divided cutting lines around the X axis. When the detonation of the longitudinal detonating cords 10 reaches the transverse detonating cord 20, this is initiated in detonation and cuts the bottom of the envelope along a plane perpendicular to the X axis. The envelope 100 is thus "open" at the rear, to facilitate the dispersion of the pyrotechnic composition contained in the envelope, as will be seen in the following. The detonation of the initiation means 160 continues to be propagate towards the explosive pawn 150 while the detonating cords longitudinal 10 cut the cylindrical body 110 from the casing 100 according to three cutting lines evenly distributed angularly around the X axis and parallel to this one. When the detonation of the initiation means 160 reaches the explosive piece 150, it is ignited and causes a shock wave directed essentially backwards, in particular to initiate in reaction the pyrogenic substance 210 and dispersing the incendiary substance 200. The pyrogenic substance 210 is projected under the effect of the pressure wave of the explosion of the pawn 150 towards the incendiary substance 200. The dispersion of the incendiary substance 200 backwards out of the envelope is aided by   cutting the bottom 120 thereof. The combustion reaction of the substance pyrogen 210 creates a flash of very intense thermal radiation, which in addition to the traumatic effect it can cause, serves to inflame the incendiary substance. The explosive counter also serves to disperse the tear substance 220 and to compensate for the speed of arrival of the projectile on the target to ensure better dispersion of the composition pyrotechnic. The rearward-facing shock wave component "neutralizes" the speed of training of the pyrotechnic composition at time of its arrival at the target. We will note, and this is a characteristic important of the invention, that the rapid and almost initial cutting of the bottom 120, by the transverse detonating cord 20, then makes it possible to cut and to open the cylindrical body 110, thanks to the effect of the longitudinal cords 10, in the form of articulated segments on the front.

Finalement, grâce à l'agencement des moyens de dispersion dans la tête pyrotechnique, ainsi qu'à leur séquence d'allumage, l'invention permet de disperser de façon particulièrement efficace une composition pyrotechnique contenue dans l'enveloppe, en particulier vers l'arrière du point d'impact. Finally, thanks to the arrangement of the means of dispersion in the pyrotechnic head, as well as their ignition sequence, the invention allows to disperse a composition in a particularly effective manner pyrotechnic contained in the envelope, in particular towards the rear of the point of impact.

Claims (15)

  1. A pyrotechnical head of the type comprising an elongate envelope (100) including a cylindrical body (110) that is circularly symmetrical about an axis of symmetry, that is closed at its rear end by an end wall (120), a pyrotechnical composition (200, 210, 220) contained in the envelope, and dispersal means for dispersing said pyrotechnical composition and comprising longitudinal fuses (10) for splitting purposes adapted to split the envelope longitudinally, the head being characterized in that the longitudinal fuses are detonating fuses, the pyrotechnical head further includes a transverse detonating fuse (20) for splitting purposes adapted to split the envelope transversely, said transverse detonating fuse for splitting purposes being placed at the periphery of the inside surface of the envelope in front of its end wall, an explosive slug (150) is placed at the front end of the envelope, and pyrotechnical initiation means (160) extend forwards from the rear of the envelope up to the explosive slug, the transverse detonating fuse (20) being adapted to cut off the rear end of the envelope (100) transversely before the longitudinal detonating fuses (10) have completely split the envelope in the longitudinal direction, such that under the effect of the longitudinal detonating fuses the envelope is split and opened in the form of segments that are hinged at the front.
  2. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 1, characterized in that the end wall (120) has a shape that is generally convex towards the outside.
  3. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 2, characterized in that said transverse detonating fuse is situated substantially at the junction between said cylindrical body and the end wall.
  4. A pyrotechnical head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said pyrotechnical composition comprises an incendiary substance (200) and a pyrogenic substance (210) adapted to ignite the incendiary substance, the two substances being placed in separate compartments (130, 140) inside the envelope.
  5. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 4, the envelope being closed at its front end by a nose (125) of a shape that is generally convex towards the outside, the head being characterized in that said pyrogenic substance (210) is placed in the nose of the envelope, and said incendiary substance (200) is placed in the cylindrical body of the envelope.
  6. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 5, characterized in that said pyrotechnical composition further comprises a lacrimatory substance (220) placed in a compartment (161) situated in the nose of the envelope, opposite to the compartment containing the incendiary substance.
  7. A pyrotechnical head according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that explosive slug (150) is placed in front of the compartment containing said pyrogenic substance (210).
  8. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the explosive slug is placed between the compartment (161) containing the lacrimatory substance and the compartment (130) containing the pyrogenic substance.
  9. A pyrotechnical head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said pyrotechnical initiation means are placed in the center of the envelope and extend along said axis of symmetry of the envelope.
  10. A pyrotechnical head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transverse detonating fuse (20) is placed in the proximity of at least one longitudinal detonating fuse in such a manner that the transverse detonating fuse is initiated by the longitudinal detonating fuses.
  11. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 10, characterized in that the transverse detonating fuse is placed at a distance from the rear axial ends (141) of the longitudinal detonating fuses.
  12. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 11, characterized in that the transversal detonating fuse is placed at a distance from the rear axial ends of the longitudinal detonating fuses lying in the range one-fourth to one-eight of the length thereof.
  13. A pyrotechnical head according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said pyrotechnical initiation means (160) are placed in the proximity of the longitudinal detonating fuses (10) in such a manner that said pyrotechnical initiation means (160) initiate the longitudinal detonating fuses (10) which in turn initiate the transverse detonating fuse (20).
  14. A pyrotechnical head according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the longitudinal detonating fuses are placed on the inside surface of the envelope.
  15. A pyrotechnical head according to claim 14, characterized in that each of the longitudinal detonating fuses extends in a plane that contains the axis of symmetry of the envelope.
EP94400453A 1993-03-05 1994-03-03 Pyrotechnical warhead with improved dispersing means Expired - Lifetime EP0614065B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9302597 1993-03-05
FR9302597A FR2702273B1 (en) 1993-03-05 1993-03-05 Pyrotechnic head with advanced means of dispersion.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0614065A1 EP0614065A1 (en) 1994-09-07
EP0614065B1 true EP0614065B1 (en) 1998-05-13

Family

ID=9444708

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94400453A Expired - Lifetime EP0614065B1 (en) 1993-03-05 1994-03-03 Pyrotechnical warhead with improved dispersing means

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5501153A (en)
EP (1) EP0614065B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2116884C (en)
DE (1) DE69410144T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2702273B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5791417A (en) 1995-09-22 1998-08-11 Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. Tubular window formation
US5636692A (en) * 1995-12-11 1997-06-10 Weatherford Enterra U.S., Inc. Casing window formation
IL189612A (en) * 2008-02-19 2012-10-31 Rafael Advanced Defense Sys Pyrophoric arrows-type warhead
FR2960055B1 (en) * 2010-05-12 2015-11-20 Tda Armements Sas GUIDED MUNITION PROTECTED BY AERODYNAMIC COIFFE
US10436557B2 (en) * 2016-04-18 2019-10-08 Ammo Technologies, Inc. Armor-piercing projectile

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3103388A (en) * 1963-09-10 High speed pneumatic conveyor
US2180667A (en) * 1938-04-13 1939-11-21 Triumph Explosives Inc Parachute signal
US3101053A (en) * 1960-06-08 1963-08-20 Stevenson Thomas Combination fragmentation structural incendiary damage projectile
US3103888A (en) * 1962-03-22 1963-09-17 Rosenthal Henry Anti-pillaring smoke shell
DE7433050U (en) * 1974-10-02 1976-01-15 Gebrueder Junghans Gmbh, 7230 Schramberg SECURITY DEVICE ON BULB TO BE DISPOSED FROM THE AIR
FR2640369B1 (en) * 1976-12-10 1992-08-28 Lacroix Soc E PROJECTILE OF LAUNCHING ELECTROMAGNETIC LURES
US4354433A (en) * 1980-03-18 1982-10-19 Pengo Industries, Inc. Apparatus for cutting pipe
FR2490333B1 (en) * 1980-09-12 1986-05-02 Lacroix E Tous Artifices CARTRIDGE HAVING PYROTECHNIC USEFUL LOAD WITH SECURITY
US4598096A (en) * 1981-11-06 1986-07-01 Grant George A Safe sensory irritant
US4505203A (en) * 1983-02-04 1985-03-19 Honeywell Inc. Frangible ballast
US4791870A (en) * 1983-04-05 1988-12-20 Haley & Weller Limited Pyrotechnic assembly
DE3920016A1 (en) * 1989-06-20 1991-01-10 Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm War-head penetrating ships hull - which releases multi-charge penetrators detonated in delayed sequence from rear end
DE3934362A1 (en) * 1989-10-14 1991-04-18 Rheinmetall Gmbh BOMBLET CARRIER FLOOR WITH LIGHTLY EXERCISED BOMBLETS

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69410144D1 (en) 1998-06-18
EP0614065A1 (en) 1994-09-07
FR2702273A1 (en) 1994-09-09
CA2116884A1 (en) 1994-09-06
FR2702273B1 (en) 1995-06-02
DE69410144T2 (en) 1998-12-17
US5501153A (en) 1996-03-26
CA2116884C (en) 1999-07-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0333542B1 (en) Ammunition for firearms, especially shotgun ammunition
EP0293295B1 (en) Penetrating projectile
EP0106263B1 (en) Armour perforating explosive projectile within a cartridge case
EP0467774B1 (en) Projectile with destructive effect, exploding on impact
FR2932560A1 (en) NON-LETAL AMMUNITION.
FR2533309A1 (en) IMPROVED PROJECTILE WITH MULTIPLE POSSIBILITIES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE PROJECTILE
EP0307307A1 (en) Connection ring between a missile and a cartridge case
EP0614065B1 (en) Pyrotechnical warhead with improved dispersing means
EP1181498B1 (en) Igniter tube for artillery ammunition
CA2103833C (en) Complete combustion pyrotechnic bomb
FR2679994A1 (en) Device for igniting the propulsive charge of a munition, especially a telescoped munition, and munition initiated by such an igniting device
EP0499500B1 (en) Container provided with electrical connection means
FR2593905A1 (en) Destructible igniter for propellant charges
FR2656085A1 (en) EXPLOSIVE MUNITION PROTECTED AGAINST TEMPERATURE ELEVATION.
FR2627272A1 (en) Metal casing for explosive device - has multiple orifices formed in casing walls and sealed by plugs of low melting point metal alloy
FR2728674A1 (en) CARTRIDGE WITH SOCKET AND ARROW PROJECTILE
FR2728675A1 (en) CARTRIDGE WITH SOCKET AND ARROW PROJECTILE
FR2778978A1 (en) ARTILLERY PROJECTILE
FR2699659A1 (en) Breakable join device between front and rear sections of munition
FR2552871A1 (en) Anti-tank projectile acting at the deviation speed
FR2719373A1 (en) Propulsion unit for riot control grenade
FR2684178A1 (en) INCIDENTAL HEAD.
EP0557200B1 (en) Method and device for neutralising a threat through the release of a neutralising substance
FR2684177A1 (en) Pyrotechnic head with an effect of dispersion of an active substance
EP0805335B1 (en) Fragmentation warhead with equatorial symmetry of expulsion

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE GB SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19950220

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19960718

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE GB SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69410144

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19980618

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19980618

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20040218

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20040224

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20040305

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050303

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050304

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051001

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20050303