EP0946853A1

EP0946853A1 - Projectile with controlled deformation

Info

Publication number: EP0946853A1
Application number: EP98943964A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Richard Guillot-Ulmann; Gérard HAMY
Original assignee: Isher (sarl); Isher Sarl
Current assignee: SAE ALSETEX
Priority date: 1997-09-12
Filing date: 1998-09-11
Publication date: 1999-10-06
Anticipated expiration: 2018-09-11
Also published as: DE69812883D1; DE69812883T2; WO1999014551A1; FR2768504A1; EP0946853B1; US6302028B1; FR2768504B3

Abstract

The invention concerns a projectile with high deformability consisting of at least a fine, flexible and elastic envelope (1, 2) loaded with a divided solid product (3), being only deformed on impact and with a sufficient diameter for limiting penetration on impact by quick distribution of energy by instantaneous release.

Description

PROJECTILE WITH CONTROLLED DEFORMATION

The present invention relates to a controlled deformation projectile intended in particular, but not exclusively, for the neutralization at short distance of individuals or animals in current operations of maintaining order without causing irreversible damage.

There are already known various so-called neutralization projectiles intended for law enforcement operations, of various shapes, spherical or stick, acting by shock effect thanks to the kinetic energy transformed during contact with the target. These projectiles all have in common, whatever their caliber (12 caliber hunting 18 mm., 35, 37, 38, 44 and 56 mm.) To be light and animated at high speeds, their deformability at the time of l impact remains very relative and in almost all cases dependent on the elastic qualities of the materials used.

In other known projectiles, objectives are sought, dispersion of a liquid or a powder on a targeted individual or soft shock effect.

These high speeds are linked to the fact that to obtain a sufficient shock effect and good accuracy based on the energy criteria of the ammunition, the velocity at the mouth of the launcher must be high. The mass of the projectile to be set in motion is low, hence a high propellant charge to obtain correct combustion and regular starts. These munitions are therefore similar to the operation of conventional projectiles. The relative rigidity of the surface of these projectiles is necessary in order to avoid any deformation in flight which would affect accuracy at such speeds.

Due to this rigidity and high elastic qualities, the impact surface remains relatively little different from the original rating. In addition, the shock being pseudo-elastic, part of the energy E = l / 2mV ² of the projectile is lost in rebound and heat of deformation. This last point is all the more true as the target presents hard parts. To overcome this drawback, manufacturers offer multi-part rupture or “spring” type stretching mechanisms which are only devious ways of consuming energy to avoid rebound and extend the duration of the shock in order to get closer the effect of a soft shock.

Fragmentation is ruled out because not only does it move away from a soft shock but it can also create severe localized lesions.

In fact, if the energy actually dissipated in the target is an indisputable criterion, this supposes that the shock can be assimilated to a soft shock in which all the momentum Q = mV is transferred from the projectile to the target uniformly. To do this, the projectile must have very high deformability at impact and minimal elasticity on the axis of impact in order to avoid any rebound.

An object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of conventional ammunition by obtaining a large amount of movement at lower speeds, which optimizes the impact surface taking into account the very high deformability linked to an almost zero elasticity in the axis of fire and therefore makes it possible to remain very reproducible regardless of the location (hard or soft) of the target hit in terms of energy deposited per unit area, and therefore easier to adapt so as not to cause injuries irreversible.

The invention aims to:

- control the fluidity of the projectile or of the bodies which constitute it. Excessive fluidity, in addition to problems of unbalance and therefore inaccuracy of the shot, leads to problems severe on impact. In fact, an excessively fluid body will tend, during compression on impact, to penetrate into the cavity created by the point of impact. For example, a pasty fluid such as plasticine can have a very high disruptive and cavitating effect, which is contraindicated;

- remove any body having a disruptive effect. For example, all disruptors used for the destruction of objects or suspects based on water or explosive aqueous gels; - Avoid problems related to low temperature operations related to the use of a fluid comprising 1 ea;

- avoid, at the start of the shot, any disruption or premature bursting which leads to the use of fairly strong wads for guiding and protection which also poses a separation problem at the outlet of the shooting tube;

- avoid the definition of a stable and precise shape of the projectile at rest, outside of its socket.

According to the invention, the projectile with very high deformability at impact intended for neutralization by impact effect is characterized in that it comprises at least one flexible, elastic and extensible envelope filled with at least one divided solid. This divided solid can be a powder or a product with a small particle size.

The envelope is, according to the invention, fine or very fine and, for example of a thickness less than 0.5 millimeter and is chosen so as not to impose a shape on the projectile, but to maintain its consistency. The projectile is thus amorphous, that is to say that it has no proper shape and a minimal, even zero shape memory. During a sudden impact or stop on the target, the projectile crashes along the axis of the shot and deforms radially (in the case of an impact with normal incidence on a flat surface). Due to the inertia, the product grains are compressed in the axis of the shot at almost zero speed (relative to the surface of the target). The radial deformation produced by this stake under pressure causes instantaneous radial expansion of the elastic envelope and makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the energy transferred to the target. The result obtained depends, of course on the diameter of the envelope and the granular mass introduced. The deformable projectile intended to neutralize by shock effect, can be launched by a firearm, pneumatic or mechanical, and may or may not be stuck, propelled by powder, gas or spring. The present invention aims to distribute the force of the impact over an enlarged surface so as not to create excessive trauma. By proximity and in the examples cited below, we mean a distance of zero to 50 meters.

The product used to fill the flexible envelope is characterized by a particle size ranging from less than 1 micron to 100 microns, depending on the surface friction coefficient of the product used, whatever its origin, and keeps sufficient cohesion when passing through the launch tube and during flight to prevent unwanted deformation. It may, for example, but not be limited to a product or a set of pulverulent products with a particle size of the order of a micron, or hollow beads or not made of glass, PVC or Teflon (PTFE) having diameters up to 100 microns, or any combination of these types of products.

The invention overcomes the drawbacks of projectiles of the prior art. In particular, the fluidity of the projectile depends on the nature and the granulometry of the solid divided parameters controllable during manufacture; The effect obtained results from bodies which are neither liquids nor aqueous gels which avoids disruptive effects. The projectiles are stable at all temperatures of use. At the start of the shot, the projectile being amorphous, it is enough to pack it in the case and protect it against heat. A simple skirt separates very easily from the projectile at the exit of the tube. The projectile is amorphous i.e. it has no shape defined outside the socket or shape memory. It therefore has no energy distribution in the firing axis at the time of impact and it only deforms as a function of the impact and not as a function of its own shape.

Preferably, the projectile has a density close to that of the human body, which ensures optimal energy transfer while minimizing the risks of penetration on impact. At the start of the shot, the projectile settles and takes the shape of the shell, occupying all the available volume and retains an approximately cylindrical shape during flight which avoids unbalance and allows good shooting accuracy.

It is also possible to use, in combination or not with these grain or bead products, a homogeneous, highly deformable, elastic material which can undergo significant elongations.

The weights vary according to the diameters, speeds and origins of the product. For example, in the light of the tests: 1 kg of powdered product, such as edible flour No. 45, product taken as an example, with a particle size of approximately l / 1000th of a millimeter, makes it possible to produce 20 projectiles of 40 mm. , whose actual diameter is 45 mm. and weighing 50 grams when closing the envelopes. These projectiles undergo a slight deformation to allow their introduction into the tube or the case (cartridge) and after 1 start acceleration, resume their natural shape by contracting (passing from an ovoid shape to a spherical shape). The inertia of the filling product deforms the envelope, little granular product remains in the center and the majority of the product is ejected at the periphery of the envelope. Deformation which would affect accuracy cannot occur during firing, the projectile being molded and held by the firing tube once the filler material in place, forcing slightly compared to the nominal diameter of said tube (forced ovoid shape, becoming again more or less spherical after its exit from the tube). The resistance and the empty diameter of the envelope (s) depend on the mass of the filling product (s), the speed and the size chosen. The mass of the filling product (s) depends on the speed and the size chosen. For a diameter of 40 mm. of the firing tube, the diameter of the empty projectile must be approximately 30 mm. The diameter of 40 to 45 mm. is obtained after introduction and packing of 50 grams of filling product. The final diameter of the projectile is obtained by compaction and it is possible to vary the weights in the same caliber, in a range of + or - 25%, whatever the caliber. The compaction pressure depends on the instantaneous surface obtained at impact (all other things being equal).

On average for a 40 mm projectile. and a weight of 50 grams launched at 60m / s, the impact noted in plastiline at 17 ° C has a diameter greater than 75 mm. for a depression of a few millimeters. Or an energy deposited in an almost uniform manner of 2 J / cm ² for a transmitted momentum of 30 Nm / s. By way of comparison, the hollow spherical elastic munitions of very similar caliber currently marketed and recognized as closest to the non-lethal criterion, still poorly determined, deliver on a diameter of less than 40 mm. an energy of 9 J / cm ² for a slightly lower amount of transmitted motion.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear during the following description of particular embodiments, given solely by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings which represent:

- Figure 1, a sectional view of a projectile according to the invention;

- Figures 2 to 5, the deformation of the projectile during impact when the projectile contains only grain or ball products, diameters less than 100 microns; - Figures 6 to 9, the deformation of the projectile, in a second embodiment where the projectile also contains a homogeneous material, highly deformable, elastic and capable of undergoing significant elongation.

In Figure 1 which is a vertical sectional view of a projectile, there are

- A double envelope structure 1,2 filled with the filling component 3. - the final closure of the envelope or envelopes 1,2, is ensured by any known means such as: welding, bonding, ligating, etc.

The envelope 1 is, for example rubber. It can be doubled by a second envelope 2 in order to offer better mechanical resistance as a function of flight speeds. It is important that the envelopes are tensioned in order to maintain an elasticity which, given the low inertia of the start and the holding provided by the shooting tube will allow it to retain its shape, therefore its precision, only the inertia at the time of instantaneous stop on the target allowing the final deformation.

In the example shown, the projectile is included in a case or cartridge 13 which contains below the projectile a wad 10, a propellant charge and a primer 12. But any other means of propulsion can be used.

In FIGS. 2 to 5, one can follow the different phases of modification of the projectile at impact on target 0, noted after tests. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that after minimal penetration from the impact of zone A, the filling product expands radially under the effect of axial compression due to the inertia of the movement in the axis of the shot as shown by the arrows (not referenced). This radial expansion, due to the sliding of the grains on each other, exerts a radial pressure on the envelope (s), made up of an elastic material capable of elongating without breaking until the total formation of the zone B (Figure 4). After impact, elasticity of the envelope (s) reduces zone B to smaller dimensions.

The inertia in zone A, which corresponds to the primary contact zone, sees its power decrease without increasing penetration by escape of the filling product in zone B, thus spreading the impact over a large zone.

Zone C (FIG. 5) shows the spread of the primary impact which becomes maximum. This final result is due to the interaction between the elasticity of the envelope or envelopes (1 and / or 2) and the mass of the product 3.

In order to minimize the area C due to the compression of the material on the axis of the shot, it is possible to also place in the projectile a material 4 (FIGS. 6 to 9).

The material 4 retained is homogeneous, highly deformable, elastic and can undergo significant elongations. In FIGS. 6 to 9, this material 4, of higher density than the compacted material 3 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, is placed in a preferred version of the invention, at the bottom of the envelope 1, so to be located at the front of the projectile during the firing, according to a thickness corresponding approximately in volume to the sinking observed in zone C (Figure 5). This material 4 can for example be deposited in the form of a disc or a spherical sector.

Upon impact (Figure 7), the plastic is subjected to pressure and flattens, at this moment its deformation absorbs part of the acceleration normally received by the target, thus creating a shallower area C and upper surface.

In FIG. 8, zone B is created by bypassing zone A occupied by the homogeneous material.

In FIG. 9, the material 4 used being absorbent with respect to shock waves, the wave reflected on the target is attenuated and the quantity of material remaining in the axis of zone C is reduced. The impact is thus better distributed and the observed depression is reduced. The filling product 3 can be inert or include a coloring component which disappears after a few days allowing rapid identification of an individual. More generally, product 3 can include one or more active products allowing subsequent identification of the target, such as colorant (in the visible spectrum or not) or an odorous product (detected for example using sensors or specially animals erected)

In another application, the projectile according to the invention can be projected at speeds of at least 150 meters / second, (which prohibits its direct use against a person). It is then able to pierce a conventional window or door. The envelope tears and bursts on impact, instantly releasing its contents under an enormous volume (cloud) of product particles, given its mass. The projectile may then preferably contain, for example, a powdered chemical neutralization product of the OC (oleoresin capsicum) type or its derivatives, Capsaicin, CN (2-chloroacetophenone) or CS (0-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile) or CR (dibenzoxazepine) . This projectile, fired at a distance therefore allows mass neutralization without the risk of fire associated with conventional smoke devices in a closed room. When the envelope is torn, the active product is propelled forward by its own inertia by its speed, exceeding the elasticity limits of the envelope or envelopes. The projectile crosses and explodes when the obstacle passes, significantly reducing the risk of direct impact on an individual located on the other side of the obstacle.

Claims

1 / Projectile with very high deformability at impact intended for neutralization, by shock effect, of individuals or animals, characterized in that it comprises at least one flexible envelope (1,2), elastic and extensible filled with '' at least one divided solid (3) which, upon impact or impact on the chosen target, deforms radially with respect to the firing axis.

2 / Projectile according to claim 1, characterized in that the product (3) consists of one or more solids divided into grains or beads of particle size less than 100 microns.

3 / Projectile according to claim 2, characterized in that the product (3) is composed of one or more powdered products with a particle size of the order of a micron and packed in the envelope (1) whose thickness is less than 0.5 millimeter.

4 / Projectile according to claim 2, characterized in that the product (3) is composed of hollow balls or not of products with a low coefficient of surface friction, such as glass balls, Teflon or PVC, of diameter less than 100 microns , packed in the envelope (1) whose thickness is less than 0.5 millimeter.

5 / Projectile according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a product (4) in a homogeneous material, highly deformable, elastic and capable of undergoing significant elongation is disposed in the bottom of the envelope (1,2) in the form of a disc or a spherical sector which, when fired, is at the front of the projectile. 6 / Projectile according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resistance and the diameter of the envelope (1,2) are proportional to the mass of the product (3).

Il Projectile according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its energy, at the time of impact, is less than 90 joules for a speed less than 60 meters / second.

8 / Projectile according to claim 1, characterized in that the envelope or envelopes (1,2) burst or tear during an impact at more than 150 m / s.

9 / Projectile according to claim 9, characterized in that it contains a neutralizing chemical powder.

10 / Projectile according to claim 9, characterized in that it contains at least one dye and / or at least one odorous product.