EP0913662B1 - Hollow charge projectile and appropriate weapon system - Google Patents

Description

The subject of the invention is a projectile intended to be launched by a shooter towards a target using a firing device, and comprising a military head with charge formed.

We know anti-tank or anti-armored projectiles light which are launched by firing systems portable, usually without recoil. These projectiles are powered or not and are driven at a speed of around 250 m / s.

Known projectiles usually have one or more several shaped charges which are triggered at an optimal distance from the target by means of a impact contactor. The patent FR2718842 thus describes a such projectile with charge formed.

From document DE-A-3 821 309 finally a projectile is known dependent formed in accordance with the preamble to claim 1.

We also know a projectile with a charge nucleus generator which is triggered remotely by means a target detector carried by the projectile.

Armored or lightly armored vehicles are more and more often endowed with means of protection which detect the approach of anti-tank projectiles driven by light systems.

These protective means may include means of response, like grenades, which are thrown in front of the projectile and which initiate it from a distance of the target thus reducing the piercing efficiency of the projectile.

Protective means may also include masking or decoy systems which disturb the sensors carried by the projectile and prevent it from being fire.

It is the aim of the invention to propose a projectile, in particular for equipping a launcher system light, and whose operation is not disturbed by the triggering of protective means carried by the vehicle.

This projectile nevertheless retains an efficiency significant perforation.

Thus, the subject of the invention is a projectile intended to be launched by a gunner in the direction of a target equipped with protection means, by means of a firing device, and comprising a military charge head formed whose axis is confused with that of the projectile, charge the initiation of which is brought about on trajectory and at a given distance from the firing device by a firing device, characterized in that the charge formed is a charge generating a nucleus, in that the projectile has a geometry giving it a positive static margin, and in that the firing device causes the initiation of the charge formed between a distance D1 of the shooter of the order of 30 m so that this shooter does not receive fragments and a distance D2 of the target of up to 200 m, so as to prevent the projectile from being disturbed by the means of protection of the target.

According to one embodiment, the projectile comprises a means for receiving a signal transmitted by the device of fire, signal intended to control the setting device fire.

According to another embodiment, the device firing includes a means of detecting the firing of the projectile, a chronometric means counting down a delay interval from projectile fire and a means of initiating the charge at the end of this time interval.

The chronometry means may include a delay pyrotechnic composition initiated by a igniter when fired.

The chronometry means may include a rocket mechanical or electronic. This rocket will advantageously programmable.

Alternatively, the projectile includes a sensor attitude to determine the inclination of his axis relative to a firing direction, the initiation of the load only allowed if this angle is zero or minimal.

According to another variant, the projectile comprises a safety prohibiting any initiation of the load if the projectile is at a distance from the shooter less than the minimum distance D1m.

Advantageously, the firing device causes initiation of the charge formed at a distance from the shooter at least equal to the minimum distance D1m.

The invention also relates to a weapon system using such a projectile, weapon system characterized in that it comprises a launching tube containing the projectile and a propellant charge, tube carrying sighting means and triggering means of the projectile.

This weapon system may include means of programming of a projectile rocket.

It may also include telemetry means, calculation means and a transmitter intended to transmit to the projectile on trajectory a firing order.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un système d'arme selon l'invention équipée d'un projectile selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente un premier mode de réalisation du dispositif de mise à feu ainsi que des moyens de programmation,
• la figure 3 montre un deuxième mode de réalisation du dispositif de mise à feu,
• la figure 4a représente un troisième mode de réalisation du dispositif de mise à feu,
• la figure 4b représente les moyens de transmission d'information de l'arme au projectile,
• les figures 5 et 6 schématisent deux phases successives de mise en oeuvre du système d'arme selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows of different embodiments, description made with reference to the appended figures and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a weapon system according to the invention equipped with a projectile according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 represents a first embodiment of the firing device as well as programming means,
• FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the firing device,
• FIG. 4a represents a third embodiment of the firing device,
• FIG. 4b represents the means of transmitting information from the weapon to the projectile,
• Figures 5 and 6 show schematically two successive phases of implementation of the weapon system according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a weapon system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a launch tube 2 inside which is disposed a projectile 3, a propellant charge 4, and a counterweight dispersible 5.

Such a recoilless weapon system is described by example by patent FR2602040.

The tube 2 also carries sighting means 6 (which may advantageously include a laser rangefinder) and a firing handle 7 provided with a trigger 8 making it possible to trigger the propellant charge 4 (by example by striking an igniter 9) and firing the projectile 3. The structure of the counter mass, of the charge propellant as well as means allowing its ignition are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in more detail.

We can for example refer to patent FR2602040 describing a counter mass system, and to the patent FR2697327 showing a possible structure for the load propellant.

According to the invention, the tube 2 can also carry programming means 10 for a rocket of the projectile 3, means constituted by an electronic box endowed with a keyboard or an adjustment button and connected by a wire 11 to projectile.

According to another embodiment of the invention the tube may also carry a transmitter 12 intended for transmit a path 13 to the projectile.

The transmitter will advantageously be a laser transmitter and can use the laser source of the rangefinder.

The functions of the transmitter and the means of programming will be specified below.

Projectile 3 includes a military head 14 with charge nucleus generator. Load axis 38 is the same with that of the projectile, the charge being arranged so to generate a nucleus in the direction of flight of the projectile.

This load consists of a coating 15 applied on an explosive charge 16 whose initiation is controlled by a firing device 17.

The core generating charges are described by example by patent FR2632394. They do not generate a jet like shaped charges, but a projectile (or nucleus) with a speed of the order of 2000 m / s, nucleus whose elongation and rear skirt provide trajectory stability up to distances of more than 200 m.

The firing device 17 is arranged in a rear body 18 of the projectile, body on which are fixed deployable stabilizing fins 19.

A ballistic warhead 20 protects the coating 15 of the external environment.

The geometry and the mass distribution of the projectile will be defined so that it has a margin positive static (distance between the center of gravity and the focus of aerodynamic forces). That is to say a projectile such that its center of gravity is located in front of the aerodynamic focus (the latter is generally at the connection between the part before the tail and the body of the projectile).

Such a provision will reduce the incidence maximum that the projectile undergoes in the first moments of its trajectory (angle between the axis 38 of the projectile and the target direction). Those skilled in the art will easily define the projectile geometry so that this incidence be reduced. Advantageously define the projectile so that the maximum incidence is less than 1 °.

Figure 2 shows schematically a first embodiment of the firing device 17. This device constitutes here a programmable electronic rocket comprising a computer 21, and a chronometry or clock means 22 (these components can be produced in the form of a microprocessor). The rocket also incorporates a source of energy (not shown).

The rocket computer 21 is connected to a means 25 detection of the projectile which can for example be constituted by an inertia switch.

The computer 21 is intended to deliver a signal of firing an initiation means, such as a detonator 26, which initiates the charge formed 14.

A security and arming device (not shown) will ensure in a conventional way the misalignment of the detonator and the explosive charge during the projectile storage phases. These measures will ensure the alignment of the detonator during the first meters from the trajectory of the projectile.

The computer is also connected by wire 11 to programming means 10 integral with the firing handle.

These programming means here include a keyboard 36 and a calculation means 23, itself connected to a display 24 and the sighting means 6.

The functioning of the weapon system and its projectile will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

A shooter 27 is equipped with the weapon system 1 according to the invention. It aims at a target 28 (here a tank) with the aiming means 6. The rangefinder equipping the aiming means allows him to measure the distance D which separates him from the target 28.

The calculation means 23 receives the information relating to distance D. This information will eventually be validated by the shooter by pressing a button appropriate.

The calculation means 23 contains in different memories or registers the ballistic characteristics of the projectile (initial speed, drag coefficient ballistics), features introduced as shooting tables. He therefore deduces the instant at which it must be initiated the charge formed after firing the projectile for the nucleus is formed at a distance from the target D2 equal to about 200 m.

We will provide security prohibiting any initiation of the charge if the projectile is at a distance D1 the shooter too weak for it to be safe splinters generated by the body of the projectile.

The calculation means 23 will include in memory or register the value of the minimum safety distance D1 (D1m) imperative and will operate by an appropriate algorithm a comparison between this minimum value and a value theoretical which will be calculated (Said) from the measurement of the distance D (D1t = D - 200m). The distance D1m is around 30 meters.

If the distance D1t is less than D1m, the means of calculation will then prohibit programming and firing the projectile.

The display 24 may signal the impossibility of firing, and the shooter can then possibly introduce by the keyboard 22 a distance D2 less than 200m or else choose an automatic charge initiation at the minimum distance D1 which is in memory in the means of calculation (shooting safety distance).

If the security conditions are met, the means calculation 23 automatically enters the value of the instant of initiation in a memory or register of the computer 21 of the firing device 17 of the projectile. Programming will be done for example automatically when the shooter validates the choice of aimed target.

Once the target has been acquired and validated, support on the trigger 8 causes the projectile which follows a ballistic trajectory 29 up to a distance D1 at which the nucleus-generating charge is initiated.

The generated nucleus moves towards the target at a speed of the order of 2000 m / s and it retains upon impact a significant perforation capacity.

Due to the low incidence of the projectile on trajectory (obtained by an appropriate definition of the projectile geometry), the firing axis of the charge formed (which is also the axis of the projectile) is not far from the trajectory and the initial line of sight. The shot being planned for a short distance (200 m from the target) results in a high probability of reaching the target by the formed nucleus (including path deviation is negligible).

As an example for a maximum incidence of projectile on 0.5 ° trajectory, triggering of the firing of the charge formed 200 m from the target causes a impact of the nucleus generated in a circle of 1.7 m radius around the target point.

Defense systems possibly equipping the vehicle 28 are ineffective against the projectile according to the invention.

Indeed, with the weapon system according to the invention, target acquisition is made before firing and projectile is totally devoid of guiding means or target detection means. It cannot therefore be lured or disturbed by smoke bombs.

In addition, projectile 3 does not have a ballistic trajectory that on the distance D1 and it is before its firing at a distance from the important target, which prevents this the implementation of response means against the projectile itself.

On the other hand, the nucleus formed by the charge is hardly detectable by the means of protection of the vehicle and it has kinetic energy such that it is difficult to disrupt or deflect before impact.

Various variants are possible without leaving the frame of the invention.

It is thus possible to design a projectile very rustic whose ignition device 17 is not programmable before firing

This device will include a computer 21 which contains in memory the minimum distance D1m at which the fire must be carried out as well as the data relating to the projectile ballistics. Means 25 will detect the instant of projectile fire and initiation will take place automatically when the projectile is at the safety distance from the shooter, regardless of the distance from the target.

This embodiment is more particularly suitable to short-range rustic systems (less than 500m ?).

Medium range systems (from 500 m to 1000 m) or long range will preferably include a programming of the ignition time as described previously. For large spans we may well obviously equip the projectile with a powder propellant.

Alternatively, it is also possible to define a projectile with an attitude sensor 37 (such as a gyrometer) which is connected to the computer 21 (see figure 2). This sensor will permanently determine what is the angle of incidence of the projectile (and therefore of the axis 38 of the load 14) relative to the intended direction. The algorithm contained in the calculator will then be defined so as to authorize the initiation of charge 14 only when this angle is zero (or minimum). This increases the probability of reaching the target even for a triggering at a large distance from the target (greater than 200m).

Another embodiment of a projectile according to the invention is shown in Figure 3. This mode of realization also includes a firing device 17 which is not programmable before firing.

It differs from the variant previously described in that that the delay in igniting the charge is obtained by a chronometric means which is a pyrotechnic composition delay 30, itself initiated by an igniter 31 at moment of projectile firing.

The projectile will of course also include a security and arming device (not shown) which ensure, during the storage phases and during first meters of trajectory, the misalignment of the detonator 26 and explosive charge 16. The igniter will for example be initiated by the gases generated by the charge propellant 4.

The pyrotechnic delay will conventionally be a composition combining oxidizing, reducing and binding (by example a Zirconium / Chromate composition of Barium / binder).

This embodiment is extremely rustic and not very expensive. It is also suitable for shooting systems short range.

Figure 4a shows a projectile according to a third embodiment of the invention.

According to this mode, the firing device 17 includes a computer 21 and a means of detecting the shot 25.

It also includes a reception means formed by an infrared laser radiation sensor 32 which is oriented towards the rear of the projectile to receive a signal 13 issued by the weapon system. Sensor 32 is protected from shooting constraints by a window 33 transparent arranged in the bottom wall 34 of the body 18.

The signals supplied by the sensor 32 are processed by an electronic processing module 35 which ensures a setting shaped signals and a conversion analog / digital.

Module 35 provides the programming signals to the calculator 21.

FIG. 4b represents the programming means 10 carried by the weapon system and adapted to this mode particular achievement.

These programming means 10 also include a keyboard 22 and a calculation means 23, itself connected to a display 24 and aiming and telemetry means 6.

The calculation means delivers the programming signal to an infrared laser transmitter 12 which can advantageously be constituted by the rangefinder 6 itself.

With this embodiment the acquisition of the target is performed in the same way as described above in reference to figure 2.

The programming signal for the ignition time is no longer transmitted by a wire but by the laser transmitter 12.

Such an embodiment makes it possible to take account of the actual initial velocity of the projectile which will be measured by rangefinder 6 and which will correct the value of programming calculated by the calculation means 23 in depending on the ballistic characteristics of the projectile.

The programming will be transmitted to the projectile in the first meters of the trajectory of the projectile.

The projectile according to this embodiment may also include a gyrometer connected to the computer for determine the angle of incidence of the projectile relative to the intended direction and only authorize the initiation of the charge only when this angle is zero or minimal.

It is of course possible to use other programming signal transmission technologies between the weapon system and the projectile (radio waves by example).

Alternatively we can transmit to the projectile not a programming of his computer 21 but a explosive charge firing order.

The transmission of the order will then take place at a distance from the shooter which will be greater than or equal to the safety distance D1m.

This transmission will take place at a time whatever decided by the shooter. Calculation means will nevertheless be programmed to prohibit all fire trigger if the projectile is at a distance less than the safety distance D1m.

The main advantage of such a variant will be simplify the firing device 17 which may not include for example a detection and detection system in the form of the signal directly coupled to the detonator 26.

However, we will preferably keep a means of calculation integrated into the firing device, this in order provide additional security for the shooter prohibiting any firing at a distance less than the safety distance D1m.

Alternatively, it is possible to set works a projectile according to the invention from other types of weapon systems, for example from a cannon or a mortar.

Claims (12)

1. A projectile (3) to be launched by a shooter toward a target equipped with protection means, using a launch device, and comprising a shaped-charge warhead (14) whose axis coincides with that of the projectile, the initiation of said charge being induced on flight and at a given distance from the launch device with an igniter device (17), characterized in that the shaped charge is a charge generating a core, in that the projectile is provided with a geometry such that it enjoys a positive static margin, and in that the igniter device (17) insures the initiation of the shaped-charge between a distance D1 from the shooter in a range of 30 m such that this shooter does not receive splinters and a distance D2 from the target in the range of 200 m, in order to avoid disturbance by the protection means of the target.
2. Projectile according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a reception means (32) of a signal transmitted by the ignition device (17), said signal being intended to order the igniter device (17).
3. Projectile according to claim 1, characterized in that the igniter device (17) comprises a projectile-launch detector (25), a timer (22) for counting down a time-delay from projectile launch, and a device (26) for initiating explosion of the charge at the end of said time delay.
4. Projectile according to claim 3, characterized in that the timer comprises a delayed pyrotechnic composition (30) for initiation by an igniter (31) during flight.
5. Projectile according to claim 3, characterized in that the timer comprises a mechanical or electronic fuse.
6. Projectile according to claim 5, characterized in that the fuse is programmable.
7. Projectile according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an altitude sensor (37) for determining the inclination of the projectile axis (38) relative to a launch direction, the initiation of the charge being permitted only if this inclination is zero or minimal.
8. Projectile according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a security forbidding initiation of the charge only if the projectile is at a distance from the shooter less than the minimal distance D1m.
9. Projectile according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the igniter device (17) insures the initiation of the shaped-charge at a distance from the shooter at least equal to the minimal distance D1m.
10. A weapon system (1) for delivering a projectile according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a launch tube (2) containing the projectile (3) and a propellant charge (4), said tube being fitted with an aiming device (6) and with means for triggering (8, 9) projectile launch.
11. Weapon system according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises means for programming (10) a fuse of the projectile (3).
12. Weapon system according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a rangefinder, a computer (23) and a transmitter (12) for transmitting an ignition command to the projectile during its flight.

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