US 6,393,991 B1 · K-charge—a multipurpose shaped charge warhead

Abstract

A multipurpose warhead utilizes a shaped charge device with a shaped charge liner having an included angle in excess of 70° sealing an internal cavity that contains an explosive. A detonatior system having a selectable plurality of outputs contacts the explosive. Peripheral detonation of the explosive generates a high speed, small diameter, penetrating jet that typically includes about 90% of the liner mass. Central point source detonation of the explosive generates a larger diameter, slower moving, explosively formed penetrator. A combination of plural peripheral point detonation and central point source detonation generates multiple fragments. An ability to select detonation type in the field enables a single warhead to be effective against multiple target types. The shaped charge liner may optionally be a composite material having a jet forming portion and an effect forming portion.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A multipurpose charge for a warhead, comprising:

a housing having an open end and a closed end with sidewalls disposed therebetween;
a jet producing liner closing said open end;
said housing and said jet producing liner defining an internal cavity;
a primary explosive disposed within said internal cavity;
and
a detonator in combination with an initiating explosive effective for selectively initiating detonation of said primary explosive by peripheral detonation, central point detonation, peripheral point detonation and combinations thereof wherein a disc is disposed about a perimeter of said internal cavity, said disc being effective to enable peripheral detonation.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

K-charge—a multipurpose shaped charge warhead

Life of this patent

K-charge—a multipurpose shaped charge warhead

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23