Drone defense projectile and ammunition

Abstract

The present invention relates to anti-drone ammunition, in particular rifle ammunition preferably with a caliber of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to caliber 4, comprising a plurality of projectiles and designed to release the projectiles loosely as a result of an activation occurring at a time offset from the firing of the anti-drone ammunition.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to anti-drone ammunition which can be designed, for example, as rifle ammunition, in particular with a calibre of up to 20 mm, or as shotgun ammunition, in particular with a calibre of up to 4.

[0002] Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft, or drones, that can be operated and navigated autonomously by a computer and / or from the ground via remote control without a human crew on board.

[0003] UAVs are increasingly being used for military purposes. They can be equipped with weapons as so-called unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) and / or used for close air support ("combat drones"). There are also experimental aircraft testing unmanned combat aircraft for air target engagement. A third military application is reconnaissance and surveillance (e.g., "reconnaissance drones"). They also serve logistics and transport purposes, including in the civilian sector.

[0004] In the civilian sector, drones can significantly disrupt air traffic (e.g., at airports). Drones are also used as illegal vehicles for transporting drugs and / or communication devices (e.g., cell phones) over prisons. Therefore, there is a strong interest in all sectors in being able to disable such drones.

[0005] Currently, there are drone defense strategies and measures that rely on electrical and electrotechnical approaches. The mechanism involves taking control of uncooperative drones by hijacking their codes and frequencies and / or using so-called "jamming," in which the drone's communication frequency is deliberately disrupted, causing the drone to crash. Another option is to deliberately fire a net using gas pressure. Anti-drone drones and trained birds, such as the eagles used by the Dutch police, are also now being deployed.

[0006] All solutions presented so far are either extremely expensive and / or complex and / or not sufficiently flexible and rapid to deploy, especially the electrical approaches, and / or have too small a range of application or effectiveness. Furthermore, the hit rate of some systems has proven to be disadvantageous due to the limited effective volume of the anti-drone munitions.

[0007] In this context, the "Counter Drone" product from the small-caliber range should also be mentioned. It is essentially based on a modified shotgun shell. The shotgun shell contains numerous projectiles connected by Kevlar cords. A significant disadvantage of this anti-drone ammunition is its limited effective volume of just a few cubic meters, which negatively impacts the success rate. This is primarily due to the limitations of the Kevlar cord lengths within the available space within the shotgun shell.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide an anti-drone munition with improved hit probability and / or improved handling.

[0009] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.

[0010] According to this, anti-drone ammunition, in particular rifle ammunition preferably with a caliber of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to 4 caliber, is provided. The anti-drone ammunition comprises a plurality of projectiles, in particular it accommodates them, and is designed to release the projectiles loosely following an activation occurring at a time staggered with respect to the firing of the anti-drone ammunition. The release of the plurality of projectiles occurs in particular chaotically, so that the projectiles are distributed particularly expansively in the air to create a disruptive or destructive cloud for the drone to be defended against.

[0011] Because the projectiles are loose after release, especially when they leave the ammunition, and are not connected to one another by, for example, Kevlar cords or other connecting elements, a very large effective area or destruction area can be created, thus increasing the probability of a hit. Furthermore, due to the fact that there are no connecting elements between the projectiles that have to be accommodated within the ammunition, more projectiles can be accommodated, which in turn can increase the probability of a hit. The operation of the drone defense and ammunition is no different from conventional ammunition, making it intuitive to use, which is particularly advantageous for the intended purpose, especially in the small caliber range. For example, the drone defense ammunition also includes a transport vehicle for conveying the projectiles.The transport vehicle can, for example, comprise a sleeve-like structure and accommodate the multitude of projectiles, particularly loose ones, contained therein. The transport vehicle is fired and accelerated upon firing of the anti-drone munition, and flies until the anti-drone munition is activated at a later time, until the projectiles contained therein are released as a result of the activation, which can occur, for example, by opening a wall of the transport route or by destroying it.

[0012] In a further exemplary embodiment, several groups of interconnected projectiles, for example in a chain-like manner or using other connection technologies, can be formed, wherein the different groups, in particular the projectiles from different groups, are not connected to one another. For example, at least two, three or four projectiles are connected to one another, but detached or loosely formed with respect to a neighboring group of at least two, three or four projectiles. In this way, a very large and effective effective area can be covered. If not all existing projectiles are interconnected to form a network, the division of the projectiles into separate disruptive bodies or at least the division into several groups of connected projectiles results in a significant increase in the effective area or the disruptive or destructive cloud.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, an anti-drone ammunition, in particular a rifle ammunition preferably with a caliber of up to 20 mm or a shotgun ammunition preferably up to caliber 4, is provided.

[0014] According to the further aspect of the invention, the anti-drone munition comprises a plurality of projectiles, a transport vehicle for transporting the projectiles when firing the anti-drone munition, in which the projectiles are loosely received, and a control mechanism for activating a release of the projectiles, which control mechanism is free of all electronics.

[0015] Because the projectiles are loose after release, especially after leaving the ammunition, and are not connected to each other by, for example, Kevlar cords or other connecting elements, a very large effective area or destruction area can be created, increasing the probability of a hit. Furthermore, due to the fact that there are no connecting elements between the projectiles that must be accommodated within the ammunition, more projectiles can be accommodated, which in turn can increase the probability of a hit.

[0016] Because the control mechanism is free of any electronics, the drone defense munition according to the invention is particularly simple, inexpensive, and also suitable for small calibers. For example, the numerous projectiles can be stored in bulk within the transport vehicle.

[0017] In an exemplary development of the drone defense munition according to the invention, it comprises a particularly thermally activatable transfer charge, which is designed, in particular, exclusively to ignite a bursting charge to release the projectiles. Both the transfer charge and the bursting charge can be designed as pyrotechnic charges. For example, the control mechanism comprises the transfer charge and the bursting charge. The control mechanism can be adjusted or adapted by selecting the characteristics of the respective charges. For example, the bursting charge can be designed such that it burns very quickly and, upon activation, immediately converts into pyrotechnics to release the projectiles.The booster charge, in turn, can serve as a time delay and, particularly within the context of a pyrotechnic chain, is placed upstream of the bursting charge, so that the latter only becomes pyrotechnically active once the booster charge has been consumed or burned out. In this respect, a desired booster charge with the desired specifications, in particular burning rate, etc., can be selected depending on the altitude of the drone to be defended against. The ammunition according to the invention can thus be easily categorized, so that the user, knowing the altitude of the drone to be defended against, can easily select the correct or suitable defensive ammunition.

[0018] In an exemplary development of the anti-drone munition according to the invention, the fragmentation charge has a higher burning rate than the transfer charge, in particular at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 250%, or at least 300% higher, and / or at most 400% higher. The ratio of the burning rates to one another determines the time offset between the firing of the anti-drone munition and the release of the projectiles forming the jamming or destruction cloud, which are ultimately intended to bring down the drone.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the drone defense ammunition according to the invention, the transport vehicle has a cartridge case portion that is open in the transport direction, in particular the firing direction, for receiving the projectiles. For example, the drone defense ammunition can further have a separate lid for covering the cartridge case portion. The lid can be aerodynamically shaped or form a flush, flat end of the cartridge case portion.

[0020] According to a further exemplary development of the drone defense ammunition according to the invention, the cover is held, in particular by clamping, between an annular rim of the sleeve section facing in the transport direction and the projectiles, or on a support projection provided on the circumference of the sleeve section, in particular a circumferential one. For example, the cover can be arranged and fastened in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner, in particular within the sleeve section. For example, the annular rim protrudes, in particular circumferentially, radially inward. For example, it is flanged. The annular rim can thus have a convex end face in the transport or firing direction.

[0021] In a further exemplary embodiment of the anti-drone ammunition according to the invention, the lid has at least one predetermined breaking point, such as a weakened material. For example, the predetermined breaking point is designed such that it breaks upon activation of the anti-drone ammunition to release the projectiles. For example, the lid can have a plurality of predetermined breaking points, in particular arranged at a uniform distance from one another, in particular in a star shape. For example, the plurality of predetermined breaking points can be arranged such that they have a symmetrical break-open behavior, so that the projectiles can be released evenly. According to a further exemplary development, the lid is disc-shaped and / or has a plurality of predetermined breaking points arranged in the circumferential direction, in particular at a uniform distance from one another and oriented in the radial direction.For example, the predetermined breaking points are introduced from the outside, particularly by means of embossing, although other material weakening techniques can also be used.

[0022] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the anti-drone ammunition further comprises a receiving cup for the booster charge and the bursting charge, facing opposite the direction of transport or firing. For example, a through-bore can be provided in a base of the receiving cup for transferring a pyrotechnic gas pressure generated by the bursting charge to the projectiles, which, for example, rest directly on the base of the receiving cup. For example, the booster charge and the bursting charge are layered directly on top of one another, allowing direct transfer or initiation.

[0023] According to a further exemplary development of the drone defense ammunition according to the invention, a wall thickness of a circumferential cup wall, which flows circumferentially into the cup base, is greater than a wall thickness of the cup base itself. For example, the wall thickness of the casing section that receives the projectiles and surrounds them in the circumferential direction is smaller, in particular 50% smaller than the wall thickness of the cup base.

[0024] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the activation of the release of the projectiles or the control mechanism is adjustable to specify different time offsets or different activation times using the control mechanism. This allows the user of the ammunition to select a suitable anti-drone ammunition depending on the expected or actual flight altitude of the drone to be defended against, or to adjust it such that the activation for releasing the projectiles, offset in time with respect to the firing of the ammunition, is coordinated with the flight altitude in order to maximize the hit probability.

[0025] In a further exemplary embodiment of the drone ammunition according to the invention, said ammunition further comprises a cartridge case, in particular made from one piece, with a case region in which propellant powder is accommodated and a base piece in which a primer cap for igniting the propellant powder is arranged.

[0026] Ammunition, also known as a cartridge, typically consists of the following components: a cartridge case; a primer cap for igniting the propellant; a propellant charge as an energy carrier; and a projectile to be fired from a firearm. Multi-part cartridge cases typically include at least a base facing the primer cap and a shell firmly attached to the base.

[0027] The cartridge case may comprise a rotationally shaped case jacket for receiving a projectile and an annular base piece for receiving a primer cap and the case jacket. The base piece may have a central recess in which the case jacket is partially received. When the case jacket and base piece are fastened to one another, an outer side of the case jacket rests against an inner side of the base piece, in particular the recess. The base piece may define a rotation axis.

[0028] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the drone defense munition according to the invention comprises at least one projectile that is designed such that it disintegrates into a plurality of projectile parts, particularly at a time staggered with respect to its release. This allows for a multi-stage release of increasingly smaller projectile parts or sub-parts.

[0029] According to an exemplary development, at least one projectile component is designed to disintegrate into a plurality of projectile sub-components, particularly at a time staggered from its release. This allows for a very large destruction or disruption cloud to be created, in which numerous projectile sub-components are present in a confined space, increasing the probability of hitting the drone and destroying it.

[0030] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projectiles can be spherical, pin-like, or polygonal. For example, the projectiles can have a structured surface. The projectiles can also consist of or be made from different materials, such as metal, polymer, or even hybrid materials. Furthermore, it is possible for the plurality of projectiles to be grouped, with, for example, at least 2, 3, or 4 projectiles being connected to one another, but detached or loosely formed with respect to an adjacent group of at least 2, 3, or 4 projectiles.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a method is provided for operating an anti-drone ammunition designed in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in particular bushing ammunition preferably with a caliber of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to caliber 4. In the method according to the invention, the anti-drone ammunition is fired and a plurality of projectiles accommodated in the anti-drone ammunition or projectiles transported thereby are released loosely at a time staggered with respect to the firing of the anti-drone ammunition.

[0032] Because the projectiles are loose after release, especially when they leave the ammunition, and are not connected to one another by, for example, Kevlar cords or other connecting elements, a very large effective area or destruction area can be created, thus increasing the probability of a hit. Furthermore, due to the fact that there are no connecting elements between the projectiles that have to be accommodated within the ammunition, more projectiles can be accommodated, which in turn can increase the probability of a hit. The operation of the drone defense and ammunition is no different from conventional ammunition, making it intuitive to use, which is particularly advantageous for the intended purpose, especially in the small caliber range. For example, the drone defense ammunition also includes a transport vehicle for conveying the projectiles.The transport vehicle can, for example, comprise a sleeve-like structure and accommodate the multitude of projectiles, particularly loose ones, contained therein. The transport vehicle is fired and accelerated upon firing of the anti-drone munition, and flies until the anti-drone munition is activated at a later time, until the projectiles contained therein are released as a result of the activation, which can occur, for example, by opening a wall of the transport route or by destroying it.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a method is provided for operating anti-drone ammunition designed in particular according to one of the preceding aspects or exemplary embodiments, in particular rifle ammunition preferably with a caliber of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to caliber 4.

[0034] In the method according to the invention, when the drone ammunition is fired, a plurality of projectiles are transported by means of a transport vehicle in which the projectiles are loosely accommodated, and the projectiles are released by means of a control mechanism that is free of any electronics.

[0035] Because the projectiles are loose after release, especially after leaving the ammunition, and are not connected to each other by, for example, Kevlar cords or other connecting elements, a very large effective area or destruction area can be created, increasing the probability of a hit. Furthermore, due to the fact that there are no connecting elements between the projectiles that must be accommodated within the ammunition, more projectiles can be accommodated, which in turn can increase the probability of a hit.

[0036] Because the control mechanism is free of any electronics, the drone defense munition according to the invention is particularly simple, inexpensive, and also suitable for small calibers. For example, the numerous projectiles can be stored in bulk within the transport vehicle.

[0037] Preferred embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0038] In the following, further properties, features and advantages of the invention will become clear by describing preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an ammunition according to the invention in a firearm barrel; and Fig. 2 a detailed view of the ammunition Fig. 1.

[0039] The accompanying figures show a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an anti-drone ammunition according to the invention, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. The anti-drone ammunition (1) essentially comprises the following main components: a transport vehicle (3) guided in a firearm barrel (5) in a firearm; a plurality of projectiles (7) accommodated in the transport vehicle (3), which projectiles are spherical according to the exemplary embodiment of the figures; and a control mechanism configured to release the projectiles (7) at a time offset for firing the anti-drone ammunition (1).

[0040] In Fig. 1, the drone anti-aircraft ammunition (1) is arranged in the firearm barrel (5). The drone anti-aircraft ammunition (1) further comprises a cartridge case (11), in particular made from a single piece, in which propellant powder (13) is housed. The cartridge case (11) comprises a rear-facing base piece (15), i.e., facing opposite to the direction of flight (A), which serves to receive a primer cap (17) for igniting the propellant powder (13).

[0041] With particular reference to Fig. 2 shows an enlarged section of the anti-drone ammunition (1). The transport vehicle (3) comprises a cartridge case section (19) which is open in the transport direction or firing direction (A) and which accommodates the plurality of projectiles (7). At the rear, the cartridge case section (19) opens into a base (21), in the center of which is a bore (23) for transferring a propellant powder arranged at the rear of the base (21) to initiate the release of the projectiles (7). At the rear of the base (21), the transport vehicle (3) has an open receiving cup (25) facing opposite the transport direction or firing direction A, which has a circumferential cup wall (27) with a greater wall thickness than the cup base (21) as well as the circumferential wall of the cartridge case section (19).

[0042] The control mechanism (9) is arranged within the receiving cup (25). According to the preferred embodiment, this control mechanism has a transfer or delay charge (29) arranged at the rear and a subsequent bursting charge (31). The function is as follows: When the ammunition (1) is fired, the primer cap (17) ignites the propellant powder (13), which subsequently undergoes a pyrotechnic conversion of the propellant powder (13). This results in a pyrotechnic gas pressure that activates the transfer or delay charge (19). Depending on the characteristics of the transfer charge (29), in particular its burning rate, this results in an initiation or pyrotechnic conversion of the bursting charge (31) that is delayed in time with respect to the firing of the ammunition (1).As soon as the transfer charge (29) activates the bursting charge (31), the latter is converted pyrotechnically and generates a pyrotechnic gas pressure, which results in the release of the projectiles (7) arranged loosely within the sleeve section (19).

[0043] According to the preferred embodiment, the release of the projectiles (7) occurs by a cover (33) closing the open casing section (19) at the front opening, so that the projectiles (7) are ejected from the transport vehicle (3) as a result of the pyrotechnic gas pressure from the bursting charge (31), causing them to disperse chaotically within the environment. To achieve a predefined release of the projectiles (7), the cover (33) has star-shaped material weakenings (35) forming predetermined breaking points, which break through as a result of the pyrotechnic gas expansion of the bursting charge (31), so that the projectiles (7) leave the transport vehicle (19) loose in the direction of transport or flight (A) to form a disruptive or destructive cloud for the drone to be stopped.

[0044] The cover (33) is arranged and secured within the sleeve section (19) in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner. According to the embodiment according to Fig.2, the sleeve portion (19) has a circumferential projection on the inside, forming a support edge (37) for the cover (33), on which the cover (33) rests. At the front, the cover (33) is held or clamped by an inwardly projecting and, in particular, flanged annular edge (29).

[0045] The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in the various embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 anti-drone ammunition 3 transport vehicles 5 firearm barrel 7 Projectile 9 Control mechanism 11 cartridge case 13 propellant powder 15 base piece 17 primer caps 19 Sleeve section 21 Reason 23 Hole 25 receiving cups 27 wall 29 Transfer charge 31 Dismantling charge 33 lids 35 Material weakening 37 lead 39 ring rim A Direction of transport

Claims

[1] Anti-drone ammunition (1), in particular rifle ammunition preferably with a calibre of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to calibre 4, comprising a multiplicity of projectiles (7) and which is designed to release the projectiles (7) loosely as a result of an activation occurring at a time staggered with respect to the firing of the anti-drone ammunition (1). [2] Drone defense ammunition (1), in particular according to claim 1, in particular rifle ammunition preferably with a caliber of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to caliber 4, comprising a plurality of projectiles, a transport vehicle (3) for transporting the projectiles, in which the projectiles (7) are loosely received, and a control mechanism for activating a release of the projectiles, which control mechanism is free of electronics. [3] Drone defense ammunition (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transfer charge (29), in particular a thermally activatable one, which is designed in particular to exclusively ignite a bursting charge (31) to release the projectiles (7), wherein in particular the control mechanism comprises the transfer charge (29) and the bursting charge (31). [4] Anti-drone ammunition (1) according to claim 3, wherein the bursting charge (31) has a greater burning rate, in particular at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 250% or at least 300% greater and / or at most 400% greater, than the transfer charge (29). [5] Drone defense ammunition (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the transport vehicle (3) has a sleeve section open in the conveying direction (A) for receiving the projectiles (7), wherein in particular the drone defense ammunition (1) has a lid (33) for covering the sleeve section. [6] Drone defense ammunition (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cover (33) is held in a clamping manner between an annular edge of the sleeve section pointing in the conveying direction (A) and the projectiles (7) or a contact projection provided on an inner circumference of the sleeve section, in particular a circumferential one, wherein in particular the annular edge protrudes radially inwards, in particular circumferentially, in particular is flanged. [7] Drone defense ammunition (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the cover (33) has at least one predetermined breaking point, such as a material weakening, wherein in particular the cover (33) is disc-shaped and / or has a plurality of predetermined breaking points arranged in the circumferential direction at a particularly uniform distance from one another and oriented in the radial direction, wherein in particular the predetermined breaking points are introduced from the outside, for example by means of embossing. [8] Drone anti-drone ammunition (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, further comprising a receiving cup pointing opposite to the conveying direction (A) for the transfer charge (29) and the bursting charge, wherein in particular in a base of the receiving cup a through-bore is provided for transferring a pyrotechnic gas pressure generated by the bursting charge (31) to the projectiles (7). [9] Drone defense ammunition (1) according to claim 8, wherein a wall thickness of a circumferential cup wall is greater than a wall thickness of the cup base. [10] Anti-drone ammunition (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation of the release of the projectiles (7) or the control mechanism is adjustable in order to set different time offsets or different activation times by means of the control mechanism. [11] Drone defense ammunition (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cartridge case, in particular made from one piece, with a case region in which propellant powder is accommodated, and a base piece in which a primer cap for igniting the propellant powder is arranged. [12] Drone defense ammunition (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one projectile is designed such that it disintegrates into a plurality of projectile parts, in particular at a time staggered with respect to its release, wherein in particular at least one projectile part is designed such that it disintegrates into a plurality of projectile sub-parts, in particular at a time staggered with respect to its release. [13] Method for operating an anti-drone ammunition (1), in particular designed according to one of the preceding claims, in particular rifle ammunition preferably with a calibre of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to calibre 4, in which the anti-drone ammunition (1) is fired and a plurality of projectiles (7) accommodated in the anti-drone ammunition (1) are released loosely at a time staggered with respect to the firing of the anti-drone ammunition (1). [14] Method, in particular according to claim 13, for operating an anti-drone ammunition (1) designed in particular according to one of claims 1 to 12, in particular rifle ammunition preferably with a calibre of up to 20 mm or shotgun ammunition preferably up to calibre 4, in which, when the anti-drone ammunition (1) is fired, a plurality of projectiles (7) are transported by means of a transport vehicle in which the projectiles (7) are loosely received, and the projectiles (7) are released by means of a control mechanism which is free of electronics.

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