ES2928324T3 - Ammunition - Google Patents

Abstract

An ammunition (1) composed of a projectile (2) with cap (4) and a high-pressure chamber (9) and a low-pressure chamber (10) in a cartridge (7) is proposed, which is functionally connected to the projectile (2). . This ammunition (1) is characterized in that it has a spacer (6, 6', 6") that can be changed at least in length (1, 1', 1"). To do this, the ammunition (1) has in the cap (4) a connection means for the different spacers (6, 6', 6''). Alternatively, the variable spacer (6, 6', 6") can be extended manually or automatically from the shell (2). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, no legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Ammunition

The invention relates to ammunition or a grenade. The invention specifically relates to remote detonation for a particular 40mm ammunition or grenade.

Such munitions may consist of a warhead or projectile, an explosive charge, and a high/low pressure propulsion system.

From the document DE 3918005 C2 a grenade projectile can be detached. The grenade projectile has an active part at the front, consisting of a specially shaped spacer cover, for example made of aluminum or plastic, a cylindrical projectile casing, possibly pre-fragmented, for example made of steel or metal heavy, with an explosive charge stored inside. A butt fuze is provided as an impact fuze.

From CH 255 134 a grenade with a butt fuze configured as a self-destructing or impact fuze is known. The grenade is equipped with the largest possible explosive charge in a thin-walled projectile casing and is characterized by the fact that a needle riveted to the head of the projectile casing is provided for instant impact detonation, that penetrates the projectile through the center and acts on the detonating explosive capsule, which also serves for the butt fuze.

Document DE 8614108 U1 describes an infantry grenade comprising an impact fuze and a pyrotechnic self-destruct mechanism, with a time delay. This ensures that, after the maximum flight time has elapsed, the projectile is always detonated by the self-destruct mechanism.

The solutions mentioned above act on the target by splintering the ammunition or the projectile. What is desired, however, is ammunition that achieves a high explosive effect on the target. Such grenades do not meet these new requirements.

US 8,800,448 B2 shows a spacer mechanism. A projectile has a protruding point that moves when the projectile hits a target. The tip has, in this respect, a semicircular geometric shape. The system uses, in this respect, a delayed detonation element. The delay time of the delay detonator and the speed at which the spacer mechanism rebounds away from the gate determine the distance at which the spacer mechanism will detonate the projectile. In this regard, the spacer mechanism is designed so that the projectile will ricochet to the actual desired distance and explode, explosively charging the gate with sufficient force to open the gate. The detonation delay can be, in this case, in the range from 75 to 100 ms; the distance, in the range of 8 to 14 inches.

Document US 8,413,586 B2 discloses a modified 40mm grenade, capable of bursting a gate. The grenade comprises a projectile having a spacer mechanism at the tip. The spacing serves to detonate the explosive in the projectile before the projectile nose reaches a target, ie the spacer device detonates the explosive charge within the projectile before the projectile nose actually reaches the target. This creates a shock wave that impacts the target. The spacer device comprises a tube and a contactor having circumferential grooves that lock the contactor in the tube and thus allow different distances to be set between the tip and the target.

New requirements can best be addressed with these spacer mechanisms mentioned above. WO 2016/098096 A1 sees a disadvantage of these embodiments in the fact that the additional weight alters the ballistic properties of the projectile. Therefore, it is proposed to dispense with such a spacer device.

The invention sets out here the objective of specifying an ammunition that takes into account the aforementioned considerations and meets the new requirements.

The invention is based on the idea of designating an ammunition according to claim 1 or claim 4 with a high explosive effect, which does not impact on or in the target by splintering, but by pressure. To this end, the present invention provides for a mechanical displacement of the detonation point, similar to document US 8,431,586 B2. This displacement of the detonation point is achieved by anticipating a remote mechanical detonation. In this respect, this remote detonation serves in particular to increase the area of the environment of the target that is subjected to the detonation pressure. Chipping effect on the blank is minimized. Remote mechanical detonation initiates a time-lag detonation. A spacer is provided for the remote detonation function. This spacer causes a certain distance from the target when the projectile hits. The spacer allows to lengthen the projectile compared to conventional projectiles. The detonation process starts as soon as the spacer hits a target, even if the projectile itself has not yet hit the target.

In this regard, it was discovered that although a spacer affects the ballistics of the projectile, these ballistic limitations can be minimized by optimizing the length of the spacer.

The detonation energy is always the same for the same explosive in the projectile. The further from the target this shock wave is triggered, the lower the power on the target. Therefore, the correct distance from the target is an important component, which is reflected in the choice of spacer length. The correct distance thus determines the shock wave.

According to the invention, therefore, it is provided to use spacers of different lengths. These spacers can also have different geometric shapes. The spacer can be made, for example, in the form of a cylindrical pin. Alternative forms are known. The spacers can also be made of different different materials and combinations thereof. In this respect, it can be plastic, aluminum, rubber or the like.

The different lengths and/or materials can be determined experimentally, among other things. In this way, at least one pressure sensor can register on a target the pressure that each spacer triggers on the target according to its length and/or its material. The length and, if necessary, the material of a spacer and the pressure achieved on the target with this spacer are then stored. This data can then be accessed, during an operation, to obtain a desired shock wave on the target. Alternatively, tables can also be produced that provide information on the optimum length, also together with the optimum spacer material.

The spacer alters the effect of pressure on reinforced targets, barricades, or cover defenses. By choosing the spacer used, the projectile can create different pressure conditions. In particular, by choosing the length of the spacer used, a maximum pressure effect on/in the target can be adjusted and thus predetermined.

The spacer is preferably made as a separate modular assembly. The spacer may be integrated into a projectile and/or deployable. The spacer can be exchanged for another spacer. If the spacer is built into the projectile in a deployable manner, the length of the spacer can be adjusted by deploying and retracting it. The unfolding can take place manually or automatically. Automatic deployment can be initiated by projectile launch energy. The projectile is known to reach great speed. Therefore, it can be provided that a safety of the launch support of the projectile is removed and that the unfolding is regulated through the rotation of the projectile. Detents inside the shell can help set and lock the length of the spacer.

Alternatively, the spacer may be located in front of the projectile. To do this, the mechanical attachment or modular spacer can be attached to the ammunition or projectile without tools, ie without the need to use tools. In the simplest form, this has, for example, a thread for screwing or screwing the spacer into or onto the ammunition. Alternative separable connections, such as snap-fits, bayonets, etc., are known and can also be used.

Thanks to its modular construction, the spacer can advantageously be exchanged for another spacer also on site and attached to the ammunition or projectile. It is also possible to disable the spacer on the site. As is known, the ammunition consists of a warhead or projectile with a preferably mechanical culot fuze. The projectile in this case is an explosive warhead. Preferred explosives are those that react instantly, usually from a solid state to a gaseous state. In this respect it can be a specially modified explosive with a pressure level for a long time. Highly explosive charges, with a boosted blast wave, are known to fulfill this function.

Due to the high explosive effect, the ammunition can also be used as an offensive "clearing space" grenade. The ammunition is a highly effective special solution for various access techniques (Methods of Entry, MOE). Such a grenade provides a good opportunity for offensive actions in different areas, as well as in close combat, especially for combating soft and semi-hard targets.

The butt fuze as an impact fuze contains a pyrotechnic self-destruct mechanism that ensures safe detonation in the event of a soft impact, eg impact with snow, moss, mud, etc., or if it did not work on first impact.

The mechanical accessory or the spacer itself may contain active agents, such as pyrotechnics, explosive, irritant, etc.

The projectile is supported by a cartridge case to which the projectile is attached in known manner. A system of High/low pressure chambers in the cartridge case ensure constant internal ballistics and result in constant muzzle velocity and excellent aiming accuracy.

The cartridge design guarantees resistance to various environmental influences, such as, for example, temperature, humidity, vibration, water, salt spray, etc. Seal the ammo.

The proposed solution refers to an offensive ammunition, with selection and adjustment of a maximum pressure effect on the target with minimum fragmentation. The ammunition guarantees excellent aiming accuracy. The ammunition meets the highest safety standards and understands a possible self-destruction.

The invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of an exemplary embodiment with a drawing. Show:

Fig. 1 an ammunition without remote detonation function,

Fig. 2 the ammunition from Fig. 1 with remote detonation function,

Fig. 3 various spacers according to the invention.

1 shows an ammunition 1 consisting of a projectile 2 with a butt fuse 3. The butt fuse 3 is preferably mechanically operated. The projectile 2 is additionally equipped with a casing 4. The casing 4 has a means 5 at the front. The projectile 2 consists of an explosive warhead 2.1, in this case preferably with a high-explosive charge, with boosted explosion. The projectile 2 is operatively connected to a cartridge case 7 in a known manner. The connection 8 may be a clip-on or snap-in connection, for example. Alternative connections are known. The cartridge case 7 comprises a high/low pressure drive system which is made up of a high pressure chamber 9 and a low pressure chamber 10.

Figure 2 shows the ammunition 1 with a spacer 6 that can be attached to the means 5 in the casing 4. The spacer 6 is made as a separate assembly. In the simplest embodiment, the spacer 6 can be screwed onto the projectile. The spacer 6 can be made of different materials and combinations thereof. Materials that can be used include plastics, rubber, or aluminum.

In this embodiment, the ignition chain is formed by the culot fuze 3 and the explosive of the explosive warhead of the projectile 2.

According to the invention, it is now provided that different spacers 6 or of different lengths can be functionally connected to a projectile 2. Spacers 6 can be interchanged or replaced with each other. In a first embodiment possibility, several spacers 6, 6', 6'' of different lengths and/or different shapes can be used for this. With the help of the different spacers 6, 6', 6'' it is possible to initiate different impact times and, associated with this, different detonations offset in time or distance. Depending on the length of the spacer 6, 6', 6', the firing of the ignition chain is influenced (FIG. 3).

The spacer 6, 6', 6" is preferably configured as a spike. The geometric shapes of the spacer 6, 6', 6" or spike can be cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, square, etc.

The spacer 6, 6', 6'' can be integrated into the projectile 2 and/or deployed therein in another embodiment, which is not shown in detail. In the case of the integrated variant, the spacer 6, 6', 6'' can be exchanged for another. The unfolding and retracting of the spacer 6, 6', 6'' can take place manually or automatically.

The spacer 6, 6', 6'' can also contain active agents 12, such as pyrotechnics, explosive, irritant, etc.

The butt fuze 3 of the projectile 2 as an impact fuze is designed to contain a pyrotechnic self-destruct charge to ensure safe detonation in the event of a soft impact or failure to function on first impact.

The mode of operation of ammunition 1 with projectile 2 consisting of an explosive warhead with a high-explosive charge, with a boosted shock wave, in this case, in the form of a "multi-purpose explosive wave grenade" or a "high-explosive, with explosive wave" remote grenade potentiated expansive", is as follows:

After a fuze 11 has been actuated and a propellant charge in the high-pressure chamber 9 (not shown in detail) has been burned, the pressure in the high-pressure chamber 9 increases. These propellant gases reach the low pressure chamber 10 through holes etc., which are not shown in detail. As soon as the gas pressure in the two chambers 9, 10 reaches a defined level, the projectile 2 separates from the cartridge case 7, i.e. it is ejected from the cartridge case 7 evenly and without pressure fluctuations. adverse, and accelerate. In this respect, the safety elements of the culotte fuze 3 pass into an armed functional position (not shown in more detail) until the muzzle is reached.

Projectile 2 flies towards a target and impacts with spacer 6 (6', 6'') on a target, which is not shown in more detail. The armed butt fuze 3 is activated by the impact of the spacer 6, 6', 6'' and thus the detonation chain is started. Before projectile 2 has reached the target itself, the reaction of the explosive in projectile 2 generates a shock wave that acts on the target. The magnitude of the shock wave is given by the selected spacer 6, 6', 6'' of the projectile 2 with respect to the target. The distance of the projectile 2 with respect to the target is given by the length I, I', I" of the selected spacer 6, 6', 6" (FIG. 3).

This spacer function is freely selectable by the user. Thus, the spacer function can be activated or deactivated. In the case of a spacer 6, 6', 6'' integrated into the projectile 2, this can be implemented by retracting (deactivating) or unfolding (activating) the spacer 6, 6', 6". If the spacer 6, 6' , 6'' can be placed on the projectile 2, it can be deactivated, for example, by removing the spacer 6, 6', 6'' In this case, the detonation chain is fired with the impact of the casing 4 of the projectile 2.

Claims (13)

1. System comprising several interchangeable spacers (6, 6', 6") of different lengths (I, I', I") and an ammunition (1) comprising a projectile (2) with a casing (4) , a cartridge case (7) with a high pressure chamber (9) and a low pressure chamber (10), where the cartridge case (7) is functionally connected to the projectile (2), and where the ammunition (1) comprises one of the various spacers (6, 6', 6") that can be fixed on the projectile (2). System according to claim 1, characterized by means (5) at the front of the cover (4) for holding the spacer (6, 6', 6"). System according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (5) is a separable connection, such as a thread, a snap-fit or a bayonet. 4. System comprising several interchangeable spacers (6, 6', 6") of different lengths (I, I', I") and ammunition (1) comprising a projectile (2) with a casing (4) , a cartridge case (7) with a high pressure chamber (9) and a low pressure chamber (10), where the cartridge case (7) is functionally connected to the projectile (2), and where the ammunition (1) comprises one of the different spacers (6, 6', 6") integrated into the projectile (2), and where it is possible to modify the length of the spacer (6, 6', 6") integrated by unfolding and withdrawn. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the unfolding and retracting take place manually or automatically. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by different geometric shapes of the spacer (6, 6', 6"). System according to claim 6, characterized in that the geometric shape of the spacer (6, 6', 6") is designed as a tenon that is cylindrical, conical, frustoconical or square. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a modular construction of the spacer (6, 6', 6"). System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by different materials, such as plastic, rubber, aluminum and combinations thereof, from which the spacer (6, 6', 6") is made. System according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized by at least one active agent (12), such as pyrotechnics, an explosive or an irritant, in the spacer (6, 6', 6"). System according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized by a bottom fuze (3) as impact fuze, which contains a pyrotechnic self-destruct mechanism. System according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized by an explosive warhead as a projectile (2) with a high-explosive charge, with an enhanced blast wave. System according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a 40 mm caliber ammunition (1).