Training ammunition cartridge with a gaseous plume signature

Abstract

A training ammunition projectile has a solid chemical component disposed in a base compartment that produces a gaseous visible plume after impact. The ammunition cartridge generates kinetic energy while propelling the projectile through a weapon barrel. This firing process imparts heat into a projectiles driving band. When the projectile is in flight, heat passes from the projectile's driving band into a compartment in the projectile housing the chemical component. When the component is exposed to increasing heat and low pressure, the it undergoes rapid sublimation. The projectile is configured with a vent opening in its base for emergence of the gaseous plume during flight. The opening is preferably capped to allow for stable storage and to prevent any gas from escaping until the projectile is fired.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 803,827, filed Mar. 21, 2013.BACKGROUND THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of training ammunition and, more specifically, to a non-pyrotechnic training ammunition cartridge having a projectile that can mark its flight path as well as its point of impact both by day and by night.[0003]Military gunners often fire their weapons at long range in military training areas that include grass, vegetation and low lying trees. Hence, while there is some value in firing projectiles that directly mark a target on impact, the morphology and terrain on a military range frequently preclude gunners from having direct views the actual impact points.[0004]Good military training devices should simulate the effects of live fire high-explosive detonations. In combat such detonations generate visual and near infra-red light and heat, forming a multi-spectral si...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a non-pyrotechnic ammunition cartridge with a training projectile that simulates the effects of live fire detonations on impact. The training projectile has a configuration that can be manufactured at a reasonable cost. The projectile harvests heat from the friction of firing and transfers it to an optimized heat sink configuration. The heat is then conducted into the chemi-luminescent constituents and solid material that sublimates at an elevated temperature. The sublimation process accelerates during ballistic flight and creates a distinct marking plume that can be detected by optical deviates, military night vision, and thermal sensors. A third component may also be provided to prevent overheating of the projectile and marking agents during flight.

Problems solved by technology

High explosive detonations also produce smoke plumes.

These pyrotechnic devices produce smoke and heat plumes from combustion of pyrotechnic compounds.

Unfortunately, the devices have often resulted in unexploded ordnance (UXO) which is dangerous and expensive to clean up.

Pyrotechnic devices can also start range fires that destroy the environment.

There are, however, certain drawbacks to this technology as currently practiced: Currently available chemi-luminescent materials do not work well at low temperatures and do not generate enough heat to provide a good signature for thermal weapon sensors.

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