System and method for safing and arming a bore-launched projectile

Abstract

A safing and arming (SA) system and method for a bore-launched projectile is provided. The SA system includes an arming switch, including a detonator, movable from a first position to a second position. When the arming switch is in the first position, the detonator is separated from an explosive train of the projectile. When the arming switch is in the second position, the detonator is substantially aligned with the explosive train, allowing the projectile to be armed. Safing systems are provided for retaining the arming switch in the first (safe) position. Various embodiments also allow for release of the arming switch so as to allow the arming switch to be moved to the second (armed) position, wherein the release may be triggered by a selected acceleration force exerted on the projectile and / or a determination that the projectile has been launched from the launch bore.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]Various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a system and method for safing and arming a bore-launched projectile so as to prevent unintended arming of the projectile.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Munitions (such as explosive projectiles) are often provided with a safing and arming (“SA”) device that is designed to allow the projectile to arm its explosive train (and consequently, in some cases, the warhead carried by the projectile) only after the projectile has undergone an intentional launch event. For example, all munitions qualified by the United States government must comply with the requirements of U.S. Department of Defense (“DOD”) MIL-STD-1316, entitled “Safety Criteria for Fuze Design,” which sets forth specific guidelines and requirements for the design of an acceptable SA device. For example, MIL-STD-1316 specifies that an acceptable SA device must sense two independent arming environments prior to arming.[0003]Conventio...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]Various embodiments presented herein provide technical solutions to many of the problems inherent in conventional SA devices while providing robust and, in some cases, multiple independent safeguards against accidental arming of a projectile. According to various embodiments of the present invention, a safing and arming system is provided to be operably engaged with a projectile adapted to be launched from a launch bore.

[0016]Thus, various embodiments of a safing and arming system and associated method according to the present invention may provide one or more advantages that may include, for example: providing a robust mechanical safing system that allows a projectile to arm only after an intentional launch event; providing a safing system that is capable of discerning between acceleration loads resulting from a launch event and a shock load resulting from rough handling and / or an accidental drop; providing a parallel optical and / or electronic safing system that is capable of activating an electronic arming system; providing a safing and arming system that is compatible with “no-spin” bore-launched projectiles having relatively low launch acceleration rates; and providing a readily-adjustable mechanical safing mechanism that may be adjusted to function under a wide range of launch acceleration conditions.

Problems solved by technology

However, there exists a growing class of munitions that do not produce spin upon gun launch and that experience relatively low acceleration forces (i.e. low-g acceleration) during launch.

Such no-spin, low-g munitions present problems for conventional SA devices since the magnitude of a launch acceleration force is typically lower than that resulting from an accidental drop of the projectile (i.e. when loading and / or handling the projectile prior to launch).

Furthermore, conventional SA devices do not utilize electronic safety back-up systems that are capable of reliably identifying an intentional launch event and / or positively preventing the arming of an explosive projectile (via hard-wired and / or switched short circuits) during non-launch events (such as an accidental drop).

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