EP1856474A2 - Grenade, 40mm x 53. high velocity, dual purpose - Google Patents

Grenade, 40mm x 53. high velocity, dual purpose

Info

Publication number
EP1856474A2
EP1856474A2 EP06710189A EP06710189A EP1856474A2 EP 1856474 A2 EP1856474 A2 EP 1856474A2 EP 06710189 A EP06710189 A EP 06710189A EP 06710189 A EP06710189 A EP 06710189A EP 1856474 A2 EP1856474 A2 EP 1856474A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
explosive
projectile
grenade
cartridge case
fuze
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06710189A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alexander Antartis
Vasileios Boumpoutsis
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.)
Hellenic Defence Systems SA
Original Assignee
Hellenic Defence Systems 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 Hellenic Defence Systems SA filed Critical Hellenic Defence Systems SA
Publication of EP1856474A2 publication Critical patent/EP1856474A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • F42B12/20—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type
    • F42B12/22—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect of high-explosive type with fragmentation-hull construction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B1/00—Explosive charges characterised by form or shape but not dependent on shape of container
    • F42B1/02—Shaped or hollow charges
    • F42B1/028—Shaped or hollow charges characterised by the form of the liner
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B14/00—Projectiles or missiles characterised by arrangements for guiding or sealing them inside barrels, or for lubricating or cleaning barrels
    • F42B14/02—Driving bands; Rotating bands
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B5/00—Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges
    • F42B5/02—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile
    • F42B5/025—Cartridges, i.e. cases with charge and missile characterised by the dimension of the case or the missile

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to the high velocity, dual purpose 40 mm X 53 grenade, used against personnel and light armoured vehicles.
  • the high velocity, dual purpose 40mm X 53 grenade is a complete one piece round, consisting of three main assemblies : the projectile body (9), the fuze (12) and the cartridge case (4).
  • Fig. 1 (longitudinal section) illustrates the main parts of the grenade currently used, which is the technical base of the present patent.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the basic parts, disassembled, in order to have a more concrete view of the form of each part. To be more specific as to the characteristics of the parts, they are described in connection with the contribution of each one to the overall grenade function :
  • the round is fed into the weapon chamber.
  • the firing pin of the weapon strikes the percussion primer (1).
  • the primer ignites the propellant charge (3) contained in the high pressure chamber.
  • the expanding gases from the burning propellant charge are forced into the low pressure chamber (6) through the vent holes (5) and they spin the projectile through the twist rifled part of the gun barrel.
  • the projectile (consisting of parts 12, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) separates from its cartridge case (4) and the copper rotating band (7) under the influence of the gases produced by the propellant charge guides the projectile towards the muzzle of the barrel, at the same time causing it to spin around its longitudinal axis.
  • the projectile is filled with explosive charge (8) on which the copper truncate cone (10) is fitted, so as to form the hollow charge configuration.
  • the fuze (12) is threaded onto the projectile nose.
  • the fuze function (either by impact with the target, or by self destruction) initiates the spit-back (11), which is fitted on the big base of the truncate cone (10).
  • the spit-back is a hollow charge which develops a jet opposite to that developed by the projectile, which in turn detonates the explosive (8) through the cylindrical small base protrusion of the copper truncate cone.
  • the explosive charge detonates the hollow charge (i.e.
  • the copper truncate cone (10) which discharges a plasma jet directed towards the target, while at the same time it fragments the internally pre-fragmented steel jacket (9), dispersing the fragments circumferentially.
  • the dual purpose of the grenade i.e. the hollow charge against light armoured targets and the fragmentation against personnel.
  • the main disadvantage that this type of grenade presents is that the piercing depth of the steel target is not satisfactory.
  • Fig. 3 longitudinal section of the general configuration - pertains to the geometry and the form of the metal and synthetic parts of the projectile (which are illustrated in
  • Fig. 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 to the type of explosive charge (28), to the geometry and the material of the rotating band (27), as well as to the geometry and the type of the spit-back explosive (30).
  • the present invention essentially solves the problems associated with the above.
  • the novelties introduced in this patent ensure the maximum piercing/penetrating capability of the projectile as well the optimization of its fragmentation.
  • Fig. 8 shows a perspective (axis symmetric) projection of the special grooving of the copper cone.
  • main projectile body (illustrated in Fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7), which consists of the body (32) and the internally p re-fragmented steel jacket (33).
  • the rotating band (27), illustrated in Fig. 4 and 5, is manufactured with the use of a plastic injection machine which is electronically programmed and controls parameters and temperatures.
  • the rotating band is made of a polyamide composition with a with a 30% content of glass fibers or a polycarbonate composition with a 10% content of carbon fibers and a 20% content of glass fibers.
  • the materials used for the manufacture of the rotating band, its form (27.1), as well as the geometry of its circumferential fitting (32.1 , 32.2, 32.3) on the cylindrical projectile body (32) (Fig. 4, detail A and sections A-A & B-B) ensure the maximum strength of the band, which in turn gives the round the required spinning velocity so as to ensure a steady flight, even under extreme environmental conditions. All the aforementioned are novelties introduced in the present patent.
  • the explosive charge (28) - illustrated in Fig. 3 - is an explosive composition consisting of the explosive HMX with the addition of plastic binder (Octastit VIII) (HMX + plastic binder), as opposed to the explosive composition, consisting of the explosive RDX and Stearic Acid (Composition A-5) used up to now.
  • the spit-back (30) (the geometry of which is illustrated in Fig. 11), the spherical radius SR 5,0 mm (with a ⁇ 0,125 tolerance), the liner diameter 0 5,8 mm (30.1) as well as the type of explosive (30.2), which is a composition consisting of the explosive RDX, with the addition of Calcium Stearate, Polyisobutylene and Graphite (Composition CH-6 (RDX, Calcium Stearate, Polyisobutylene, Graphite)) as plastic binders, all ensure the detonation of the explosive after the function of the fuze.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)

Abstract

Grenade, 40mm X 53, high velocity, dual purpose (combat and piercing/penetrating) , consisting of the cartridge case (22) , the projectile (27 - 33) and the fuze (21) . The liner (29) bears grooves (29.1 and 29.2) , which ensure the creation of a symmetrical plasma jet. The geometry of the grooves (33.1 ) of the separate pre-fragmented steel jacket (33) , which is encased in the aluminum body (32) of the projectile, ensures the maximum fragmentation. The form and the material of the rotating band (27) , as well as the geometry (27.1, 27.2 and 27.3) of its fitting on the grooves of the aluminum projectile body (32) ensure the maximum strength of the rotating band.

Description

Grenade, 40mm X 53. high velocity, dual purpose
The present invention pertains to the high velocity, dual purpose 40 mm X 53 grenade, used against personnel and light armoured vehicles. The high velocity, dual purpose 40mm X 53 grenade is a complete one piece round, consisting of three main assemblies : the projectile body (9), the fuze (12) and the cartridge case (4).
In the up to now production practices ("prior art") implemented in the manufacturing of the above grenade, the specified external dimensions of the grenade are strictly observed, so that the grenade can be used in a series of machine guns and grenade launchers, designed to use this type of ammunition, with performances which are also specified by international specifications.
Fig. 1 (longitudinal section) illustrates the main parts of the grenade currently used, which is the technical base of the present patent. Fig. 2 illustrates the basic parts, disassembled, in order to have a more concrete view of the form of each part. To be more specific as to the characteristics of the parts, they are described in connection with the contribution of each one to the overall grenade function :
The round is fed into the weapon chamber. The firing pin of the weapon strikes the percussion primer (1). The primer ignites the propellant charge (3) contained in the high pressure chamber. The expanding gases from the burning propellant charge are forced into the low pressure chamber (6) through the vent holes (5) and they spin the projectile through the twist rifled part of the gun barrel. The projectile (consisting of parts 12, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) separates from its cartridge case (4) and the copper rotating band (7) under the influence of the gases produced by the propellant charge guides the projectile towards the muzzle of the barrel, at the same time causing it to spin around its longitudinal axis.
The projectile is filled with explosive charge (8) on which the copper truncate cone (10) is fitted, so as to form the hollow charge configuration. The fuze (12) is threaded onto the projectile nose. The fuze function (either by impact with the target, or by self destruction) initiates the spit-back (11), which is fitted on the big base of the truncate cone (10). The spit-back is a hollow charge which develops a jet opposite to that developed by the projectile, which in turn detonates the explosive (8) through the cylindrical small base protrusion of the copper truncate cone. The explosive charge detonates the hollow charge (i.e. the copper truncate cone (10)), which discharges a plasma jet directed towards the target, while at the same time it fragments the internally pre-fragmented steel jacket (9), dispersing the fragments circumferentially. Thus, the dual purpose of the grenade is served, i.e. the hollow charge against light armoured targets and the fragmentation against personnel. The main disadvantage that this type of grenade presents is that the piercing depth of the steel target is not satisfactory.
The present invention, a preferable implementation method of which is illustrated in
Fig. 3 - longitudinal section of the general configuration - pertains to the geometry and the form of the metal and synthetic parts of the projectile (which are illustrated in
Fig. 4, 5, 6,7, 8, 9, 10 and 11), to the type of explosive charge (28), to the geometry and the material of the rotating band (27), as well as to the geometry and the type of the spit-back explosive (30). The present invention essentially solves the problems associated with the above. The novelties introduced in this patent ensure the maximum piercing/penetrating capability of the projectile as well the optimization of its fragmentation.
To be more analytical and specific :
One of the novelties included in the present patent is the special groove design of the copper truncate cone (2) - illustrated in Fig. 8,9 and 10 - which results in the formation of a symmetrical plasma jet which in turn offsets the spinning velocity developed during the flight of the projectile (tending to disintegrate the projectile). Its characteristic dimensions are shown in Fig. 8 and 9. Fig.10 shows a perspective (axis symmetric) projection of the special grooving of the copper cone.
Another novelty introduced in the present patent is the main projectile body (illustrated in Fig. 4, 5, 6 and 7), which consists of the body (32) and the internally p re-fragmented steel jacket (33). The separation of the aluminum body (32) from its the steel jacket (33), which is internally pre-fragmented (33.1), achieves the optimum fragmentation of the steel jacket into a great number of fragments, evenly dispersed circumferentially, either with regard to the projectile impact point or the fuze self- destruction point and the spit-back detonation (30).
The rotating band (27), illustrated in Fig. 4 and 5, is manufactured with the use of a plastic injection machine which is electronically programmed and controls parameters and temperatures. The rotating band is made of a polyamide composition with a with a 30% content of glass fibers or a polycarbonate composition with a 10% content of carbon fibers and a 20% content of glass fibers. The materials used for the manufacture of the rotating band, its form (27.1), as well as the geometry of its circumferential fitting (32.1 , 32.2, 32.3) on the cylindrical projectile body (32) (Fig. 4, detail A and sections A-A & B-B) ensure the maximum strength of the band, which in turn gives the round the required spinning velocity so as to ensure a steady flight, even under extreme environmental conditions. All the aforementioned are novelties introduced in the present patent.
The explosive charge (28) - illustrated in Fig. 3 - is an explosive composition consisting of the explosive HMX with the addition of plastic binder (Octastit VIII) (HMX + plastic binder), as opposed to the explosive composition, consisting of the explosive RDX and Stearic Acid (Composition A-5) used up to now.
The spit-back (30) (the geometry of which is illustrated in Fig. 11), the spherical radius SR 5,0 mm (with a ± 0,125 tolerance), the liner diameter 0 5,8 mm (30.1) as well as the type of explosive (30.2), which is a composition consisting of the explosive RDX, with the addition of Calcium Stearate, Polyisobutylene and Graphite (Composition CH-6 (RDX, Calcium Stearate, Polyisobutylene, Graphite)) as plastic binders, all ensure the detonation of the explosive after the function of the fuze.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. Grenade, 40 mm X 53, high velocity, dual purpose (against light armoured targets and personnel) - consisting of : a) the cartridge case, which includes : the percussion primer (21), the main cartridge case body (22), the propellant charge (23) and the high pressure chamber (24), b) the projectile, consisting of : the body (32 and 33), the rotating band (27), the explosive (28), the copper truncate cone (29), the spit-back (30) and c) the fuze - having as a characteristic the internal (29.2) and external (29.1) longitudinal grooving of the copper cone (29), which enables the grenade to form a symmetrical plasma piercing/penetrating jet.
2. Grenade, 40 mm X 53, high velocity, dual purpose (against light armoured targets and personnel) - consisting of : a) the cartridge case, which includes : the percussion primer (21), the main cartridge case body (22), the propellant charge (23) and the high pressure chamber (24), b) the projectile, consisting of : the body (32 and 33), the rotating band (27), the explosive (28), the copper truncate cone (29), the spit-back (30) and c) the fuze - having as a characteristic the two part form of the projectile, consisting of the external aluminum body (32) and the separate internally fitted steel jacket (33), whose internal cylindrical surface is pre-fragmented (33.1), which ensures the optimum fragmentation by producing a great number of fragments evenly dispersed circumferentially with regard to the projectile impact point or the fuze self-destruction point.
3. Grenade, 40 mm X 53, high velocity, dual purpose (against light armoured targets and personnel) - consisting of : a) the cartridge case, which includes : the percussion primer (21), the main cartridge case body (22), the propellant charge (23) and the high pressure chamber (24), b) the projectile, consisting of : the body (32 and 33), the rotating band (27), the explosive (28), the copper truncate cone (29), the spit-back (30) and c) the fuze - having as a characteristic the rotating band (27), which is manufactured with the use of a plastic injection machine electronically programmed which controls parameters and temperatures, from a polyamide composition with a 30% content of glass fibers, or a polycarbonate composition with a 10% content of carbon fibers and a 20% content of glass fibers. The materials used for the manufacture of the rotating band, its form (27.1) as well as the geometry of its circumferential fitting (32.3) onto the cylindrical projectile body (32) ensure the maximum strength of the band, which in turn gives the round the required spinning velocity, thus ensuring a steady flight, even under the most extreme environmental conditions.
4. Grenade as per Claims 1,2 and 3, having as a further characteristic its explosive charge (28), an explosive composition consisting of the explosive HMX, with the addition of the plastic binder (Octastit VIII (HMX + plastic binder)), as opposed to the explosive composition consisting of the explosive RDX and Stearic Acid (Composition A-5).
5. Grenade as per Claims 1,2,3 and 4, having as a further characteristic the spit-back (30), the spherical radius SR 0,5 mm (with a ± 0,125) and the liner diameter 05,8 mm (30.1) as well as the type of its explosive (30.2) - which is an explosive composition consisting of the explosive material RDX, with the addition of Calcium Stearate, Polyisobutylene and Graphite as plastic binders (Composition CH-6) - ensure the effective initiation of the explosive after the function of the fuze.
EP06710189A 2005-03-03 2006-02-15 Grenade, 40mm x 53. high velocity, dual purpose Withdrawn EP1856474A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GR20050100106 2005-03-03
PCT/GR2006/000007 WO2006092637A2 (en) 2005-03-03 2006-02-15 Grenade, 40mm x 53. high velocity, dual purpose

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1856474A2 true EP1856474A2 (en) 2007-11-21

Family

ID=36941529

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06710189A Withdrawn EP1856474A2 (en) 2005-03-03 2006-02-15 Grenade, 40mm x 53. high velocity, dual purpose

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1856474A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2006092637A2 (en)

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US7987790B1 (en) 2003-03-18 2011-08-02 Scarr Kimball R Ring airfoil glider expendable cartridge and glider launching method
WO2008099353A1 (en) * 2007-02-14 2008-08-21 Rippel Effect Weapon Systems (Proprietary) Limited Grenade
US8661983B1 (en) 2007-07-26 2014-03-04 Kimball Rustin Scarr Ring airfoil glider with augmented stability
US8065961B1 (en) 2007-09-18 2011-11-29 Kimball Rustin Scarr Less lethal ammunition
US8511232B2 (en) 2010-06-10 2013-08-20 Kimball Rustin Scarr Multifire less lethal munitions
SE536320C2 (en) * 2011-04-14 2013-08-20 Bae Systems Bofors Ab Quarterly sliding belt for a projectile
RU2506529C1 (en) * 2012-11-13 2014-02-10 Открытое акционерное общество "Конструкторское бюро приборостроения" Cartridge
US10184327B2 (en) * 2015-12-15 2019-01-22 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Downhole tool explosive with thermally conductive material

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006092637A3 (en) 2007-04-05
WO2006092637A2 (en) 2006-09-08

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