Counter-mine dart

a technology of counter-mine darts and ammunition, which is applied in the field of counter-mine darts, can solve the problems of inadvertent trigger of the payload of the unexploded dart, a serious danger to civilians, and a serious

Active Publication Date: 2011-10-20
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a way to ensure that an explosive projectile detonates regardless of whether or not it contacts its target. This is achieved by using a dart that contains an HE payload, two time-delay fuses, one providing a relatively longer delay and the other providing a relatively shorter delay, and a first and a second triggering mechanism for triggering the fuses. The first triggering mechanism triggers on contact with a mine lid, while the second mechanism triggers upon an overburdening exposure to water, sand, or soil. This ensures that all darts that are deployed will explode, regardless of whether or not they impact a mine.

Problems solved by technology

Unexploded darts pose an extreme risk to civilians, in particular children.
A curious child tampering with an unexploded dart might inadvertently trigger its HE payload with dire consequences.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0030]FIGS. 1A and 1B depict respective perspective and front views of projectile 100 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in those figures, projectile 100 includes outer nose 102, tail 104, fins 106, standoff pin 108, mine trigger 110, and unexploded ordnance (“UXO”) trigger 112.

[0031]Outer nose 102 contains most of standoff pin 108, triggers 110 and 112. The outer nose also contains other elements that are involved in the detonation of the projectile's explosive payload. These other elements are described later in this specification in conjunction with FIGS. 8, 9, 10A and 10B.

[0032]Tail 104 is aft of outer nose 102. The tail contains the bulk of the explosive payload of projectile 100. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the explosive payload is a high explosive, such as PBXN-5. Other high-explosive materials may suitably be used. In some embodiments for use in other applications, conventional explosives (i.e., as opposed...

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Abstract

Some embodiments of the invention provide a dart that contains an HE payload, two time-delay fuses, one providing a relatively longer delay and the other providing a relatively shorter delay and two triggering mechanisms for triggering the fuses. The first triggering mechanism, which triggers on contact with a mine lid, triggers the relatively shorter time-delay fuse. The second mechanism, which triggers on overburdening exposure to water, sand, or soil, triggers the relatively longer time-delay fuse.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED CASES[0001]This case claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 985,516 filed on Nov. 5, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to munitions.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In anticipation of an amphibious military attack along a particular stretch of beach, defenders might deploy anti land-craft mines and anti-tank mines along the beach zone. The assault force will typically seek to defeat the mines via a counter-mine system before landing on the beach.[0004]According to one proposed counter-mine system, hundreds of thousands of small caliber (e.g., 50 caliber, etc.) “darts” that contain high explosive (“HE”) material are rained-down upon the mine-laden beach zone. The darts are delivered via missile(s) from military aircraft. In one design, upon impact with a mine casing or lid, a brief delay timer within the dart is initiated. The delay provides time (e.g., 500 mic...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F41H11/12F42B12/20F42B15/22F42C9/00F42C1/00
CPCF41H11/12F42B12/201F42C9/147F42C1/14F42C9/145F42B15/22
InventorPAULIC, ANTONIOBENEDICT, LANCE HAMILTON
OwnerLOCKHEED MARTIN CORP