GB2031562A

GB2031562A - Rifle grenade

Info

Publication number: GB2031562A
Application number: GB7932567A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Sarmac SA
Current assignee: Sarmac SA
Priority date: 1978-09-22
Filing date: 1979-09-20
Publication date: 1980-04-23
Also published as: NL7906071A; PT70040A; JPS5546391A; IL58055A; ES484133A1; SE7906604L; DK353179A; DE7923827U1; BE878656A; ATA556679A; IT1122458B; DE2933807A1; GB2031562B; FR2436961A1; FI792531A; IT7925022A0; BR7905701A

Abstract

An explosive fragmentation rifle grenade which is efficient, compact and simple to construct comprises a fragmentable hollow body (1), whose front part has a cover (2) for removably holding a head fuse (3). A tubular member (5) carrying a vane assembly (10) extends within the body (1), and bears on the front portion thereof by way of a bracer member (6) having a central recess (9). The bracer member forms a housing which carries a primer charge (8). The cover and bracer member may be replaced by a single plug, and the tubular member may be attached directly to the body and carry the primer charge in a housing formed therein. The main explosive (7) is disposed between the body (1), cover (2), member (5) and bracer (6). The member (5) may contain a deformable structure which absorbs the energy of the ball which is fired to propel the grenade. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Rifle grenade There are many types of fragmentation-type explosive rifle grenades, which each have particular qualities, but none of which hitherto combines a high degree of efficiency, compactness and simplicity of constructions.

According to the present invention, a fragmentation-type explosive rifle grenade provided with a head fuse, is characterised in that it comprises a body of revolution which is open at its two ends, a central tubular member which issues from the body by way of its rearward opening while closing the body and forming the tail of the grenade, the rear free end of the tubular member carrying a vane assembly; that the front part of said tubular member which extends coaxially within the body is rigidly connected to the front end of the body thus defining an annular chamber containing the explosive charge; and that a housing which is coaxial with respect to the body and separated from the interior of the tubular housing contains an explosive relay.

The accompanying drawings diagrammatically illustrate by way of example various embodiments of a rifle grenade according to the invention.

Figures 1 to 3 show three alternative forms of a first embodiment of the rifle grenade; Figures 4 and 5 show two alternative forms of a second embodiment of the rifle grenade; Figure 6 shows a view partly in cross-section of a third embodiment of the grenade; Figure 7 is a view of part of the tubular member used in the grenade shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the grenade; Figure 9 is a view in cross-section of part of the grenade shown in Figure 8, on a larger scale, and Figure 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the grenade.

In the first form of the invention shown in Figure 1, the fragmentation-type explosive rifle grenade comprises a body 1 which may have fragmentation grooves or lines (not shown), and which is of a generally cylindrical shape which is open at each of its ends.

The large-diameter front end of the body 1 is closed by a cover 2 which is secured to the body at its periphery. The cover 2 comprises a central opening provided with a screw-thread for removably fixing a mechanical head fuse 3.

A cap 4 terminates the front part of the grenade.

The rearward opening of the body 1 is closed by a tubular member 5 which extends coaxially within the body. The front face of the tubular member 5 bears against the cover 2 by way of a bracer member 6.

The explosive charge 7 is housed in the space enclosed by the body 1, the tubular member 5, the bracer member 6 and the cover 2.

The bracer member 6 comprises a housing, containing an explosive relay 8 of annular shape, forming a central passage 9 which, when the grenade is launched, is intended to receive a movable detonator of the head fuse, which may for example be designed like that used in the projectile disclosed in Swiss patent No. 543 066.

The rear end of the tubular member 5 carries a vane assembly 10.

By virtue of its design the grenade comprises a very small number of components and it is very simple in construction. Moreover, it is approxiately half the length of a conventional rifle grenade. In addition, it is highly efficient as the weight of the active body is about 80% of the total weight of the grenade, whereas in most known grenades, the weight of the active body represents only about 60% of the total weight of the grenade.

In the form described with reference to Figure 1, the grenade is assembled in the following manner: The pack of explosive 7 is fitted onto the front part of the tubular member 5, while a sleeve of thin cardboard may be interposed between these two components. The tubular member is then introduced by way of its rearward part into the front opening in the body 1 until theexplosive charge 7 is in place in the body. The bracer member 6 provided with the explosive relay 8 is set in position and then the cover 2 is fixed on the body 1. The cap 4 is set in place on the front end of the body, while the vane assembly is placed on the rearward end of the tubular member.

Finally, to arm the grenade, the head fuse 3 is set in position by screwing into the cover 2.

The wall portion of the bracer member 6 which separates the explosive relay from the explosive charge 7 is sufficiently thin to permit the explosive charge 7 to be fired by the relay 8.

The greatly reduced overall size of this grenade is extremely advantageous with regard to use thereof.

With a calibre of 47 to 50 mm, and a total grenade weight of from 400 to 500 g, the length of the grenade is from 19 to 23 cm, with the head fuse being included in this dimension. The weight of the explosive charge for such a grenade is from 80 to 100 g. The degree of efficiency is high as the height of the active body attains substantially 50% of the total height of the grenade. Fragmentation occurs in approximately 500 fragments, each weighing 0.4 g.

For a firing angle of 40", a range of about 400 m is achieved.

Moreover, the grenade may be fired by means of all types of rifles provided with a 22 mm calibre launching sleeve, using various types of cartridges for propulsion thereof (7.62 leaf-type, 5.56 leaf-type and 5.56 standard ball-type).

Finally, it should be noted that the thrust force is transmitted directly by the bracer member to the front part of the body 1,which ensures good launching of the grenade.

In the form shown in Figure 2, the bracer member and the cover are replaced by a single component forming a plug 11. The upper part of the plug, which is of large diameter, is crimped onto the body 1 of the grenade, while the lower part, which is of small diameter, extends within the charge 7 and receives the front part of the tubular member 5.

The plug comprises openings 12 connecting the central housing 9 to the outside of the plug, which provides for good transmission of firing from the explosive relay 8 to the explosive charge 7.

The upper face of the plug 11 comprises a central screw-threaded hole for removably fixing the head fuse 3.

The form shown in Figure 3 is similar to that shown in Figure 2 but comprises a body 13 which is provided with grooves for facilitating fragmentation thereof when the grenade explodes. The cap 14 surrounds the whole of the head fuse 3 and is therefore deformed upon impact to cause actuation of the fuse.

Moreover, in this form, the tubular member 5 is crimped onto the rearward part of the body 13 of the grenade.

This embodiment comprises a ball catching means housed in the tubular member 5 and comprising a cage 15 which bears against the plug 11 by way of deformable arms 16 and which is slideable in the tubular member 5. The cage 15 contains deformable discs 17. When the rifle is discharged, deformation of the discs 17 and the arms 16 absorbs the energy of the ball fired by the cartridge used for propelling the grenade.

In the embodiment of the grenade shown in Figure 4, the body 18 has the general shape of an ogive which, in its front part, has a screw-threaded hole for removably fixing the head fuse 3.

The tubular member 5 bears against the inside front portion of the body 18 by way of the bracer member 19 whose upper annular wall portion comprises openings 20. In this embodiment, the explosive charge 21 extends between the body 18 and the tubular member, and also partially within the bracer member 19. This grenade is assembled in the following manner: The vane assembly is fixed on the tubular member 5 which is itself introduced with the bracer member 19 into the body 18, by way of its rear opening. The explosive charge then is then cast through the front opening of the body and fills the whole of the available space, an annular wall portion 22 defining the central space 9. Finally, the head fuse 3 is set in position.

The form shown in Figure 5 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 but further comprises a ball catching means 23 which is disposed within the tubular member 5 and which bears by an annular wall portion 24 against the bracer member 19. The annular wall portion 24 is terminated with a ring 25 which is gripped between the bracer member 19 and the front part of the tubular member 5.

An additional propulsive charge 26 is disposed around the ball trap 23 within the tubular member 5.

All these embodiments enjoy the advantages set out above, in particular a reduced number of components, small length and therefore small size, and a high degree of efficiency by virtue of a favourable ratio between the total height and the active height of the grenade.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the tubular member 5 extends to the top of the body 1 and is directly fixed thereto. Indeed, the front part of the tubular member 5 comprises an armour- plated closure casing 28 which separates the interior of the tubular member 5 from the explosive relay 8 which is positioned in a front housing 9 in the tubular member. At its front part, the tubular member 5 has a rim portion 29 forming the cover of the body 1, the periphery of which has a screw-thread co-operating with a screw-thread of the body 1. A washer 30 is crimped onto the front face of the tubular member and thus holds the explosive relay 8 in place. A screw-thread on the inside surface of the washer permits the fuse to be fixed in place.

In this embodiment, the grenade is provided with a ball catching means 23 having a ring 25 which bears against the lower wall portion of the armour plated casing 28. The ring 25 is held in place by crimping by means of tongue portions or a rim portion 31. Crimping is effected automatically when the bail catching means 23 is set in place. In fact, a sleeve 32 disposed in the small bowl configuration formed by the annular member 24 deforms the crimping rim portion 31 when the ball catching means is forced against the bottom of the tubular member. An additional propulsive charge 26 may be provided around the ball catching means 23.

Passages 33 are provided in the front part of the tubular member to ensure that the explosive charge 7 is fired by the explosive relay 8.

The tubular member 5 comprises a shoulder 35 which bears against the inside face of the body 1.

Thus, the position in which the tubular member is screwed on the body 2 is defined and it is not possible for the explosive pack 7 to be crushed when assembling the grenade. A cardboard portion 36 is again provided between the rim portion 29 and the explosive charge 7.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the tubular member 5 also comprises an armourplated member 28 and its front part contains the explosive relay 8, but it bears against a cover 34 which is screwed onto the front end of the body 1.

The cover 34 also comprises a screw-threaded hole for fixing the head fuse 3.

In this embodiment, the tubular member 5 comprises a shoulder 35 which co-operates with the inside rear face of the body 1. In this embodiment the tubular member 5 is therefore gripped between the cover 34 and the body 1.

A cardboard washer 36 is placed between the explosive pack 7 and the cover 34. In this way, the explosive charge is held in place and cannot move.

The cap 4 is removably fixed by a clip-like engagement of bosses 37 in corresponding recesses 38 on the body 1. By virtue of its flexibility, the thin cap can be withdrawn to position the head fuse.

During storage, when the head fuse 3 is removed, the cap provides for sealing the grenade.

A cardboard washer 39 is placed under the explosive relay and is slightly crushed when the cover 34 is set in position. The explosive relay 8 is thus properly held in place.

in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10, the tubular member 5 is positioned in the body 1 by the shoulder 35 and its front part is screwed onto a bracer member 6 whose front part butts against the cover 2 which is screwed onto the front part of the body 1.

In this case, the ball catching means 23 is held in position by its rim portion 25 being pinched between the bracer member 6 and the tubular memberS. A lead ring 37 participates by deformation in absorbing the energy due to the impact of the ball.

In this form the closed end of the tubular member 5 may be curved in order to prevent parts of the grenade being projected rearwardly, which could wound the firer of the grenade, when firing on a close target.

The front part of the explosive charge 7 may be replaced by a smoke-producing or illuminating ring or charge portion. Moreover, from the special effect due to this charge, illumination or smokescreen, a better distribution of the fragments is achieved.

The front part of the cap 4 may be reinforced by a small plate member which ensures that the head fuse functions properly, even for high impact angles.

The T shape of the front of the grenade, that is to say, the flat end of the front of the body, ensures that, when the angle of incidence of impact relative to the ground is very small and the head fuse is no ionger operated by frontal impact, the grenade is subjected to a strong braking action by digging into the ground, which ensures that the fuse is operated by inertia.

The cover may be fixed onto the body 1 by a retaining clip arrangement.

A seal may be provided between the rear part of the body 1 and the tubular member.

The following important points are to be found in all the embodiments described: a) The propulsion thrustforce which is applied within the tubular member 5 is transmitted directly to the front part of the body; b) The head fuse is removable; c) All operations of assembly as between the body 1 and the cover, the bracer member or the tubular member may be performed with the introduction of varnish or laquer, drying of the varnish or lacquer after assembly ensuring that the grenade is perfectly sealed. Construction of the grenade does not require the use of glue; d) In the alternative forms which are provided with a ball catching means, the ball catching means is disposed approximately at the centre of gravity of the grenade; e) The following proportions are observed: - The height of the body 1 is greater than the height of the cap 4; - The height of the tubular member 5 is greater than half the total height of the grenade; - The diameter of the tubular member is at least equal to half the calibre of the grenade; and - The dead weight of the grenade is of the order of 2 to 4 times the weight of the explosive of the grenade.

Claims

1. An explosive fragmentation-type rifle grenade provided with a head fuse, comprising a body of revolution which is open at its two ends, a central tubular member which extends from the body by way of its rearward opening, closing the body and forming the tail of the grenade, the rear free end of said tubular member carrying a vane assembly; the front part of said tubular member which extends coaxially within the body being connected rigidly to the front end of the body to provide an annular chamber which contains the explosive charge; and a housing which is coaxial with respect to the body and which is separated from the interior of the tubular member and containing an explosive relay.

2. A grenade according to claim 1, having a removable mechanical head fuse.

3. A grenade according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the explosive relay is of annular shape forming a central chamber which is coaxial with the grenade to receive the detonator of the head fuse after firing the grenade.

4. A grenade according to claim 3, wherein a bracer member is disposed between the tubular member and the body or a cover for the front of the body, said bracer member including a wall portion which separates the explosive relay from the explosive charge.

5. A grenade according to claim 4, wherein said wall portion has openings therethrough.

6. A grenade according to claim 5, wherein the explosive relay is housed in a sheath placed in a central recess in the bracer memebr.

7. A grenade according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the bracer member forms the cover closing the front opening of the body of the grenade.

8. A grenade according to claim 7, wherein the bracer member comprises coupling means cooperating with corresponding means carried by the head fuse.

9. A grenade according to any of claims 4-8, wherein the bracer member has, in its side wall, portions of reduced thickness, to facilitate the firing of the explosive relay being transmitted to the explosive charge.

10. A grenade according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a tube of carboard is placed between the explosive charge and the tubular member.

11. A grenade according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a ball catching means housed within the tubular member.

12. A grenade according to claim 11, wherein the ball catching means is crimped between the bracer member and the tubular member.

13. Afragmentation-type rifle grenade constructed and arranged substantiaily as hereinbefore described and shown in any of Figures 1-5,6 and 7,8 and 9, or 10.