US20110203475A1

US20110203475A1 - Explosive part with selectable initiation

Info

Publication number: US20110203475A1
Application number: US13/060,962
Authority: US
Inventors: Christer Thuman
Original assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
Current assignee: BAE Systems Bofors AB
Priority date: 2008-09-09
Filing date: 2009-08-18
Publication date: 2011-08-25
Also published as: SE0801932L; EP2335012A1; WO2010030217A1; SE533045C2

Abstract

The invention is characterized in that the a explosive part (1) comprises two initiation devices (7) arranged on each end face (5) with connections to an inner explosive charge (2), the two initiation devices (7) being arranged for optional initiation of the inner explosive charge (2), with or without an ignition delay. At, and in that the diameter di of the inner explosive charge (2), the thicknesses ti, ty of the two insulating layers (8, 9) and thickness is of air gap (10) are chosen such that energy from two colliding detonation fronts along the common centre axis A-A is required in order for the initiation to lead to detonation of the outer explosive charge (3). The invention also relates to a method for the above.

Description

The present invention relates to an explosive part, intended to form part of an explosive device for combating different targets and combat situations, which explosive part comprises at least two tubular explosive charges comprising an explosive: an inner explosive charge with diameter d_iand an outer explosive charge with diameter d_y, which two explosive charges are arranged coaxially along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive charges being separated from each other with at least two insulating layers: an outer insulating layer with layer thickness t_yarranged on the outer explosive charge, an inner insulating layer with layer thickness t_iarranged on the inner explosive charge, and an air gap with thickness t_sbetween the two insulating layers.
Modern guidable, so-called intelligent active ammunition is used to combat, with high precision, different types of targets, at the same time as every effort is made to avoid injury to own troops and civilians. In this context, it is interesting to be able to choose the form and or direction of action at short notice. It is here desirable that the fragmentation occurs in a predetermined direction and that undesirable fragment dispersion is avoided.
Another desirable characteristic is the facility to be able to abort an attack, due to altered conditions, by sending signals to an explosive device en route to a target so as to disable the explosive part before it reaches the target. If the explosive part detonates at full force, there is a risk of dangerous fragments being dispersed into the environment. If the explosive part is steered away without detonating, then dangerous explosive parts are dispersed into the environment. It is therefore desirable to be able to destroy the explosive part without it detonating at full force. In certain contexts, it is also of interest to be able to realize a number of different action functions, such as effect in different directions, for example in respect of rotary explosive devices. Rotary explosive devices in which activation is realized via sensors sometimes induce the effect in more directions than is intended, which can result in civil material and civilians being harmed.
To remote-detonate explosive devices which have missed their target, “mission abort”, can mean that high-velocity fragments are dispersed into the environment.
Explosive devices having a number of different action functions normally have a detonator for each action function, which makes the explosive devices complicated and expensive. The main object of the present invention is to solve this problem.
There is also a desire to reduce the number of explosive parts, so that fewer explosive parts can effectively combat different types of targets and situations.
The present invention aims also to solve this problem.
Despite the increased demand to combat more target types with fewer explosive parts, this must not be allowed to restrict other functions. Technical advantages which are obtained must be able to be maintained without the explosive device being made more complicated or more expensive.
The object of the present invention is also to solve these problems.
The objects, and other aims which are not listed here, are satisfactorily met within the scope of that which is defined in the present independent patent claims.
According to the present invention, therefore, an explosive part has been produced which is intended to form part of an explosive device for combating different targets and combat situations, which explosive part comprises at least two tubular explosive charges comprising an explosive: an inner explosive charge with diameter d_iand an outer explosive charge with diameter d_y, which two explosive charges are arranged coaxially along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive charges being separated from each other with at least two insulating layers: an outer insulating layer with layer thickness t_yarranged on the outer explosive charge, an inner insulating layer with layer thickness t_iarranged on the inner explosive charge, and an air gap with thickness t_sbetween the two insulating layers.
That which primarily can be deemed characteristic of the discussion explosive part is, inter alfa, that the explosive part also comprises two initiation devices arranged on each end face with connections to the inner explosive charge, the two initiation devices being arranged for optional initiation of the inner explosive charge, with or without an ignition delay Δt, and that the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge, materials and layer thicknesses t_i, t_yfor the two insulating layers, and the thickness t_sfor the air gap are chosen such that two colliding detonation fronts at a position Z along the common centre axis A-A are required in order for the initiation to lead to detonation of the outer explosive charge.
Further characteristics are:

- that the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge lies within the range 15-25 mm, the thickness t_yfor the outer insulating layer lies within the range 2-4 mm, the thickness t_ifor the inner insulating layer lies within the range 2-4 mm, and the thickness t_sof the air gap lies within the range 5-9 mm,
- that the material in the outer insulating layer is constituted by copper, and that the material in the inner insulating layer is constituted by plastic,
- that the diameter d_yfor the outer explosive charge is 120 mm,
- that the position Z along the centre axis A-A for the two colliding detonation fronts are selectable through the choice of time delay Δt, and that the choice of the position Z allows the choice of at least one action function for the explosive charge,
- that the explosive part comprises an explosive casing comprising a plurality of fragment-forming elements of different sizes, the fragment-forming elements being arranged such that the size is decreasing between the two end faces for the attainment of a plurality of action functions in dependence on the choice of a position Z along the centre axis A-A.

According to the invention, there has also been produced an explosive device for different targets, comprising at least three explosive parts having different action functions according to any one of patent claims 1-4, which explosive parts are arranged one after the other along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive parts being separated from each other with intervening detonation barriers for preventing flashover ignition between the explosive parts.
The explosive device is characterized, inter alia, in that the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that one or more explosive parts are optionally detonable through the choice of an initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts.
Further characteristics of the explosive device are that:

- the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that one or more of the explosive parts are optionally detonable through the choice of an initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts,
- the at least three explosive parts comprise fragment-forming elements of different size and quantity for the attainment of different action functions, in dependence on the choice of initiation position Z,
- the outer explosive charge, in at least one of the explosive parts, is arranged with directed explosive effect for the attainment of detonation of at least one of the adjoining explosive parts through penetration of at least one of the intervening detonation barriers,
- the directed explosive effect is arranged by virtue of the fact that the outer explosive charge comprises a conical end face part and that the conical end face part comprises at least one metal inlay for enhanced penetrative effect,
- fragment-forming elements are arranged on defined regions of the explosive casing of the explosive parts, the defined regions being arranged with different mutual action directions X, Y, V, the perpendicular to the defined regions corresponding to the action directions X, Y, V of the explosive parts,
- the defined regions have the form of flat square or rectangular areas with length l and width B, the length l being less than or equal to the length L of the explosive parts and B being less than or equal to 75% of the diameter D of the explosive parts.

According to the invention, there has also been produced an ammunition unit having different action functions for combating different targets and situations, characterized in that the ammunition unit comprises an explosive device as described above.
Finally, according to the invention, a method has been produced comprising at least two tubular explosive charges: an inner explosive charge with diameter d_iand an outer explosive charge with diameter d_yfor combating different targets and combat situations, which two explosive charges are arranged coaxially along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive charges being separated with at least two insulating layers: an outer insulating layer with layer thickness t_y, which is arranged on the outer explosive charge, and an inner insulating layer with layer thickness t_i, which is arranged on the inner explosive charge, as well as an air gap with thickness t_sbetween the two insulating layers.
The method is characterized, inter alfa, in that two initiation devices are also provided, one on each end face of the explosive part, the two initiation devices being electrically connected to the two initiation devices, and in that the two initiation devices are arranged for optional initiation of the inner explosive charge, with or without an ignition delay Lt, and in that the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge, materials and layer thicknesses t_i, t_yfor the two insulating layers, and the thickness t_sfor the air gap, are arranged such that two colliding detonation fronts at a position Z along the common centre axis A-A are required in order for the initiation to lead to detonation of the outer explosive charge.
The method is further characterized:

- in that the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge is chosen within the range 15-25 mm, in that the thickness t_yfor the outer insulating layer is chosen within the range 2-4 mm, in that the thickness t_ifor the inner insulating layer is chosen within the range 2-4 mm, and in that the thickness t_sof the air gap is chosen within the range 5-9 mm.

As a result of the proposed, a number of advantages are obtained:
Reduced risk for civil material and civilians through the facility to choose between detonation or non-detonation of one or more explosive parts and by virtue of the fact that the action function can take place in a selectable direction.
Cost-effective construction as a result of only two initiation devices being required in order to initiate a plurality of charge devices.
Simple design/construction by virtue of a continuous choice of initiation position along a common centre axis A-A in an explosive part or in an explosive device comprising two or more explosive charges.

A preferred embodiment of an explosive device according to the invention is described in detail below with simultaneous reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an axial section of an explosive part comprising an inner and an outer explosive charge, arranged coaxially along a common centre axis A-A, in which the position Z for initiation can be freely chosen along the centre axis A-A,

FIG. 2 shows an axial section of an explosive device comprising three explosive parts according to FIG. 1 arranged one after the other, in which the explosive parts are configured with different action functions, which action functions can be freely chosen through the choice of initiation position Z along the centre axis A-A,

FIG. 3 shows an axial section of an explosive device according to FIG. 2, in which one of the explosive parts is configured with directed explosive function,

FIG. 4 shows an axial section of an explosive device according to FIG. 2, in which the explosive parts are arranged for three different radial action directions X, Y, V,

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show cross sections of the various explosive parts in FIG. 4,

FIG. 8 shows an axial section of an alternative embodiment of an explosive part according to FIG. 1, arranged with three action sections I, II, III for three different action directions X, Y, V, detonation barriers being arranged between the inner and the outer explosive charge,

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show cross sections of the various action sections I, II, III in FIG. 8,

FIG. 12 shows an explosive device, arranged in an ammunition unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an explosive part 1 according to the invention. The explosive part 1 comprises an inner and an outer explosive charge 2, 3, each comprising an explosive. The explosive charges 2, 3 are arranged coaxially along a common longitudinal axis A-A. The explosive part 1 comprises an outer, preferably cylindrical explosive casing 4, and two end walls 5 fixedly fitted to the explosive casing 4. In the explosive casing 4 are arranged fragment-forming elements 6, for example metal balls, preferably comprising heavy metal. The metal balls can also comprise material other than heavy metal, such as ceramic or plastic composite material, the object being that the metal balls will be fragmented into smaller fragments and will thus limit the range of the fragmentation.
The fragment-forming elements 6 can also be cubic or cylindrical in shape. The fragment-forming elements 6 can be arranged directly in the explosive casing 4, for example by casting or moulding, or in separate action layers arranged on the explosive casing 4 (not shown). The inner explosive charge 2, preferably configured as a string with circular cross section, is arranged along the centre axis A-A of the explosive part 1, between the two end walls 5.
Adjoining the two end walls there are arranged two initiation devices 7, which can be constituted by detonators, for initiating the inner explosive charge 2. The outer explosive charge 3, which is preferably cylindrical, is fixedly mounted between the two end walls 5 of the explosive part 1. The inner and outer explosive charges 2, 3 are separated, firstly with an outer insulating layer 8 arranged on the inner limit face of the outer explosive charge 3, and secondly with an inner insulating layer 9 arranged on the outer limit face of the inner explosive charge 2, the two insulating layers 8, 9 being separated with an air gap 10.
The inner and the outer explosive charge 2, 3, the two insulating layers 8, 9 and the air gap 10 are dimensioned such that, upon initiation of one end face end 5 of the explosive charge 2, a detonation front is formed, the energy of which is sufficient to detonate the outer explosive charge 3. The result is that the outer explosive charge 3 is initiated without detonation occurring. Instead, a deflagrative combustion takes place, in which the outer explosive charge 3 is destroyed and ejected from the explosive part 1. This means, in turn, that the fragment-forming elements 6 are ejected from the explosive part 1 without causing damage to the environment. By explosive effect is meant the pressure effect which is formed upon detonation of the outer explosive charge 3, in combination with the fragmentation from the fragment-forming elements 6.
In order that the outer explosive charge 3 shall detonate, an initiation energy equivalent to two colliding detonation fronts is required. This is achieved by the two end face ends of the explosive charge 2 being initiated with the two initiation devices 7, simultaneously or with a time difference Δt. The two formed detonation fronts move towards each other along the common centre axis A-A of the explosive part 1 and collide at a set position Z. The position Z is determined by the time difference Δt, the length L for the inner explosive charge 2, and by the detonation velocity d of the explosive, according to the relationship:
Z=(L+Δt·d)/2.
Through the choice of position Z, it is possible to vary the action function of the explosive part 1, firstly by arranging fragment-forming elements 6 of different sizes in the explosive casing 4, and secondly by configuring the explosive casing 4 with different shapes, such as convex, concave or flat shape, or combinations thereof. A convex shape gives wider fragment distribution than a flat or concave shape.
The best result for attaining detonation in the outer explosive charge 3 with the said method has been gained with explosive parts 1 in which the calibre is 120 mm, in which the inner explosive charge 2 has a diameter d_iof 20 mm, in which the outer insulating layer 8 comprises copper and has a layer thickness d_yof 3 mm, in which the inner insulating layer 9 comprises plastic and has a layer thickness d_iof 3 mm, and in which the thickness t_sof the air gap 10 is 7 mm. Suitable explosives include dynamite, trinitrotoluene (TNT), octogen (HMX), or cyclonite (RDX). Other combinations of explosives are also possible.
It has also proved beneficial, with a damping insulating layer (not shown) arranged on the inner side of the explosive casing 4, to damp out possible reflections which might occur against the explosive casing 4, possibly causing unwanted detonation of the outer explosive charge 3. The damping insulating layer is preferably constituted by a plastic having a layer thickness within the range 2-4 mm.
FIGS. 2-7 show explosive devices 11, 20, 30 comprising a plurality of explosive parts 12, 13, 14. The explosive parts 12, 13, 14 are arranged one after the other along the common centre axis A-A. Each explosive part 12, 13, 14 is arranged to achieve different action functions, for example: powerful fragmentation, no fragmentation or different action direction. Depending on the choice of position Z along the centre axis A-A, one or more explosive parts 12, 13, 14 can be detonated, at the same time as other explosive parts are destroyed by deflagration.
FIG. 2 shows an explosive device 11 comprising three serially connected explosive parts 12, 13, 14. The three explosive parts 12, 13, 14 are arranged for different action functions and are kept separate with intervening detonation barriers 15 to prevent flashover ignition. The explosive parts 12, 13, 14 comprise a common inner explosive charge 16, which is arranged axially along the centre axis A-A and extends through the explosive parts 12, 13, 14. Through the choice of position Z, for the two colliding detonation fronts, of any of the explosive parts 12, 13, 14, for example the positions Z1, Z2 or Z3, different action functions can be achieved. The action functions for the different explosive parts 12, 13, 14 differ by the fact that the number and size of the metal balls 6 in the explosive casing 4 of the explosive parts 21, 22, 23 are different.
The explosive casing 4 of the first explosive part 12 comprises two bearings, arranged one upon the other, having small metal balls 6, whilst that of the second explosive part 13 comprises a single bearing having large metal balls 6, and that of the third explosive part 23 comprises a single bearing having small metal balls 6. The choice of position Z1 means that the explosive part 12 detonates, at the same time as the other two explosive parts 13, 14 are destroyed by deflagration. The result is an action function having a large number of small fragments of low velocity. The choice of position Z2 means that the explosive part 13 detonates, at the same time as the other two explosive parts 12, 14 deflagrate. The result is an action function having a smaller number of larger fragments with low velocity. Finally, the choice of position Z3 means that the explosive part 14 detonates, at the same time as the other two explosive parts 12, 13 are destroyed. The result is an action function having fewer small fragments 6 with high velocity.
FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the explosive device 20 in FIG. 2, in which the end faces 16 of the centremost explosive part 13 are configured for directed explosive effect (RSV) function. The end faces 16 are preferably arranged with metal inlays 17 for enhanced RSV. Initiation of the centremost explosive part 13 means that two oppositely directed RSV beams are formed, the RSV beams penetrating the intervening detonation barriers 15 such that detonation of the two adjoining explosive parts 12, 14 is enabled. With the said RSV arrangement, it is thus possible to detonate all three explosive parts 12, 13, 14 upon detonation of the centremost explosive part 13. Initiation at Z=Z1 means that the explosive part 12 is detonated, whilst the other two explosive parts 13, 14 are destroyed. Initiation at Z=Z3 means that the explosive part 14 detonates, whilst the other two explosive parts 12, 13 detonate. Finally, initiation at Z=Z2 means that all three explosive parts 12, 13, 14 detonate.
In a special variant (not shown), only one of the two end faces 16 is configured for RSV function, which means that only one of the two adjoining explosive parts can be detonated. By applying the principle involving RSV function to explosive devices having more than two explosive parts 12, 13, 14, it is possible to increase the number of combination options.
The explosive device 30 in FIGS. 4-7 constitutes a variant of the explosive device 20 in FIG. 2 and is arranged for different action directions X, Y and V.
The different action directions X, Y and V are achieved by the fact that on each explosive casing 4 there are arranged fragment-forming elements 6 on delimited regions 34, 35, 36, instead of on the whole of the explosive casing 4. The perpendicular to each such delimited region 34, 35, 36 corresponds to the action directions X, Y and Z of the explosive parts 31, 32, 33. The delimited regions 34, 35, 36 are preferably flat square or rectangular areas 34, 35, 36 with length l and width B, in which l is less than or equal to the length L of the explosive parts 31, 32, 33, and B is less than or equal to ⅔ of the diameter D of the explosive parts 31, 32, 33. The delimited regions 34, 35, 36 can have different configuration, for example a flat circular shape where a circular form of effect is sought, or a convex shape for convex effect distribution, or a concave shape for concave effect distribution. Combinations of the above may also be of interest.
The action direction X, Y and V of the explosive device 30 is determined by which of the explosive parts 12, 13, 14 detonates, FIGS. 5 to 7. Initiation at the position Z=Z1 means that the explosive charge 12 detonates, which produces an effect in the X direction. Initiation at the position Z=Z2 means that the explosive charge 13 detonates, with effect in the Y direction. Initiation at the position Z=Z3 means that the explosive charge 14 detonates, with effect in the V direction. The fragment dispersion from the explosive parts 12, 13, 14 is determined by the shape and size of the action layers 31, 32, 33.
In a variant of the explosive device 30 (not shown), one or more of the action layers 31, 32, 33 is/are configured for enhanced RSV.
FIGS. 8-11 further show an explosive device 40 arranged for different action directions X, Y and Z. The explosive device 40, in FIG. 8, is divided into three action sections I, II, III, in which action section I is arranged for action direction X, action section II for action direction Y, and action section III for action direction Z. The inner and outer explosive charges 9, 8 of the explosive device 40 are here common to the three action sections I, II, III. Furthermore, three inner detonation barriers 41 are included, arranged axially one after the other in the air gap 10, between the outer and inner insulating layer 8, 9. The length L of the detonation barriers 41 corresponds to the length of the respective action section I, II, III.
The outer explosive charge 3 is divided into three equal-sized charge segments 42. The detonation barriers comprise three axially arranged slots 43 arranged along the common centre axis A-A. The slots 43 constitute well defined openings 43 between the inner explosive charge 2 and the three charge segments 42.
The detonation barriers 41 in FIGS. 9 to 11 are arranged so that only one of the three charge segments 42 can be detonated. Furthermore, each charge segment 42 comprises an outer action layer 44 having fragment-forming elements 6, such as metal balls. The action layers 44 with fragment-forming elements 6 are preferably constituted by flat square or rectangular areas 44, the perpendiculars X, Y and Z of which correspond to the different action directions of the charge segments 42. The action directions X, Y and Z out from the explosive device 40 are mutually different. The three charge segments 42 are separated from one another with three detonation walls 45, which are arranged to prevent flashover ignition between the charge segments 42. The detonation walls 42 extend radially out from the outer insulating layer 8 and axially along the centre axis A-A between the end faces 5 of the explosive charge 40.
Initiation of the explosive charge 2 at a position Z corresponding to any one of the action sections I, II, III means that one of the two charge segments 42 will detonate, whilst the other two charge segments 42 deflagrate. Which charge segment 42 detonates depends on that orientation of the slot 43 in which the two detonation fronts collide along the centre axis A-A. The fragment dispersion is determined by the shape, length L and width B of the respective action layer 44. Different action directions X, Y, V and fragment dispersion can therefore be chosen through the choice of position Z.
Initiation at a position Z corresponding to the action section I means detonation of charge segments 42 with the action direction X, at the same time as other charge segments 42 are destroyed by deflagration. Initiation at a position Z corresponding to the action section II means detonation of charge segments 42 with action direction Y, at the same time as other charge segments 42 are destroyed. Initiation at a position Z corresponding to the action section III means detonation of charge segments 42 with action direction V, at the same time as the other charge segments 42 are destroyed.
In a special variant of the explosive device 40 (not shown), the inner detonation barriers 41 comprise two slots 43 instead of one, which allows simultaneous detonation of two different charge segments 42. This, in turn, allows simultaneous action in two different directions.
FIG. 12 shows an ammunition unit 50 comprising an explosive part 1 according to FIG. 1 for combating of different targets and situations. Alternatively, the ammunition unit 50 can comprise any one of the previously described explosive devices 11, 20, 30, 40. The explosive casing 4 of the ammunition unit 50 is convexly shaped and comprises metal balls as the fragment-forming elements 6. Other configuration of the explosive casing is possible, as are different types of fragment-forming elements 6, of different size and material content. Through the choice of different positions Z for initiation of the explosive charge 1 along the centre axis A-A of the ammunition unit 50, different action functions for the ammunition unit 50 can therefore be chosen.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but can be subject to modifications within the scope of the following patent claims.

Claims

1. An explosive part (1), intended to form part of an explosive device for combating different targets and combat situations, which explosive part comprises at least two tubular explosive charges comprising an explosive: an inner explosive charge with diameter d_iand an outer explosive charge with diameter d_y, which two explosive charges are arranged coaxially along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive charges being separated from each other with at least two insulating layers: an outer insulating layer with layer thickness t_yarranged on the outer explosive charge, an inner insulating layer with layer thickness t_iarranged on the inner explosive charge, and an air gap with thickness t_sbetween the two insulating layers, wherein the explosive part also comprises two initiation devices arranged on each end face with connections to the inner explosive charge, which two initiation devices are arranged for optional initiation of the inner explosive charge, with or without an ignition delay Δt, the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge, materials and layer thicknesses t_i, t_yfor the two insulating layers and the thickness t_sfor the air gap being chosen such that two colliding detonation fronts at a position Z along the common centre axis A-A are required in order for the initiation to lead to detonation of the outer explosive charge.

2. An explosive part according to claim 1, wherein the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge lies within the range 15-25 mm, the thickness t_yfor the outer insulating layer lies within the range 2-4 mm, the thickness t_ifor the inner insulating layer lies within the range 2-4 mm, and the thickness t_sfor the air gap lies within the range 5-9 mm.

3. An explosive part according to claim 1, wherein the material in the outer insulating layer is constituted by copper, and in that the material in the inner insulating layer is constituted by plastic.

4. An explosive part according to claim 1, the diameter d_yfor the outer explosive charge is 120 mm.

5. An explosive part according to claim 1, wherein the position Z along the centre axis A-A for the two colliding detonation fronts are selectable through the choice of a time delay Δt, and in that the choice of the position Z allows the choice of at least one action function for the explosive charge.

6. An explosive part according to claim 1, the explosive part comprises an explosive casing comprising a plurality of fragment-forming elements of different sizes, the fragment-forming elements being arranged with decreasing size between the two end faces for the attainment of a plurality of action functions in dependence on the choice of a position Z along the centre axis A-A.

7. An explosive device for combating different targets, comprising at least three explosive parts having different action functions according to claim 1, which explosive parts are arranged one after the other along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive parts being separated from each other with intervening detonation barriers for preventing flashover ignition between the explosive parts, wherein the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that at least one explosive part is optionally detonable through the choice of initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts.

8. An explosive device according to claim 7, wherein the explosive parts comprise fragment-forming elements of different size and quantity for the attainment of a plurality of action functions.

9. An explosive device according to claim 7, wherein the outer explosive charge, in at least one of the explosive parts, is configured for directed explosive effect to achieve detonation of at least one of the adjoining explosive parts through penetration of at least one of the intervening detonation harriers.

10. An explosive device according to claim 9, wherein the directed explosive effect is configured by virtue of the fact that outer explosive charge comprises a conical end face part and that the conical end face part comprises at least one metal inlay for enhanced effect.

11. An explosive device according to claim 7 for the attainment of at least three different action directions X, Y, Z, wherein fragment-forming elements are arranged in defined regions of the explosive casing of the explosive parts, the defined regions being arranged with different mutual action directions X, Y, V, the perpendicular to the defined regions corresponding to the action directions X, Y, V of the explosive parts.

12. An explosive device according to claim 11, the defined regions have the form of flat square or rectangular areas with length L and width B, the length L being less than or equal to the length L of the explosive parts and B being less than or equal to 75% of the diameter D of the explosive parts.

13. An ammunition unit for combating different types of targets, wherein the ammunition unit comprises an explosive device according to claim 1.

14. A method comprising at least two tubular explosive charges, comprising an explosive, an inner explosive charge with diameter d_iand an outer explosive charge with diameter d_y, which two explosive charges are arranged coaxially along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive charges being separated with at least two insulating layers: an outer insulating layer with layer thickness t_y, which is arranged on the outer explosive charge, and an inner insulating layer with layer thickness t_i, which insulating layer is arranged on the inner explosive charge, as well as an air gap with thickness t_sbetween the two insulating layers, two initiation devices are also provided, one on each end face (5) of the explosive part (1), the two initiation devices being arranged for optional initiation of the inner explosive charge, with or without an ignition delay Δt, and in that the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge, materials and layer thicknesses t_i, t_yfor the two insulating layers, and the thickness t_sfor the air gap, are chosen such that two colliding detonation fronts at a position Z along the common centre axis A-A are required in order for the initiation to lead to detonation of the outer explosive charge.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the diameter d₁for the inner explosive charge is chosen within the range 15-25 mm, in that the thickness t_yfor the outer insulating layer is chosen within the range 2-4 mm, in that the thickness t_ifor the inner insulating layer is chosen within the range 2-4 mm, and in that the thickness t_sfor the air gap is chosen within the range 5-9 mm.

16. An explosive device for combating different targets, comprising at least three explosive parts having different action functions according to claim 2, which explosive parts are arranged one after the other along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive parts being separated from each other with intervening detonation barriers for preventing flashover ignition between the explosive parts, wherein the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that at least one explosive part is optionally detonable through the choice of initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts.

17. An explosive device for combating different targets, comprising at least three explosive parts having different action functions according to claim 3, which explosive parts are arranged one after the other along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive parts being separated from each other with intervening detonation barriers for preventing flashover ignition between the explosive parts, wherein the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that at least one explosive part is optionally detonable through the choice of initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts.

18. An explosive device for combating different targets, comprising at least three explosive parts having different action functions according to claim 4, which explosive parts are arranged one after the other along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive parts being separated from each other with intervening detonation barriers for preventing flashover ignition between the explosive parts, wherein the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that at least one explosive part is optionally detonable through the choice of initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts.

19. An explosive device for combating different targets, comprising at least three explosive parts having different action functions according to claim 5, which explosive parts are arranged one after the other along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive parts being separated from each other with intervening detonation barriers for preventing flashover ignition between the explosive parts, wherein the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that at least one explosive part is optionally detonable through the choice of initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts.

20. An explosive device for combating different targets, comprising at least three explosive parts having different action functions according to claim 6, which explosive parts are arranged one after the other along a common centre axis A-A between two end faces, the explosive parts being separated from each other with intervening detonation barriers for preventing flashover ignition between the explosive parts, wherein the inner explosive charges of the explosive parts have been replaced with a common inner explosive charge, which common inner explosive charge is arranged axially through the explosive parts via the intervening detonation barriers, so that at least one explosive part is optionally detonable through the choice of initiation position Z along the common centre axis A-A, corresponding to the position for any one of the explosive parts.