Dual operating mode warhead

A method of selectively operating a warhead according to the type of intended target comprising the steps of:

• providing an axially symmetric explosive charge having a longitudinal axis and an outer peripheral surface extending between a front facing initiation surface and a rear facing initiation surface, the front facing initiation surface and the rear facing initiation surface both lying in planes transverse of the outer peripheral surface, the explosive charge including a shaped lined charge means shaped for penetration of armor proximate the front facing initiating surface and responsive to the second detonation wave to produce a high speed forward travelling jet with armor piercing capability;
• providing a fragmentation case proximate the outer peripheral surface of the explosive charge intermediate the front facing initiation surface and the rear facing initiation surface;
• operating a first detonating means for initiating detonation of the explosive charge at the front facing initiation surface and creating a first detonation wave for travelling through the explosive charge toward the rear facing initiation surface;
• and
• operating a second detonating means for initiating detonation of the explosive charge at the rear facing initiation surface and creating a second detonation wave for travelling through the explosive charge toward the forward facing initiation surface;
• whereby actuation of the second detonating means alone results in maximum armor penetration of a target;
• and
• whereby substantially simultaneous actuation of the first and second detonating means results both in armor penetration of the target and in a radially directed sidespray pattern of fragmentation of the fragmentation case against the target.