JP2008512642A - Kinetic energy rod warhead with narrow open angle - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to a kinetic energy rod warhead, wherein the kinetic energy rod warhead includes a projectile core including a plurality of projectiles of different sizes, a glaze provided around the core, and at least one for the glaze. And a detonator.

Description

  The present invention relates to improvements in kinetic energy rod warheads.

  Destroying missiles, aircraft, re-entry vehicles and other targets fall into three basic classes. That is, "hit-to-kill" vehicles, blast fragmentation warheads, and kinetic energy rod warheads.

  “Hit-to-kill” vehicles are usually fired into a position near a reentry object or other target by a missile, such as a Patriot, THAAD or standard Block IV missile. The kill vehicle is steerable and is designed to make a blow to the re-entry vehicle to make it inoperable. However, counter-measures may be used to avoid “hit-to-kill” vehicles. In addition, biological warfare bomblets and chemical warfare submunition payloads are carried by the enemy, and one or more of these small bombs or chemical warheads may survive. Even if the “To Kill” vehicle accurately destroys this target, it will cause enormous damage.

  Explosive-shaped warheads are designed to be carried by existing missiles. Unlike a “hit-to-kill” vehicle, the explosive-shaped warhead cannot be maneuvered. Instead, when the missile carrier reaches a position close to an enemy missile or other target, the pre-made metal strip of the warhead is blasted and the metal piece is accelerated to high speed to the target. collide. However, debris is not always effective at destroying targets, and biological microbombs and / or chemical warheads can still survive and cause enormous damage.

  A textbook by the inventor R. Lloyd (`` Conventional Warhead Systems Physics and Engineering Design '', Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics (AIAA) Book Series, Vol. 179, ISBN 1-56347-255-4, 1998 (this citation) )) Discloses further details regarding “hit-to-kill” vehicles and explosive warheads. Chapter 5 of this textbook proposes a kinetic energy rod warhead.

  The two main advantages of kinetic energy rod warheads are: 1) It doesn't rely on accurate navigation as it does with “hit-to-kill” vehicles. 2) It has better penetration than a bomb-shaped warhead.

  But to date, kinetic energy rod warheads have not been widely accepted, and they have not yet been deployed or fully designed. The main components involved in the theoretical kinetic energy rod warhead are a hull, a projectile core or bay in the hull that contains a number of separate long cylindrical projectiles, and a projectile bay with an explosion shield. The glaze in the surrounding hull. When the glaze is detonated, the projectile is spread.

However, the cylindrical projectile is damaged and / or rotated when it is unfolded. Still other projectiles may approach the target with a large tilt angle so that it does not effectively penetrate the target. "Aligned Rod Lethality Enhanced Concept for Kill Vehicles (R.Lloyd al.," Aligned Rod Lethality Enhancement Concept For Kill Vehicles ^{"10 th AIAA / BMDD TECHNOLOGY CONF.} , 7 May 23 to 26 days, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2001 years)" the See (incorporated herein by this citation).
R. Lloyd, "Conventional Warhead Systems Physics and Engineering Design", Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics (AIAA) Book Series, Vol.179, ISBN 1-56347-255-4, 1998 R. Lloyd, "Aligned Rod Lethality Enhancement Concept For Kill Vehicles" 10th AIAA / BMDD TECHNOLOGY CONF., July 23-26, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2001

  The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved kinetic energy rod warhead.

  A further object of the present invention is to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead with better destructive power.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead with an internal structure that aligns the projectile as it is spread.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that allows a projectile to be selectively directed to a target.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that prevents the projectile from being damaged when the projectile is spread.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that prevents the projectile from rotating when the projectile is spread.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that ensures that the projectile is close to the target with a good penetration angle.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that can be spread as part of a missile or as part of a “hit-to-kill” vehicle.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that has a projectile shape that penetrates the target with higher probability.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead having a projectile shape that can be more densely loaded.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that can destroy all of the targeted small bombs and chemical warheads with a high probability, thereby reducing damage more completely.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kinetic energy rod warhead that improves its destructive power against ballistic missiles having weapon warheads or small bomb warheads.

  The invention recognizes the following: a highly aggressive kinetic energy rod warhead capable of destroying ballistic missiles with either weapon warheads or small bomb warheads, destroys both weapon warheads and small bomb warheads It is based on the recognition that it can be realized by including a plurality of differently sized projectiles.

  The present invention is characterized by a kinetic energy rod warhead comprising a projectile core including a plurality of different sized projectiles, a glaze around the core, and at least one detonator for the glaze.

  In some embodiments, the plurality of different size projectiles may include a large number of small projectiles and a smaller number of large projectiles. The number of small projectiles can be selected to increase the destructive power (attack power) against weapon warheads. The number of large projectiles can be selected to increase the destructive power (attack power) against small bombs. The number of small projectiles can be selected to increase the flying pattern density of the projectile. The number of large projectiles can be selected to reduce the flying pattern density of the projectile. Small projectiles can be placed near the outer region of the core, and large projectiles are placed near the central region of the core. The plurality of different sized projectiles may comprise a small projectile occupying about 70 percent and a large projectile occupying about 30 percent. The mass of each large projectile can be greater than the mass of each small projectile. All of the projectiles may have a cruciform cross section. Large projectiles and small projectiles may be densely loaded into the core such that the gap between them is minimized. All of the projectiles may be made of tungsten. Each of the small projectiles may have a weight of less than about 50 grams. Each of the small projectiles may have a weight of approximately 28 grams. The projectile may have a hexagonal shape, a cylindrical cross section, a non-cylindrical cross section, a star cross section, a flat end, a non-flat nose, a pointed nose, or a wedge shape. The projectile may have a cubic shape or may have a three-dimensional tetris shape.

  The present invention further provides a kinetic energy rod warhead comprising a projectile core including a number of small projectiles and a small number of large projectiles, a glaze provided around the core, and at least one detonator for the glaze. Is characterized by

  The present invention further includes a projectile core including a number of small projectiles for increasing destructive power against a weapon warhead and a small number of large projectiles for increasing destructive power against a small bomb warhead, and surrounding the core Characterized by a kinetic energy rod warhead equipped with a glaze provided and at least one detonator for the glaze.

  Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

  As described in “Background Art” above, hit-to-kill vehicles are typically fired using the missile 12 to a location near the re-entry body 10 or other target of FIG. The hit-to-kill vehicle 14 is steerable and is designed to strike it so that the re-entry vehicle 10 becomes inoperable. However, countermeasures may be taken to avoid the kill vehicle 14. An arrow 16 indicates a case where the kill flying object 14 has removed the reentry object 10. In addition, biological small bombs and chemical submunition warheads 18 may be carried by the enemy, and one or more of those small bombs or chemical weapon warheads 18 may survive, as indicated by 20, so that kill vehicle 14 is precisely Defeating the target 10 can cause significant damage.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the explosive-shaped warhead 32 is designed to be carried by a missile and when the missile reaches a position near an enemy reentry vehicle (RV), missile, or other target 36, the warhead The pre-made metal band or fragment is exploded and the metal piece 34 impacts the target 36. However, debris is not always effective in destroying targets, and biological bomblets and / or chemical weapon warheads can still survive and cause enormous damage.

  R. Lloyd's textbook (`` Conventional Warhead Systems Physics and Engineering Design '', Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics (AIAA) Book Series, Vol. 179, ISBN 1-56347-255-4, 1998) (this) Further details regarding “hit-to-kill” vehicles and debris-type warheads are disclosed in incorporated herein by reference. Chapter 5 of this textbook proposes a kinetic energy rod warhead.

  Generally, a kinetic energy rod warhead (in accordance with the present invention) is added to the kill vehicle 14 (FIG. 3) to spread the elongated cylindrical projectile 40 toward the re-entry body 10 or other target. be able to. Further, to explode the projectile 40 toward the target 36, the conventional explosive piece-type warhead shown in FIG. 2 can be replaced with a kinetic energy rod warhead 50 (FIG. 4), or the conventional one shown in FIG. A kinetic energy rod warhead 50 (FIG. 4) can be added to the explosion piece-type warhead.

  The two main advantages of the theorized kinetic energy rod warhead are: 1) It doesn't rely on accurate navigation as it does with “hit-to-kill” vehicles. 2) It is more intrusive than the explosive piece warhead.

  But to date, kinetic energy rod warheads have not been widely used, fully deployed, or completely designed. The main components associated with the theoretical kinetic energy rod warhead 60 (FIG. 5) include a hull 62, a number of individual long cylindrical rod projectiles 66, the projectile core or A bay 64, an explosion shield 67, and a glaze 68 in the hull 62 that surrounds the bay or core 64. When the glaze 66 is detonated, the projectile 66 is spread apart as indicated by arrows 70, 72, 74 and 76.

  However, it should be noted that in FIG. 5, the projectile indicated at 78 is not specifically aimed at, ie, is not directed to, the re-entry body 80. It should also be noted that the cylindrical projectiles tend to be damaged when spread, as shown at 84. The projectile also tends to rotate during its opening as shown at 82. Still other projectiles impact target 80 at a large tilt angle, but at this angle the projectile does not effectively penetrate target 80 as shown at 90.

  The kinetic energy rod warhead in the present invention includes, inter alia, means for aligning the individual projectiles when the glaze is detonated, and prevents the projectiles from rotating and ensures good projectiles. Spread the projectile to approach the target at a proper penetration angle.

  In one example, the means for aligning the individual projectiles includes a plurality of detonators 100 (typically chip slapper chips) spaced along the length of the glaze 102 within the hull 104 of the kinetic energy rod warhead 106. including slapper type) (Fig. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, projectile core 108 includes a number of separate elongated cylindrical projectiles and (in this example) a glaze 102 surrounding projectile core 108. Including the detonator 100 spaced along the length of the glaze 102 prevents the occurrence of sweeping shock waves at the boundary between the projectile core 108 and the glaze 102 (otherwise this is the individual Will be rotated).

  As shown in FIG. 7, if only one detonator 116 is used to detonate the glaze 118, a blown shock wave is generated, which rotates the projectile 120. When this occurs, the projectile 120 may be crushed, damaged, or unable to penetrate the target, which reduces the destructive power of the kinetic energy rod warhead.

  By using a plurality of detonators 100 spaced along the length of the glaze 108, blow-off shock waves are prevented from being generated and the individual projectiles 100 do not rotate as indicated at 122.

  In other embodiments, the means for aligning the individual projectiles includes a low density material (eg, foam) structure 140 (FIG. 9) disposed within the core 144 of the kinetic energy rod warhead 146, although kinetic energy Rod warhead 146 also includes hull 148 and glaze 150. The structure 140 includes a hole 152 in which a projectile 156 is accommodated as shown. This foam matrix acts as a rigid support to hold all the rods together after the initial spreading. The glaze accelerates this foam and rod toward the RV or other target. The foam structure stably holds the rod while maintaining the alignment of the rod for a short time. The foam reduces the scraping and expelling of the rod loaded with explosive gas, so that the rod remains in alignment.

  In some embodiments, the foam structure 140 (FIG. 9) may be combined with the side-by-side detonator structure of FIGS. 6 and 8 to improve projectile alignment.

  In yet another embodiment, the means for aligning the individual projectiles to prevent their rotation includes magnetic flux compressors (compressed magnetic flux generators) 160 and 162 (FIG. 10), each of the projectile cores 164. There is one at each end, each of which forms an alignment field to align the projectiles. Each flux compressor includes a magnetic core element 166 as shown with respect to the flux compressor 160, a number of coils 168 around the core element 166, and a glaze 170 that explodes the magnetic core element when the glaze 170 is exploded. Including. The specific configuration of the magnetic flux compressor is known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the kinetic energy rod warhead 180 is a flat shock wave as shown at 192 to align the flux compressors 160 and 162 that generate the aligned magnetic fields shown at 182 and 184 with the projectile shown at 194. A plurality of detonators 186 along the length of the glaze 190 forming a surface. As noted above, foam structures 140 can also be incorporated into this embodiment to assist in projectile alignment.

  In FIG. 12, the kinetic energy rod warhead 200 comprises a glaze divided into a number of sections 202, 204, 206 and 208. A shield, such as shield 225, separates the glaze sections 204 and 206. The shield 225 may be formed from a composite material, for example, with a steel core sandwiched between an inner lexan ™ layer and an outer lexan layer, where the initiation of one glaze section is another glaze. Suppress detonating sections. A detonation cord exists between the hull sections 210, 212 and 214, each having an injection glaze pack 220, 224 and 226. A high density tungsten rod 216 is present in the bay of the core or warhead 200 as shown. In order to orient all of the rods 216 in a particular direction, and thus to avoid the situation as shown at 78 in FIG. 5, a hull similar to the injection glaze packs 220, 222 and 224 as shown in FIGS. The initiation cord on each side of sections 210, 212 and 214 is detonated, and hull sections 210, 212 and 214 are fired away from the intended direction of movement of projectile 216. Subsequently, the glaze section 202 (FIG. 14) uses a number of detonators as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 to spread the projectile 216 in the direction of the target as shown in FIG. ), It is detonated as shown in FIG. Thus, by selectively detonating one or more glaze sections, the projectile can use the alignment structure shown and described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 and / or 9 and / or 10. In addition to being aligned using, a standard is specifically defined for the target.

  Furthermore, the structure shown in FIGS. 12-15 helps to control the projectile splash pattern. In some embodiments, the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention utilizes all of the alignment techniques shown in FIGS. 6 and 8-10 in addition to the aiming technique shown in FIGS.

  Typically, the hull portion referred to with respect to FIGS. 6-9 and 12-15 is the portion added to the missile skin (see FIG. 4) or “hit-to-kill” vehicle (see FIG. 3). One of them. Further details of the fragile skin utilized in the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention are described below.

  So far, a glaze has been shown that is positioned to surround the outer surface of the projectile or rod core. However, in other examples, the glaze 230 (FIG. 16) is placed inside the rod core 232 in the hull 234. In addition, a low density material (eg, foam) buffer 236 can be interposed between the core 232 and the glaze 230 to prevent damage to the projectile rod when the glaze 230 is detonated.

  So far, the rods and projectiles disclosed herein have been illustrated as long cylindrical members made of, for example, tungsten and flat at both ends. However, in other examples, the rod has a non-cylindrical cross section and a non-flat nose. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 24, these different rod shapes can increase the strength, reduce the weight, and improve the loading efficiency. This also reduces the possibility of bouncing off the target and improves target penetration capability, especially when used with the alignment and aiming techniques described above.

  Usually, preferred projectiles do not have a cylindrical cross section, but instead may have a star cross section, a cross-shaped cross section, and the like. The projectile can also have a pointed nose or at least a non-flat nose such as a wedge-shaped nose. Projectile 240 (FIG. 17) has a pointed nose, while projectile 242 (FIG. 18) has a star nose. Other projectile shapes include those shown at 244 in FIG. 19 (star-pointed nose), projectile 246 (FIG. 20), projectile 248 (FIG. 21), and projectile 250 (FIG. 22). . Projectile 252 (FIG. 23) has a star cross-section, a pointed nose, and a flat distal end. The improvement in loading efficiency of these specially shaped projectiles is as shown in FIG. 24. In this case, in the same space previously occupied by nine penetrators or projectiles having a cylindrical shape. , Can load 16 star projectiles.

  So far it has been assumed that there is only one set of projectiles. However, in other embodiments, the projectile core is divided into multiple bays 300 and 302 (FIG. 25). Again, this embodiment can also be combined with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 8-24. In FIGS. 26 and 27, there are eight projectile bays 310-324 and a core molding glaze 328 that spreads all bay rods at different speeds to achieve a uniform splash pattern. In addition, FIG. 26 shows a wedge-shaped glaze section 330 having a narrow proximal surface 334 adjacent to the projectile core 332 and a wide distal surface 336 adjacent to the kinetic energy rod warhead hull. Distal surface 336 is tapered as shown at 338 and 340 to reduce the weight of the kinetic energy rod warhead.

  In one test example, the projectile core includes three bays 400, 402, and 404 (FIG. 28) of a hexagonal tungsten projectile 406. Other projectile shapes shown in FIGS. 17-24 are also available. Each bay is held together by a fiberglass wrap 408 as shown for bay 400. Bays 400, 402 and 404 rest on a steel end plate 410. A buffer 407 is mounted around the rod core. This buffer reduces the explosion edge effect acting on the outer rod. By reducing the energy acting on the edge rod, it reduces the scattering angle due to the explosion shock wave.

  Subsequently, the glaze sections 412, 414, 416 and 418 (FIG. 29) are placed on the end plate 410 around the projectile core. Therefore, the main firing direction of the projectile in this test example is along arrow 420. Clay sections 422, 424, 426, and 428 mimic additional glaze sections that would be used on deployed warheads. There is an explosion shield 430 between each glaze section, which typically comprises a Lexan layer 434 and 436 and a steel layer 432 sandwiched therebetween. Each glaze section is wedge-shaped as shown, a proximal surface 440 of the glaze section 412 adjacent to the projectile core, and a distal surface 442 tapered as shown at 444 and 446 to reduce weight. Have

  The top end plate 431 (FIG. 30) completes the assembly. End plates 410 and 431 can also be formed from aluminum. The total weight of the projectile rod 406 was 65 pounds and the weight of the C4 glaze sections 412, 414, 416 and 418 was 10 pounds. Each rod weighs 35 grams and has a length to diameter ratio of 4. Each bay is loaded with 271 rods, for a total of 823 rods. The total weight of the assembly was 30.118 pounds.

  FIG. 31 shows a state in which the detonator indicated by 450 is attached immediately before test firing (ignition). There was one detonator per glaze section, and all detonators were ignited simultaneously. 32 and 33 show the results after the test launch. The individual projectiles collided with the test surface 452 as shown in FIG. 32, and the status of some recovered projectiles was as shown in FIG.

  Several additions to reduce the projectile's spread angle when the detonator detonates the glaze section, thereby providing a denser splash pattern, which in some cases is useful for greater destructive forces A typical structure is added to the modified warhead of FIG.

  One way to reduce the spread angle of the projectile 406 is to add a buffer 500 between the glaze section and the core. The buffer 500 is a thin layer, preferably 1/2 inch thick, made of polyfoam, which also preferably extends beyond the core to the plates 430 and 412. The shock absorber 500 reduces the edge effect of the explosive shock wave during spreading, so that individual rods are not exposed to the edge effect.

  Another means for reducing the spread angle of the rod is to add a poly foam cushioning disk 510, also shown in FIG. This disk typically has a thickness of 1/8 inch and, as shown, between each end plate and core and between each core bay to reduce rattling or impact interaction of the rod core. Be placed.

  Momentum traps 520 and 522 are preferably thin glass layers provided on the outer surface of each end plate 410 and 430. Also, the thin aluminum relaxation layers 530 and 532 between each end plate and the core help to mitigate the edge effect, thus it forms a further means to close the rod splash pattern.

  In one example, the selected rods 406a, 406b, 406c, and 406d extend continuously through all bays, which facilitates convergence of the remaining rods, and the open angle of all rods is Reduced. Another contrivance is to add an encapsulant 540, which fills the gap between the rods 406 (FIG. 36). This encapsulant may be a glass and / or grease covering each rod. Preferably, there are a plurality of spaced detonators 450a, 450b and 450c (FIG. 32) for each glaze section, and each detonator is typically aligned with bays 400, 402 and 404, respectively, thereby A flat explosive front is achieved and the spread angle of the rod 406 is further reduced. Other initiation techniques can be used to reduce the edge effect by generating a gentle thrust on the rod. This technical idea uses reverse detonation, in which case a plurality of detonators 450a ′, 450b ′ and 450c ′ move from their conventional position on the outer glaze to the inner base near the buffer 500 Be made. The glaze detonator is interposed at the glaze / foam interface, which generates a flat shock wave that moves away from the rod core. This detonation logic creates a gentle thrust on the rod core, reducing all lateral edge effects.

  Another contrivance is to use rod 406e at the chosen position or even for all rods (FIG. 37). Rod 406e extends through all bays, but includes reduced diameter weakened portions 560 and 562 at the intersection of the bays, which breaks when unfolded, causing rod 406e to become three separate portions. Separated into 564, 566 and 568.

  When the detonator detonates the glaze section, all of the above representative structural means for reducing the open angle of the rod or projectile, some selected, or even more A denser, more converged rod splash pattern is achieved. Also, means for aligning the projectile previously described with reference to FIGS. 6-11 and / or means for aiming the projectile previously described with reference to FIGS. It can be combined with the warhead structure shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 according to the present invention.

  In a preferred embodiment, the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention includes a plurality of different sized projectiles, which are useful for ballistic missiles with weapon (submunition) warheads or small bomb warheads. Different sized projectiles usually have a large number of small projectiles (which are effective at destroying weapon warheads) and a few large, usually heavier projectiles (which destroy small bomb warheads) Effective).

  For example, the kinetic energy rod warhead 600 (FIG. 38) has a projectile core 602 that includes a plurality of different sized projectiles 604. Ideally, the projectile has a large number of small projectiles 606 and a small number of large projectiles 608. Large projectiles are usually heavier than small projectiles, and typically have a weight of about 113.7 grams, while small projectiles are about 28.6 grams. The warhead 600 also has a glaze divided into a number of sections 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622 and 624. A shield (eg, shield 626) defines glaze sections 610 and 612. The warhead 600 also includes a plurality of detonators, such as detonators 628, 630, 632, 634, 636, 638, 640 and 642. A selected detonator 628-640 (usually a chip slapper type detonator) is used to detonate the selected glaze section 610-624 and spread multiple different sized projectiles. In order to improve the alignment state of the projectiles, a foam body 603 surrounding the core 602 (similar to the foam body 140 (FIG. 9) described above) may be employed (FIG. 38). Small projectile 606 is effective in destroying ballistic missiles with weapon warheads, and large, heavier projectile 608 is effective in destroying small bomb warheads. As a result, the kinetic energy rod warhead 600 of the present invention effectively destroys ballistic missiles having either a weapon warhead or a small bomb warhead, as described in more detail below.

  In FIG. 39 (same components are given the same numbers), a projectile core 602 including a small projectile 606 and a large projectile 608 is shown enlarged. In this example, all projectiles have a cross-shaped cross section. Projectiles may also include cube-shaped projectiles (eg, cube-shaped projectile 652) and tetris-shaped projectiles (eg, Tetris-shaped projectile 654).

  Typically, the small projectile 606 is disposed near the outer region 802 of the core 602, while the large projectile 608 is disposed near the central region 804 of the core 602.

  In one design, the projectiles include about 70% small projectiles 606 and about 30% large projectiles 608. The mass of each large projectile 608 is typically greater than the mass of each small projectile 606. In one example, the mass of each small projectile 606 in the core 602 is about 28 grams and the mass of each large projectile 608 is about 114 grams. Multiple different sized projectiles can be formed from tungsten or similar materials.

  A simulation showing that many small projectiles are more effective for ballistic missiles with weapon warheads is shown in FIG. In this example, a small projectile, such as 128 projectiles (indicated by 758), is effective in destroying a weapon warhead, as shown by a destroyed weapon (member bullet) pointed to by 760. In contrast, when a smaller number of projectiles, for example 32 projectiles (denoted by 762) are spread, the destroyed weapons, as indicated by the destroyed weapons (submunitions) pointed to by 764, There were fewer. When four large projectiles (denoted 766) were spread, only three weapons (submunitions) were destroyed, as illustrated at 768. A number of small projectiles or rods impinging on the weapon (submunition) warhead 772 are also shown at 770. As shown at 774, a number of small projectiles or rods caused significant damage to the weapon warhead 772. In contrast, when a small number of large projectiles (shown at 776) were spread against the weapon warhead 772, minimal damage was done to the weapon warhead 772, as shown at 778.

  FIG. 41 relates to a simulation showing that a small number of large and heavy projectiles are very effective for ballistic missiles with small bomb warheads. In this example, when a small number of large projectiles indicated at 780 (eg, four heavier projectiles or rods each weighing approximately 2273 grams) are spread, the large projectiles penetrate the small bomb head 782. And as shown by the destroyed small bomb 784, almost all the small bombs inside it were destroyed. However, as shown at 784, when multiple rods (eg, 128 rods each weighing about 276 grams) are used, the multiple small projectiles or rods are rearward as shown by the surviving small bombs 788. Did not destroy the small bomb. When a large number of small projectiles or rods (eg, 1024 rods each weighing about 31 grams) were spread as shown at 790, the rear small bombs as shown by the surviving small bombs 792 A significant portion of was not destroyed. Thus, a small number of large and heavy penetrators are more effective in destroying ballistic missiles with small bomb warheads.

  Since the kinetic energy rod warhead 600 (FIG. 38) of the present invention simultaneously disperses both a large number of small projectiles and a small number of large and heavy projectiles or rods, the warhead 600 is a weapon (submunition) warhead and / or small bomb. Effectively destroy ballistic missiles with warheads.

  As mentioned above, ideally, different sized rods have a cross-shaped cross section. The cruciform rod allows the projectiles to be tightly loaded within the core 602 with minimal clearance required between projectiles. By closely loading cruciform cross-section projectiles, more projectiles can be loaded into the core 602 than cylindrical rods. For example, as shown in FIG. 42A, by closely loading the cross-shaped rod 660, approximately 80 projectiles can be used as the loaded projectile core (pack-type projectile core) 602. In contrast, with cylindrical rod 662 (FIG. 42B), only about 56 rods or projectiles can be loaded into core 602. The cruciform rod can be loaded even more tightly, as shown in FIG. 42C, with 113 cruciform projectiles 662 loaded in the core 602 in this example. As the number of projectiles that can be loaded into the core 602 increases, a higher scattering pattern density for the enemy target can be realized. In this example, the large cross-shaped rods 660 have a diameter of about 0.75 inches and each weighs about 34.4 grams, and the cross-shaped rods 662 have a diameter of about 0.375 inches and Each weight is about 25.2 grams. In addition, the use of cruciform projectiles or penetrators is useful for bulk or liquid-filled tanks because it improves the transmission of kinetic energy that causes a hydraulic ram effect. This effect is caused by high impact pressure with projectile drag that provides a secondary explosive force on the tank wall.

  As noted above, preferred projectiles do not have a cylindrical cross section, but instead have a cross-shaped cross section. The projectile may also have a pointed nose or at least a non-flat nose (eg, wedge-shaped nose). Projectile 240 (FIG. 17) has a sharp nose, while projectile 242 (FIG. 18) has a star nose. Other projectile shapes include those shown at 244 in FIG. 19 (star point), projectile 246 (FIG. 20), projectile 248 (FIG. 21), and projectile 250 (FIG. 22). Projectile 252 (FIG. 23) has a star cross-section, a pointed nose, and a flat distal end. The improvement in the loading efficiency of these specially shaped projectiles is as shown in FIG. 24. In this case, in the same space previously occupied by nine penetrators or projectiles having a cylindrical shape. It can be loaded with 16 star projectiles. The projectile or rod may also have a cube shape, as shown in FIG. 43A. This cube shape also provides a dense loading density as shown in FIG. 43B. Typically, each cube has a mass of about 50 grams and about 48 cubes can be loaded into the core 602. The plurality of projectiles may have a three-dimensional tetris shape as shown in FIG. 44A. This Tetris shaped rod also achieves a dense loading density within the core 602, as shown in FIG. 44B.

  Although specific features of the invention are shown in the figures, this is for convenience and each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features according to the invention. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and “comprising” as used herein are to be interpreted broadly and comprehensively and are not limited to any physical interconnection. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be understood as the only possible embodiments.

  Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the claims.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a typical spread of a “hit-to-kill” vehicle according to the prior art. FIG. It is the schematic which shows the typical spread of the conventional explosion piece formation type warhead. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the spread of a kinetic energy rod warhead system incorporated in a “hit-to-kill” vehicle, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the spread of a kinetic energy rod warhead in place of a blast fragmentation-type warhead according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a detailed view showing the distraction of a projectile of a kinetic energy rod warhead relative to a target according to the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the kinetic energy rod warhead system of this invention in the state which notched the one part. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a rotating projectile according to a conventional kinetic energy rod warhead structure. FIG. FIG. 6 is another schematic cross-sectional view showing how the use of multiple detonators in accordance with the present invention aligns projectiles and constrains their rotation. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the use of a kinetic energy rod warhead core body utilized to align projectiles according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic broken cross-sectional view illustrating the use of a magnetic flux compressor utilized to align the projectiles of a kinetic energy rod warhead according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic broken cross-sectional view illustrating the use of a magnetic flux compressor utilized to align the projectiles of a kinetic energy rod warhead according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing how the projectile of the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention is aimed in a specific direction based on the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing how the projectile of the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention is aimed in a specific direction based on the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing how the projectile of the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention is aimed in a specific direction based on the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing how the projectile of the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention is aimed in a specific direction based on the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows other embodiment of the kinetic energy rod warhead of this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing one shape of a projectile useful for the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one shape of a projectile useful for the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one shape of a projectile useful for the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one shape of a projectile useful for the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one shape of a projectile useful for the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one shape of a projectile useful for the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one shape of a projectile useful for the kinetic energy rod warhead of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is an end view showing a number of star projectiles according to the present invention and the higher loading density achieved using them. FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the kinetic energy rod warhead system of the present invention, with a portion cut away, wherein there are multiple projectile bays. FIG. 4 is another schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of the kinetic energy rod warhead system of the present invention, in which the explosive core has a wedge shape and achieves a uniform projectile scattering pattern according to the present invention. ing. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a wedge-shaped explosive core and a projectile bay adjacent thereto for the kinetic energy rod warhead system shown in FIG. 26; FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a test version of a kinetic energy rod warhead according to the present invention with three separate rod bays. FIG. 29 is a schematic view of the warhead of FIG. 28 with a glaze section added. FIG. 30 is a schematic view of the rod warhead shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 with the top plate added. FIG. 31 is a schematic view of the kinetic energy rod warhead of FIG. 30 just prior to test ignition. FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a collision result of individual rods after test ignition of the warhead shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing various individual penetrator rods after test ignition. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a kinetic energy warhead with a narrow spread angle according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the use of a buffer disk between individual bays of a projectile to reduce the rod spread angle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of glass filler around individual penetrators to narrow the spread angle in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing different types of projectiles according to the present invention including two weakened portions. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a kinetic energy rod warhead employing a plurality of different sized projectiles according to the present invention. FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows in more detail an example of the projectile of a different size shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing that a large number of small projectiles are more effective against a ballistic missile with a weapon warhead. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing that a small number of large projectiles are more effective against ballistic missiles with small bomb warheads. It is a schematic side view which shows the loading density of the cross-shaped projectile based on this invention. It is a schematic side view which shows the loading density of the cylindrical projectile based on this invention. It is a schematic side view which shows the loading density of the cross-shaped projectile based on this invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the cube-shaped projectile based on this invention. FIG. 43B is a schematic side view showing the loading density of the cube-shaped projectile shown in FIG. 43A. 1 is a perspective view of a tetris shaped projectile according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 44B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the loading density of the tetris-shaped projectile shown in FIG. 44A.

Explanation of symbols

10 Re-entry body (target)
12 Missile 14 Hit-to-kill vehicle 18 Warhead 32 Explosive-shaped warhead 34 Metal piece 36 Target 40 Cylindrical projectile 50,60 Kinetic energy rod warhead 62 Hull 64 Bay (core)
66 Projectile 67 Explosive Shield 68 Glaze 78 Projectile 80 Re-entry (Target)
100 explosive device 102 glaze 104 hull 106 kinetic energy rod warhead 108 projectile core 110 projectile 116 explosive device 118 glaze 120 projectile 140 low density material structure (foam structure)
144 core 146 kinetic energy rod warhead 148 hull 150 glaze 152 hole 156 projectile 160,162 flux compressor 164 projectile core 166 magnetic core element 168 coil 170 glaze 180 kinetic energy rod warhead 186 detonator 190 glaze 194 energy projectile 200 Rod warhead 202-208 Glaze section 210-214 Hull section 216 Projectile (rod)
220-226 injection glaze pack 225 shield 230 glaze 232 rod core 234 hull 236 low density material buffer 240-252 projectile 300,302 bay 310-324 projectile bay 328 core molding glaze 330 wedge shaped glaze section 332 projectile core 334 width Narrow proximal surface 336 Wide distal surface 400-404 Bay 406, 406a-406e Projectile (rod)
407 Buffer 408 Fiber glass wrap 410 End plate 412-418 Glaze section 422-428 Clay section 430 Explosion shield 431 Top end plate 432 Steel layer 434,436 Lexein layer 440 Proximal surface 442 Distal surface 450, 450a-450c, 450a '-450c' detonator 452 test surface 500 shock absorber 510 polyfoam shock absorbing disk 520,522 momentum trap 530,532 aluminum relaxation layer 540 encapsulated material 560,562 vulnerable portion 600 kinetic energy rod warhead 602 projectile core 603 foam body 604- 608 projectile 610-624 glaze section 626 shield 628-642 detonator 652,654 projectile 660,662 rod 758 projectile 760 Broken weapons (bomblets)
762 Projectile 764 Destroyed weapon (child bullet)
766,770 projectiles 772 weapons (submunitions) warheads 780 projectiles 782 small bomb warheads 784 small bombs 788,792 surviving small bombs

Claims (21)

A kinetic energy rod warhead,
A projectile core comprising a plurality of different sized projectiles,
A number of small projectiles having a predetermined shape selected to increase destructive power against a weapon warhead;
A projectile core comprising a small number of large projectiles having a shape similar to the small projectile and having a shape selected to increase destructive power against a small bomb warhead;
A glaze for spreading the small projectile and the large projectile;
At least one detonator for the glaze;
A kinetic energy rod warhead characterized by comprising:   The kinetic energy rod warhead of claim 1, wherein the number of small projectiles is selected to increase a flying pattern density of the projectiles.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 2, wherein the number of large projectiles is selected to reduce the scattering pattern density of the projectiles.   The kinetic energy rod according to claim 1, wherein the small projectile is disposed in the vicinity of an outer region of the core, and the large projectile is disposed in the vicinity of a central region of the core. warhead.   The kinetic energy rod warhead of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different sized projectiles comprises a small projectile occupying about 70 percent and a large projectile occupying about 30 percent.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the mass of each large projectile is larger than the mass of each small projectile.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein all of the projectiles have a cross-shaped cross section.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 7, wherein the large projectile and the small projectile are densely loaded in the core so that a gap between them is minimized.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein all of the projectiles are made of tungsten.   The kinetic energy rod warhead of claim 7, wherein each of the small projectiles has a weight of less than about 50 grams.   The kinetic energy rod warhead of claim 10, wherein each of the small projectiles has a weight of approximately 28 grams.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a hexagonal shape.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a cylindrical cross section.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a non-cylindrical cross section.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a star-shaped cross section.   The kinetic energy rod warhead of claim 1, wherein the projectile has a flat end.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a non-flat nose.   The kinetic energy rod warhead of claim 1, wherein the projectile has a sharp nose.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a wedge shape.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a cubic shape.   The kinetic energy rod warhead according to claim 1, wherein the projectile has a three-dimensional tetris shape.

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