Impulse compensated continuous rod warhead

An impulse compensated continuous rod warhead comprising:

• a pair of end plates;
• a cylindrical explosive charge mounted between the end plates for providing an outward explosive impulse;
• a plurality of continuous rods mounted in parallel lengthwise fashion about the charge;
• an annular buffer disposed between the charge and the rods;
• said buffer having a varying mass between its ends so that impulse variation from the transient explosive reaction is substantially evened out before being applied to the rods;
• said end plates being constructed of metal with sufficient mass to substantially reduce end losses for maximum radial impulse;
• a detonator extending through one of the end plates and located at the center of the respective end of the charge;
• the mass of the buffer progressing to a maximum at a point of maximum radial impulse which is located between the end plates approximately two-thirds of the length of the charge from the detonator end;
• and
• the progression of the mass being monotonic and increasing throughout the entire distances between the end plates and said point of maximum radial impulse.