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US 6,540,175 B1Granted
System for clearing buried and surface mines
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsJoseph R. Mayersak, Lance H. Benedict, Robert M. Krass
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for deflagrating/detonating anti-tank and anti-vehicle land mines, beach zone mines, and surf zone mines located in mine belts or individually using delayed active ignition high temperature incendiary flechettes or darts.
Claims13
An airborne countermine system comprising:
- at least one munitions dispenser element, a plurality of countermine munitions initially contained within said dispenser element, each of said munitions containing means for guiding said munitions to a predetermined coordinate location, and positioning the same for descent along a substantially vertical axis;
- means for initiating axial rotation to said countermines during vertical descent;
- each of said munitions containing a plurality of incendiary darts;
- means for opening said munitions during descent to radially distribute said darts using generated centrifugal force for individual vertical descent to a target area.
1 more element
The method of destroying land mines and submerged mines having a hollow casing and an explosive fill within said casing, including the steps of:
- a) providing at least one munitions dispenser having plural dispensable munitions, in which said munitions include guidance and control means;
- b) transporting said munition dispenser to an area of operation;
- c) dispensing said plural munitions while simultaneously activating said guidance and control means;
- d) guiding each of said munitions to a predetermined coordinate location, and;
- e) vertically propelling said munitions toward said location.
2 more elements
An incendiary countermine dart comprising:
- an elongated body having a high temperature incendiary fill, a nose section shaped to provide cavitation upon passing through a displacable mass;
- firing means including an axially displaceable firing pin operative upon contact with a non-displaceable mass, and a fulminate primer activated by said firing pin communicating with said fill.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.