GB593100A - Improvements in or relating to projectiles of the self-propelled or rocket type - Google Patents

Abstract

593,100. Launching rockets. HYDRAN PRODUCTS, Ltd., and MOTLEY, L. May 31, 1945, No. 13666. [Classes 9 (i) and 92 (ii)] A projectile of the selfpropelled type is launched by the ignition of a rapidly burning launching charge whose products of combustion react with the launching apparatus to give the projectile a rapid initial acceleration after which it is sustained in flight by the ignition of a relatively slow burning charge, the projectile being fitted with a longitudinally slidable sealing device adapted to come between the products of combustion and a part of the launching apparatus to provide a seal for the products of combustion. In the construction shown in sectional plan in Fig. 2, rounds 3 are fed in succession to the rear end of a launching tube 1 from a magazine, and each round is launched from the tube by a rapidly burning charge 4 being subsequently retained in flight by a relatively slow-burning rocket charge 5. For firing the charge 4 a massive block 9 is mounted for longitudinal reciprocating movements in a tube 8 extending rearwardly from the breech chamber. The tube 8 has slots for guiding lugs 26 on the block, the lugs carrying forwardly extending rods surrounded by springs 12 which are compressed when the block is retracted. The block is held in the retracted position by a latch 11, and when the latch is released the block moves forwardly under the action of the springs 12, and a rod 10 carried by the block enters a tube 6 in the rocket and strikes a detonator cap 14 which ignites the charge 4. The detonator cap is fitted in a piston-like structure 13, and to the rear of this is a driving band 18 with which rod 10 makes a splined engagement. When charge 4 therefore is ignited the rocket moves forwardly, and the parts 13, 18 and 10 move rearwardly, the parts 13 and 18 being eventually stripped from rod 10 by the base 7 of the round. When the parts 13, 18 reach the rear end of the tube 6 they uncover a ring of openings 21 thus permitting hot gases from the combustion of charge 4 to make contact with and ignite the charge 5. The explosive charge 22 is contained in the nose of the round. The rod 10 in making a splined engagement with the driving band 18 prevents it from rotating, and as the inner surface of the tube 6 is rifled the round is, by this arrangement, rotated as it is propelled. As shown in Fig. 1a, the latch 11 is controlled by a solenoid 23 which, when energized, moves a lever 36 which rotates a lever 41 which is pivoted to a member 39. The pivotal movement of lever 41 takes place about a pin 42 which is held stationary by a spring-pressed strut 43, with the result that the upper end of lever 41 is moved to the left carrying member 39 with it and thereby actuating the latch 11. Just after the actuation of the latch the lever 36 rides past the lower end of lever 41, and when the solenoid is de-energized it again rides past it momentarily lifting the pin 42 from the strut 43 in so doing. Specification 588,920 is referred to.