GB2619905A

GB2619905A - Payload delivery device

Info

Publication number: GB2619905A
Application number: GB2203406.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wragg Alistair; Thornhill Lee
Original assignee: Thor Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Thor Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-11
Filing date: 2022-03-11
Publication date: 2023-12-27
Also published as: GB202203406D0

Abstract

A payload delivery device 100 for delivering an explosive component has a central module 10 and at least one attachment module 20 connected to the central module. The central module has a top surface, base surface 14 and a side surface 16 positioned between the base and top surfaces defining an interior cavity for containing the explosive component. Each attachment module 20 has an interior cavity for containing an additional component. The connection of the attachment module 20 may be to the side 16 or base surface 14of the central module 10 by a connection means (15 fig 2) where detonation of the central module 10 ejects the components in a direction away from the surface to shape of the explosive effect of the device 100. The connection of the attachment module 20 may be by projection or groove with the central module 10 having the other groove or projection. The additional component of the attachment module 20 may comprise of at least one of an anti-personnel/fragmentation components; anti-armour component; a shaped charge liner and an element for forming an explosively formed projectile. The base surface 14 of the central module 10 may be removeable to allow the user to fill the central module 10 with the explosive component.

Description

PAYLOAD DELIVERY DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

100011 Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to payload delivery devices. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to explosive payload delivery devices for mounting on an unmanned system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Military users can deliver explosive payloads via conventional delivery systems, such as artillery or hand-held launchers. One advantage of a conventional delivery system is that explosive payloads with different effects may be delivered to a target, for example anti-armour or anti-personnel payloads.

[0003] Tt would be desirable for explosive payloads to be delivered via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones, or other such unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or via another type of unmanned system, such as a ground-based system like a robot or a water-based system such as an autonomously-controlled boat, so as to distance a user from the location where the explosive payload is delivered.

[0004] Furthermore, it would be desirable to allow for such explosive payloads to be customized so as to produce different effects upon detonation. In particular, it would be desirable to allow for the shape of the explosion to be altered and/or the type of explosion to be tailored to a specific type of target.

[0005] Lastly, it would be desirable for a user of the explosive payload device to be able to self-fill the device, so as to avoid the complicated and time-consuming issues associated with the storage and transportation of assembled explosive devices.

[0006] Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a payload delivery device for delivering an explosive component. The payload delivery device comprises a central module having a top surface, a base surface and a side surface positioned between the top surface and the base surface; the top surface, the base surface and the side surface defining an interior cavity for containing an explosive component; and at least one attachment module connected to the central module via a connection means, the at least one attachment module having an interior cavity for containing an additional component.

[0008] In an embodiment, the at least one attachment module is connected, via the connection means, to a portion of the side surface or to a portion of the base surface of the central module such that, upon detonation of the explosive component, additional components contained within the at least one attachment module are ejected in a direction substantially away from the portion of the side surface or the portion of the base surface to allow for shaping of the explosive effect of the payload delivery device. By connecting one or more attachment modules to specific locations on the central module, the explosive effect of the payload delivery device may be shaped in a manner as required by the user, for example to create a non-hazardous zone close to the area of detonation and/or to reduce the number of directions in which a hazard is created by the detonation.

[0009] In an embodiment, the at least one attachment module comprises a projection or a groove and the central module comprises the other of a projection or a groove, and wherein the connection means to connect the at least one attachment module to the central module comprises releasably mating the projection to the groove. Forming the connection means as complementary projections and grooves allows for a robust and easy way in which different attachment modules may be connected and disconnected to the central module in order to meet the user's requirements without the need for additional tools to be used to form this connection.

[0010] In an embodiment, the additional component of the at least one attachment module comprises at least one of: anti-personnel/fragmentation components; anti-armour components; a shaped charge liner; and an element for forming an explosively formed projectile. By allowing for selecting of the additional component according to use requirements, the effectiveness of the payload delivery device is increased.

[0011] In an embodiment, a blast shield module is mounted on the top surface of the central module so as to reduce the amount of additional components ejected upward from the payload delivery device upon detonation of the explosive component. Use of a blast shield module mitigates against damage to the UAS delivery the payload delivery device, since UAS delivery is typically made by dropping the payload delivery device directly downward from underneath the UAS. Additionally the blast shield may additionally act to direct the blast downwards, towards a target beneath the payload delivery device, instead of wastefully expending energy upwards and away from the target.

[0012] In an embodiment, the blast shield module comprises a container filled with a high-density frangible material such as sand. Use of a high-density frangible material in this manner allows for an inexpensive solution to the problem of damaging the UAS with the detonation of the payload delivery device, and also allows for the blast shield module to be 3D printed and user-filled lit [0013] In an embodiment, the blast shield module and/or the central module and/or the at least one attachment module comprises a 3D printed part. 3D printing of these parts allows for construction of the payload delivery device in a quick and inexpensive manner. 3D printing also allows the payload delivery device to be adapted and sized to different UAS delivery systems. In an embodiment, all of the central module, the at least one attachment module and blast shield module are 3D printed and then user-filled. In this manner, the entirety of the payload delivery device may be sized and adapted to a specific UAS or other type of unmanned system.

[0014] In an embodiment, the base surface of the central module is removable so as to facilitate user-filling of the central module with the explosive component. In an embodiment, the at least one attachment module comprises a removable section to facilitate user-filling of the attachment module with the additional component. In an embodiment, the blast shield module comprises a removable section to facilitate user-filling of the blast shield module with a high-density frangible material.

[0015] In an embodiment, multiple attachment modules are connected to the central module. Use of multiple attachment modules allows for greater customization of the effects of the payload delivery device.

[0016] In an embodiment, the central module includes an indication indicating whether an attachment module has been connected to the central module. Obscuration of this indication allows a user to easily check that an attachment module has been connected to the central module without requiring close inspection of the device.

[0017] In an embodiment, the top surface comprises a port configured to receive a detonator. This allows for easy placement of a detonator into the explosive component contained in the central module.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts operable to be assembled into a payload delivery device as described above.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising manufacturing a payload delivery device as described above or a kit of parts as described above. In an embodiment, 3D printing is used to form the payload delivery device or the kit of parts. In other embodiments, injection moulding, vacuum casting, thermoforming, compression moulding or other types of plastic processing techniques may be used to form the payload delivery device or the kit of parts.

[0020] According to fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a payload delivery device for delivering an explosive component comprising: a central module, the central module having a top surface, a base surface and a side surface positioned between the top surface and the base surface; the top surface, the base surface and the side surface defining an interior cavity for containing an explosive component.

[0021] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a payload delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0024] FIG. 2 shows a payload delivery device in accordance with an embodiment the invention; [0025] FIGs. 3A and 3B show representations of the effects of attaching multiple attachment modules into the payload delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0026] FIG. 4 shows the central module of a payload delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0027] FIG. 5 shows another view of the central module of FIG. 4; [0028] FIG. 6 shows an attachment module of a payload delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0029] FIG. 7 shows a payload delivery device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and [0030] FIG. 8 shows an alternative form of attachment module according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed

description.

[0032] In addition, certain terminology may also be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "top", "base", "upper", "lower", "above", and "below" refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front", "back", "rear", "side-, "outboard", and "inboard" describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms "first", "second", and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

[0033] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to the operation of payload delivery devices and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems), such as how detonators operate, may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, any connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the subject matter.

[0034] It should be appreciated that the below-described payload delivery device, and any corresponding elements, individually or in combination, are exemplary means for performing a claimed function.

[0035] When seeking to address the above-described problems associated with conventional payload delivery devices, after an extensive period of research and development the present inventors realized that the payload delivery device may be made so as to allow a user to adapt the payload delivery device in a modular fashion, where different attachment modules providing for different effects may be attached to predetermined areas of a central module. Furthermore, this realization led the inventors to develop a system in which different attachment modules may be easily swapped on the central module to thereby allow for easy customization of the payload delivery device. Lastly, it was realized that the system also allowed for self-filling of both the central module and the attachment modules to circumvent the need to transport assembled explosive devices over a logistics chain -the payload delivery device may be assembled shortly prior to use. Still further, by allowing for a modular approach to the assembly of the customized payload delivery device, the various modules of the payload delivery device may also be assembled shortly prior to use, for example by 3D printing or a traditional manufacturing method such as injection moulding.

[0036] FIG. 1 of the application shows a first embodiment of a payload delivery device 100. The payload delivery device 100 includes a central module 10, which has a top surface (not shown in this figure), a base surface 14, and a side surface 16. The top surface, base surface 14, and side surface 16 co-operate to define an interior cavity which may be at least partially filled with an explosive component, for example a readily available plastic explosive such as C4.

[0037] When the explosive component contained within the interior cavity of the central module is detonated, for example by the use of a remotely controlled detonator, the central module explodes with an air burst / blast effect.

[0038] Attached to the central module 10 are one or more attachment modules 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two attachment modules 20 are attached to the side surface 16 of the central module 10. It will be appreciated that more or less attachment modules 20 may be attached to the central module depending upon the shape of the explosion desired by the user. For example, referring to FIG. 3A, the use of two attachment modules 20 positioned adjacent to one another on the side surface of the central module 10 will allow for shaping of the explosive effect (illustrated by dashed lines), which will substantially avoid a lethal fragmentation hazard rearward of the explosion. As another example, the use of multiple attachment modules 20 circumscribing the entire side surface of the central module 10 allows for a 360' explosive effect.

[0039] The attachment modules 20 are attached to the central module 10 by a connection means (not shown). Various different types of connection means may be used to for this purpose. For example, the attachment modules 20 may be connected to the central module 10 via an adhesive, via screwing, via riveting or the like. Preferably, the central module 20 contain a protrusion that is configured to fixedly mate with a corresponding groove on the attachment modules 20 (or vice versa) so as to "slot" the attachment modules 20 into place on the central module 10. Use of a protrusion and groove connection means to connect the attachment modules 20 to the central module 10 allows for a simple construction of the central device 10 and attachment modules 20 (to thereby allow for the use of simple construction techniques, such as 3D printing or other manufacturing techniques, such as injection moulding or other types of plastic processing techniques, to form these parts) whilst keeping the required amount of materials to construct the payload delivery device 100 to a minimum and allowing for easy connection of attachment modules 20 to the central module 10.

[0040] Referring back to FIG. 1, each one of the attachment modules 20 has an interior cavity that may be filled with an additional component, for example an anti-armour component, for example an explosively formed projectile or shaped charge liner, or an antipersonnel component, such as fragmentation components.

[0041] A detonator 18 is fitted to the central module 10, the detonator 18 being configured to detonate the explosive component positioned inside the interior cavity of the central module.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the attachment modules 20 may also be connected to other areas of the central module 10 than the side surface 16. For example, if it is desired to direct the hazardous zone downwardly from beneath the central module 10, the attachment module 20 may be connected to the base surface 14 of the central module 10.

to [0043] Referring to FIG. 2, a payload delivery device 100 is shown which has an attachment module 20 connected to the base surface 14 of the central module 10. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the attachment module 20 includes an anti-armour liner. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the connection means 15 are formed via a protrusion on the side surface 16 of the central module. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, a detonator 18 is again fitted to the central module 10 so as to protrude into the interior cavity of the central module 10. The detonator 18 may be held in place by a screw cap 19 affixed to the top surface 12 of the central module.

[0044] In various embodiments, the payload delivery device 100 is configured to be mounted to a UAS, for example a drone. It is noted that the specifications, such as maximum carry weight of UAS differ from system to system, and the total size of the payload delivery device 100 may accordingly be altered to as to take into account the specifications of the specific UAS upon which the payload delivery device 100 is to be used with. For example, with the example of 3D printed parts being used for the central module 10 and attachment modules 20, the 3D printed parts may be made larger or smaller depending on the maximum carry weight of the UAS or other unmanned system.

[0045] Still referring to FIG. 1, it is noted that, when a UAS is used to deliver the payload delivery system 100, the payload delivery system is typically dropped vertically downward by the UAS. In such an instance, it is desirable to mitigate against a hazardous zone being formed upwards from the payload delivery system 100, which may cause damage to the UAS. In order to achieve this mitigation a blast shield module 17 may be positioned on the top surface of the central module 10. In an embodiment, the blast shield module 17 comprises an interior cavity that may be filled with a high-density material (such as sand). In this embodiment, the blast shield module 17 may be 3D printed. In an alternative embodiment, the blast shield module 17 may comprise a rigid plate, for example a metal plate.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the blast shield module 17 comprises an interior channel configured to circumscribe at least part of the central module 10 to thereby allow placement of the blast shield module 17 on the top surface of the central module 10.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 4, another view is shown of the central module 10. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the central module 10 includes at least one protrusion 15 to act as 1() connecting means for slotting the attachment modules 20 into place on the central module.

As can also be seen in FIG. 4, the central module 10 includes a base plate 14, which may be removable to allow for user filling of the central module 10 with the explosive component. Additionally, the central module 10 includes a top surface 12, which may include a port through which a detonator may be passed.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, the central module 10 may include one or more indications 29 on one or more of its surfaces indicating that an attachment module 20 does not cover that location of the central module 10. in this manner, a user can quickly determine if an attachment module 20 has been attached to the central module 10 by determining if the indication 29 is obscured or not. Preferably, an indication 29 is included in each predetermined area to which an attachment module 20 may be connected to the central module 10. In alternative embodiments, other indication techniques (such as a LED that is lit when an attachment module 20 is connected) may be used to show whether or not an attachment module 20 has been connected to the central module 10.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 6, a view is shown of an attachment module 20. The attachment module 20 may include a removable section 21. Removing the removable section 21 from the attachment module 20 allows for exposure of the interior cavity of the attachment module for user-filling of the attachment module with the additional component. The attachment module 20 may further comprises groves 23 configured to mate with corresponding protrusions on the central module 10 so as to fixedly slot the attachment module 20 into place on the central module. The attachment module 20 may still further comprise an indication 25, such as text, indicating the correct way to position the attachment module with respect to the central module 10.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded view diagram of the payload delivery device 100 is shown. As can be seen in FIG. 7, a detonator 18 can be inserted through a port in the top surface 12 of the central module 10. The detonator 18 is held in position via the use of a screw-cap 19. Alternatively, a compression ring or clamp may be used to hold the detonator 18 in position.

[0051] Inside an interior cavity of the central module 10 is disposed an explosive component 30, which may comprise a plastic explosive. A user may self-fill the interior to cavity of the central module 10 with the explosive component 30.

[0052] The side surface 16 of the central module 10 has one or more connecting means which allow for the retention of attachment modules 20 in specific positions around the central module. The attachment modules 20 may comprise a removable section to allow for user-filling of the attachment modules 20 with an additional component so as to customize the payload delivery device to the user's specific requirements, such as anti-armour or anti-personnel [0053] The base surface 14 of the central module 10 may be removably attached to the central module 10 so as to retain the explosive component 30 inside the interior cavity of the central module 10. The base surface 14 of the central module 10 may further comprise a connecting means 40 to allow for an attachment module to be connected to the base surface 14 of the central module, if a downwardly explosive effect is desired.

[0054] In another embodiment, the at least one attachment module 20 may comprise a sleeve that circumvents the entire side surface 16 of the central module 14. In this embodiment, the sleeve may be attached to the central module either by grooves positioned on the interior surface of the sleeve configured to mate with protrusions on the central module or by another connection means, for example an additional element configured to retain the sleeve on the central module. During testing, the present inventors recognized that, whilst the use of attachment modules 20 which connected to a portion of the side surface of the central module 10 was advantageous in allowing the user to customize the shape of the blast, "blind-spots-could exist in the hazardous zone due to the non-uniform concentration of additional components in multiple attachment modules. In other words, the concentration of the additional components is higher in each attachment module than in the spaces between each attachment module, such that, upon detonation, a non-uniform spread of the additional components was created. In situations where it is desirable to create a 360° uniform spread of the hazardous zone, the sleeve version of the attachment module 20 may be preferable.

[0055] An example of a sleeve version of the attachment module 20 is shown in FIG. 8.

As can be seen in this figure, the attachment module 20 is configured to circumvent the side surface 16 of the central module, so as to create, upon detonation, a uniform hazardous zone in a 360° spread about the payload delivery device 100.

[0056] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A payload delivery device for delivering an explosive component comprising: a central module, the central module having a top surface, a base surface and a side surface positioned between the top surface and the base surface; the top surface, the base surface and the side surface defining an interior cavity for containing an explosive component; and at least one attachment module connected to the central module via a connection means, the at least one attachment module having an interior cavity for containing an additional component.
2 The payload delivery device of Claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment module is connected, via the connection means, to a portion of the side surface or to a portion of the base surface of the central module such that, upon detonation of the explosive component, additional components contained within the at least one attachment module are ejected in a direction substantially away from the portion of the side surface or the portion of the base surface to allow for shaping of the explosive effect of the payload delivery device.
3 The payload delivery device of Claim 2, wherein the at least one attachment module comprises a projection or a groove and the central module comprises the other of a projection or a groove, and wherein the connection means to connect the at least one attachment module to the central module comprises releasably mating the projection to the groove.
4. The payload device of Claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment module comprises a sleeve configured to circumvent the side surface of the central module.
5. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein the additional component is included in the at least one attachment module, the additional component comprising at least one of: anti-personnel/fragmentation components; anti-armour components; a shaped charge liner; and an element for forming an explosively formed projectile.
6 The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, further comprising a blast shield module mounted on the top surface of the central module so as to reduce the amount of additional components ejected upward from the payload delivery device upon detonation of the explosive component.
7. The payload delivery device of claim 6, wherein the blast shield module comprises a container filled with a high-density frangible material.
8. The payload delivery device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the blast shield module comprises a 3D printed component.
9. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein the central module and/or the at least one attachment module comprise a 3D printed component.
10. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein the base surface of the central module is removable so as to facilitate user-filling of the central module with the explosive component.
11. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one attachment module comprises a removable section to facilitate user-filling of the attachment module with the additional component.
12. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein multiple attachment modules are connected to the central module.
13. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein the payload delivery device is sized and configured to be delivered by an UAS.
14. The payload delivery device of any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the payload delivery device is sized and configured to be delivered by an unmanned system.
15. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein the central module includes an indication configured to indicate whether an attachment module has been connected to the central module.
16. The payload delivery device of any preceding claim, wherein the top surface comprises a port configured to receive a detonator.
17. A kit of parts comprising parts operable to be assembled into a payload delivery device to according to any of Claims 1 to 16.
18. A method comprising manufacturing the payload delivery device of any of Claims 1 to 14 or the kit of parts according to Claim 17.
19. The method of Claim 18, wherein 3D printing is used to form the payload delivery device of any of Claims 1 to 16 or the kit of parts according to Claim 17.A payload delivery device for delivering an explosive component comprising: a central module, the central module having a top surface, a base surface and a side surface positioned between the top surface and the base surface; the top surface, the base surface and the side surface defining an interior cavity for containing an explosive component.