Explosive Device and Mini Depth Charge Grenade
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsToby D. Thomas, Jonathan H. Record, Kenneth W. Havens, David L. Hunn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An explosive device contains a water-reactive material that ignites upon exposure to water. The water-reactive material ignites a water-activated fuse that has a predetermined burn rate and length. The predetermined burn rate and length allows the device to sink to a desired depth before exploding. Hence, the device explodes after a desired period of time and/or at a desired depth. Defense against underwater swimmers is an advantageous feature of embodiments of the disclosure. The device can use a forty millimeter (40 mm) form factor, which permits launch of the device from convention grenade launchers.
Claims20
An explosive device, comprising:
- a shell having a chamber;
- an opening extending from the chamber through the shell;
- a water-activated fuse train having a burn rate which is a function of a sink rate of the device and an intended depth of detonation;
- and
- a detonation charge within the shell.
A system for defending a water-borne vehicle, comprising:
- a launch device;
- and
- an explosive device configured to be launched from the launch device, the explosive device including:
- an outer casing having a chamber;
- a port configured to allow ingress of water from outside of the outer casing to within the chamber;
- a detonator;
- and
- a water-activated fuse configured to ignite the detonator after a predetermined period of time or at an intended depth in the water.
A method of constructing an explosive device, comprising:
- forming an opening through a shell and a chamber within the shell;
- inserting a water-reactive material within the chamber of the shell;
- placing a detonation charge proximate a high-explosive in the shell;
- and
- coupling the water-reactive material and the detonation charge with a water-activated fuse train having a burn rate which is a function of a sink rate of the device and an intended depth of detonation of the detonation charge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.