High-lethality low collateral damage fragmentation warhead

Abstract

The present invention provides a high-lethality low collateral damage fragmentation warhead. The case is formed of a material that is 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 is improved by placing a pattern shaper between the fragment assembly and the explosive. The explosive and pattern shaper have a conformal non-planar interface that shapes the pressure wavefront as it propagates there through to expel metal fragments from the fragmentation assembly with a desired pattern density over a prescribed solid angle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to fragmentation warheads.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Fragmentation 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. A typical warhead includes an explosive inside a steel case. A booster explosive and safe and arm device are positioned in an aft section of the case to detonate the explosive. A fragmentation assembly is placed in an opening in a fore section of the case against the flat leading surface of the explosive. The fragmentation assembly will typically include ‘scored’ metal or individual fragments such as spheres or cubes to control the size and shape of the fragments so that the fragments are expelled in a predictable pattern and speed. Scored metal produces about an 80% mass efficiency while individual f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention provides a high-lethality low collateral damage fragmentation warhead.

Problems solved by technology

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 without improving the lethality of the warhead to destroy the threat.

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