US 4,378,740 AGranted

Munition fuse system having out-of-line safety device

AssigneeCalspan Corporation

InventorClayton J. Schneider, Jr.

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Abstract

An out-of-line fuse for primarily ring-type, multiple point concurrent initiation, projectiles is disclosed. In the unarmed state, the detonator and booster charges are angularly displaced while located at the same radial distance from the projectile axis in adjacent radial planes. When rotation of the projectile is sensed by a plurality of centrifugally actuated fiber optic light switches arranged in a series optical relationship, an electrically activated pyrotechnic thruster is fired to move the detonator charges and the booster charges into alignment arming the projectile; the electrical circuit having been priorly energized by inertia switches sensing the thrust forces during the launching of the projectile. When rotation of the projectile substantially ceases the detonator charges are electrically fired.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A fuze for arming and exploding a projectile, the said projectile being launched along a longitudinal axis of rotation, the said fuze comprising:

a. a source of electrical energy;
b. an electronic control circuit having a power input, a signal input, a first signal output responsive to a first signal input, and a second signal output responsive to a second signal input;
c. means for sensing the said launching thrust of the projectile and responsive thereto connecting the said source of electrical energy to the said power input of the electronic control circuit whereby the control circuit is energized;
d. an electric signal fired detonator charge communicating with the said second signal output of the said electronic control circuit;
e. a booster charge;
f. means initially positioning the said booster charge and the said detonator charge in spaced apart non-communicable firing relationship;
g. means initiated by an electric signal, communicating with the said first signal output of the electronic control circuit, for moving the said booster charge and the said detonator charge into communicable firing relationship;
h. means for sensing a first predetermined condition of rotation of the said projectile and providing a first signal input to the electronic control circuit whereby the said booster charge and the said detonator charge are moved into communicable firing relationship;
and
i. means for sensing a second predetermined condition of rotation of the said projectile and providing a second signal input to the electronic control circuit whereby the said electronic control circuit provides the said second signal output firing the said detonator exploding the projectile.

7 more elements

A two stage arming sytem for a cased ring airfoil shape high explosive projectile, the said projectile launched in rotation about a longitudinal axis, the said system comprising:

a. a circular track attached to the said projectile casing in concentric relationship with the said longitudinal axis;
b. a movable ring positioned in the said track;
c. a plurality of booster charges positioned in predetermined spaced apart relationship in the said movable ring for communicating in firing relationship with the said high explosive of the projectile;
d. a plurality of detonator charges attached to the said track, positioned over the said movable ring in one-to-one spaced apart correspondence with the said booster charges;
e. means for providing a first positioning of the said movable ring placing the said plurality of booster charges in non-communicative firing relationship with the said plurality of detonator charges;
f. an electrically fired pyrotechnic thruster cooperating with the said track and with the movable ring for moving the said ring with the said plurality of booster charges into communicative firing with the said plurality of detonator charges;
g. means including an electronic circuit for firing the said thruster;
h. means for sensing the said launch of the said projectile and electrically activating the said electronic circuit whereby the first stage of arming occurs;
and
i. means for sensing a predetermined velocity of rotation of the projectile cooperating with the said electronic circuit whereby the said thruster is fired placing the said booster charges and the said detonator charges in communicative firing relationship completing the second stage of arming whereby the said projectile is fully armed.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.