RU2293281C2 - Missile for throwing charges and modes of its using - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: the invention refers to ammunition having magnitude submunitions fired according to proposed scheme and modes of shooting with such submunitions.

SUBSTANCE: the missile has magnitude of barrel sets located in radial direction from the center of the mass of the missile, each of which has several submunitions located in the barrel along its axle and provided with separate charges of throwing explosives for projection of corresponding submunitions out of the barrel. The missile is fulfilled with possibility of chosen shooting of submunitions for providing their scattering in accordance with the proposed scheme. The given missile is proposed for using in the mode of intercepting a rocket, in the mode of self defense of a transport vehicle subjected to an attack, in the mode of counteraction to infantry, in the mode of forming of images weighted in the air, in the mode of fire extinguishing, in the mode of execution of a volume explosion, in the mode of spiking payloads. A defensive complex with using of the indicated missiles is also proposed, and also a mode of camouflaging of the position of the installation for firing missiles with using reactive deviation of the trajectory.

EFFECT: increases degree of scattering of submunitions, provides possibility to control shooting with missiles and to camouflage the position of the installation for shooting.

39 cl,5 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to means for delivering shared objects such as shells, in particular (but not exclusively) to providing dispersion of submunitions fired by a carrier shell according to a predetermined pattern, and also to a method for firing shells to mask the location of the launcher.

State of the art

It is known to use shells with explosive explosive charges as fragmentation munitions for spreading fragments. In the simple form of such a projectile, when the detonation of an explosive charge detonates, the shell of the projectile breaks up into individual fragments (fragments), scattering in the radial direction with an approximately spherical front of dispersion of the fragments.

In other configurations, the dispersion of fragments can be controlled by changing the shape of the charge and the configuration of the housing. However, such fragmentation shells provide a relatively shallow depth of dispersion of the fragments, as is the case when breaking the shell of an artillery shell. Therefore, it is desirable to have shells that allow you to increase or adjust the depth of the zone of expansion of fragments.

Such shells may be particularly suitable for protecting a protected area, while at the same time not leaving the protected area dangerous after the threat has been removed, as is the case with ordinary minefields.

Existing defensive systems usually include systems for detecting and tracking the trajectory of objects, including flying objects, such as unguided and guided missiles. Examples of path detection and tracking systems are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,262,458 (Boeck et al.) And 5,960,097 (Pfeifferet et al.).

Recently, complex defense complexes have appeared with the use of shells fired at a relatively large angle and falling on a target along a steep path, as in the case of a mortar. Such complexes are able to determine the source of the attack, calculating the location of the installation for firing shells (launcher) along the flight path of the shells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention

The aim of the invention, in some embodiments, is to create a projectile used to shoot and disperse submunitions according to a predetermined pattern, which would solve the above-described problems of the prior art by providing an increased or controlled degree of dispersion of submunitions or, at least, expand the arsenal of means used in defense purposes.

Another objective of the invention in some variants of its implementation is the creation of a defensive complex that provides better control capabilities for firing shells and does not leave the protected area dangerous for its subsequent use for civilian purposes.

And another objective of the invention in other variants of its implementation is the creation of a defensive complex that can mask the location of the projectile for firing shells by deflecting the trajectory of the projectile in flight, which makes it impossible - or at least difficult - to calculate the location of the installation for firing shells.

Disclosure of invention

In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a projectile comprising a plurality of receiver kits located in a radial direction from the center of mass of the projectile, each of which contains several submunitions placed along the axis of the barrel and provided with individual charges of a propelling explosive to eject the corresponding submunition from the barrel, and the projectile is configured to selectively shoot submunitions to ensure their dispersion in a given pattern.

In the preferred case, the proposed shells are particularly well suited for delivery by firing from a weapon, unlike rockets or rockets fired from a pipe or from guides. In other embodiments of the invention, the proposed projectiles can be used using gravity, dropping them from a moving platform, such as an aircraft or ship, or, in another embodiment, using them similarly to conventional hand grenades designed to be thrown by military or security personnel.

In a first aspect of the invention, the proposed shells suitable for firing from a weapon can be used to intercept and destroy missiles, in particular high-altitude ballistic missiles. In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for intercepting a rocket, according to which a missile trajectory is determined, a projectile of the type described above is fired at that trajectory and selected submunitions are fired from it to ensure their dispersal in a predetermined pattern on and around the missile trajectory.

The proposed shells can be used for self-defense of a vehicle. A vehicle that has been attacked, in particular from close range, can fire a projectile of the type described above towards the attackers with the dispersal of submunitions according to a predetermined pattern among the attackers. In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of self-defense of an attacked vehicle, according to which the location of the attacker is determined, a projectile of the type described above is fired at the location of the attacker and selected submunitions are fired so that they are dispersed in a predetermined pattern at and near the location of the attacker.

The proposed shells can be used to repel the onset of infantry. In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of counteracting infantry, according to which the location of the infantry is determined, at least one shell of the above type is fired at the location of the infantry and the selected submunitions are fired so that they are dispersed in a predetermined pattern at and near the location of the infantry.

The proposed shells can be used to form airborne images, such as fireworks. In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming airborne images, according to which a projectile of the type described above is shot into the air and selected submunitions containing an image-forming substance are shot, providing dispersion of the image-forming substance in the air according to a predetermined pattern.

The proposed shells can be used to extinguish fires. In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fire extinguishing method, according to which a fire location is determined, at least one projectile of the type described above is fired at a specified fire location, selected submunitions are fired so that they are dispersed according to a given pattern at and near the fire and released from shot submunition fire retardant.

The proposed shells can be used to carry out a volumetric explosion. In a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for performing a volumetric explosion, according to which the intended location of the volumetric explosion is selected, at least one projectile of the type described above is fired at the area of the specified volumetric explosion, the selected submunitions containing combustible material are fired, ensuring their dispersion according to a given pattern, combustible material is released from fired sub-shells, selected sub-shells containing detonators are fired, ensuring that the sub-shells disperse according to the given th circuit and undermine these detonators to initiate volume explosion.

The proposed shells can be used to throw a variety of payloads. In an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for ejecting payloads, according to which the intended delivery location of the payload is selected, at least one projectile of the type described above is fired at the payload delivery area, selected sub-shells containing the payload are fired so that they disperse according to a predetermined pattern and release payload from fired submunitions.

The proposed shells can be used to protect the protected area. In a ninth aspect, the object of the invention in a broad sense is a defensive complex for protecting a protected area, this defensive complex comprising: at least one tracking device for said territory to detect a zone in which a new object has appeared; defensive means capable of neutralizing at a distance an intruder appearing anywhere in the protected area and including weapons capable of firing shells containing a system of barrel kits located radially from the center of mass of the shell having several additional shells or sub-shells placed in the barrel along its axis and equipped with separate charges of a propellant explosive for successive ejection of these submunitions from the barrel, the system the barrel kits are configured to selectively shoot submunitions from selected barrels, whereby said projectile is capable of dispersing submunitions according to a predetermined pattern; and communication means for transmitting signals between the tracking device and the defensive means for selectively actuating the defensive means to deliver a neutralizing strike against the intruder detection zone.

Tracking devices include one or more sensors located in a protected area, or a remote monitoring device located at a distance from the protected area. In another embodiment, the tracking device may include both sensors located in the protected area, and a means of remote monitoring.

Tracking devices can also provide a visual display of the controlled territory with the possibility of using, if necessary, the means of switching to manual control of the complex to control the defensive means in manual mode.

The shooting of additional shells, or submunitions, can be carried out simultaneously from several barrels or in a burst from one barrel. In such embodiments, the electric trigger signal can be transmitted outside the barrel or through adjacent sub-shells, which can be coupled to each other, continuing the electrical circuit through the barrel, or can be adjacent to each other to provide electrical contact. Submunitions can be equipped with their own control circuits or can form an electric circuit together with the barrel.

The barrel system can be located near the front end of the projectile to change the spatial orientation of the projectile or in the middle to move the projectile in the lateral direction. In another embodiment, the directional control system for the projectile may include receiver systems located near the front and rear ends of the projectile.

A barrel kit system or each of several such systems can shoot a submunition in a direction having a longitudinal component to achieve a corresponding increase in the kinetic energy of the projectile or in a direction having a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the projectile (rocket), for letting the projectile rotate relative to its longitudinal axis or changes to such a rotation. The barrel kit can shoot additional shells across load-bearing surfaces, such as a wing, for applying additional control action to the shell. In another embodiment, the receiver kits can be installed passing through aerodynamic surfaces with the possibility of firing submunitions in both directions. This can increase structural strength for a given aerodynamic configuration.

If necessary, the shell can be provided with a separate system of barrel kits or opposite systems of barrel kits for controlling the rotation of the shell relative to its longitudinal axis.

The systems of the barrel sets can be made in the form of opposite paired barrel sets, firing simultaneously only to change the rotation of the projectile relative to its longitudinal axis. Sub-shells can be selectively fired before and / or after firing additional projectile shells of the projectile control system in order to compensate for or exploit the effect of such rotation on the projectile about the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the energy required to change the spatial orientation and / or trajectory of the projectile is provided by firing submunitions from selected receiver kits.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, a method for masking the location of a projectile for firing shells is provided. This method consists in the fact that from the barrel unit, including the barrel, several shells placed in the barrel along its axis with a snug fit to the inner surface of the barrel bore, and individual charges of propellant for the sequential ejection of the corresponding shells through the barrel muzzle, shoot at least one shell; during the flight of a fired projectile, at least one submunition is fired from a system of deflecting devices mounted in it, each of which includes several submunitions placed in the deflector barrel along its axis and provided with separate additional charges of propelling explosive for sequentially expelling said submunitions from barrel deflecting device; moreover, the system of deflecting devices is configured to selectively shoot submunitions from selected deflecting devices, which informs the projectile of acceleration due to the recoil force arising from said shooting.

The external form of the submunition is not essential for the implementation of the invention, since the submunition is a body under the influence of an additional propellant explosive charge, the recoil of which acts on the breech of the barrel of the deflecting deflector. In the context of this embodiment of the invention, the breech can be formed by the following sub-shells remaining in the barrel with a snug fit to the inner surface of the barrel of the firing deflector. The recoil force is transmitted from the breech of the secondary barrel, or the barrel of the shooting deflecting device, to the projectile and reports acceleration to the projectile.

The barrel kit system can be located in the radial direction from the center of mass of the projectile. Such configurations of receiver sets are especially suitable for objects that do not have an integrated propulsion system, i.e. like unguided and guided missiles. When firing submunitions, the projectile simply displaces and the projectile follows its path, not counting this displacement, which creates an apparent trajectory.

The present invention is particularly applicable to area security systems where a protected area can be fired by shells from a launch container, such as a rocket launcher. Of course, in the following description it will be shown that the present invention will also find application to mask the positions of other launchers or artillery installations.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparent trajectory can be selected so as to transfer enemy fire from its launcher to other enemy positions.

For the proposed shells, it is advisable to use barrel kits similar to those described in international patent applications PCT / AU94 / 00124 and PCT / AU96 / 00459. The composition of such barrel kits includes a barrel, several sub-shells placed in the barrel along its axis with a snug fit to the inner surface of the barrel, and individual projectile explosive charges for successive ejection of the corresponding sub-shells through the barrel muzzle.

The sub-shells used can be round, regular or swept, and their plumage can have a certain installation angle to give the sub-shell a stabilizing rotation when the swept sub-shell is ejected from the barrel, which can have a smooth channel. If necessary, the shape of the shells - carriers of submunitions can be almost cylindrical, ovoid or spherical.

The propellant explosive charge can be made in the form of a solid block mounted in the barrel as a spacer between the submunitions, or the propellant explosive charge can be enclosed in a metal or other rigid case, which may contain a built-in capsule (initiating charge) with external contacts made with the possibility of connection with a pre-installed electrical contact, which is equipped with a barrel. For example, the capsule may be provided with a spring contact, which can be retracted to introduce the charge enclosed in the barrel into the barrel and pop into the barrel hole after aligning with this hole, while coming into contact with the barrel mating contact. Optionally, the external charge housing may be disposable or may chemically facilitate the burning of a propellant explosive charge. In addition, to reload the barrel kit, you can use a group of interconnected or separate enclosed in the body of charges and submunitions.

Each submunition may have a head and an extension means forming, at least in part, a cavity for placing a propellant explosive charge. The extension means may comprise a spacer block protruding backward from the head of the sub-projectile and abutting against an adjacent sub-projectile.

The spacer block can pass through the propellant explosive charge cavity and head in such a way that compressive loads are transmitted directly by adjacent spacer blocks. In such embodiments, the spacer unit may reinforce an extension means, which may be in the form of a thin cylindrical rear of the head of the sub-projectile. In addition, the extension means may form a seal in the bore, preventing the spread of the combustion products of the explosive beyond the submunition.

The spacer block may contain a rigid ring protruding outward, interacting with the thin cylindrical rear part of the plastic head of the sub-projectile in tight contact with the inner surface of the bore of the barrel so that the axial compressive loads are transmitted directly by the spacer blocks, which avoids deformation of the plastic head of the sub-projectile.

Interactive beveled surfaces are installed on the spacer block and the head of the sub-projectile, by means of which the head is pressed against the inner surface of the barrel bore during axial compression of the spacer block and the head relative to each other. In this design, the head and the spacer block can be inserted into the barrel, followed by the application of axial compressive force to ensure good sealing between the head and the barrel. The extension means is suitably pressed against the inner surface of the bore.

The head of the subcarrier at its rear end may have a conical hole in which a cone sleeve interacting with it located on the front end of the spacer block enters, while the relative axial movement of the conical hole and cone sleeve creates a radial expansion force applied to the subcarrier.

The barrel may be non-metallic, and the barrel channel may have recesses filled in whole or in part by means of igniting the charges. In this embodiment of the invention, electric wires pass through the barrel, which facilitate the electrical connection between the controls and the means for igniting the charges. This configuration can be used in non-rechargeable receiver systems, which have a limited resource in the number of shots, and therefore the means of ignition of charges and the wire or control wires can be performed together with the barrel in its manufacture.

In another embodiment, the barrel kit may have ignition openings provided in the barrel, with means for igniting the means being located outside the barrel adjacent to the ignition openings. The barrel can be enclosed in a non-metallic external cylinder, which may have recesses for the location of the means of ignition. Electrical wires may also pass through the outer cylinder to facilitate electrical connection of the controls and the ignition means. The outer cylinder may be laminated and may comprise a laminated circuit board for ignition means.

The receiver kit may contain adjacent sub-shells mounted at a distance from each other and held in this position by means of separation means independent of the sub-shells, and each sub-shell may contain expandable sealing means designed to form a seal in the barrel bore. The separation means may be a propelling charge placed between adjacent sub-shells, and the sealing means preferably comprises a sleeve portion present on each sub-shell and expanding outward from the load acting inside the barrel. Such a load inside the barrel can be applied when installing sub-shells or after loading, for example, during tamping to seal the column of sub-shells and propellant charges, and can also occur when firing the sub-shell located in front, especially the immediately preceding sub-shell.

The rear end of the submunition can be provided with a skirt surrounding a recess decreasing toward the center, for example, a conical recess, a partially spherical recess or a recess of a similar shape, into which a part of the propellant explosive charge enters and with respect to which the displacement of the submunition backward leads to the radial expansion of the submunition skirt. This backward movement of the submunition can occur due to compression resulting from the movement of the submunition backward along the front of the propellant explosive charge with the skirt bursting apart; it can occur as a result of plastic deformation of the metal in the direction from the relatively massive front of the submunition to its less massive sleeve part.

In another embodiment, the submunition can be equipped with a diverging back sealing girdle or cuff, which, when the submunition is moved backward, expands tightly against the inner surface of the barrel bore. In addition, as a measure affecting the formation of such a seal, sub-shells can be introduced into the heated barrel, which compresses the corresponding contact surfaces of the sub-shells during shrinkage. The sub-projectile may contain a relatively hard core supported by a propelling charge and interacting with a deformable annular portion that can be formed around the core to form a unitary sub-projectile, in which the expansion of the material surrounding the core and its close fit to the inner surface of the bore is provided by plastic deformation of the metal in the direction from the bow of the submunition to its tail.

The submunition may contain a backward extending support surface, which serves as a support for the sealing collar located around it and is adapted for radial expansion and tight fit to the inner surface of the bore when the submunition moves forward along the trunk. In this embodiment, the propellant charge preferably has a cylindrical front that abuts against the flat end surface of the submunition.

The sub-shells may be adapted to be mounted and / or placed in the annular grooves or through the annular protrusions in the bore or in the grooves of the bore and may include a metal casing covering at least the outer end portion of the sub-shell. The submunition can be equipped with compressible peripheral retaining rings that protrude outward, going into the annular grooves in the barrel, and after the shot are retracted into the submunition, providing freedom of its movement in the barrel.

The electric ignition for sequentially igniting the propellant explosive charges of the barrel kit may preferably include igniting the first propellant charge by transmitting an ignition signal to it through sub-shells arranged in the column, the ignition of the first propelling charge being accompanied by the preparation of the next propellant charge for operation from the next ignition signal. In a preferred embodiment, all charges propellant explosive following the closest to the cut charged barrel are blocked from being triggered by appropriate insulating fuses inserted between normally closed electrical contacts.

Ignition of a propellant can be provided electrically, or conventional methods of ignition can be used during ignition, which involve pricking the initiating composition, for example, with a centrally located capsule igniting the first submunition and initiating a controlled sequential ignition of the charges of the next shots. This can be achieved by controlled withdrawal of gaseous products of combustion back through the barrel or by controlled combustion of fuse columns (flame wire) passing through submunitions.

In other embodiments, the ignition control is provided electronically, with corresponding propellant charges being provided with capsules triggered by ignition signals that differ in characteristics. For example, capsules in a propellant explosive charge column can be selected to be sequentially triggered by ignition signals with increasing pulse width, which allows electronic control devices to selectively supply ignition pulses of increasing width for sequential ignition of propellant explosive charges in a given time sequence. However, in the preferred case, the ignition of the propellant explosive charges is carried out by a pulse signal with a given pulse width, while the ignition of the previous propellant explosive charge prepares the next charge for ignition from the next transmitted pulse.

In such versions of the barrel kit, all projectile explosive charges located backward along the barrel from the end of the charged barrel kit are blocked from ignition by means of appropriate insulating fuses installed between normally closed electrical contacts, and fuse closure closes the contacts when the corresponding initiating signal is supplied, and each such fuse is installed with the possibility of combustion from the current propellant charge.

In some embodiments of the invention, low gas pressure barrel kits can be used firing submunitions like grenades, although high gas pressure barrel kits can be used. The corresponding receiver kits can be charged with various submunitions and the receiver kits can be of different caliber to accommodate submunitions of various sizes.

Each submunition is suitably equipped with a trailed sleeve that is engaged with the submunition housing and, when in the barrel, protrudes from it backward, wedging the bow of the next submunition housing. This wedging is preferably carried out with a sharp wedge, due to which, when charged, the rear end of the trailer sleeve expands, fitting snugly against the inner surface of the bore.

The trailer sleeve can be mounted with limited axial movement relative to the sub-shell and have at its front end an annular sealing surface mating with the counter surface made on the sub-shell, resulting in the displacement of the sub-shell back under the action of gases generated during the propellant explosive combustion , presses the specified mating surface of the sub-shell to the annular sealing surface at the front end of the sleeve with the formation of UP grafting between these surfaces.

The counter surface of the sub-shell body and the annular sealing surface can be located mainly radially and can be equipped with mating sealing elements. However, in a preferred embodiment, these surfaces are partially conical sealing surfaces mating on the wedge with a tight fit to each other. The front of the sleeve can also expand to fit snugly against the inner surface of the bore. However, in the preferred case, the partially conical sealing surfaces extend to the wedge at a relatively large angle, as a result of which the interaction of these surfaces does not burst the front of the sleeve for a snug fit to the inner surface of the bore.

In variants with a low working pressure in the barrel, for each submunition, a high-pressure cavity is preferably provided, containing a propellant explosive and communicating with the corresponding low-pressure working chambers formed between adjacent submunitions for the effective operation of the barrel kit with a low initial velocity of the projectile. High-pressure chambers can be made integrally with the body of the sub-projectile or its trailed sleeve or can be located outside the barrel, communicating with the bore through the holes in its wall.

Preferably, the configuration of the cavity into which the products of combustion of the propellant explosive flow out, as well as the characteristics of the propellant explosive itself, are determined from the condition of ensuring low gas pressure in the barrel, for example, about 2000-5000 psi. inch (13.8-34.5 MPa). Typically, the trailed sleeve is designed so that, when squeezed out of the sub-shell body, it does not interfere with the free movement of the projectile in the barrel both during loading and during firing.

On the body of the sleeve behind its open rear end face mounted outlet shield. When a propellant explosive is ignited, the trailed sleeve comes out of contact with the sub-shell and is held in this state by a deflector to ensure freedom of movement in the barrel bore and through the muzzle of the barrel.

The projectile used in accordance with the invention may be a conventional projectile fired by conventional means, or, in a preferred embodiment, adapted for firing from a barrel kit comprising several projectiles placed in the barrel along its axis and provided with separate charges of propelling explosives for ejecting said projectiles from the trunk.

In a preferred embodiment, the projectile can be made generally spherical in shape and can have many receiver kits located in the radial direction from the center of the sphere. The receiver kits may be the same or different. For example, if large-diameter barrels can be located extending from the center of the spherical projectile, smaller-diameter barrels can be located between larger-diameter barrels to achieve maximum sub-projectile density in the projectile. In one case, it may be desirable to have a shell equipped to the maximum extent with the receiver systems, thereby providing maximum firepower. In another case, it may be desirable to have a projectile with multi-caliber receiver systems to enable the use of submunitions of various calibers.

For more effective use, the projectile may contain a pallet. A spherical projectile can be placed on a pallet of a more suitable shape for firing them from a conventional weapon system, for example, it can be made in the form of conventional ammunition. In another case, if it is necessary to increase the initial velocity, the projectile with the pallet can be equipped with an increased propellant charge, without requiring an excessive increase in the length of the barrel.

The location of the barrel sets in the radial direction from the center of mass of the projectile makes the firing of submunitions ordered and easily adjustable and allows the projectile to maintain its spatial orientation when firing submunitions. When firing submunitions, when the recoil acting on the projectile is zero, the projectile can maintain a given trajectory.

The shooting of submunitions can be carried out simultaneously or in turn. In such configurations, the electrical signal can be transmitted outside the barrel or through in-line sub-shells that can be coupled to each other to continue the electrical circuit through the barrel or adjacent to each other to provide electrical contact. Submunitions may comprise a control circuit or may form an electrical circuit with a barrel.

The proposed projectile can disperse submunitions according to a given scheme, which can be selected for specific applications. For example, to intercept and destroy missiles, it is advisable to disperse the submunitions in such a way as to achieve the maximum probability of a missile colliding with one or more submunitions. For intercepting missiles, fragmentation systems are used that scatter fragments along the trajectory of an approaching missile. However, in such systems, where a shell ruptures, the fragments are scattered by an expanding spherical front. According to the invention, the dispersion of the submunitions can be carried out more evenly throughout the space in which the submunitions are distributed according to a predetermined pattern. Control over the firing of submunitions over time allows you to get a three-dimensional "fragmentation cloud" with an almost uniform distribution of submunitions. Alternatively, submunitions can be concentrated in areas where intercepting a missile is most likely, thereby increasing the efficiency of dispersion of submunitions.

The submunition may contain a substance for forming airborne images. The imaging agent may include, for example, explosive, incendiary, luminous, or other substances that create a clearly visible temporary image in the air. In other cases, the image forming material may include smoke, gas, pieces, sheets or strips of material similar to dipole reflectors, or other material that forms an image when scattered. Accordingly, the proposed projectile can be successfully used to use electronic countermeasures on military aircraft. The image forming substance may also include means for slowing its settling from the diffused state, such as parachutes and the like.

Submunitions can be placed in the barrel systems in such a way that after their shooting and release of the substance forming the image, the required temporarily suspended image in the air is formed. Submunitions containing different substance-forming substances that vary in color or shape can be loaded into the receiver kits sequentially.

The release of image forming substances can be accomplished, for example, using explosives, stored energy, or by separating the separated parts of a submunition with the opening of the image forming substance, as well as any other suitable dispersion means.

The image-forming substance can be enclosed in a housing, which can have any suitable configuration providing isolation of the image-forming substance, and is configured to interact with the rear end of the expanding sleeve of the previous projectile. In the preferred case, a case is used, such as that used in grenades for firing from grenade launchers, having a shape with relatively low elongation, although shells with an elongated body can be used.

The housing may be suitably made of biodegradable and / or combustible material. The basis of such a material may be a natural material, such as wood chips, or a synthetic material, such as a biodegradable polymer.

From the shells made according to the invention, it is possible to throw selected sub-shells to control the course of the projectile. Such ejection of submunitions can be considered as a motor deflecting system and can be used to correct the position of the projectile to a limited extent for shooting the remaining submunitions according to a given pattern.

The shells made according to the invention can suitably be used in a defense complex similar to that described by the applicant of the present invention in PCT / AU00 / 01351.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a quicker and easier understanding of the invention and the possibilities of its practical implementation, the further description is accompanied by the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 shows a cross section of a projectile made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 presents a cross section of a shell enclosed in a pallet for use in a barrel kit containing several shells in trays placed in the barrel along its axis.

Figure 3 in cross section shows the process of firing enclosed in a pan shells shown in figure 2.

Figure 4 is a vertical projection schematically shows a defensive complex in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

5, the aforementioned defensive complex is depicted in a three-dimensional representation.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

1 shows a projectile 10 having six large barrels 12 of suitable caliber, although only four such barrels are visible in the cross-section under consideration. The two remaining large trunks (extending perpendicular to the plane of the sheet) are indicated by 11. This middle section also shows the four middle trunks 13, i.e. medium caliber, and forty-eight small trunks 14, i.e. relatively small caliber. As shown in the drawing, each of the large 12, medium 13 and small trunks 14 contains several submunitions 16 placed in the barrel along its axis. The submunitions are provided with propellant charges 17 and ignition means 18, the latter can be sequentially driven by an electronic control unit 15. In some embodiments of the invention, the projectile 10 may also contain an explosive charge to completely detonate the projectile.

An electronic control unit 15 located in the center of the projectile 10, and in this embodiment behind the barrels 11, 12, may include sensitive elements (sensors) for tracking the intercepted missile during the flight. In another embodiment, the electronic control unit 15 may receive commands to shoot the submunitions on the communication line from a remote tracking station. Thus, the possibility of coordinated sequential firing of submunitions to increase the likelihood of hitting an intercepted missile or a similar threat source may be provided.

Figure 2 shows a projectile similar to that shown in figure 1 and equipped with a pallet 20, while the submunitions in this drawing are not shown for reasons of clarity. The projectile 10 is held in the barrel by a pallet 20. The pallet includes a front part 21, a rear part 22 and an expanding sleeve 23 located around the back facet 24 of the back of the pallet. Detonation and burning of a propellant explosive charge in front of the front of the pallet 21 presses the rear of the pallet 22 against the expanding sleeve 23, which causes the latter to fit snugly against the inner surface of the barrel bore, into which the projectile is loaded.

Figure 3 shows the sequence of firing of shells 10 from the barrel unit 30 with several trunks 31, 32 and 33. Shell 10A came out of the barrel 33 and dropped its pallet (not shown). The projectile 10B emerged from the barrel 32 and is shown in the process of separation from the pallet 20. The expanding sleeve 23 is separated from the rear part 22 of the pallet, which, in turn, is separated from the projectile 10B. The front part 21 of the pallet was separated from the projectile 10B in the same way. A shot by a projectile 10C from the barrel 31 occurred later and the pallet 20 only began to separate from the projectile 10C.

Figures 4 and 5 show a protected area 40, controlled by a system of field sensors 41, which are distributed over the protected area and can relate to any suitable type of sensors, for example push acoustic sensors or geophones.

The composition of the defense complex 42 shown in the figures includes weapons in the form of two grenade launchers 43, each of which contains receiver units 30 and is connected to a remote control device 44 and a receiver 49 connected to field sensors 41. The remote control device 44, which in this embodiment mounted on a tower, made with the possibility of sensing the protected area 40 using optical-electronic or microwave equipment to track the possible penetration into the protected area of ary staff, vehicles or other objects.

Receiver 49 is configured to receive signals from field sensors 41, in this embodiment, via a radio link (although in other embodiments, a wired communication line may also be used). Upon detection of an intruder who has penetrated into territory 40, a penetration zone is allocated for aimed striking at it with shells 10 fired from grenade launchers 43. Thus, the protected area is monitored by a system of excitation sensors 41 or by means of remote control 44 or both simultaneously.

It is desirable that each grenade launcher 43 was placed covertly, for example in a trench. After the deployment of the complex, the trench with the grenade launcher 43 located in it can be buried without negative consequences for the functioning of the barrel units 30 located in it. In other embodiments, the grenade launcher 43 can be suitably disguised in the vegetation and moved using screw jacks 48 mounted on the support housing 47 grenade launcher.

A separate control circuit 43a (see FIG. 5), provided as a removable module of the grenade launcher 43, is installed at the firing position, but not during transportation, in order to ensure the safety of weapons during transportation. After the control circuit 43a is connected, the weapon is placed on the cockpit and ready to fire in accordance with the control signals from the remote control unit 44 and / or receiver 49. If necessary, the control circuit is suitably configured to communicate with the electronic control unit 15 of the corresponding projectile.

The central remote control means 44 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to multi-barrel grenade launchers 43 via respective control circuits 43a. When using the complex, if the penetration of an intruder located in a certain area of the protected territory, for example, in any of the zones indicated by positions 50-59, is detected, one of the grenade launchers 43 can be selected and activated for firing with one or more shells 45 on this particular zone. Then, from the corresponding projectile 45, submunitions can be shot: either according to a predetermined program, or by commands in the remote control mode, ensuring dispersion of the submunitions according to a predetermined pattern. The pattern (order) of dispersal of submunitions can be selected depending on the nature of the intruder object.

There may be many types of violators entering the protected area 40, and such violators may be numerous. An intruder may be a soldier, such as a shooter or infantryman. In other cases, the offender may be a crew-driven vehicle or an automatic vehicle, such as an armored personnel carrier or a tank. An intruder can have modern defensive systems, can track the trajectory of a projectile fired at him and calculate the location of the launcher (a device for firing shells), which makes it possible to attack a previously hidden launcher. The defensive complex in this embodiment allows deflecting the trajectory of the projectile by shooting submunitions in flight, passing off the apparent trajectory of the projectile as true and masking the true location of the launcher. If this is possible, the apparent trajectory can be chosen so as to transfer enemy fire along defensive complex 42 to other enemy positions.

The above-described defensive complex is land based, however, in another aspect, the invention relates to shells, which can be called water mines. Such water mines can be launched from a ship, floated on the surface of the water and activated by remote control commands or offline using on-board sensor systems, including radars, sonars or infrared sensors. Such mines with stabilization or anchoring means, such as a suspended load, can be installed in line, limiting the perimeter of the protected area with the possibility of bringing them into combat ready or inoperative state, depending on the need.

In another application, the proposed projectiles can be dropped from an aircraft, such as a helicopter. The projectile can be equipped with stabilization or fixing means, for example, sharp pins, for fixing the projectile dropped on the ground in one position. The first level of submunitions can include sensory systems launched to detect the presence of manpower or enemy equipment, which, if necessary, can be fired by grenades of subsequent levels located in separate barrels of the projectile. At other sub-shell levels, other sensors may be provided to record the results of the shelling.

Another application is a shell of such a size that it can be comfortably carried in your hands and dropped like a regular grenade. In such a hand-held projectile, however, the presence of trunks with submunitions allows it to be used in a multiple operation mode using a predetermined time delay or remote control means. This can give certain advantages in the conduct of hostilities in confined spaces, for example, in a city or in an area with caves. Among the sub-shells can be shells that do not have a damaging effect, as well as a loud-speaking system to warn, for example, a surrounded attacker that, if he does not give up immediately, the shooting of additional shells may be initiated.

The proposed submunitions can be launched into space and, if necessary, put into the orbit of any planet or satellite, actually representing an artificial satellite. Since the receiver kits can be distributed over a spherical body and arranged radially, they can be very effective for correcting the position of a satellite in orbit, protecting the space around a valuable satellite from space debris, meteorites, etc. or to combat spacecraft or satellites of the enemy. Under conditions of low gravity, a change in position is much faster by shooting a submunition — a solid body — than by using a pulsed gas jet, as in ordinary satellites. Satellite shells can be suitably designed to ensure their complete combustion upon entry into the dense layers of the atmosphere after they leave orbit.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, such a satellite can be a projectile ejecting projectiles made according to the present invention from the radially located receiver kits therein, and these projectiles thrown themselves can be equipped with sub-shells, thereby forming a two-tier defense system. Naturally, such a two-tier protection system can be used in other applications of an appropriate scale.

It should be borne in mind that the above was considered only an example embodiment of the invention and any modifications and changes that are obvious to a person skilled in the art will fall within the patent claims for the invention set forth in its claims.

Claims (39)

1. A projectile for throwing at a target containing a plurality of receiver kits located radially from the center of mass of the projectile, each of which contains several submunitions placed in the barrel along its axis and equipped with separate charges of propelling explosives for ejecting the corresponding submunition from the barrel, the projectile is configured to selectively shoot submunitions to ensure their dispersion according to a predetermined pattern. 2. The projectile according to claim 1, characterized in that the projectile is configured to fire from the barrel. 3. The projectile according to claim 2, characterized in that the submunitions are placed in the barrel along its axis to ensure that they fit snugly against the inner surface of the barrel channel. 4. The projectile according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is made spherical, and the barrel sets are located in a radial direction from the center of the sphere. 5. The projectile according to claim 4, characterized in that the barrels have different diameters for using submunitions of various calibers. 6. The projectile according to claim 5, characterized in that the barrels of relatively large diameter extend from the center of the spherical projectile, and the barrels of relatively small diameter are located between the barrels of larger diameter to achieve maximum density of submunitions in the projectile. 7. The projectile according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 and 6, characterized in that the projectile contains a pallet. 8. The projectile according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 and 6, characterized in that it further comprises an electronic ignition control unit for the propellant explosive charges. 9. The projectile of claim 8, characterized in that it is configured to simultaneously shoot submunitions or to shoot submunitions in turn. 10. The projectile according to claim 9, characterized in that the barrel kits are located with a minimum recoil force acting on the projectile when firing submunitions, allowing the projectile to maintain the desired trajectory of movement. 11. The projectile of claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises sensors tracking the source of the threat or intruder. 12. The projectile of claim 8, characterized in that the electronic control unit is configured to receive a command to shoot submunitions via a communication line from a remote tracking station. 13. The projectile according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 and 6 and 9-12, characterized in that it is made with the possibility of firing submunitions to change or control the trajectory of the projectile. 14. The method of intercepting a rocket, according to which the trajectory of the rocket is determined, a projectile is fired at the specified trajectory according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the selected submunitions are fired so that they are dispersed according to a predetermined pattern on and near the rocket's trajectory. 15. The method of self-defense of the attacked vehicle, according to which the location of the attacker is determined, a projectile is fired at the location of the attacker according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the selected submunitions are fired so as to disperse them according to a given pattern at and near the location of the attacker. 16. The method of countering infantry, according to which the location of the infantry is determined, at least one projectile according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is fired at the location of the infantry and the selected submunitions are fired so that they are dispersed according to a given pattern at and near the location of the infantry . 17. A method of forming airborne images, according to which a projectile is fired into the air according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and selected submunitions containing an image-forming substance are shot, providing dispersion of the image-forming substance in the air according to a predetermined pattern. 18. The method of extinguishing a fire, according to which the place of the fire is determined, at least one projectile is fired into the zone of the specified place of the fire according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the selected submunitions are fired so that they are dispersed according to a given pattern at and near the fire and released from fired submunitions a fire retardant. 19. A method of implementing a volumetric explosion, according to which the intended location of the volumetric explosion is selected, at least one projectile according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is fired at a specified location of the volumetric explosion, the selected submunitions containing combustible material are fired, ensuring their dispersion for a given In the scheme, combustible material is released from the fired sub-shells, the selected sub-shells containing detonators are fired, providing dispersion of the sub-shells according to the given scheme, and undermine these detonators, initiating volume explosion. 20. The method of ejecting payloads, according to which the intended place of delivery of the payload is selected, at least one projectile is fired at the payload delivery area according to any one of claims 1 to 13, selected submunitions containing payload are fired, ensuring their dispersion for a given scheme and release the payload from fired submunitions. 21. A defensive complex for the protection of a protected area, containing at least one device for monitoring the specified territory to detect a zone in which a new object has appeared, a defensive means capable of neutralizing at a distance the intruder that appears anywhere in the protected territory, and including a weapon capable of firing shells containing a system of barrel kits located radially from the center of mass of the shell containing several additional shells and whether the submunitions placed in the barrel along its axis and equipped with separate charges of propellant explosive for sequentially ejecting the indicated submunitions from the barrel, the system of barrel kits configured to selectively shoot the submunitions from the selected trunks and disperse them according to a predetermined pattern and a communication means for transmitting signals between a tracking device and a defensive means for selectively actuating the defensive means to apply neutral uyuschego pin for intruder detection zone. 22. The complex according to claim 21, characterized in that the tracking devices include one or more sensors located in a protected area, or a remote monitoring tool located at a distance from the protected area. 23. The complex according to p. 22, characterized in that the tracking devices are configured to visually display the protected area and use, if necessary, a means of switching to manual control of the complex for controlling weapons in manual mode. 24. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23, characterized in that it is configured to simultaneously shoot submunitions from multiple barrels or with the possibility of firing a burst from one barrel. 25. The complex according to paragraph 24, wherein the outside of the barrel is an electric circuit for transmitting an electric starting signal. 26. The complex according to paragraph 24, wherein the electric starting signal is transmitted through arranged in a series of submunitions with the possibility of transmitting an electric starting signal through them. 27. The complex according to p. 26, characterized in that the submunitions are coupled to each other to continue the electric circuit through the barrel. 28. The complex according to p, characterized in that the submunitions are adjacent to each other to ensure electrical contact. 29. The complex according to paragraph 24, wherein each of the submunitions has a control circuit. 30. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23 and 25-29, characterized in that the barrel kit system contains trunks located near the end of the projectile to change the spatial orientation of the projectile. 31. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23 and 25-29, characterized in that the barrel kit system contains trunks located in the middle to offset the projectile in the lateral direction. 32. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23 and 25-29, characterized in that each system of barrel kits is configured to shoot a submunition in a direction having a longitudinal component to achieve a corresponding increase in the kinetic energy of the projectile. 33. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23 and 25-29, characterized in that each system of barrel kits is configured to shoot a submunition in a direction having a tangential component relative to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, to inform the projectile of rotation about its longitudinal axis or change such a rotation. 34. Complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23 and 25-29, characterized in that at least some of the receiver kits are configured to shoot additional shells across load-bearing surfaces, such as a wing, for applying additional control action to the shell. 35. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23 and 25-29, characterized in that at least some of the receiver sets are installed passing through aerodynamic surfaces with the possibility of firing submunitions in both directions. 36. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23 and 25-29, characterized in that the projectile has a separate system of barrel kits or the opposite system of barrel kits for controlling the rotation of the projectile relative to its longitudinal axis. 37. The complex according to clause 36, wherein the systems of the receiver kits contain opposite paired receiver kits, firing simultaneously and only to change the rotation of the projectile relative to its longitudinal axis. 38. The complex according to any one of paragraphs.21-23, 25-29 and 37, characterized in that it is configured to shoot submunitions from selected receiver kits to give the projectile the energy necessary to change the spatial orientation and trajectory of the shells. 39. The method of masking the location of the installation for firing shells, according to which at least one shell is fired from a barrel unit including a barrel, several shells placed in the barrel along its axis with a snug fit to the inner surface of the barrel bore, and individual propellant charges substances for successive ejection of the corresponding shells through the muzzle of the barrel, during the flight of the fired projectile, at least one sub-projectile is shot from the system mounted deflecting devices, each of which includes several sub-shells placed in the barrel of the deflecting device along its axis and equipped with separate additional charges of propelling explosive for successively ejecting these sub-shells from the barrel of the deflecting device, and the system of deflecting devices is configured to selectively shoot submunitions from selected deflecting devices, which informs the projectile about acceleration due to shooting e forces of bestowal.

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