US3779128A

US3779128A - Mortar with electro-magnetic retaining coil

Info

Publication number: US3779128A
Application number: US00245467A
Authority: US
Inventors: P Pelaez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-04-25
Filing date: 1972-04-25
Publication date: 1973-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 1990-12-18

Abstract

A mortar or short barrel weapon including a rifled barrel for propelling and rotating a projectile. The base plate, supports, and sighting components are conventional. This invention pertains to a newly improved design for a projectile for use in combination with a mortar barrel including an electro-magnetic retention means designed to momentarily restrain the projectile in the breech of the barrel promoting burning of the propelling charge while momentarily retaining the projectile resulting in increased pressures, muzzle velocity and range. The magnetic retention means comprises a retaining coil or coils selectively activated and deactivated by a control circuit comprising switches, coils, and conductors. An alternative mechanical retaining means is suggested utilizing retaining pins employing mechanical, hydraulic, or electro-magnetic control means.

Description

Pelaez Dec. 18, 1973 [76] Inventor: Pedro B. Pelaez, Cedar Hill Ranch,

Vanderpool, Tex. 78885 [22] Filed: Apr. 25, 1972 [21] Appl. N0.: 245,467

[52] 11.5. C1 89/1 F, 89/1.806 [51] llnt. Cl ..F411f1/06 [58] Field of Search 89/1 F, 1 J, 1.806, 89/1.807; 124/3 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,383,053 8/1945 Fanger et a1. 89/1 F 1,589,194 6/1926 Maxwell 89/1 .1 1,602,037 10/1926 Mixsell 89/1 F 397,052 1/1889 Emmens..... 89/1 F 421,307 2/1890 Reyno1ds.... 89/1 F 1,257,126 2/1918 Schneider... 89/1 F 2,307,009 1/1943 Adelman 89/1 F 2,353,885 7/1944 Fanger et a1. 89/1 F FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS 147,257 10/1936 Austria 89/1 F 733,944 4/1943 Germany 89/1 F Primary Examiner--Benjamin A. Borchelt Assistant Examiner-C. T. Jordan Att0rney--Willard J. Hodges, Jr.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A mortar or short barrel weapon including a rifled barrel for propelling and rotating a projectile. The base plate, supports, and sighting components are conventional. This invention pertains to a newly improved design for a projectile for use in combination with a mortar barrel including an electro-magnetic retention means designed to momentarily restrain the projectile in the breech of the barrel promoting burning of the propelling charge while momentarily retaining the projectile resulting in increased pressures, muzzle velocity and range. The magnetic retention means comprises a retaining coil or coils selectively activated and deactivated by a control circuit comprising switches, coils, and conductors. An alternative mechanical retaining means is suggested utilizing retaining pins employing mechanical, hydraulic, or electro-magnetic control means.

8 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEDBECI 8 @121 3,779,128

SHEET 2 0F 3 FIG. 5

PATEINED 9W3 3,779,128

SHEEI 3 BF 3 FIG. 6 FIG] FIG. 9

FIG. 8

MORTAR wITII ELECTRO-MAGNETIC RETAINING CoII.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates primarily to an infantry weapon employed by the armies of the world as a close support weapon. Weapons of this class vary in diameter of the projectile from approximately 60mm to 120mm. The 81mm mortar and comparable calibers are widely used by U. S. forces and armies of the world. The device of this invention pertains to an improvement in this category of weapons which results in an increased range for the weapon.

2. Description of the Prior Art Mortars employing high angles of fire are generally quite old to the art. At one time large caliber weapons of 12 inch diameter with shells weighing over 1,000 pounds were used for seacoast defenses with a view to penetrating the decks of warships. The continued and most common use of this type of weapon is as a small hand serviced weapon employed by infantry troops. It is a common practice to tire the weapon at an angle of elevation above 45. The range is increased by depressing the angle of fire. Improvisations to increase the range under the press of battle condition has been accomplished by attaching additional propellant charges to the mortar shell prior to dropping the shell into the barrel. Weapons of this category are normally serviced or fired by dropping the projectile into the muzzle of the barrel. As the projectile strikes the breech of the barrel, the propelling charge is ignited and the weapon fired. The projectiles are normally fin stabilized and smooth bore barrels are generally used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device of this invention employs a rifle barrel designed to spin stabilize the projectile when fired. The preferred embodiment employs electro-magnetic coils in the vicinity of the breech of the weapon which, in addition to performing function of momentarily retaining the projectile in the breech, as the burning of the propelling charge progresses, the magnets also assist in the secondary function of expanding the malleable rotating band employed on the projectile to facilitate the rotating band engaging the lands and grooves of the barrel to accomplish stabilization of the weapons projectile. Although the later detailed description will describe mechanical retention means employing retaining pins the preferred embodiment employs an electromagnetic retaining coil located in the breech of the weapon which operates in conjunction with appropriate coils, a direct current force, switches and circuitry to activate the retention coil as the projectile slides down the barrel and deactivates the system as the weapon is fired and the projectile moves out of the barrel. The primary object of this invention is to provide a weapon of increased range. This is accomplished by momentarily retaining the projectile in the breech of the weapon to accelerate burning of the propelling charge and increase pressures as the projectile is propelled from the barrel. The malleable expanding rotating band provided on the projectile of this invention engages the lands and grooves and spin stabilizes the projectile.

Other objects, advantages, and modifications of the concept of the combination of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of attached views and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectionalized, partially fragmented illustration of the breech area of the barrel illustrating principally the electro-magnetic retention coils and the associated breech or firing chamber construction.

FIG. 2 is a schematic wiring diagram illustrating the DC power soruce and the associated circuitry, coils, and signal lights of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a fragmented, sectional view of the barrel illustrating some of the detail of the construction of the on-off switch mounted in the barrel to activate and deactivate the circuitry.

FIG. 4 is a sectionalized view of the projectile illustrating some of the detail of the construction of such components as the propelling charge, orifices, rotating band, fuse, and bursting charge.

FIG. 5 is a view of the muzzle of the mortar illustrating the lands and grooves.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a suggested alternative embodiment employing retaining pins in combination with a hydraulic, pressure sensor control means.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of mechanical retaining pins in combination with the pressure sensor and a mechanical linkage for releasing the pins.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of mechanical retaining pins in conjunction with a pressure sensor and electro-magnetic control means for withdrawing the pins.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. 8 taken substantially on line 9--9 looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating a possible arrangement of the retaining pins in the breech.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT For a description of the construction and operation of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the attached views wherein identical reference characters will be utilized to refer to identical or equivalent components throughout the several views and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

In constructing the preferred embodiment, the conventional base plate, support arms, and sighting means well known to the art will be employed. Accordingly, they will not be described in detail.

The mortar barrel 10 is of tubular construction and may employ hot or cold extrusion or centrifugal casting techniques. The tube 11 is constructed with lands 12 and grooves 13. The firing chamber of the weapon will be referred to as the breech l4, and the point of exit as the muzzle 15. Some of the principal non-conventional components of this invention pertaining to those elements illustrated in FIG. 1 in the breech 14 area of the mortar barrel 10. The magnetic core 17 should be constructed from high permeability iron and might well be of slightly larger diameter than the interior diameter of tube 11 placed and retained in position by heating tube 11 and shrinking it on to the magnetic core 17. This magnetic core 17 comprises an outer wall 18, a core base 19, and the center core 20. Tail guide 21 is preferably constructed of paramagnetic stainless steel. The selection of this material is prompted by durability as well as improved function of the preferred embodiment. This tail guide 21 may be threadably secured to center core 20. Secured to or integral with the center core is firing pin 22. The construction of the device might well include a bottom cover 23 threadably encasing the tube 11 and magnetic core 17.

Mounted internally of magnetic core 17 and tail guide 21 is first retention coil 25. This coil 25 encircles center core 20 and is employed singly for short range firing. The first retention coil 25 is employed in conjunction with second retention coil 26 which is wound around and encases tail guide 21 to accomplish maximum retention and maximum range. Mounted in the mortar tube 11 at some point above breech 14 is the on-off switch 27 substantially in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3. Integral with or secured to mortar barrel 10 are mounted the various electrical components illustrated in FIG. 2. To activate the first 25 and/or second 26 retention coils an appropriate DC source of power 28 such as a battery is employed. The circuitry is preferably protected by circuit fuse 29 or an equivalent structure such as a circuit breaker. To adjust strength of the retention force in the first 25 and/or second 26 retention coils an adjustable potentiometer 30 is suggested. A lever type first switch 31 activates the circuit. The first switch 31 completes the circuitry to short-range coil 25 and short-range signal light 32. The second switch 33 activates the second or long-range retention coil 26 as well as second coil signal light 34. Onoff switch 27 illustrated in FIG. 3 is placed in an operable position for activation by projectile 37 as it moves in and out of mortar tube 11.

For a detailed description of the construction of the projectile 37 of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to FIG. 4. The projectile 37 is constructed in the general configuration illustrated and comprises a body portion 38 and a tail portion 39. The two main portions of the projectile are constructed in the conventional manner and may be threadably secured together. Positioned between the body portion 38 and the tail portion 39 is a malleable rotating band 40. This band 40 is constructed of a soft metal such as copper and includes a round or oval expansion core 41 which comprises a hollow space internal of the rotating band 40. The propulsion of the projectile 37 is accomplished by the propellant body 42 which is threadably secured adjacent to the body portion 38. This portion of the projectile 37 is constructed in a configuration compatible with the contour of magnetic core 17 particularly compatible with the outer wall 18 and tail guide 21. The construction of propellant body 42 should utilize heat resistant metal such as iron or steel and be constructed with six thrust orifices 43 equally spaced around its lower perimeter. Secured to propellant body 42 is the projectiles cylindrical tail 44 which is constructed of metal of high permeability such as iron. In the center of the cylindrical tail 44 is machined a space for the propulsion detonator 45 components. At the lower extremity of cylindrical tail 44 is detonation primer 46. The primer 46 is interconnected to the propelling charge 48 of nitrocellulose or cordite powder. Secured to forward portion of projectile 37 is point fuse 49. This device is preferably threadably secured in order that it may be detached and readily attached to avoid the hazards of transporting fused projectiles 37. Various methods of attaching the components are possible; however, fuse threads 50, propulsion body threads 51, and cylindrical tail threads 52 are suggested in the preferred embodiment. The projectile body 38 would normally encase a bursting charge 53 which might be TNT, Explosive D, or phosphorous. The type is selected in accordance with the mission.

Though not considered to be the preferred embodiment, various selected methods of employing mechanical means to utilize the broadest concept of this invention are illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9. These concepts each employ retaining pins 56 which are constructed in the breech 14 portion of mortar barrel 10. Equal spacing of these pins 56 are suggested in FIG. 9. The manner in which they may contact or engage the projectile 37 and various operable means for withdrawing the pins 56 are illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. All the device must employ propulsion pressure sensors 57 which communicate with breech area 14 of the weapon. For a schematic illustration of hydraulic embodiment, your attention isparticularly invited to FIG. 6. Operably secured to the propulsion pressure sensor 57 is a hydraulic sender 58 which communicates with a hydraulic conduit 59 operably engaging hydraulic receiver 60 which activates pin withdrawing linkage 61. Lever 62 acting over fulcrum 63 would by the interaction of drive arm 64 and withdrawal arm 65 release restraining pin 56.

For a structure which is entirely mechanical, reference is made to FIG. 7. Propulsion pressure sensor 57 is employed in conjuction with mechanical sender 68 in conjunction with a receiving arm 69 and a pin withdrawal arm 70. This linkage or variations thereof could accomplish extracting of retaining pins 56.

For an illustration of a suggested construction of an electrical embodiment of this mechanical embodiment, reference is made to FIG. 8. In conjunction with propulsion pressure sensor 57 an electrical sender 73 is employed. This sender 73, when activated, contacts sender contact switch 74 in circuit with a DC power source 75 which activates pin coil 76. The electromagnetic force on the pin coil core 77 through pin circuit 78 would result in a withdrawing of retaining pins 56. The concept endeavored to be illustrated and described in the foregoing schematics incorporates the principal of employing retaining pins 56 in the breech of a mortar and are designed to temporarily restrain the projectile and the pressure is increased at which time the retaining pins 56 are withdrawn thereby accomplishing an increased range for the weapon.

OPERATION As in utilization of the conventional mortar, sights are adjusted for the selected range and direction. In firing the device of the preferred embodiment, the first switch 31 is activated to magnetize the first retention coil 25. If maximum retention and maximum range is desired, the second switch 33 is placed in contact magnetizing also second retention coil 26. On-off switch 27 is activated. Following this procedure the desired projectile 37 is dropped tail first into the muzzle 15 of tube 11. As projectile 37 moves toward breech 14, its contacting of on-off switch 27 activates the first 25 and second 26 retention coil. Cylindrical tail 44 progresses into tail guide 21 and the magnetic force seats projectile 37 firmly against outer wall 18. Contact of the upper edge of outer wall 18 firmly against the malleable rotating band 40 through interaction of the components and expansion core 41 expands rotating band 40 to its maximum diameter. Detonator primer 46 contacts firing pin 22. Ignition through propulsion detonator 45 ignites propelling charge 48, as burning proa. a magnetic core mounted in the breech of said gresses gases are expelled through the thrust orifices mortar barrel,

43. The magnetic retention force of retention coils 25 b. a malleable rotating band secured to said projecand 26 momentarily retain projectile 37 in the breech tile,

14 of the weapon. Burning and pressure progresses 5 c. said magnetic core and said malleable rotating until the pressures are adequate to overcome the retenband compatibly constructed and arranged to comtion force at which time the projectile 37 moves rapidly press d expand said mall ble rotating ba d forward in mortar barrel 10. As projectile moves out of upon fir contact with th s id magnetic core.

the tube 11, the on-off switch 27 is contacted deactivat- 5, Th i ti f l i 1 f rther co rising;

ing circuit to Conserve DC Source This Operation 10 a. a first retention coil secured adjacent the breech results in advance burning or propelling charge 48, inf id mortar b r l,

creased Pressures Within mortar barrel and b. a source of direct current of adequate potential to creased range for Projectile activate and magnetize said first retention coil, and

The p is' s 11 embodiment illustrated in c. conductor means interconnecting said direct cur- FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 are comparable. Retaining pins 56 15 rent Source and Said first retention r can be spring loaded in Such a manner as m be forced 6. The invention of claim 5 further comprising a secoutward similar to switch 27 as the projectile 37 arrives and retention coil, Said conductor means adapted to atfhe F Q 14 of the Weaponl 56 engage and selectively activate said first and said second retention tain pro ectile 37 as detonator primer 46 is contacted coils for a maximum retention f and ,propenmg charge 48 Retaining pms 7. A mortar and projectile system comprising: commue to engage the PYOJCCFIIE 37 pressures m a. a mortar barrel having a breech end and a muzzle the breech activate propulsion pressure sensor 57 end which through either hydraulic sender 58, mechanical b a projectile constructed and arranged to be sender 68, or electrical sender 73 activate the various pened from Said mortar barrel fizs g izi ggi gi gl g z f xgi lz is c. a propelling charge in association with said pro ecr ling Ciifl'g 48 This retention funct ion and t he Zdilleisald charg-e bemg adapted propell-Skim mvanced burnin of to em char e 48 results in in ectile from said breech when said charge lS ignited, g g g d. means for igniting said propelling charge adjacent creased pressures within mortar barrel 10 which results the breech end of said mortar in increased range similar to the preferred embodiment aforedescribed in more detail e. mechanicai restraining means for temporarily re- As indicated the preferred embodiment is the elecstraining Said f as the bummg. of said protro-magnetic version of the device illustrated in FIGS. penmg charge ls ".lsututed and genrated l, 2, 3, and 4. Three alternative embodiments have press.ures of gP charge overcome Sald mebeen schematically described. Other modifications inchanical resirammg i i f. said mechanical restraining means further compriscorporate the basic principals of this invention will appear to those skilled in the arts from a study of the forel going detailed description and the various views. fi i fi fg sensorbcomlmumcatmg What is desired to be claimed is all embodiments of f Sal am i this invention not departing from the scope of equiva 40 2. a restraining pin secured to said mortar barrel said [ems of the appended Claims restraining pin adapted to contact and selectively I Claim. engage and retain said projectile, l. A mortar and projectile system comprising: 3. ahydraulic pin withdrawal linkage positioned adjaa' a mortal. barre] having a breech end and a muzzle cent said breech of said mortar being in a position and 5 to engage and release a projectile, and b. a projectile constructed and arranged to be proy f means operably interconnecting said peued from said mortar ban-e1 propulsion pressure sensor and said hydraulic pin c. a propelling charge in association with said projecwithdrawal lmkage arranged to tile, said charge being adapted to propell said pro- Withdraw Sa1d re5t1' ammg P responsive to P p jectile from said barrel when said charge is ignited, Pressure i f d. means for igniting said propelling charge adjacent A mortar and PQlf System compl'lsmgi the breech end f Said mortar barrel and a. a mortar barrel having a breech end and a muzzle e. a magnet restraining means for temporarily restraining the said projectile as the burning of said a Projectile cfmstructed and arranged to be p propelling charge is initiated and until generated Pelled Q Sald moftar f i. u pressures of propellant combustion overcomes said a P PF Charge assoclatlon with 531d P fi restraining means tile, said charge being adapted to propell said pro- 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said restraining jectile from Said breech when Said charge is ignited, means is an ejectrmmagnet, d. means for igniting said propelling charge adjacent 3. The invention of claim 1 further comprising: the bfeefih 6nd of fl r. a. lands and grooves constructed in said mortar baremechamcal restraining means for temporarily rer straining said projectile as the burning of said prob. a rotating band constructed integral with said propelling charge is instituted and until generated jectile, said rotating band constructed and arpressures of propelling charge overcome said meranged to engage said lands and grooves and rotate said projectile. 4. The invention of claim 1 further comprising:

chanical restraining means, f. wherein said mechanical restraining means comprises:

and

4. conductor means operably interconnecting said propulsion pressure sensor and said electromagnetic pin withdrawal means constructed and arranged to withdraw said restraining pin responsive to the propulsion pressure in said breech.

Claims

1. A mortar and projectile system comprising: a. a mortar barrel having a breech end and a muzzle end, b. a projectile constructed and arranged to be propelled from said mortar barrel, c. a propelling charge in association with said projectile, said charge being adapted to propell said projectile from said barrel when said charge is ignited, d. means for igniting said propelling charge adjacent the breech end of said mortar barrel, and e. a magnet restraining means for temporarily restraining the said projectile as the burning of said propelling charge is initiated and until generated pressures of propellant combustion overcomes said restraining means.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said restraining means is an electro-magnet.

2. a restraining pin secured to said mortar barrel, said restraining pin adapted to contact and selectively engage and retain said projectile,

3. a hydraulic pin withdrawal linkage positioned adjacent said breech of said mortar being in a position to engage and release a projectile, and

3. an electro-magnetic pin withdrawal linkage positioned adjacent said breech of said mortar being in a position to engage and release a projectile, and

3. The invention of claim 1 further comprising: a. lands and grooves constructed in said mortar barrel, b. a rotating band constructed integral with said projectile, said rotating band constructed and arranged to engage said lands and grooves and rotate said projectile.

4. The invention of claim 1 further comprising: a. a magnetic core mounted in the breech of said mortar barrel, b. a malleable rotating band secured to said projectile, c. said magnetic core and said malleable rotating band compatibly constructed and arranged to compress and expand said malleable rotating band upon firm contact with the said magnetic core.

4. conductor means operably interconnecting said propulsion pressure sensor and said electro-magnetic pin withdrawal means constructed and arranged to withdraw said restraining pin responsive to the propulsion pressure in said breech.

4. hydraulic means operably interconnecting said propulsion pressure sensor and said hydraulic pin withdrawal linkage constructed and arranged to withdraw said restraining pin responsive to propulsion pressure in said breech.

5. The invention of claim 1 further comprising: a. a first retention coil secured adjacent the breech of said mortar barrel, b. a source of direct current of adequate potential to activate and magnetize said first retention coil, and c. conductor means interconnecting said direct current source and said first retention coil.

6. The invention of claim 5 further comprising a second retention coil, said conductor means adapted to selectively activate said first and said second retention coils for a maximum retention force.

7. A mortar and projectile system comprising: a. a mortar barrel having a breech end and a muzzle end, b. a projectile constructed and arranged to be propelled from said mortar barrel, c. a propelling charge in association with said projectile, said charge being adapted to propell said projectile from said breech when said charge is ignited, d. means for igniting said propelling charge adjacent the breech end of said mortar, e. mechanical restraining means for temporarily restraining said projectile as the burning of said propelling charge is instituted and until generated pressures of propelling charge oVercome said mechanical restraining means, f. said mechanical restraining means further comprising:

8. A mortar and projectile system comprising: a. a mortar barrel having a breech end and a muzzle end, b. a projectile constructed and arranged to be propelled from said mortar barrel, c. a propelling charge in association with said projectile, said charge being adapted to propell said projectile from said breech when said charge is ignited, d. means for igniting said propelling charge adjacent the breech end of sair mortar, e. mechanical restraining means for temporarily restraining said projectile as the burning of said propelling charge is instituted and until generated pressures of propelling charge overcome said mechanical restraining means, f. wherein said mechanical restraining means comprises: