FR2842895A1 - Projectile with controlled lethal power has pyrotechnic compound with controllable combustion to vary its kinetic energy - Google Patents

Abstract

A projectile (10) is powered by a pyrotechnic compound (30) that can be divided into two sections (32, 34) fired separately and selectively by an initiator (40) to control its range and kinetic energy. It can be made to fragment or to produce a neutralizing noise or blinding effect on an opponent.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

  The present invention relates to the field of projectiles.

  More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of

  projectiles with neutralizing function.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

  The object of the present invention is to propose a new

  controlled lethality projectile.

  The present invention aims in particular to propose a projectile whose lethality is reduced on the trajectory, to be lethal at short

  distance and not lethal or limited energy at medium distance.

BASIS OF THE INVENTION

  The present invention achieves the above-mentioned objectives by means of a projectile comprising a pyrotechnic composition capable of combustion, which constitutes a substantial part of the initial mass of the projectile, and means of initiating the composition, so that the combustion of the composition reduces the mass of the projectile and from there causes a controlled reduction of the kinetic energy of the projectile, on trajectory.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

  Other features, purposes and advantages of this

  invention will appear on reading the detailed description which will

  follow, and with reference to the single appended drawing which illustrates a schematic view, in longitudinal section, of a projectile conforming to the

present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

  We see in the appended figure, a projectile 10 according to the present invention comprising a body 20 which houses a composition

  pyrotechnics 30 associated with initiation means 40.

  The body 20 can be formed of any material, according to any

  geometry and with any appropriate size.

  According to the illustration given in the figure, the projectile is provided with

  its front end of a warhead 22 (of semi-spherical geometry).

  However, the invention is not limited either by the presence of a warhead or

  by a precise geometry for it.

  The pyrotechnic composition 30 can also be the subject of numerous variant embodiments, both as regards its nature and its geometry. As indicated above, the pyrotechnic composition 30 initially constitutes a substantial part of the mass of the projectile. Furthermore, the pyrotechnic composition 30 is

  able to burn on trajectory to reduce the mass of the projectile.

  The initiation means 40 can be formed by any suitable means. They are preferably provided near the end

back of the projectile.

  As mentioned above, thanks to the present invention, the combustion of the composition 30 on the trajectory substantially reduces the mass of the projectile and hence leads to a controlled reduction of the kinetic energy on the trajectory. We remember that the energy

  kinetics equal 1/2 of mv2, m denoting mass and v speed.

  The initial mass of the pyrotechnic composition 30 and the combustion parameters of the latter are adapted so that the projectile is lethal at short range and not lethal or with energy limited to

medium distance.

VARIATIONS

  The compartmented diagram of the pyrotechnic composition 30 is shown diagrammatically in the form of two elements 32, 34,

  thanks to a dividing transverse partition 33.

  This provision modulates the evolution of lethality. It suffices selectively to initiate either all of the elements 32, 34 constituting the pyrotechnic composition 30, or only one of these to control the evolution of the mass and therefore of the kinetic energy. Of course, where appropriate, the pyrotechnic composition 30

  can be separated into a number of elements greater than two.

  Furthermore, in the appended figure, a pyrotechnic composition 30 is illustrated, split into two elements by transverse compartmentalization. Alternatively, the pyrotechnic composition 30 can be

longitudinally compartmentalized.

  According to yet another variant, the elementary masses 32, 34

  of the pyrotechnic composition 30 may be different from each other.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the body 20 of the projectile can be provided with means 50 defining a controlled drag on trajectory to participate in the reduction of the speed and hence of the kinetic energy, the speed

  intervening in it as previously recalled.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, the projectile in accordance with the present invention can be equipped with a means generating a neutralizing effect, for example a sound signal, such as a whistling on the trajectory or a blinding signal, or even a imitating effect. Such means can be confused with

  drag means 50, if applicable.

  According to another advantageous characteristic of the present invention, to control the lethality of the projectile on the trajectory, the projectile can be provided with means capable of selectively causing the

  splitting of the projectile on trajectory.

  Of course, in the context of the present invention, means can be provided which are capable of selectively defining, during launching, both the fractionation on the trajectory and / or the initiation modulation of the various compartments such as 32, 34 of the composition.

pyrotechnics 30.

  The present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments which have just been described but extends to any variant

conforms to his spirit.

  The present invention has in particular the advantage of avoiding the unintentional destruction or damage of neighboring structures, in particular during use in a confined space, for example in an airplane and of avoiding aggression or traumatic effects on the body. with regard to people distant from the area of

implementation of the projectile.

Claims (9)

  1. Projectile comprising a pyrotechnic composition capable of combustion constituting a substantial part of the initial mass of the projectile and means for initiating the composition so that the combustion of the composition reduces the mass and from there results in a controlled reduction of the kinetic energy of the projectile on trajectory. 2. Projectile according to claim 1, characterized in that the pyrotechnic composition (30) is split into at least two elements (32, 34) capable of being initiated separately and selectively. 3. Projectile according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises initiation means (40) capable of selectively initiating a variable number of individual elements of the pyrotechnic composition (30).   4. Projectile according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by   the fact that it includes drag means capable of imposing a   controlled reduction of projectile speed on trajectory.   5. Projectile according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by   the fact that it includes means capable of generating a neutralizing effect, such as a sound signal on the trajectory, a blinding signal or an imitating effect. 6. Projectile according to claim 5, characterized in that   the means generating a neutralizing effect generate a whistling sound.   7. Projectile according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized   by the fact that the means generating a sound signal are confused   with means generating controlled drag.   8. Projectile according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by   the fact that it includes means capable of imposing a split of the projectile on trajectory.   9. Projectile according to claim 8, characterized in that the means imposing a fractionation on the trajectory are adapted   to be selectively ordered when the projectile is launched.