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US 9,541,363 B2Granted
Controlled fragmentation of a warhead shell
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsThomas E. Burky, John R. Leach
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A series of small explosive charges are used to preferentially crack the casing of a warhead to provide for a controlled fragmentation of the warhead. During detonation of the warhead's explosive fill, the casing will break early in the process along predetermined lines resulting in very large fragments that are projected toward the ground and away from innocent civilians. A fragmentation control collar which contacts these charges can be fitted on the outside of existing warheads. An annular liner within the warhead aids in the controlled fragmentation.
Claims10
A warhead comprising:
- a) a casing;
- b) an annular liner positioned longitudinally within the casing, the annular liner being hollow;
- c) a plurality of fracture charges positioned around the annular liner, the plurality of charges being positioned at the circumference of the casing on an inner wall of the casing;
- d) a first explosive within the annular liner;
- e) a second explosive positioned between the annular liner and the casing;
- and,
- f) a mechanism for detonation,
- wherein the fracture charges have the ability to initiate cracks in the casing.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.