GB608087A - Improvements in or relating to fuzes for projectiles - Google Patents

Abstract

608,087. Projectile fuzes. PENNY, F. D., SUCH, R., and MITCHELL, S. S. C. Feb. 14, 1946, No. 4739. [Class 9 (i)] A projectile fuze, particularly suitable for use in underwater attacks on ships by shell fire, is constructed to function only on the second impact. To achieve this, the striker 2 is held against the action of a spring 12 in a position in which it prevents a spring - controlled shutter 4 from rotating to bring a detonator 5 into alignment with the striker, the holding means being released on first impact, whereupon the strikermoves to the rear underspring action, thus releasing the shutter and allowing detonation to take place on the second impact. In the construction shown, the striker is held in a shutter-locking position by a ball 13 which is normally held in place by an inertia member 18 which moves forwards on first impact and allows the ball to enter a recess. 16. A lead ball 21 prevents rebound of member 18. The inertia member in turn is normally held locked by a ball 28 which is held in the locking position by the head 26 of a pin 25. On firing, the propellant gases cause diaphragms 24 to reverse and move the head 26 forwards to release the ball 28. In case of failure to hit a second target the member 18 may form an auxiliary striker to fire a delay leading to the magazine 10, whereby the fuze is self-destroying. In a modification, Figs. 3 and 4 (not shown), the inertia member is mounted within the enlarged rear end of a hollow striker, and has a recess which contains a ball which is held against an internal shoulder on the striker to hold the latter in its forward position. The ball is held in place by a spring-controlled member which sets back on firing.