WO2013133854A1 - Actionnement/déclenchement par gaz propulseur d'un traceur de projectile non-pyrotechnique - Google Patents

Actionnement/déclenchement par gaz propulseur d'un traceur de projectile non-pyrotechnique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013133854A1
WO2013133854A1 PCT/US2012/033140 US2012033140W WO2013133854A1 WO 2013133854 A1 WO2013133854 A1 WO 2013133854A1 US 2012033140 W US2012033140 W US 2012033140W WO 2013133854 A1 WO2013133854 A1 WO 2013133854A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ampoule
tracer
projectile
chemiluminescent
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/033140
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Enrico R. Mutascio
Original Assignee
Armtec Defense Products Co.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Armtec Defense Products Co. filed Critical Armtec Defense Products Co.
Publication of WO2013133854A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013133854A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F42B12/38—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of tracer type
    • F42B12/382—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of tracer type emitting an electromagnetic radiation, e.g. laser beam or infrared emission
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42—AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42B—EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B12/00—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material
    • F42B12/02—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect
    • F42B12/36—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information
    • F42B12/38—Projectiles, missiles or mines characterised by the warhead, the intended effect, or the material characterised by the warhead or the intended effect for dispensing materials; for producing chemical or physical reaction; for signalling ; for transmitting information of tracer type

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to projectile tracer assemblies, and more particularly to non-pyrotechnic projectile tracer assemblies and related methods.
  • Base-mounted tracers for gun-launched projectiles have traditionally been characterized by the use of pyrotechnic compounds that are ignited/initiated by the act of firing the projectile.
  • the hot propellant gases come into contact with and ignite the tracer's pyrotechnic compounds.
  • the tracer marks the projectile's trajectory by virtue of the combusting pyrotechnic tracer compound.
  • tracers are pyrotechnic in nature, they present a potential fire hazard during employment, particularly on firing ranges during training operations. This issue is addressed by the use of non-pyrotechnic tracer elements such as liquid bi-chemical chemiluminescent elements (US Patent No. 6,990,905).
  • chemiluminescent systems consist of two liquid chemicals that when brought together in intimate contact experience a reaction, the products of which are visible light and infrared energy. Initially, the two chemicals are kept separate by the use of special/frangible containers (transparent or equipped with a transparent section) positioned coaxially one inside the other.
  • the rupturing of the container(s) is accomplished by subjecting the projectile to stimulation at the desired time of tracer activation, typically launch and/or target impact.
  • Launch stimuli may be predicated upon acceleration (setback) of the projectile, spin-up of spin-stabilized projectiles in guns that are rifled, and deceleration (set forward) of the projectile as it emerges from the gun's barrel (ending acceleration) and encounters open air.
  • These stimuli act upon designed mechanisms, such as inertia masses (US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0175577), to rupture the container(s).
  • Embodiments of the invention provide a non- pyrotechnic projectile tracer, such as an ammunition round with chemiluminescent tracer portion configured for propellant gas operation or initiation of the non- pyrotechnic tracer material upon firing.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a projectile having a tracer configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a projectile having a tracer with a piston-activator configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a small-caliber projectile having a tracer configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a projectile 100 having a tracer 1 10 configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the tracer 1 10 includes an outer cylindrical ampoule 1 12 positioned within a tracer cavity 1 14.
  • the outer ampoule 1 12 is non-frangible when the projectile is fired from a gun or other launching mechanism.
  • the illustrated outer ampoule 1 12 has an open internally-threaded end 1 16 and an opposite closed end 1 18 with a pronounced protrusion 120.
  • the outer ampoule 1 12 is positioned on an aft end 122 of the projectile 100 such that the protrusion 120 on the outer ampoule 1 12 is bearing against a blind end 124 of the projectile tracer cavity 1 14.
  • the tracer 1 10 includes an externally threaded stepped closure 126 equipped with a central window 128 constructed of a rugged, high temperature resistant material, such as sapphire.
  • the window 128 can be substantially transparent to visible and/or infrared radiation.
  • the stepped closure 126 can have threads to match the outer ampoule 1 12.
  • the tracer 1 10 further includes an inner frangible cylindrical ampoule 130 positioned longitudinally within the outer ampoule 1 12, the inner ampoule 130 having a first end 132 bearing against the outer ampoule protrusion 120 and a second end 134 opposite the first end 132 and proximate to the central window 128.
  • the outer ampoule 1 12 can contain a first chemiluminescent component and the inner ampoule 130 can contain a second chemiluminescent component.
  • the tracer 1 10 can further include an externally threaded capture ring 136 (threaded to match the designated projectile interface) whose central hole can permit a smooth sliding fit with the stepped closure 126.
  • the capture ring 136 can include an internal sliding seal that bears upon the smaller diameter section of the stepped closure 126.
  • the entire outer ampoule 1 12 is sized to be a sliding fit in the projectile's tracer cavity 1 14.
  • the tracer 1 10 is secured in the projectile 100 by the capture ring 136 external threads mating up with the projectile tracer cavity 1 14 internal threads.
  • the outer ampoule 1 12 When assembled, the outer ampoule 1 12 is captured in the projectile tracer cavity 1 14 by the capture ring 136 with the outer ampoule protrusion 120 bearing against the blind closed end 124 of the projectile tracer cavity 1 14 and the transparent window 128 exposed and flush with the aft end of the capture ring 136.
  • the projectile 100 comprises a medium (i.e., 20-75mm) or large caliber (75mm and larger) direct fire ammunition.
  • the tracer 1 10 activation sequence is as follows: upon firing, the cartridge primer ignites the main propelling charge which generates the propelling gasses.
  • the cartridge internal pressure bears against all exposed surfaces (the cartridge case internal surfaces and the projectile 100 base) including the smaller diameter section of the stepped tracer closure 126 with the tracer transparent window 128.
  • the propelling gas pressure force generated on the stepped tracer closure column 126 loads the tracer outer ampoule 1 12, which in turn passes the column load against the closed end protrusion 120 that in turn bears against the blind end 124 of the projectile tracer cavity 1 14.
  • the protrusion 120 is loaded to the point where it collapses, crushing the frangible inner ampoule 130. This action frees the two liquid chemiluminescent chemicals to come into contact and react in a luminescent reaction, while maintaining a liquid-tight integrity.
  • the radiation released from this reaction escapes from the outer ampoule 1 12 through the transparent window 128 facing aft towards the gunner.
  • the forward sliding motion of the outer ampoule 1 12 is arrested when the outer ampoule 1 12 is crushed to the point where the two liquid chemicals are hydraulically compressed, halting the forward motion of the outer ampoule 1 12.
  • a physical/mechanical motion limiting/stop feature (not illustrated) can also be utilized.
  • the tracer 1 10 is accordingly activated independent of the motion of the projectile 100, (including projectile acceleration/setback, spin-up, and deceleration/set- forward/impact).
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a projectile 200 having a tracer 210 with a piston-activator 240 configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the projectile 200 includes several features generally similar to those described with reference to Figure 1 , including an inner ampoule 230 positioned within an outer ampoule 212 within a projectile tracer cavity 214.
  • the inner ampoule 230 is positioned against an outer ampoule protrusion 220 as described above with reference to Figure 1 .
  • the tracer 210 is shielded from the propellant gasses by a stepped piston 240, the smaller diameter of which bears against an aft surface 242 of the outer ampoule 212, leaving the larger diameter's aft end 244 to be acted upon by the propellant gasses.
  • the whole piston 240 is supported by the projectile's aft end or drag cone/fin 252.
  • a plurality of small equalizing ports/holes 246 is positioned in a tapered forward-facing end 248 of a projectile drag cone/fin 252 that communicates with the stepped diameter of the piston 240.
  • the piston 240 is held in position by a plurality of shear pins 250 arranged radially around the periphery of the piston's larger diameter and anchored in the projectile aft end or drag cone/fin 252.
  • the sheer pins 250 are configured to securely maintain the piston's position and prevent activation of the tracer 210 prior to firing of the projectile, such as during rough handling and/or transport.
  • the shear pins 250 are configured so they will shear and release the piston upon application of very high loads applied on the piston by the pressurized gas generated upon firing of the projectile.
  • the piston 240 is positioned in the projectile's aft end or drag cone/fin 252 such that the force of the propellant gasses can push the piston 240 forward a calculated distance after first shearing the shear pins 250.
  • the propellant gasses provide approximately 82,000 pounds psi of force at launch.
  • the moving piston 240 transmits this force to the tracer ampoule 212 causing it to move forward as well. This forward motion crushes the outer ampoule protrusion 220 and initiates the tracer action in a manner similar to the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 1 .
  • the forward motion of the projectile 200 causes a near vacuum/low-pressure area to be established at the projectile's aft end or drag cone/fin 252 as well as air to be forced into the forward facing equalizing ports 246.
  • This near vacuum/low pressure acting upon the aft face of the large diameter section of the piston 240 coupled with air pressure on the forward surface of the stepped section of the piston 240 from the air entering the forward facing equalizing ports 246, results in a force to effect the separation of the piston 240 from the projectile 200. This separation unmasks the functioning tracer 210.
  • FIG 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a small-caliber projectile 300 having a tracer 310 configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the projectile 300 includes several features generally similar to those described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
  • the projectile 300 has a tubular aft end 344 in which is positioned a metallic cylindrical liner 360.
  • the liner 360 can be steel or an alloy of steel.
  • the liner 360 serves as a re-enforcing element to maintain projectile integrity upon the spin-stabilized projectile's 300 exit from the barrel as centrifugal forces act upon the chemiluminescent payload to burst the projectile 300.
  • a frangible inner ampoule 330 containing one of the chemiluminescent components is positioned within the liner 360.
  • the frangible ampoule 330 has a smaller diameter than the inside diameter of the metallic liner 360 and its forward end 362 is nested into a centrally-located depression 364.
  • the inner ampoule 330 is long enough so that when seated into the projectile 300, an aft end 366 projects slightly from an aft end 368 of the metallic liner 360; i.e., the inner ampoule 330 is slightly longer than the metallic liner 360.
  • a transparent lens 328 manufactured from a tough heat and shock resistant transparent material (such as, for example, artificial sapphire as commonly used with scratch-proof watch crystals), is treated with a sealant on its periphery then positioned in the base of the projectile 300, in effect sealing the aft open end 344 of the projectile 300.
  • the lens 328 is held in this position by the sealant as well as a cannelure/crimp groove 372 impressed on the projectile's outer surface 374.
  • the cannelure 372 is configured to maintain the lens' 328 position and prevent activation of the tracer 310 during handling and transport.
  • the lens 328 is secured by rolling the aft open end 344 of the projectile copper jacket 374 over the aft outer edge of the lens 328.
  • the projectile 300 is a small-caliber ammunition, such as 5.56mm x 45 (.22-caliber), 7.62mm x 51 (.30-caliber), 12.7mm x 99 (.50 caliber Browning Machine Gun), and up to 20mm caliber.
  • the tracer 310 functions at firing by the lens 328 being moved forward by the propelling gas pressure acting upon it. During this slight forward motion, independent of the projectile 300, the lens 328 first overcomes the cannelure 372 then fractures the internal frangible ampoule 330, allowing the chemiluminescent components to mix and fluoresce. In some embodiments, the lens 328 can make contact with the aft end 368 of the metallic liner 360 shortly before the lens 328 comes into light contact with the aft end 366 of the frangible ampoule 330.
  • the small air space in the annular chemiluminescent component 370 enables the slight forward motion of the lens 328 without the hydraulic resistance should the chemiluminescent components become solidly compressed.
  • the lens' 328 forward motion is halted by the lens 328 outer periphery encountering the annular aft end 368 of the metallic liner 360.
  • the radiation liberated by the chemiluminescent payload escapes rearward from the projectile 300 through the transparent lens 328 to be seen by the weapon's gunner/spotter.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un déclenchement par gaz propulseur d'un traceur de projectile non-pyrotechnique. Dans certains modes de réalisation, des gaz propulseurs en cartouche agissent sur un piston pour rompre une ampoule chimique de liquide à chimiluminescence désintégrante pour déclencher une réaction lumineuse indépendamment de et avant un quelconque mouvement de projectile. Le piston peut être un piston distinct, un composant séparé fonctionnant comme un piston, ou le contenant du traceur complet agissant à la manière d'un piston. Des modes de réalisation de la présente invention peuvent être appliqués à des munitions à feu direct s'étendant de petites armes à des munitions de tank à grand calibre.
PCT/US2012/033140 2011-04-12 2012-04-11 Actionnement/déclenchement par gaz propulseur d'un traceur de projectile non-pyrotechnique WO2013133854A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161474582P 2011-04-12 2011-04-12
US61/474,582 2011-04-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013133854A1 true WO2013133854A1 (fr) 2013-09-12

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US (2) US20130014667A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2013133854A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3940331A1 (fr) * 2020-07-16 2022-01-19 BAE SYSTEMS plc Traceurs non incendiaires
WO2022013522A1 (fr) * 2020-07-16 2022-01-20 Bae Systems Plc Traceurs non incendiaires

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150083012A1 (en) * 2011-07-20 2015-03-26 Enrico R. Mutascio Rear ejection impact marking ammunition assembly
US10921104B1 (en) * 2019-10-28 2021-02-16 Kyle Pittman Rotation inhibited projectile tip
CN115060121B (zh) * 2022-07-01 2023-08-04 西北工业大学 一种吸气式气固混合曳光管
CN115289914B (zh) * 2022-07-28 2024-04-30 西安现代控制技术研究所 一种高速飞行带迎风窝的减速装置

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US6497181B1 (en) * 2001-12-04 2002-12-24 The Government Of The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Flameless tracer ammunition
US20060032393A1 (en) * 2004-04-08 2006-02-16 Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diederichs Gmbh & Co. Kg 40 mm low cost cartridge
US20100282118A1 (en) * 2007-02-08 2010-11-11 Jacques Ladyjensky Chemiluminescent impact activated projectile

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US4553481A (en) * 1984-04-11 1985-11-19 Vero Ricci Shot gun shell tracer wad
DE19925404C2 (de) * 1999-06-02 2003-09-18 Nico Pyrotechnik Übungsmunition
US7055438B1 (en) * 2003-10-21 2006-06-06 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army System and method for a flameless tracer/marker utilizing heat marking chemicals
US6931993B1 (en) * 2003-12-10 2005-08-23 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army System and method for a flameless tracer / marker for ammunition housing multiple projectiles utilizing chemlucent chemicals
DE102005053491B4 (de) * 2005-11-09 2015-05-13 Rheinmetall Waffe Munition Gmbh Geschoss mit Markierung des Auftreffpunktes
US7487728B2 (en) * 2007-03-22 2009-02-10 Cyalume Technologies, Inc. Small caliber chemiluminescent munitions
WO2011019695A1 (fr) * 2009-08-11 2011-02-17 Kms Consulting, Llc Projectile avec panache de marquage multi-spectral
US8424456B2 (en) * 2009-10-05 2013-04-23 Amtec Corporation Non-dud signature training cartridge and projectile

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6497181B1 (en) * 2001-12-04 2002-12-24 The Government Of The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Flameless tracer ammunition
US20060032393A1 (en) * 2004-04-08 2006-02-16 Nico-Pyrotechnik Hanns-Juergen Diederichs Gmbh & Co. Kg 40 mm low cost cartridge
US20100282118A1 (en) * 2007-02-08 2010-11-11 Jacques Ladyjensky Chemiluminescent impact activated projectile

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3940331A1 (fr) * 2020-07-16 2022-01-19 BAE SYSTEMS plc Traceurs non incendiaires
WO2022013522A1 (fr) * 2020-07-16 2022-01-20 Bae Systems Plc Traceurs non incendiaires
US11965722B2 (en) 2020-07-16 2024-04-23 Bae Systems Plc Non-incendiary tracers

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Publication number Publication date
US20140196626A1 (en) 2014-07-17
US20130014667A1 (en) 2013-01-17

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