UAV long-range kinetic defeat round

Abstract

A projectile that non-explosively fragments to release cargo, including specialty fragments, down range.

Description

Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT TITLE UAV LONG-RANGE KINETIC DEFEAT ROUND CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This utility patent application claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 565,830 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on March 15, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference thereto in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Modern conflicts have given rise to a battlefield reality in which small, unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”) or drones can destroy multi-million-dollar vehicles and kill or injure personnel. Every vehicle or facility must now incorporate multiple layers of countermeasures to address UAV threats.

[0003] More specifically, an aerial attack drone carrying a shaped charge can approach at under 300 feet per second moving directly at an intended target. The drone usually is vulnerable to disabling countermeasures in its final approach.

[0004] Aerial UAVs are frequently fragile machines that are vulnerable to multiple forms of countermeasures, most commonly: radio frequency jamming, electro-optic camera dazzling, smoke generation, and kinetic weapons. Weapons may include radar-guided, anti-missile systems and gunfire remote turrets incorporating automatic weapons.

[0005] Unfortunately, the fragility that makes attack drones lightweight also makes them remarkably “bullet transparent” where much of the area of a quad copter is empty rotor space. In order to be effective in disabling or destroying this type of incoming warhead-equipped UAVPatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT target, a projectile would need instantaneous fragmentation, potentially the inclusion of energetic materials, various payloads, and optionally, tracing or other projectile elements.

[0006] A need exists for lighter weight machine gun ammunition that delivers increased lethality at lower cost. More specifically, the needed ammunition should non-explosively fragment to release cargo down range, including specialty fragments, to disable, for instance, attack drones. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] The present disclosure is directed in general to point defense against incoming UAVs, particularly, a projectile suited for high fire rate weapons such as machine guns. The projectile non-explosively fragments to release additional cargo, including specialty fragments, to disable targets down range, such as a UAV.

[0008] In one embodiment, a lightweight, high-velocity 7.62x51 base projectile is provided for high-fire rate machine guns to deliver increased lethality at lower cost as each projectile carries a target load farther downrange while target load fragments will not carry excessive distances. The cartridge may include a case that maintains a Cartridge Overall Length such as 7.62x51 (308 Winchester) weapon parameters, and a molded projectile. The projectile has a maximized volume with a weight that can be satisfactorily driven by available propellant capacity.

[0009] In this embodiment, the projectile construction can also be utilized to produce a projectile that fits 300BLK case / weapon, larger caliber weapon systems to include 50 BMG, or any caliber that can produce a projectile of suitably large volume, to produce a higher count of fragments / projectiles at a velocity sufficient to damage or disable or destroy the intended target.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT

[0010] In another embodiment, a projectile is provided that breaks apart upon impact with a target into fragments (e.g., a primary effect) and / or fine particles (e.g., a secondary effect) to disable the target. The projectile may contain various payloads within internal or exposed cavities on or within the projectile including, but not limited to, energetic compounds, specifically velocity or impact pressure dependent energetic materials, tracing compounds within or without tracing cups, ballistic tips, armor piercing core or cores, and incendiary elements.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a projectile may include a ballistic tip, a velocity or pressure dependent energetic material that will only detonate at speeds above the terminal velocity of the falling projectile, a projectile body that may contain fragments uniformly distributed within a frangible material that forms the projectile, and a tracking-type tracing element included to assist a fire control system of a counter drone turret.

[0012] The various embodiments disclosed herein may be various shapes, diameters, and lengths, and may also be tapered. By way of example, the embodiments may be matched to data such as found at https: / / saami.org / wp-content / uploads / 2025 / 02 / SAAMI-Z299.4-CFR-2025- Centerfire-Rifle-Approved-2-10-2025.pdf.

[0013] Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal ofPatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, wherein:

[0015] FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of an ammunition cartridge according to the disclosure;

[0016] FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along lines II-II in FIGURE 1;

[0017] FIGURES 3A-3L are sectional views of exemplary projectiles that may be used in the ammunition cartridge of FIGURE 1 taken along lines III-III in FIGURE 2;

[0018] FIGURE 3M is a side elevational view of another projectile that can be used with the ammunition cartridge of FIGURE 1;

[0019] FIGURES 4A through 4F are sectional plan views of projectiles as in FIGURES 3A- 3M that may be used in the ammunition as in FIGURE 1;

[0020] FIGURE 5A is a side elevational view of another ammunition cartridge according to the disclosure;

[0021] FIGURE 5B is a side elevational view of yet another ammunition cartridge according to the disclosure; and

[0022] FIGURE 6 is a side elevational view of a further exemplary ammunition cartridge according to the disclosure.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0023] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents.

[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical, engineering, and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term, phrase, or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

[0025] Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary,” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

[0026] The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

[0027] The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value.

[0028] The term “effective amount” means a value of plus or minus 10 percent of any stated value unless a different specific value or range is provided.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT

[0029] The term “lead-free” refers to a projectile that does not use lead intentionally in its composition but may include a trace amount of lead as an unavoidable impurity in other components of a projectile composition.

[0030] The term “toughness” means an ability to absorb energy and plastically deform before fracturing as opposed to be “brittle.”

[0031] The term “ranges” includes all combinations of sub-ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 includes ranges from, e.g., 110 to 150, 170 to 190, and 153 to 162. Similarly, “limits” means all sub-limit combinations, e.g., a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.

[0032] The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, et cetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, a phrase such as: “a method involving a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

[0033] Where a list of alternative component terms is used, e.g., “a structure such as ‘a,’ ‘b,’ ‘c,’ ‘d’ or the like,” or “a or b,” such lists and alternative terms provide meaning and context for the sake of illustration, unless indicated otherwise. Also, relative terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “front,” and “rear” are intended to identify or distinguish one component or feature from another similar component or feature, unless indicated otherwise herein.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT

[0034] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including but not limited to.”

[0035] The various embodiments of the disclosure and / or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative.

[0036] Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0037] FIGURE 1 shows an exemplary ammunition round or cartridge 10 manufactured according to the methods described below to include the following attributes. The cartridge 10 includes a case 12 with a bullet or projectile 14, a primer 16, propellant or gunpowder 18 contained within the case 12, a channel, compartment, or cavity 20 with an opening or aperture 22, and energetics 24. Specifically, the cartridge 10 may be used in machine guns (not shown) to deliverPatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT increased lethality at a lower cost and lighter weight. The case 12 of the cartridge 10 may be based on the .308-WIN / 7.62x51 case. By way of example, the high rate of fire of a machine gun launches large volumes of ordnance downrange. For instance, a 600-round-per-minute launch rate will place projectiles into the air at a rate of 10 / sec into the target attack zone. That same weapon system launching projectiles that break into ten (10) lethal pieces will effectively launch projectiles at a rate of 100 / sec into the desired attack zone, significantly increasing the chances of a direct hit into an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Similarly, a 2400-round-per-minute launch rate (e.g., minigun) will place projectiles into the air at a rate of 40 / sec into the target attack zone. That same weapon system launching projectiles that break into 10 lethal pieces will effectively launch projectiles at a rate of 400 / sec into the desired attack zone, greatly increasing the chances of a direct hit into a UAV.

[0038] More specifically, the bullet 14 in FIGURE 1 may be a high velocity 7.62x51 base projectile or 308-416 projectile 14 that propels farther downrange while fragments will not carry excessive distances as smaller fragments have naturally reduced ranges and thereby have reduced danger zones. The cartridge 10 may include the following aspects:

[0039] Case 12. a. The case 12 is designed to work with 7.62x51 (.308 Winchester) weapon parameters. Additionally, the length of the 7.62x51 case 12, and the “Cartridge Overall Length” (COL) are maintained; i.e., COL after the projectile 14 has been loaded into the case 12. b. While all else on a weapon system remains the same, it will require a barrel change to operate this round 10.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT c. The case 12 can be manufactured using traditional brass-case manufacturing methods, polymer-case manufacturing methods, and other multi-case manufacturing methods (e.g., from Shell Shock Technologies). d. The projectile 14 described below is not limited to use with the case 12 but benefits from the overall added volume of the cartridge 10 in comparison, e.g., to a standard 7.62x51 (.308) case.

[0040] With continued reference to FIGURE 1, as well as to FIGURE 2 and FIGURES 3A- 3M, the projectile 14 is shown with these parameters and specifications: a. A volume of the projectile 14 is maximized while not exceeding a weight able to be driven satisfactorily by the available propellant capacity, i.e., the gunpowder 18. b. This same construction can be utilized to produce projectiles 14 that accommodate: i. 300BLK case / weapon (similar necked-up case, e.g., a 5.56 NATO case necked up to a .308 projectile caliber / diameter). ii. Larger caliber weapon systems to include 50 BMG and larger. iii. Any caliber that can produce a projectile of suitably large volume, to produce a higher count of fragments / projectiles at a velocity sufficient to damage or disable or destroy the intended target, i.e., a primary effect on target. c. Can be tuned to non-explosively break at a desired distance downrange into smaller projectiles or fragments 36, 38, 40, 42 (see FIGURE 3I), e.g., carried in the cavity 20 inserted through the aperture 22.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT i. This arrangement differs from fragmentation produced by, e.g., an exploding grenade. Here, the fragments continue their forward trajectory while “spreading out” in a manner similar to shotgun buckshot or birdshot rounds. More specifically, the multiple projectiles or fragments may form a cloud containing pieces or fragments of the original projectile body 14 that broke apart, dispersed, and spread out in a first stage, as well as cargo 36, 38, 40, 42 released in a second stage that was held within the projectile cavity 20 prior to fragmentation of the projectile body 14. Thus, the downrange fragmentation serves as a force-multiplier by providing numerous “projectiles” at the point of desired attack. ii. The fragmentation may be induced mechanically, electrically, or chemically by utilizing a combination of the forward velocity / energy, rotational velocity / energy, or inertial aspects / energy of the projectile 14. iii. The fragmentation can be achieved primarily by compromising the integrity of the molded frangible / low-collateral projectile 14 in one stage and permitting projectile inertia to complete the breakup process in another stage while minimizing forward energy depletion from a trajectory of the projectile 14. d. The projectile 14 also can be outfitted to: i. Add tracer functionality. ii. Include energetics 24 integrated into a composition of the primary initial projectile 14. More specifically, cargo 36, 38, 40, 42 as shown inPatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT FIGURE 3I may be packed into the projectile 14 in “pill” form before or after manufacturing the projectile 14 with the energetics 24, schematically depicted amongst and between the cargo. Although shown loaded in a forward area of the cavity 20, the cargo 36, 38, 40, 42 can arrive on target from either a front or a rear of the projectile 14 (or from within / throughout the projectile 14) by controlling a collapse of the projectile 14 through “controlled disassembly,” by scribing deeper versus shallower fracture points or lines in the projectile 14, schematically depicted as fissure 328 in FIGURES 3J-3M, 4A-4F, and 6. iii. Produce additional downrange effects, i.e., “secondary effect on target,” such as: a. Signature-On-Target (visual bloom) b. Energetic effects c. Electrical or Electromagnetic effects

[0041] As further shown in FIGURES 1 through FIGURES 3A-3M, to promote adoption and reduce barrel changeover, a suite of projectiles 14 for the case 12 may include: ^ Armor-Piercing ^ Reduced-range training / Low-Collateral / frangible (“LC”) ^ Marking / Signature-On-Target (“MS”) ^ Tracer / One-Way LuminescencePatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT

[0042] As briefly introduced above, the tracer may be one of the cargo 36, 38, 40, 42 integrated into a frangible / low collateral projectile 14 as shown in FIGURES 3A-3L by packing it into the projectile 14 as a pill before or after molding the bullet 14.

[0043] More particularly, FIGURES 3A – 3E show forward-facing cavities 20, with rear- initiation through a channel 26. The channel 26 can contain any material 24 capable of delivering appropriate energy forward into cavity 20, such that energetics in cavity 20 are activated. For example, in FIGURES 3A and 3B, the channel 26 can extend from the cavity 20 through to a rear 28 of the projectile 14. Similarly, in FIGURE 3B the channel 26 has a rear-facing recess cavity 28. FIGURE 3C is similar to FIGURE 3A with a piston / rod actuator mechanism 30. The embodiment of FIGURE 3D includes a plug 32 to delay and control blast effects while the embodiment of FIGURE 3E includes a stationary cap 34 on the rear face of the projectile 14.

[0044] FIGURES 3F – 3I are sectional views of the forward-facing cavity 20 with various cargo elements. For example, FIGURE 3F shows an empty cavity; FIGURE 3G shows a uniform discrete cargo element 36 within the cavity 20; FIGURE 3H shows a uniform discrete cargo element 36 with powder or another filler element 24 within the cavity 20; FIGURE 3I shows filler element 24 within the cavity 20 and other discrete cargo elements 38, 40, and 42, which may be shot, rods, pyrotechnics, phosphorous, and the like.

[0045] Turning to FIGURES 3J – 3M, these sectional views show pre-fracture or pre-fault lines 44, 46 located axially about a central axis or the cavity 20 of the projectile 14. More particularly, FIGURE 3J shows axial pre-fracture lines 44 located circumferentially and externally while FIGURE 3K shows pre-fracture lines 46 formed axially around the cavity 20. Still further, FIGURE 3L shows axial pre-fracture lines 44, 46 located both internally andPatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT externally and demonstrating various cross-sectional geometries of the pre-fracture lines 44, 46, e.g., notched, V-shaped, concave, convex, rectangular, and the like. FIGURE 3M shows externally formed pre-fracture lines 44 running longitudinally.

[0046] FIGURES 4A – 4F are views from a tip of projectile 14 as in FIGURE 2. Here, FIGURES 4A through 4C show pre-fracture lines 46 running longitudinally around the cavity 22. FIGURES 4D through 4F shows longitudinal pre-fracture lines formed along a length of the projectile 14 with varying cut depths and positions.

[0047] FIGURES 5A, 5B, and 6 show that larger-caliber cartridges 110, 210, and 310 are producible within a weight range that will not reduce performance of, e.g., a 7.62x51 cartridge and will not significantly add to the weight carried by personnel, vehicles, or aircraft. Still further, the case of a projectile can maintain a 7.62 case overall length (2.015”) and case geometry such that the 308-416 case can utilize the same links as 7.62x51, same cartridge magazines as 7.62x51, and most of the tooling associated with manufacturing the 7.62x51 case. Importantly, the maximum cartridge overall length is also maintained at 2.810.” The weight of the projectile is also maintained within the max ranges of typical 7.62 projectiles, including subsonic, with a maximum weight typically 300-grains.

[0048] By way of example, a 7.62 projectile exiting a barrel at 2750 FPS will travel 200-yards (600-ft) in approximately 0.24 seconds (1 / 4-sec) and travel approximately 2300 FPS at 200-yards. In that 200-yard distance, a 7.62 projectile exiting a 1:12 twist barrel will rotate about its longitudinal axis approximately 600 times, so revolutions can be calculated to utilize at specified distances (100 / 200 / 300 yards). At the exit of the barrel, a 2750 FPS projectile’s RPM can bePatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT calculated to be approximately 165,000 RPM (2750 Ft / Sec x 1 rev / ft = 2750 Rev / Sec x 60 Sec / Min = 165,000 RPM).

[0049] With specific reference to FIGURE 5A, a cartridge 110 includes a case 112 that is 2.015 inches in length having a 0.416 diameter opening to receive gunpowder 118 and a 416- caliber bullet 114. A primer 116 is of course inserted at an opposite end of the case 112 to be eventually struck by a firing pin to ignite the gunpowder 118 and fire the bullet 114. More particularly, the case 112 is 0.454 inches in diameter at area 124 to withstand pressure of this caliber firing.

[0050] FIGURE 5B shows a cartridge 210 that includes a case 212 that is 2.015 inches in length having a 0.308-0.309 diameter opening to receive gunpowder 218 and a 308-caliber bullet 214. A primer 216 is inserted at an opposite end of the case 212 to be eventually struck by a firing pin to ignite the gunpowder 218 and fire the bullet 214. More particularly, the case 212 is “necked down” at a shoulder and neck area 226 and is 0.454 inches in diameter at area 224 to withstand pressure of this caliber firing.

[0051] Turning to FIGURE 6, an exemplary .308-416 cartridge 310 with a case 312 is shown. Here, the case 312 that is 2.015 inches in length having a 0.416 diameter opening to receive gunpowder 318 and a 416-caliber bullet 314. A primer 316 is inserted at an opposite end of the case 312 to be eventually struck by a firing pin to ignite the gunpowder 318 and fire the bullet 314. More particularly, the case 312 is “necked down” at a shoulder and neck area 326 with a 24-degree (24º) flare and is 0.4623 inches in diameter at area 324 to withstand pressure of this caliber firing.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT

[0052] Additionally, or alternatively, the projectile 314 can be designed to structurally fail in flight along a pre-defined fault line depicted as a scoring or fissure 328 in FIGURE 6 Here, the projectile 314 becomes fragmented and spreads out due to projectile rotational / forward velocities.

[0053] With reference to FIGURES 3A-3M and 6, the cargo carrying location of the projectile could have the cavity 20 arranged at the front at shown, or rear, or combinations of these cavities to permit placement of cargo 36, 38, 40, 42 throughout the projectile 14, 314 depending on the desired effect. More specifically, scoring / scribing the projectile in key places 328 can induce disassembly in stages. Notwithstanding the schematic example shown, the scoring 328 can range from spiral marks to longitudinal marks to latitudinal marks or scribing. Depth and width of the scoring 328 can also vary along the marks to further control disassembly. Still further, the scoring 328 can be paired with other potential failure mechanisms to either vary exactly when or how the projectile fragments, such as material variations that purposely weaken the structure of the projectile at certain areas; less polymer and more metal can also reduce the forces the projectile can experience before it breaks apart. Further non-explosive mechanisms (chemical, mechanical, thermal, etc.) may trigger when the projectile is fired to induce a structural failure down range. More specifically, controlled structural failure may be achieved using pyrotechnic chemical, rapid expanding foams, or simple motion of the cargo 36, 38, 40, 42. Still further, a piezo-electric fuse may be implemented whereby internal pressure resulting from projectile flight may be sufficient to trigger a piezo crystal that could in turn heat a coil and ignite a pyrotechnic material or power some miniature circuit. Additionally, an isolated rotational core may be utilized in which a component is inserted into the projectile 14, which relies on the difference of angular velocityPatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT between the molded projectile 14 and the isolated core to generate friction and heat to trigger a failure mechanism.

[0054] As discussed above, a pill or tablet may be inserted in the cavity 20. The pill may be in the form of one of the cargoes 36, 38, 40, 42 and formed separately from the projectile 14 and then overmolded into the projectile 14 or inserted using robotic assembly. The high packing force of a pill press permits creation of cargo using a variety of powder materials that do not require direct packing into the projectile core 20, thus reducing the chance of inducing structural failure at an undesired time. As shown most clearly in FIGURE 3I, several tablets or pills 36, 38, 40, 42 could be inserted such that when the bullet 14 is fired or connects with a target, the compression force causes the pills 36, 38, 40, 42 to interact and produce an effect such as heat or light or a greater causation. In short, potential cargos 36, 38, 40, 42 can include ball bearings, a pyrotechnic mix, a miniaturized EMP, an RF disruptor, a radar detector, among others.

[0055] The exemplary projectiles 14, 114, 214, 314 described herein and their equivalents can also utilize tracer cups or tracer compounds or one-way-luminescence in the projectiles; can be used with targeting / tracking systems; can have integrated energetics; can have integrated magnetics; and can have integrated near-field electronics jamming capabilities.

[0056] The disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. For instance, the base case geometry permits up to 0.420 projectile diameter. Thus, .338, .356, .358, .375 calibers with the same case length may be provided. See, e.g., FIGURES 5A, 5B, and 6.

[0057] Various embodiments of the disclosure may include but are not limited to:

[0058] EMBODIMENT 1: A cartridge configured for delivering a disassembling projectile on a target, the cartridge comprising a case configured for receiving a primer and a propellant therein;Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT and a projectile configured for loading in the case, the projectile having a cavity formed therein, the projectile further formed for graduated structural failure after being fired from the case by action of the primer on the propellant in a firearm, the projectile structurally failing in stages thereby having primary and secondary effects on a target.

[0059] EMBODIMENT 2: The cartridge as in Embodiment 1, wherein the case is 7.62x51 / 308 caliber.

[0060] EMBODIMENT 3: The cartridge as in Embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the case further comprises a shoulder that complements a 416-caliber chamber.

[0061] EMBODIMENT 4: The cartridge as in Embodiments 1, 2 or 3, wherein the case is a caliber selected from one of a .308 Win., .338 caliber, .375 caliber, .416 Weatherby, a .416 Ruger, a .416 Rigby, and a .416 Barrett.

[0062] EMBODIMENT 5: The cartridge as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein kinetic energy of the projectile cause the projectile to fragment with maximum forward velocity.

[0063] EMBODIMENT 6: The cartridge as in Embodiment 5, wherein the kinetic energy includes rotational and forward velocity.

[0064] EMBODIMENT 7: The cartridge as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the graduated structural failure is caused by a scoring in the projectile.

[0065] EMBODIMENT 8: The cartridge as in Embodiment 7, wherein the scoring is formed axially along the projectile.

[0066] EMBODIMENT 9: The cartridge as in Embodiment 7, wherein the scoring is embedded in the projectile.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT

[0067] EMBODIMENT 10: The cartridge as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising cargo carried in the cavity and wherein the graduated structural failure of the projectile includes cargo release in one of the stages prior to or upon impact with the target.

[0068] EMBODIMENT 11: The cartridge as in Embodiment 10, wherein, as the projectile becomes fragmented, the cargo spreads out due to rotational and forward velocities.

[0069] EMBODIMENT 12: A cartridge configured for delivering a disassembling projectile on a target, the cartridge comprising a case configured for receiving a primer and a propellant therein; and a projectile configured for loading in the case, the projectile having a cavity contained therein, the projectile having scoring to induce graduated structural failure after being fired from the case by action of the primer on the propellant in a firearm, the projectile thereby having primary and secondary effects on a target.

[0070] EMBODIMENT 13: The cartridge as in Embodiment 12, wherein the graduated structural failure is caused by longitudinal scoring in the projectile.

[0071] EMBODIMENT 14: The cartridge as in Embodiments 12 or 13, wherein the graduated structural failure is caused by latitudinal scoring in the projectile.

[0072] EMBODIMENT 15: The cartridge as in Embodiments 12, 13, or 14, wherein depths and widths of the graduated structural elements are varied.

[0073] EMBODIMENT 16: The cartridge as in Embodiments 12 through 15, further comprising cargo inserted into the cavity.

[0074] EMBODIMENT 17: The cartridge as in Embodiments 12 through 16, further comprising cargo overmolded into the cavity.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT

[0075] EMBODIMENT 18: A method of delivering a disassembling projectile on a target, comprising providing a cartridge for a projectile and having a case configured for receiving a primer and a propellant therein; configuring the projectile with a cavity therein for receiving cargo; and forming the projectile to induce graduated structural failure in a first stage and fragmentation in a second stage after being fired from the case by action of the primer on the propellant in a firearm.

[0076] EMBODIMENT 19: The method as in Embodiment 18, wherein the graduated structural failure is initiated by scoring the projectile during formation.

[0077] EMBODIMENT 20: The method as in Embodiments 18 or 19, wherein the graduated structural failure is initiated by forces on the projectile during flight.

[0078] EMBODIMENT 20: The method as in Embodiments 18, 19, or 20, further comprising scoring the projectile during formation to cause the graduated structural failure and separate the cargo and the fragmented projectile before target impact.

[0079] EMBODIMENT 21: The cartridge or method as in any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising an energetic.

[0080] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT Claims:

1. A cartridge configured for delivering a disassembling projectile on a target, the cartridge comprising: a case configured for receiving a primer and a propellant therein; and a projectile configured for loading in the case, the projectile having a cavity formed therein, the projectile further formed for graduated structural failure after being fired from the case by action of the primer on the propellant in a firearm, the projectile structurally failing in stages thereby having primary and secondary effects on a target.

2. The cartridge as in Claim 1, wherein the case is a standard caliber.

3. The cartridge as in Claim 1, wherein the case is a 7.62x51 / 308 caliber and further comprises a shoulder and neck that complement a 416-caliber chamber and the projectile.

4. The cartridge as in Claim 1, wherein kinetic energy of the projectile causes the projectile to fragment in one of the stages with maximum forward velocity.

5. The cartridge as in Claim 4, wherein the kinetic energy includes rotational and forward velocity.

6. The cartridge as in Claim 1, wherein the graduated structural failure is caused by a scoring in the projectile.

7. The cartridge as in Claim 6, wherein the scoring is formed axially along the projectile.

8. The cartridge as in Claim 6, wherein the scoring is embedded in the projectile.

9. The cartridge as in Claim 1, further comprising cargo carried in the cavity and wherein the graduated structural failure of the projectile includes cargo release in one of the stages prior to impact on the target.Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT 10. The cartridge as in Claim 9, wherein, as the projectile becomes fragmented, the cargo spreads out due to rotational and forward velocities.

11. A cartridge configured for delivering a disassembling projectile on a target, the cartridge comprising: a case configured for receiving a primer and a propellant therein; and a projectile configured for loading in the case, the projectile having scoring to induce graduated structural failure after being fired from the case by action of the primer on the propellant in a firearm, the projectile thereby having primary and secondary effects on a target.

12. The cartridge as in Claim 11, wherein the graduated structural failure is caused by longitudinal scoring in the projectile.

13. The cartridge as in Claim 11, wherein the graduated structural failure is caused by latitudinal scoring in the projectile.

14. The cartridge as in Claim 11, wherein depths and widths of the graduated structural failure are varied.

15. The cartridge as in Claim 11, wherein the projectile has a cavity therein and further comprising cargo inserted into the cavity.

16. The cartridge as in Claim 15, further comprising cargo overmolded into the cavity.

17. A method of delivering a disassembling projectile on a target, comprising: providing a cartridge for a projectile and having a case configured for receiving a primer and a propellant therein; configuring the projectile with a cavity therein for receiving cargo; andPatent Application Attorney Ref. No.1564.0010-PCT forming the projectile to induce graduated structural failure in a first stage and fragmentation in a second stage after being fired from the case by action of the primer on the propellant in a firearm to cause primary and secondary effects on a target.

18. The method as in Claim 17, wherein the graduated structural failure is initiated by scoring the projectile during formation.

19. The method as in Claim 17, wherein the graduated structural failure is initiated by forces on the projectile during flight.

20. The method as in Claim 17, wherein the graduated structural failure is initiated by energetic materials carried within the projectile.

21. The method as in Claim 17, further comprising scoring the projectile during formation to cause the graduated structural failure and separate the cargo and the fragmented projectile before target impact.