Multi-Point Initiation System for a Radial Multiple Shaped Charge Jet (MSCJ) Warhead

A warhead having a diameter D1, said warhead comprising:

• an annular cylindrical column of explosive having a thickness T1;
• a cylindrical liner on an outer surface of the annular cylindrical column of explosive, said cylindrical liner having a plurality of recesses each having a diameter D2;
• a plurality of booster charges spaced apart on an inner surface of the annular cylindrical column of explosive and aligned to centers of the plurality of recesses;
• and
• an initiation system configured for multi-point initiation of the plurality of booster charges to detonate the annular cylindrical column of explosive produce a plurality of detonation waves that constructively interfere at multiple locations on the inner surface of the liner at the edges of the recesses to cut the liner and to form the recesses into a plurality of shaped charge jets (SCJs) that are propelled radially outward;
• wherein 0.1<=T1/D1<=0.5 and wherein 0.5<=T1/D2<=1.5.

A warhead, comprising:

• an annular cylindrical column of explosive;
• a cylindrical liner on an outer surface of the column of explosive;
• a plurality of booster charges arranged in a pattern having X planes spaced along an axis of the column of explosive, each plane including Y booster charges spaced around the inner surface of the annular cylindrical column of explosive;
• and
• an initiation system including X boards positioned inside the annular cylindrical column of explosive and spaced along the axis of the column of explosive in alignment with respective planes of booster charges, each board including a detonation point that is connected via Y equal length explosive tracks to one of the Y booster charges;
• wherein each of said detonation points are detonated at the same time to produce detonation waves that travel through the explosive tracks to simultaneously initiate all of the booster charges to detonate the column of explosive to produce a plurality of detonation waves that constructively interfere at multiple locations on the back surface of the liner to cut the liner and to form and propel radially outward a plurality of shaped charge jets (SCJs).