US20040083920A1 - Fragment projectile - Google Patents
Fragment projectile Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040083920A1 US20040083920A1 US10/687,835 US68783503A US2004083920A1 US 20040083920 A1 US20040083920 A1 US 20040083920A1 US 68783503 A US68783503 A US 68783503A US 2004083920 A1 US2004083920 A1 US 2004083920A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- projectile
- fragment
- fragments
- heavy metal
- charge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
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
- F42B12/56—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 for dispensing discrete solid bodies
- F42B12/58—Cluster or cargo ammunition, i.e. projectiles containing one or more submissiles
- F42B12/62—Cluster or cargo ammunition, i.e. projectiles containing one or more submissiles the submissiles being ejected parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile
- F42B12/64—Cluster or cargo ammunition, i.e. projectiles containing one or more submissiles the submissiles being ejected parallel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile the submissiles being of shot- or flechette-type
Definitions
- the invention relates to a fragment projectile.
- Fragment projectiles are known from, for example, German Patent No. DE 196 26 660 C2 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,580.
- the subject of this patent is full-caliber projectiles having a projectile casing, which surrounds a hollow space that is filled in the front region with heavy-metal fragments. Additionally, an explosive charge is disposed inside the projectile casing. The charge is detonated at a predetermined time, and the fragments are accelerated, for example, in the direction of the target.
- a drawback of fragment projectiles of this type is that they have a low rate of effectiveness, because the percentage by mass that causes the fragmentation effect is low relative to the projectile weight.
- a fragment projectile comprising: a projectile casing that surrounds and defines a hollow space; heavy metal fragments at least partially filling the hollow space; and an ejector charge disposed at the rear of the hollow space to eject the fragments from the projectile casing when activated during the flight of the projectile.
- the activation takes place at a predetermined time during flight due to a timer disposed on the projectile.
- the invention is essentially based on the concept of omitting the use of explosives in the fragment projectile, and filling the space required for the explosive with fragments.
- a relatively compact pyrotechnical ejector charge effects the ejection of the fragments at a desired, e.g., predetermined time.
- the invention solves the problem of the firing reliability of explosives that is inherent to conventional fragment projectiles.
- the fragment projectile As a subcaliber projectile in a simple manner. These projectiles possess a significantly higher muzzle velocity, and exhibit a much smaller drop in speed during flight. Furthermore, in fin-stabilized projectiles, the guidance assembly can be permanently mounted to the projectile. As a result, costs are further reduced and the hit probability is improved in comparison to full-caliber projectiles, in which collapsible guidance assemblies must usually be used.
- FIGURE is a schematic cross-section view of a fin-stabilized sub-section projectile according to the invention providing with a propelling cage sabot
- FIG. 1 there is shown a fin-stabilized, subcaliber fragment projectile 1 that is surrounded by an aluminum propelling cage sabot 2 , which is segmented in a known manner.
- the projectile can be fired from a 120-mm caliber tank gun, for example.
- the fragment projectile 1 includes a projectile casing 3 , having a hollow interior space 7 in which a packet of spherical fragments 4 comprised of heavy metal, e.g., tungsten (WSM), is disposed.
- the projectile casing 3 also contains an ejector charge 5 at the rear of the hollow space and a programmable timer fuse 6 .
- a fin stabilization unit 8 is affixed to the rear of the casing 3 .
- the propellant cage sabot 2 initially is ejected in a known manner and the projectile 1 follows its flight trajectory to the vicinity of the target region.
- the timer fuse 6 ignites the ejector charge 5 at a desired, in this case, predetermined time. The charge pushes the spherical fragments 4 out of the front of the projectile 1 by bursting the tip 7 .
- predetermined fracture points are provided in the region of the projectile tip 7 . After the projectile tip 7 bursts, the residual projectile abruptly slows its speed because of the high air resistance. In contrast, at the time of the fragment ejection process, the relatively heavy spherical fragments 4 fly further into the target region at about the same original speed of the projectile.
- the invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment.
- non-spherical fragments can be used instead of spherical ones.
- a heavy metal other than tungsten heavy metal can also be used as the fragment material.
- the fragment projectile can also be spin-stabilized.
- the timer fuse can also be replaced by a proximity fuse.
Abstract
A fragment projectile (1) that can be produced at low cost, and has a sufficient fragment distribution for combating targets, while avoiding the use of explosives in the interior of space (7) of the fragment projectile (1). Instead, the interior space (7) normally required for the explosive for such proximity is at least partially filled with heavy metal fragments (4) and a relatively compact pyrotechnical ejector charge (5) is provided to effect the ejection of the fragments (4) at a desired or predetermined time. The fragment projectile (1) should preferably be a sub caliber projectile to attain the highest possible fragment speed in the target region.
Description
- This application claims the priority of German Patent Application, DE 102 48 696.4 filed Oct. 18, 2002 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The invention relates to a fragment projectile.
- Fragment projectiles are known from, for example, German Patent No. DE 196 26 660 C2 corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,580. The subject of this patent is full-caliber projectiles having a projectile casing, which surrounds a hollow space that is filled in the front region with heavy-metal fragments. Additionally, an explosive charge is disposed inside the projectile casing. The charge is detonated at a predetermined time, and the fragments are accelerated, for example, in the direction of the target.
- A drawback of fragment projectiles of this type is that they have a low rate of effectiveness, because the percentage by mass that causes the fragmentation effect is low relative to the projectile weight.
- It is the object of the invention to provide a fragment projectile that can be produced at a low cost and has a sufficient fragment distribution in the target region for combating targets.
- In accordance with the invention, this object generally is accomplished by a fragment projectile, comprising: a projectile casing that surrounds and defines a hollow space; heavy metal fragments at least partially filling the hollow space; and an ejector charge disposed at the rear of the hollow space to eject the fragments from the projectile casing when activated during the flight of the projectile. Preferably, the activation takes place at a predetermined time during flight due to a timer disposed on the projectile. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
- The invention is essentially based on the concept of omitting the use of explosives in the fragment projectile, and filling the space required for the explosive with fragments. A relatively compact pyrotechnical ejector charge effects the ejection of the fragments at a desired, e.g., predetermined time.
- In addition to offering a less expensive production of such projectiles, the invention solves the problem of the firing reliability of explosives that is inherent to conventional fragment projectiles.
- To avoid the dramatic drop in projectile speed, and thus of the fragments during flight, that occurs in full-caliber projectiles, it has proven advantageous to construct the fragment projectile as a subcaliber projectile in a simple manner. These projectiles possess a significantly higher muzzle velocity, and exhibit a much smaller drop in speed during flight. Furthermore, in fin-stabilized projectiles, the guidance assembly can be permanently mounted to the projectile. As a result, costs are further reduced and the hit probability is improved in comparison to full-caliber projectiles, in which collapsible guidance assemblies must usually be used.
- While a sub caliber projectile offers less space for the fragments, the available space typically suffices for effective target combat, e.g., the threat of armored defense weapons in a protective position or light-armored vehicles, because of the absence of the explosive charge.
- Further details about and advantages of the invention ensue from the following exemplary embodiment explained in conjunction with a FIGURE.
- The FIGURE is a schematic cross-section view of a fin-stabilized sub-section projectile according to the invention providing with a propelling cage sabot
- Referring now to the FIGURE, there is shown a fin-stabilized,
subcaliber fragment projectile 1 that is surrounded by an aluminumpropelling cage sabot 2, which is segmented in a known manner. The projectile can be fired from a 120-mm caliber tank gun, for example. - The
fragment projectile 1 includes aprojectile casing 3, having a hollow interior space 7 in which a packet ofspherical fragments 4 comprised of heavy metal, e.g., tungsten (WSM), is disposed. Theprojectile casing 3 also contains anejector charge 5 at the rear of the hollow space and aprogrammable timer fuse 6. Afin stabilization unit 8 is affixed to the rear of thecasing 3. - In the intended use of the
fragment projectile 1 of the invention, after the projectile exits the gun barrel, not shown, thepropellant cage sabot 2 initially is ejected in a known manner and theprojectile 1 follows its flight trajectory to the vicinity of the target region. There, thetimer fuse 6 ignites theejector charge 5 at a desired, in this case, predetermined time. The charge pushes thespherical fragments 4 out of the front of theprojectile 1 by bursting the tip 7. - To assure a reproducible ejection of the
spherical fragments 4, predetermined fracture points, not shown in the FIGURE, are provided in the region of the projectile tip 7. After the projectile tip 7 bursts, the residual projectile abruptly slows its speed because of the high air resistance. In contrast, at the time of the fragment ejection process, the relatively heavyspherical fragments 4 fly further into the target region at about the same original speed of the projectile. - Of course, the invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment. For example, non-spherical fragments can be used instead of spherical ones. A heavy metal other than tungsten heavy metal can also be used as the fragment material. Furthermore, the fragment projectile can also be spin-stabilized. Finally, the timer fuse can also be replaced by a proximity fuse.
- The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth herein.
Claims (9)
1. A fragment projectile, comprising:
a projectile casing having a hollow interior space;
heavy metal fragments at least partially filling the hollow space;
an ejector charge disposed at the rear of the hollow space to eject the fragments from the projectile casing, when activated, during the flight of the projectile; and
means for activating the ejector charge at a desired time during the flight of the projectile.
2. The projectile according to claim 1 , wherein the means for activating, activates the charge at a predetermined time during the flight of the projectile.
3. The projectile according to claim 2 , wherein the means for activating is a timer.
4. The fragment projectile according to claim 1 , wherein the fragment projectile is a subcaliber projectile provided with a propelling cage sabot.
5. The fragment projectile according to claim 4 , wherein the fragments are spherical.
6. The fragment projectile according to claim 5 , wherein the fragments comprise tungsten heavy metal.
7. The fragment projectile according claim 1 , wherein the means for activating includes a timer or proximity fuse to ignite the ejector charge.
8. The fragment projectile according to claim 1 , wherein the fragments are spherical.
9. The fragment projectile according claim 8 , wherein the fragments are formed of tungsten heavy metal.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE10248696.4 | 2002-10-18 | ||
DE10248696A DE10248696A1 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2002-10-18 | splitter floor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040083920A1 true US20040083920A1 (en) | 2004-05-06 |
Family
ID=27798341
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/687,835 Abandoned US20040083920A1 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2003-10-20 | Fragment projectile |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040083920A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1411317B1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE10248696A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL158449A (en) |
NO (1) | NO327288B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2497066C1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2013-10-27 | Российская Федерация, от имени которой выступает Государственная корпорация по атомной энергии "Росатом"-Госкорпорация "Росатом" | Hitting element of cassette fragmentation round |
CN115355774A (en) * | 2022-07-28 | 2022-11-18 | 中国人民解放军63856部队 | Small-caliber infantry grenade fragment space distribution test method |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4970960A (en) * | 1980-11-05 | 1990-11-20 | Feldmann Fritz K | Anti-material projectile |
US5872327A (en) * | 1988-06-25 | 1999-02-16 | Rheinmetall Industrie Aktiengesellschaft | Subcaliber, spin stabilized multi-purpose projectile |
US5900580A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-05-04 | Diehl Stiftung & Co. | Explosive projectile |
US6041713A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 2000-03-28 | Rheinmetall W & M Gmbh | Practice projectile |
US6129024A (en) * | 1997-11-19 | 2000-10-10 | Oerlikon Contraves Ag | Projectile with a programmable time fuse |
US6536351B2 (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2003-03-25 | Rheinmetall W & M Gmbh | Warhead |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE77C (en) * | 1877-07-07 | GANZ & CO. in Ratibor | Construction of double ring shrapnel | |
BE676051A (en) * | 1965-02-12 | 1966-06-16 | ||
DE19524726B4 (en) * | 1994-08-10 | 2006-05-24 | Rheinmetall W & M Gmbh | warhead |
-
2002
- 2002-10-18 DE DE10248696A patent/DE10248696A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2003
- 2003-07-18 DE DE50310603T patent/DE50310603D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-07-18 EP EP03016273A patent/EP1411317B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-07-30 NO NO20033393A patent/NO327288B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-10-16 IL IL158449A patent/IL158449A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-10-20 US US10/687,835 patent/US20040083920A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4970960A (en) * | 1980-11-05 | 1990-11-20 | Feldmann Fritz K | Anti-material projectile |
US5872327A (en) * | 1988-06-25 | 1999-02-16 | Rheinmetall Industrie Aktiengesellschaft | Subcaliber, spin stabilized multi-purpose projectile |
US5900580A (en) * | 1996-07-03 | 1999-05-04 | Diehl Stiftung & Co. | Explosive projectile |
US6041713A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 2000-03-28 | Rheinmetall W & M Gmbh | Practice projectile |
US6129024A (en) * | 1997-11-19 | 2000-10-10 | Oerlikon Contraves Ag | Projectile with a programmable time fuse |
US6536351B2 (en) * | 2000-11-21 | 2003-03-25 | Rheinmetall W & M Gmbh | Warhead |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2497066C1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2013-10-27 | Российская Федерация, от имени которой выступает Государственная корпорация по атомной энергии "Росатом"-Госкорпорация "Росатом" | Hitting element of cassette fragmentation round |
CN115355774A (en) * | 2022-07-28 | 2022-11-18 | 中国人民解放军63856部队 | Small-caliber infantry grenade fragment space distribution test method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1411317B1 (en) | 2008-10-08 |
IL158449A (en) | 2012-07-31 |
NO20033393L (en) | 2004-04-19 |
NO327288B1 (en) | 2009-06-02 |
NO20033393D0 (en) | 2003-07-30 |
DE10248696A1 (en) | 2004-04-29 |
IL158449A0 (en) | 2004-09-27 |
EP1411317A1 (en) | 2004-04-21 |
DE50310603D1 (en) | 2008-11-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US4882996A (en) | Explosive projectile assembly with a projectile body | |
RU2275585C2 (en) | Method for control of missile flight direction and missile | |
US3877383A (en) | Munition | |
US6722283B1 (en) | Controlled terminal kinetic energy projectile | |
EP0597142B1 (en) | A practice projectile | |
JP2004501339A (en) | Self-propelled projectile with penetrating core | |
US8528480B2 (en) | Warhead | |
US4498394A (en) | Arrangement for a terminally guided projectile provided with a target seeking arrangement and path correction arrangement | |
JPS6158760B2 (en) | ||
US6988450B1 (en) | Anti-personnel ammunition | |
US6981450B1 (en) | Grenade dispense mechanism for non-spin dual purpose improved conventional munitions | |
US2091635A (en) | Projectile | |
US20040083920A1 (en) | Fragment projectile | |
KR102662184B1 (en) | Device and method for attenuating contact-impact events of elongated sub-projectiles | |
EP0735342B1 (en) | Munition to self-protect a tank | |
US6895864B2 (en) | Subcalibre kinetic energy projectile | |
CA2534842C (en) | Universal ke projectile, in particular for medium-calibre munitions | |
EP0895054B1 (en) | Cover for a shaped charge projectile | |
RU2080548C1 (en) | Multipurpose shell | |
RU2244246C2 (en) | Armor-piercing bullet | |
US20220026187A1 (en) | Sub-caliber projectile and method of neutralizing a target using such a projectile | |
RU2400697C2 (en) | 'tveritch-3' high-explosive projectile for short-range artillery piece | |
RU2363919C1 (en) | "toropetz" splinter-in-beam projectile | |
RU2346231C2 (en) | "tverskoy" fragmenting-bundle shell | |
RU2079099C1 (en) | Projectile with arrow-like destruction components |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RHEINMETALL W & M GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:THIESEN, STEFAN;JUNGBLUTH, DIETER;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030923 TO 20031007;REEL/FRAME:014628/0197 Owner name: RHEINMETALL W & M GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:THIESEN, STEFAN;JUNGBLUTH, DIETER;REEL/FRAME:014628/0197;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030923 TO 20031007 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |