GB1298633A - Improvements in or relating to a universal projectile - Google Patents

Abstract

1298633 Projectiles; mortars A LOSFELD 26 Jan 1970 [29 Jan 1969 28 Nov 1969] 3728/70 Headings F3A and F3C A projectile can readily be adapted for use as a hand grenade, a rifle grenade, a rifle grenade with self propulsion, a mortar projectile or a projectile with its own launching apparatus comprises, a body 1, Fig. 1, a removable tail 6, and a removable fuze at its forward end, the fuze having an impact system for effecting detonation on impact, a delay system for effecting detonation with a predetermined delay after launching of the projectile, and means for selecting whether a particular one or both systems shall be operative. Strikers for both systems are held at safe by a pin 18 held in place by a removable tape 20 and removable immediately prior to launching. The impact system comprises a spring loaded striker 16a locked by balls 16b in a sleeve which is contained within a plunger 31. On impact at any angle, a mass 29 urges the plunger 31 rearwardly whereby the balls 16b escape through holes 16c and the striker 16a is released for movement towards a primer 21. The release of the striker may be facilitated by the sleeve in which it is locked by the balls, simultaneously moving forwards, owing to inertia, as the plunger 31 moves rearwardly . The delay system comprises a spring loaded striker which is driven into a further primer 21 immediately the pin 18 is withdrawn. The primer ignites a delay 22 which may be in the form of a ring fuse of adjustable length (Figs. 22-25, not shown). The member for selecting delay or impact operation is a rotatable apertured disc 23 and retains both systems at safe prior to launching. A fragmentation casing 3 may be slid on to the body 1 if required. A propellant charge 11 is provided for launching from a weapon and a charge 8 for self-propulsion. Inclined fins 7 cause the projectile to rotate on launching. In a modification (Fig. 20, not shown) a deformable cap (48) permits earth to enter the fuze on impact. The projectile may be contained in a launching tube 44, Fig. 15, carrying a support 45 which fits into the tail and contains a propellant cartridge 46. Surrounding the launching tube are two cylinder halves which can be removed and used to support the tube as shown in Fig. 16.