US2386686A - Long range gun and projectile therefor - Google Patents

Description

'Oct. 9, 194-5. w p HUNSDORF 2,386,685

LONG RANGE GUN AND PROJECTILE THEREFOR Filed July 5, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 vew'rom MLL/AM F? HUNSDORF' Oct. 9, 1945. w. P. HUN SDORF 4 2,386,686

. LONG RANGE GUN AND PROJECTILE THEREFOR Filed July 5, 1941 -2 sneets-snet 2 101 1 /NVENTOR: Hall I WILLIAM I? Ham/scam Patented Oct. 9, 1945 LONG RANGE GUN AND PROJECTILE THEREFOR William P. Hunsdorf, Cleveland, Ohio, assignor of one-third to JamesL. Meikle and one-third to William J. Wesseler both of Cleveland, Ohio Application July 5, 1941, Serial No. 401,127

2 Claims.

This invention, as indicated,v relates to a long range gunand projectile therefor. More particularly it comprises a military unit in the form vention also includes a projectile having many of the features of the projectile just referred to,

but adapted to be fired from guns of standard construction and especially from smooth-bore guns not particularly modified to accommodate such'projectile. For certain special purposes it may even befound desirable to fire a projectile having certain of the features of the invention from arifled gun barrel wherein an accelerated or modified stabilizing efiect is to be brought about. It is well recognized that there are disadvantages associated with the firing of projectiles from rifled cannon and the like inasmuch as certain friction losses areinevitable and the maximum propulsive effect of thegases cannot be attained. However, the spinning. of the projectile is essential to prevent the tumblingof the same, and this is brought about through the sacrifice of accuracy and range as well as a. reduced service life of the rifled cannon or similar projecting apparatus.

7 Many of the disadvantages just referredto can be avoided through. the use of smooth-bore guns and a stabilizing means within the projectile.- Such, arrangement not only brings about greater accuracy and greater range but permits the manufacture-of guns and projectiles of greater size without introducing destructive efiects upon the gun structure due to vibration and'erosion and excessive heating. Such improved projectile also does away with rotational drift. In addition such. projectile retains its stabilizingeffect in passing. fromthe airinto the water reducing the tendency to ricochet; or in the event of such action, to resi'st being diverted angularly to the right as with present high. velocity projectiles fired from rifled guns. Such projectile. construction where the stabilizing effect is maintaineds floats the shell broadside Ion the air and with-such slower re. sponse to the angularfall brings about a greater range. A projectile of this type will have increased muzzle velocity and will be free of vibration. .This, with theabsence of rotational drift, will. insure both accuracy andlong range.

The principal object of thepresent invention is to avoid the disadvantages of projectiles fired from rifled cannon and at the same time to maintain or increase the accuracy of fire. v

Another-object of the invention is to provide for the construction of guns of very long service life and free of excessive heating or other difiiculties of handling.

Another object of the invention is to provide for the construction of guns of larger size than any now available and with reduced recoil and vibration when in operation. I

Another object of the invention is to provide for a gun having a high capacity in the way of range and accuracy with larger projectiles and also having greater simplicity and economy of construction and maintenance. 1

Another object of the invention. is to provide a gun. and projectile so related to each other as to permit variation and control of the translational and rotational speeds of the projectile to bring about certain predetermined effects.

Another object of the invention. is to provide projectile having stabilizing .means within the same and free of the efiects of rotational drift.

Another object. of the invention is to provide a projectile of simple and inexpensive construction which will travel from smooth-bore cannon with greater accuracy and .longer range. than equivalent type of projectiles fired from rifled cannon.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projectile adapted. to be discharged from a smooth-bore gun with a minimum use of themepulsive agent for rotational effects and with a maximum use of such agent for propulsive effects.

Another object of the invention is to provide a projectile free of sidewise thrust and having a minimum of recoilefiect upon the gun mechanism.

Another object of the invention is to provide for separate control of the rotational speed of the stabilizing unit and for the discharge of the projectile from the gun barrel.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear in the course of the following description.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention. then, consists of the means hereinafter fully describedand particularly pointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain structures embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but several forms in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexed drawings: a

Fig. 1 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing the main portion of a, smooth-bore gun with an explosive. charge and with a projectile partly in section, within the same, all embodying the principles of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a modified form of gun structure with a separate power unit to rotate the stabilizing rotor;

Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal sectional view showing one method of constructing and assem-' bing a projectile with "an internal stabilizing rotor;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional View of the structure shown in Figure 3 as seenaI ng-the-Jine; 4-4 of Figure 3, looking in the directionof the passageway I! for the discharge of the gases 2 moving through'the passageways l6, I2 and I1, as"'heretoforedescribed. The projectile I 4 may *take various forms, but one type of the same is arrows Figs. 5 and 6 are each fragmentary transverse;

sectional views of the structureishownf in Figur 3 as seen along the lines 5-5 and 6 -6, respec tively, of FigureflB, looking in the"direction,re-.-

spectively, 0f the arrows;

' sure within such passageway may be controlled.

The passageway-1 2 is connected with communicating passageways l6 and I1 extending transversely through the several members of the gun structure into the powder chamber and projecvtile area, respectively.

An exit passageway I8 is provided opposite the illustrated in Figures 3 to 6. The projectile has Fig. 7 is a central longitudinal sectional view of a projectile with an internalstabilizing motor:

and with a self-containedrotor energizing unit;

Fig. 8 is a central longitudinal s-ectional view of aprojectile with an'internal stabilizing rotor adapted to be energized by the propulsive charge inthe gun, r

Fig. 9 is a side elevation, .partlyin section, of a cartridge, case, or fixed ammunition, provided with a'projec'tile of the type shown in .Figure for large caliber ordnance; I

.Fig. 10, is a side elevation, partly inv section, of'a cartridge case, or fixed ammunition, provided with a projectile of the type illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, for large caliberordnance; and Fig. 11'is a side elevation, partly in section, of, a cartridge case, or fixed ammunition, pro-. vided with a projectile having twin stabilizing rotors, each similarto the rotor shown in Figures 1,2 and 1 I While the drawings show anumber of em bodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that a great many variations and combinations of the features. shown may be made. Likewise for certain special conditions, changes in the valve shapes and positions, and the use of springpressed, or frangible unions for the fluid'passageways. of thegun and projectile, maybe found advantageous; jWithhigh pressures and high veloci'ties in the larger units the use of more expensive heat resisting' alloys is warranted and longer" range may thus be assured throug the use of auxiliarymeans for I rotating the projectile stabilizing unit. On the other handthe self-contained, or 'propulsive'icharge means for energizingthe stabilizing'r'otor, hasits o'wnadvantages in the medium size, more portable units, and involveslesscare in manufacture, transportation and us'e,than is the case'with the 'projec tilesdesigned for the maximum performance large sizeunits. H i p It is of course to be understood that both army and navy,"and' aircraft use of 'thismilitary unit is in contemplation V I has been stated, the invention may take various forms, and it 'is adapted particularly for heavy ordnance. When so-used the. modifications in the gun structure, additional to the omission ofi'the rifiing, arefof relatively simple character. 'As shown in'Figure l of the drawing a large caliber gun I is provided, having a barrel 2 and the conventional supporting tubes and jackets 3, 4, 5. It also has'a rearward supporting member 6, and has a breech block 1 and firing mechanism 8 of conventional construction. The barrel inaddition has a tubular member ll ,en-, gaged-overthe rearward portion of the gun to the rotor, and an exit I of the projectile.

the conventional timing device 2| and has space within the same for the bursting charge 22. It also has the conventional, bourrelet 23.and sealing band 24. The head of the projectile may have the usual ogive; 2 5, or may be modified in accordance with certain special uses, ormay carry ,an auxiliary cap. A suitable baseplate 26 is, also.

provided. Each projectile is, provided with astabilizing unit which, as has beenindicated, may,

take various forms. 7 In the construction shown in Figures 3 to 6 a tubular casing, ,is provided;

having an end wall'32and a closure plate 33 at the opposite end The end wall and .closure plates are provided with recesses 34,35, respec; tively, to receive the stub shafts 36, '31, provided at the ends of the bodyof the,rotor 3 8.. .'1he

rotor is provided about theperipherywith a plurality of blades'39 parallel to thejcentral axis of the rotor, and spaced from eachother a sumcient distance to provide suitablereaction space for the gas jets for energizing such rotor,] as will be hereinafter described. Atpoints centrally of the rotor the casing 3| is of reduced size 'inter-' mediate its ends so as to provide circumferential space 4| for part of the bursting charge. It is formed, however, witha pairof bosses 42', 43; A passageway is formed through thewall of the projectilein alignment with the boss 42 to provide entrance for the energizing fluid jet ifor V passageway 45 is provided extending through the boss 43 andthe' Wall of the. projectile; A plurality of reaction'fofisets 46 may, be formed on the'inner wall of the casing over the path traveled by the rotor propulsion gases to increasethe propulsive efiect of'such gases. The ends of the casing, as will belnoted' in Fig? ures' 5 and 6,, are cut away at spaced intervals to 'provide' 'recesses 41 and spacinglugs 48, The lugs 48 bear frictionally against the 'inner'wall of the projectile, the forward lugs engaging against an annular projection 49 on the inner wall of the projectile, and the bosses 42 and 43 registering with the passageways through. the projectile.

Agun equipped as above described will conserve some of the energy used in the'rifle typepf'o'rdnance and transform it into propulsive energy. A small portion of the powder gas pressure resulting from the propulsive powder charge will find its way through the passageway" tolthe passageways through the projectile so as to energ ize the rotor 38 and 'efiect the'stabilization ot the proiec tile in such manner. The pressure thus taken from the powder chamber i of negligible amount leaving substantially the entire expansiveforce o1 gasesto exerted, against the base I h Since there i's no ,frictiont -be overcome by rotating the entire projectile and the powder.

cutting grooves in the rotating band, as is the case with rifled cannon, the movement of the projectile in the smooth-bore gun illustrated will take place more quickly than in the rifle cannon, and there will be reduced gas pressure within the barrel at the start of the discharge, but with a higher muzzle Velocity for the projectile by reason of better sealing and more effective use of the powder gases. The size and speed of the rotor will be proportioned to the weight of the projectile and its proposed trajectory. Likewise the position of the rotor within the projectile will be controlled by the general shape and weight of the projectile, as well as the condition of its intended performance. It will be noted that upon the explosion of the projectile the bursting charge will act upon the casing for the rotor and destroy someof the structural features of the stabilizing device. Should it be deemed of importance a bursting charge may be placed within the rotor, and various fracture lines may be placed across the projectile and the rotor so as to conceal the exact construction of the self-stabilizing projectile.

Under certain conditions it may be diflicult to maintain the gas passageway l2 and its associated passageways in full operative condition free of obstruction, and in such case it may be desirable to use independent means for energizing the rotor preliminary to the firing of the gun. One means of accomplishing this method of utilizing the invention is disclosed in Figure 2 wherein the gun and projectile are substantially identical with those heretofore described, excepting as to the auxiliary mechanism supported on the upper side of the center of the jackets 5| of the gun. Such mechanism may take various forms, but the structure illustrated in Figure 2 provides a passageway 52 in the gun barrel, such passageway having an entrance port 53 centrally of a projection 54 against which cartridge chambers 55of a cartridge wheel 56 are adapted to register in succession. The cartridge wheel is supported on a boss 51 engaged by a pivot pin 58 extending through the hub 59 of the cartridge wheel. The firing mechanism for the cartridge is provided on an arm 6| mounted on the jacket 5| having an extension 62 riding over the closed end of the cartridges as the cartridge wheel moves progressively. The extension 62 is provided with a firing pin 63 normally held retracted by means of a spring 64 and adapted to be forced against the cap of the cartridge by means of the hammer 65 supported on the pivot pin 66 at the upper portion of the arm 6|.

The projectile at first described is provided with a stabilizing rotoradapted to be energized by means of gas pressure received through passageways in the gun barrel. Other types of projectiles may be provided, however, wherein the power to rotate the stabilizing element is carried in the projectile itself, as in Figure '7, or is received through a passageway directly through the projectile structure, as is shown in Figure 8.

The construction shown in Figure 7 illustrates a projectile of the general type heretofore described, the rotor H having angularly set vanes 12 adapted to be acted upon by powder gases generated in a chamber 13 in the forward portion of the projectile, said chamber having an igniting device 14 and having a discharge passageway 15 in the path of travel of the vanes and a discharge outlet 16 for the gases. The rotor is enclosed within a casing 11 similar to the casing 3!, heretofore described, but has only the single boss 18 through which the passageway T6 is provided.

Various ways may be provided for igniting, or initiating the gas discharge from the chamber 13 under certain conditions instead of a slow burning powder in such chamber, since gas forming means, or compressed gases of various kinds may be enclosed within the chamber and subject to releas preliminary to the discharge of the projectile, or at any stage-of its travel. Thus the rotor may be energized in the manner shown in- Figures 1 to 2, and thereafter its speed maintained by. means of a self contained power supply.

The projectile shown in Figure 8 is substantially similar in outline to the projectiles heretofore described, and has a casing for the rotor somewhat similar to that disclosed in Figure '7; such casing, however, has no lateral passageway, but instead has a plurality of passageways 8! connected with the passageway 82 positioned centrally within an extension bar 83 mounted centrally of the end plate 84 of the rotor casing. The extension bar at the end is seated within a recess 85 in the end plate 86 of the projectile which end plate is provided with an enlarged central aperture 81 to permit the expanding powder gases of the propul-' sion charge to enter into the passageways 82 and 8| and to impinge upon the vanes 88 cf the rotor which is mounted, as heretofore described, within the rotor casing 89. Passageways 9| are providedin substantial alignment with the discharge ports of the passageways iii to permit free discharge of the explosion gases at the forward end of the projectile. 'Valves 92 are provided at the outer" ends of the passageway 9| to allow the gases to pass freely outwardly from the projectile during the high pressure period on the base of the pro jectile and thereafter to close through the action of the air pressure on the forward portion of the projectile. The valves are provided with stems 93 and springs 94 to normally maintain them in closed relation. It' will be noted that after the rotor is energized the closing of the valves at the forward end of the projectile will virtually pro-' vide a low pressure chamber within which the r0- tor may continue its free rotation at high speed. The reduced pressure within the casing 'forjthe rotor will be present also in the other types of projectiles described inasmuch'as there will be a suction or aspirating effect on the lateral ports of the rotor'cha'rnber when th projectile is in high velocity flight.

The projectiles heretofore described have been of the type designed for large caliber units wherein -a separate powder charge is utilized. However, the invention is applicable to projectiles for guns of lesser caliber using fixed "ammunition. Theadaptation of the invention for fixed ammunition units is disclosed in Figures 9 to 11, inclusive.

The projectile shown in Figure 9 is substantially identical with that shown in Figure 8, and like reference characters have been applied to the parts thereof. Such projectile, it will be noted, is seated within a cartridge casing NH carrying the propulsive charge I02. The casing is provided with the usual flange and percussive cap of conventional construction.

The units of fixed ammunition disclosed in Figures 10 and 11 are of the type shown in Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, wherein the stabilizing rotor H13 is energized through pressure gases received through a passageway I04 communicating with passageways within the gun similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 2. The pressure gas discharge is through the passageway I05. The

structure shown in Figure 11 includes a plurality of rotors I06, I01, similar in action to the rotor I03 shown in Figure 10. 'The rotor casing I08, it will be noted, is provided with a plurality of .bosses I09 through which the inlet passageways I I I for the pressure gases and the outlet passageways 2 for such pressure gases, are formed. The use of two rotors within the projectile provides for a certain measure of control through a variation of speed or direction of one or other of the rotors. Thus the rotor may be used to neu-' tralize the stabilizing effect at a certain stage of travel of the projectile, and this may be accomplished by having one rotor operate in the normal manner, heretofore described, and having the second rotor operate only when energized by a mechanism', such as is disclosed in Figure 7, and this mechanism may be timed to operate at any predetermined period of lapsed time during the flight of the projectile. The second rotor may also be used as part of a timing mechanism to release articles carried in a chamber of the projectile, such as incendiary fragments, or other items of aerial warfare as are now in use. 'The rotors also may be set at different angles.

The advantages of the various embodiments of the invention above described have already been set forth in part. It should be mentioned, however, that there are so many minor or incidental factors that enter into precision 'performan'ceof various types of guns and cannon that it is more accurate to regard them as integral and necessary parts of the combination rather than to state certain of the features alone bring about the highest performance. These various factors working together thus produce higher velocity and longer range for the projectile having equal propulsive charge and in addition reduce or eliminate vibration and side thrust.

The absence of rifling permits more efiicient sealing adjacent the base of the projectile and at the same time reduces or eliminates the destructive erosion. The degree of ratio of rotary stabilizing movement may be proportioned to the degree of translational movement applied to the projectile or its parts. In view of the fact that the stabilizing rotor operates in a partial vacuum or area of reduced pressure the maintenance of a high degree of stabilizing effect maybe carried on without increasing the drift or introducing non-uniform air pressure to interfere with the predetermined trajectory of the projectile or bring about loss of equilibrium before the objective is reached. In addition to the matter of improved performance of guns and cannon, particularly those of larger caliber, there are important advantages in the way of quantity production of the units of the various sizes without sacrifices of accuracy of performance. includes economies of material and labor, greater ease of transportation to the place'of use as well as handling in action.

, The gun or cannon also, by reason of its structural features mentioned, is less diflicult to maintain in continuous service than structures of equivalent size of present types of such units.

Other modes of applying the principle of my invention may be employed instead ofIthose ex.-

plained,change being made as regards the'structureherein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equivalent tile, means providing a duct extending transversely through saidprojectile and chamber, a source of pressure, and means within said'pro} jectile discharging device connecting one end of said duct with said source of pressure and'means within the said discharge device connecting the other end of said duct to the atmosphere thereby providing a free open passageway extending transversely through said projectile discharge device and said projectile for gases to rotate said stabilizing member.

2. A projectile adapted to be received in a dis charge device said discharge device having a bore and having an inlet passageway transverse of the bore and communicating at one end With the bore and at'the other end with a source of pressure, and having an outlet passage-way communicating at one end with the bore and at-the other end with the atmosphere; said projectile having a chamber formed therein, a stabilizing member supported for rotation Within said chamber upon a longitudinal axis of said projectile,'means pro viding a duct extending transversely through said projectile and chamber, said projectile 'so con structed, proportioned and arranged that when received-in the bore of said discharge device with one end of said duct in registry with the inlet passageway of said device the other end'is in registry with the outlet passageway, whereby gases may be forced from the source of pressure through the passageways and duct torotate-said stabilizing member. Y

' WILLIAM P. HUNSDORF.

Such production also

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