Forward firing fragmentation warhead

Abstract

A forward firing fragmentation warhead is constructed with casing materials that are pulverized upon detonation of the explosive. As a result, the lethality radius of the pulverized case fragments is no greater than that of the gas blast, thus reducing potential collateral damage. Warhead lethality may be improved by forming the fragmentation layer and explosive with dome-shapes that approximately match the shape of the advancing pressure wave. This increases fragment velocity and improves the uniformity of the fragment distribution over the forward-firing pattern. A variable-thickness pattern shaper may be placed between the fragmentation layer and explosive to provide additional shaping of the forward-firing pattern. Warhead weight and cost can be reduced by eliminating explosive at the aft end of the warhead that does not contribute to the total energy imparted to the fragments. More specifically, the aft section of the explosive and explosive containment structure may be tapered to approximately match the expansion of the pressure wave from the single-point aft detonation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates to fragmentation warheads and in particular to a forward firing fragmentation warhead that expels a mass of fragments in a forward-firing pattern.2. Description of the Related ArtFragmentation warheads expel metal fragments upon detonation of an explosive. Fragmentation warheads are used as offensive weapons or as countermeasures to anti-personnel or anti-property weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades. The warheads may be launched from ground, sea or airborne platforms. A typical warhead includes an explosive inside a steel case. A booster explosive and safe and arm device are positioned in the case to detonate the explosive.A radial blast fragmentation warhead includes a steel case that has been pre-cut or scored along the length of the explosive. The booster explosive is positioned in a center section of the case. Detonation of the explosive produces a gas blast that emanates radially from the center po...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a forward firing fragmentation warhead that has the capability to kill threats while minimizing collateral damage. The warhead includes an explosive containment structure and a forward-firing fragmentation assembly that expels fragments in a forward-firing pattern upon detonation of the explosive. The design of the warhead reduces the amount of explosive needed, which decreases the cost and weight of the warhead. Additionally, the design includes a dome-shaped layer of fragments that increases fragment velocity and expels the fragments in a more uniform pattern.

Problems solved by technology

Although lethal, the radial distribution of the fragments also presents the potential for collateral damage to friendly troops and the launch platform.

In other words, the mass efficiency is the ratio of the total mass less the interstitial mass that was consumed during the launch process (therefore ineffective against the intended target) to the total mass.

As a result, the warhead has a maximum lethality confined to a very narrow angle and expels a certain amount of lethal fragments outside the desired target area that may cause collateral damage.

As a result, the aimpoint and detonation timing tolerances to engage and destroy the threat while minimizing collateral damage are tight.

Detonation of the steel case increases the potential for collateral damage to friendly troops and the launch platform.

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