Projectile with active body with predetermined breaking points

Abstract

A projectile (8) for a projectile (2) contains at least two fragments (10) and a bridge (12) connecting them, forming a predetermined breaking point. During launch (14) and flight (18) of the projectile (8), the bridges (12) continue to hold the fragments (10) together as they approach a breaking point (20). At the breaking point (20), the predetermined breaking points break, and the fragments (10) separate from one another, with the fragments (10) themselves remaining intact. A projectile (2) contains the projectile (8). In one method, at least part of the projectile (8) is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. In one method, either the active agent (8) is fired towards a target (22) and the breaking point (20) is the impact on the target (22), or the active agent (8) is fired with a projectile (2) containing explosive (30) and accelerated by the reaction of the explosive.The breaking point here, too, is the impact on the target.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an active element for a projectile.

[0002] A fragmentation warhead is known from DE 10 2010 027 580 A1. This warhead has a casing filled with explosives. To enable fragmentation, fragmentation elements, for example in the form of fragmentation plates that shatter upon detonation, are arranged on the outside of the mostly cylindrical warhead casing. Finally, an outer shell is provided, enclosing the fragmentation elements and firmly attached to the warhead casing. Detonation is achieved by igniting the explosive contained within the warhead casing, causing the fragmentation elements to shatter or, if individual fragments are provided, to be ejected radially into the surrounding area by the detonation.

[0003] US patent 10 018 453 B1 discloses a fragmentable casing for use in an explosive weapon, comprising individual fragments formed by the additive deposition of layers of at least one selected metal type and a composite material containing a selected metal type to create interconnected individual fragments. These fragments form a plurality of cavities around a single outer surface, defining a separation of the fragments upon detonation, with the individual fragments providing structural stiffness and strength. A method is also known.

[0004] From DE 10 2018 005 371 A1, a projectile casing is known with a shell body enclosing an interior space and having at least one predetermined breaking point for weakening and fragmentation. The shell body is manufactured by 3D printing, and the predetermined breaking point is formed by the fact that the starting material is not or less solidified and / or less or no starting material is present. The shell body has a continuous inner and / or outer wall at the predetermined breaking point. In a method for manufacturing the projectile casing, the starting material is provided and the shell body is manufactured by means of 3D printing. The predetermined breaking point is formed as described, and a continuous inner and / or outer wall is produced at the predetermined breaking point.

[0005] From GB 2 235 275 A, a spin-stabilized sub-caliber projectile is known with an average density of at least 17 g / cm³. This projectile has a central column onto which a stack of disc-shaped elements is mounted or shrink-fitted. Each disc is weakened to aid fragmentation upon impact by depressions containing heavy metal powder, which may have a pyrophoric effect. The depressions may be radial grooves with a triangular cross-section, annular depressions, or bores. Powder-containing depressions may be defined by spaces between discs and a thin projectile casing. The discs may have conical end faces so that they either fit an adjacent disc or define a space between themselves. The nose may be pyrophoric.

[0006] For the purposes of the present invention, such as the fragments / burst pieces of the splinter elements that form during detonation or such individual splinters, as well as the parts of the warhead casing that are produced when it bursts, are examples of such active materials.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to propose improvements with regard to active substances.

[0008] The problem is solved by a projectile according to claim 1, comprising an active element within the projectile. The active element serves, or is configured, for the projectile "intended" in this sense. "Intended" means that the active element is structurally adapted to a specific projectile or type and is designed and configured for use there. For example, it is designed to meet the resulting mass and geometric requirements, etc. In other words, the properties of the active element presuppose that the projectile in question is known or given.

[0009] The active element contains at least two, and in particular a plurality (at least 8, 10, 15, 20, ...), fragments. The active element contains at least one bridge. Two fragments are initially mechanically connected to each other (until breakage, see below) via at least one bridge. The bridges and / or the connected fragments, with respect to their mechanical strength and / or the mechanical strength of the connection between the bridges and the fragments, act as a predetermined breaking point. In particular, a single bridge alone forms a predetermined breaking point, i.e., the bridge itself breaks. The predetermined breaking point is configured as follows: 1.) During the intended launch and flight of the missile, the bridges continue to mechanically hold the fragments together. The missile thus remains intact as a whole. The launch and flight of the missile proceed towards a predetermined breaking point. "Breaking point" here refers to an event or criterion that triggers the breaking of the predetermined breaking points. The boundary conditions of the breaking point are therefore also known or given in the above sense ("intended"). 2.) At the breaking point of the missile, the predetermined breaking points, in particular the bridges and their connection to the fragments, break; the planned breaking occurs. As a consequence, the fragments separate from one another, as they are no longer held together by the bridges and are no longer mechanically connected.The fragments themselves, however, remain intact. They do not break apart further. Therefore, no further fragmentation occurs.

[0010] The active body (in its unbroken state) has a surface or circumferential shape. This forms an envelope around all components of the active body. The bridges are located in or inside this circumferential shape.

[0011] The breaking point is, in particular, the impact of the weapon or projectile on a designated target. The fragmentation (breaking of the predetermined breaking points) then occurs due to the impact shock / ballistic impact on the target, e.g., the armor of a vehicle. Therefore, it is assumed that in this case, the weapon is operated in such a way that it is fired at a target as part of a projectile, so that the breaking point occurs upon impact with the target. The target is, for example, a land, air, or sea vehicle, which is particularly armored, and whose armor can be penetrated by the weapon.

[0012] Alternatively, the warhead(s) is arranged around an explosive and is / are accelerated by its detonation, but without breaking at the bridges; the breaking only occurs upon impact with the target. The individual warheads can, however, be connected by weaker bridges which break upon detonation, so that the warheads are present individually.

[0013] The predetermined breaking point is created, for example, by dimensioning the bridge in relation to the fragments (e.g., a reduced cross-section in a transition direction between fragments). In other words, the predetermined breaking point is then, for example, designed with (much) smaller dimensions than the fragment. Alternatively, a predetermined breaking point can arise, for example, from the less pronounced hardening of the starting material in an additive manufacturing process.

[0014] According to the invention, the active material fragments at the breaking point. Before and at the beginning of the breaking point, the entire active material is still available as a unit to exert an initial effect on a target, for example, by penetrating armor. Upon penetration, the fragmentation into smaller fragments occurs. After penetrating the armor, the fragments are then available to exert their own effects. This results in a defined number of smaller fragments. This increases the "number of fragments" (initially one, namely the active material, and later the plurality of actual fragments) and thus also the effectiveness of the active material, for example, on a target.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the active element (up to the breaking point) has an outer layer. This layer seals the active element from its environment. The outer layer consists exclusively of at least sections of or entire fragments and at least sections of or entire bridges connecting the respective fragments. Thus, up to the breaking point, a mechanically strong, and in particular dense, outer layer is formed, acting like a shell. A separate component in the form of a separate shell is avoided in this design. Within this shell, further components of the active element, e.g., additional elements such as a charge / powder, etc., can be safely and securely contained, isolated from the environment. This prevents, for example, a reaction of the additional elements with the environment (e.g., atmospheric oxygen) until the active element breaks at the breaking point.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the active body (up to the breaking point) also has an outer layer that seals it off from its surroundings. This outer layer can be designed as described above (fragments and bridges), but can also be designed alternatively (other shell elements are also possible). Additionally, the active body has an interior enclosed by the outer layer up to the breaking point. The active body then contains at least one additional element. In particular, at least one of the additional elements is a loose additional element, meaning it is held in the interior up to the breaking point but is otherwise not specifically attached to parts of the active body. The additional element is arranged in the interior up to the breaking point. The additional element is therefore located in the interior until the breaking point. If it is a loose additional element, it is thus received, held, or supported in the interior.The outer layer does not necessarily have to be mechanically stable, but it does possess this property. In particular, the outer layer is designed to prevent the uncontrolled release of the additional elements from the interior and / or their interaction with the environment before the breaking point. These additional elements allow the active body to incorporate additional functionality. After the breaking point, the additional elements are then released.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the additive elements is powder-like, consisting of an accumulation of powder elements. The powder elements are smaller, particularly much smaller, for example by a factor of 10, 20, 50, 100, 1000 or more, than the entire additive element. "Powder-like" here means, for example, that it is a partially solidified or actually loose powder, in any case a structure that disintegrates into powder at its breaking point. In particular, the additive element can contain other components besides the powder elements, such as ceramic components or particles. These components do not bond to the powder elements and ensure that the powder itself remains loose. This applies particularly to the production of the active substance / additive element using additive manufacturing processes.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, at least part of the active element, and in particular the entire active element, is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. Specifically, all components, fragments, bridges, and additional elements are manufactured accordingly. For example, a predetermined breaking point / bridge is created by ensuring that the base material in the manufacturing process is less hardened than that of a fragment. In particular, the material of the bridge is less hardened than that of the fragments. Thus, the predetermined breaking point can also be a continuous layer of material that, for example, completely fills a gap between fragments. The predetermined breaking point / bridge then results, for example, solely from the less pronounced hardening of the base material in the gap compared to the fragments.Using appropriate additive manufacturing processes, especially 3D printing, it is possible to produce particularly diverse active substances.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the active element is formed integrally with respect to at least two of the fragments and one of the bridges connecting these fragments. A corresponding bridge then forms an integral continuation of two fragments. In particular, all fragments and bridges are formed integrally with each other. In particular, at least one of the additional elements is also formed integrally with the active element, especially as a partially solidified powder. The powder is thus, for example, only solidified to the extent that, although it can be considered integral with other components (fragment / bridge), it is pulverized at the breaking point.

[0020] At least one of the projectile's active components is a structural fragment intended for the projectile. In other words, the active component is a fragment of the projectile, specifically a component of it or a component of its reinforcement.

[0021] The active particles are arranged within the explosive. Detonation of the explosive accelerates the individual active particles without breaking the bridges within them. The active particles therefore strike the target as a whole.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the individual warheads can be additionally connected via further, less robust predetermined breaking points, thus forming a shell for a high-explosive projectile. Upon detonation of the explosive, these less robust bridges break, releasing the warheads individually. The breaking point of each warhead is the point of impact with the target.

[0023] The active element can also be an integral part of the projectile.

[0024] In an embodiment not part of the invention, the intended projectile is a non-explosive projectile, and the active element is at least part of, and in particular a complete, projectile casing. Specifically, the active element not only forms the casing of the projectile but also its filling. The active element can therefore constitute the entire projectile. The fragmentation of the active element then occurs solely through a fracture point in the form of an intended ballistic impact of the projectile on a target; no explosives are used for fragmentation / separation of the predetermined fracture points.

[0025] This results in the aforementioned advantages of the effective body, particularly for fragments of projectiles or projectile casings, or even entire projectiles.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the active element has no unfilled cavities within its circumferential shape. This excludes microscopic spaces, such as those that arise during the aforementioned additive manufacturing process, for example, in the form of unsolidified gaps between material components. Pores in a material, gaps, tolerance spaces between individual parts, etc., should also not be considered such "cavities." Similarly, small voids in an additive element, which inevitably remain between powder elements, do not constitute "cavities" in this sense. Therefore, in this embodiment, no intentional free spaces / cavities are left in the active element. The active element is, in its entirety—within the limits of its material / manufacturing properties—a "solid material." Thus, the entire volume of the active element serves as the usable mass.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, at least one component of the active material contains or consists of reactive material. Components include, in particular, fragments, bridges, and additive elements. The reactive material is configured to react with a suitable countermaterial. The countermaterial is formed, for example, by components of the target or by components of the environment or the interior of the target. "Reactive" is to be understood in particular as meaning that a chemical reaction of the material occurs at or with the countermaterial, optionally in conjunction with a physical impact effect (energy generated by acceleration / deformation of the active material / target). This reaction releases further energy, in particular heat, which is stored, in particular, as chemical energy in the reactive material. It is therefore, in particular, an exothermic reaction.Alternatively or additionally, a reactive destructive, weakening effect occurs on a designated material, particularly the target. The reactive material is, in particular, a pyrophoric material. The counter-material is, in particular, a target material or an atmosphere / medium surrounding the target, especially atmospheric oxygen or water, fuel, or a payload of the target, e.g., ammunition / chemical agents.

[0028] The object of the invention is achieved by a projectile according to claim 1. This projectile contains at least one of the active elements described above. The projectile thus represents the aforementioned intended projectile for the active element. The projectile and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been explained in substance in connection with the active element.

[0029] A projectile in the present sense is also a so-called warhead, fragmentation ammunition or a fragmentation warhead.

[0030] The projectile has at least one of the active elements according to the invention in the form of a structural fragment. This has already been explained above in connection with the active element as a structural fragment. A structural fragment here is, in particular, part of a fragmentation of the projectile. However, the term is also to be understood broadly, in that the structural fragment can be at least part of a projectile casing or of the projectile itself.

[0031] In an embodiment not part of the invention, the projectile can be either explosive-free, or, according to the invention, it contains explosives for fragmentation in the air. In addition to the active material, the projectile can also contain at least one conventional solid fragment, which does not further fragment at the point of fracture of the active material itself. These conventional fragments are solid and made in one piece, and correspond to the fragments in that they do not further fragment at the point of fracture of the active material, etc. These conventional fragments are also, in particular, structural fragments.

[0032] In an embodiment not belonging to the invention, the projectile is designed without explosives. This embodiment has also already been explained above.

[0033] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for manufacturing an active element according to the invention. In this method, at least a part of the active element, in particular the entire active element, is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. This approach has also already been explained above.

[0034] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for operating an active element according to the invention. The method has two options: 1.) In a variant not pertaining to the invention, the active agent(s) is / are fired as part of a non-explosive projectile along with it at a designated target. The breaking point is then the intended impact of the active agent(s) on the target. In particular, the predetermined breaking points are fractured by the impact energy generated upon impact. 2.) In the second variant of the method according to the invention, the active agent(s) is / are fired as part of the projectile along with it. However, a projectile containing explosives is used in this variant. The active agent(s) is / are accelerated by the reaction of the explosive, but the active agent(s) itself does not disintegrate during the reaction. The breaking point of the active agent(s) is also upon impact with the target.

[0035] In the event that the individual warheads are connected to form a shell via weaker bridges, the deployment of the explosive will break these weaker bridges, thus separating the warheads. The breaking point of the warheads is again upon impact with the target.

[0036] This method, or rather its two options, have already been explained above in connection with the active element or the projectile, also with regard to their advantages.

[0037] The invention is based on the following findings, observations, and considerations and further comprises the following preferred embodiments. These embodiments are sometimes referred to simply as "the invention." The embodiments may also include parts or combinations of the embodiments already mentioned above, or correspond to them, and / or may also include previously unmentioned embodiments.

[0038] The invention is based on the following findings: In practice, the central aspect of designing fragmentation ammunition or fragmentation warheads is usually the penetration performance of the fragments into the targets. For appropriately protected targets, comparatively large fragments are required, which reduces the number of fragments. Within the target itself, however, fewer large fragments are usually necessary to cause damage. A single large fragment is oversized in this case; a larger number of smaller fragments within the target would be advantageous. This disadvantage becomes even more pronounced when the fragment strikes a less massive target than assumed in the design. In such cases, a conventional fragment completely penetrates the target, i.e., it enters the target and exits on the rear side with only minor damage and without expending its energy within the target.

[0039] Up to now, in practice, splitters have been dimensioned based on the required penetration power and manufactured as "solid material" (an object that does not break down further).

[0040] The invention is based on the following idea: To compensate for this, it is possible to design the individual large fragments in the form of impact elements and to provide them with predetermined breaking points on the inside (within the surface of the impact element). This causes the large impact element / fragment to break into a defined number of smaller fragments (comparatively smaller splinters), particularly when penetrating the massive outer structure of the target, thereby increasing the failure probability of components inside the target due to the larger number of splinters.

[0041] The invention is also based on the idea that the possibility of creating predetermined breaking points inside warheads (fragments) can be achieved through additive manufacturing processes (e.g., 3D printing). This can be applied to warheads as structural fragments for ammunition or warheads. Additive manufacturing technology further allows for the production of a range of different fragment sizes (secondary fragment sizes) within a single warhead. By designing the internal structure (fragments, bridges, additional elements, etc.), smaller fragments (fragments) can be produced without this fragment mass (fragment mass) being unavailable in the larger warhead (i.e., a single larger fragment) during the design phase. In other words, the mass of the warhead thus has a dual function: On the one hand, as a total mass, it represents a comparatively massive large warhead (large fragment, e.g., a large fragment).Penetrating the armor of a vehicle). After fragmentation, the same (total) mass continues to have an effect in smaller fragments (small splinters, e.g., an effect in the interior of the vehicle surrounded by armor).

[0042] The same principle can be applied not only to fragments but also to projectiles in the form of small- to medium-caliber – especially non-explosive – projectiles or their components / casings. Instead of a fragment (projectile), the projectile itself, for example, acts as the projectile with internal predetermined breaking points. While the projectile – apart from these predetermined breaking points – initially possesses high penetration power, the predetermined breaking points, made possible in particular by additive manufacturing / 3D printing of the projectile body, lead to a defined fragmentation of the projectile upon penetrating sufficiently solid targets, resulting in a multitude of fragments taking effect within the target.

[0043] According to the invention, this results in active bodies (fragments) with integrated predetermined breaking points for optimized effect in the target through defined fragmentation of the active bodies into fragments upon target penetration.

[0044] The active materials therefore contain predetermined breaking points inside. When penetrating a target structure, the individual active materials fragment into a defined number of smaller fragments (splinters) according to these predetermined breaking points. This increases the number of fragments and thus also the effect on the target. Active materials with predetermined breaking points inside the individual active materials are therefore manufactured primarily using additive manufacturing (3D printing).

[0045] According to the invention, a high penetration power of the active ingredient (fragment) is achieved, along with a high effect (fragments) within the target. The number of fragments inside a target can be increased without reducing the penetration power of the still intact active ingredient (large fragments).

[0046] The active components form a fragmentation pattern and / or a projectile casing or a projectile.

[0047] The invention is further based on the following idea: Crucial for the effectiveness of reactive fragments is ensuring the most complete possible reaction of the reactive material within the target. This can be achieved, particularly with air-reactive materials, by fragmenting the active element (large fragment) upon penetration of the target.

[0048] Additive manufacturing (3D printing) offers the following positive aspects for implementation: Introducing internal predetermined breaking points, unconnected, loose powder within the active substances, e.g. in the predetermined breaking points (as part / material of the predetermined breaking points or bridges), weak, incomplete connection of the individual powder elements (powder grains) to each other (by adjusting the process parameters or by introducing ceramic particles that do not achieve a bond).

[0049] Individually, but especially through the combination of the aforementioned points, a high proportion of the reactive mass can be induced to react at or after the breaking point: For example, in additive manufacturing (3D printing), unbonded powder in the area of ​​the predetermined breaking points exists directly as a pyrophoric material and reacts immediately upon release during breakup at the target point. The resulting temperature increase can, in turn, initiate the reaction of larger fragments (splinter fragments) from weakly bonded powder areas (e.g., parts of a broken bridge, parts of an additional element). Larger fragments, which are necessary for sufficient structural strength, ultimately react upon impact with structures within the target.

[0050] The same principle can be applied not only to fragments but also to small / medium-caliber projectiles (or projectile casings). Instead of a fragment, the projectile itself is constructed as, or with, a projectile as described above. While the projectile (propellant), which is solid apart from the predetermined breaking points, initially possesses high penetration power, the fragmentation that occurs upon impact due to shock and deformation leads to the release of the pyrophoric powder and the reaction of the reactive material (e.g., the fragments).

[0051] Thus, upon penetration of a target, fragmenting warheads (fragments, projectiles) made of reactive material are produced, particularly those manufactured using additive manufacturing processes. Reactive warheads or munitions are designed using additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) to incorporate macro- and microscopic fracture points and unconnected areas (additional elements). Upon penetration of a target structure, this can result in significant fragmentation of the warhead and the release of additional elements (e.g., loose powder). This enhances the decomposition of the reactive material within the target.

[0052] According to the invention, the implementation of a reactive active body / fragment / additional element (splinter) is also achieved within thin-walled target structures (decomposition into fragments at the thin wall, effect of the fragments in the space behind the wall).

[0053] The invention is based on the observation that in practice such an effect could previously only be achieved - if at all - by using materials with brittle mechanical properties.

[0054] According to the invention, in particular, active substances with predetermined breaking points and weakly and loosely bound powder inside are additively manufactured (e.g., by means of 3D printing). This results in strong fragmentation upon penetration into smaller fragments (splinter fragments) and the release of loose powder.

[0055] The aim is to ensure that the weapon fragments break down so extensively upon penetrating the target that the fragments / additional elements (fragments) begin to react, or that the remaining fragments (fragments, parts of bridges, etc.) react upon impact with structures inside the target, instead of completely penetrating the target without further effect, as would be the case with larger splinter fragments (e.g., undismembered large splinters, comparable to a weapon without predetermined breaking points).

[0056] The reaction is therefore optimized by adapting the active substance structure, in particular by means of additive manufacturing (3D printing).

[0057] Here too, the effective elements primarily consist of a fragmentation, a projectile casing, or a projectile.

[0058] Suitable reactive materials include mixtures of appropriate metals (Ta, Al, Ti, Zr, W, Hf) and metal compounds. The additional energy release after impact depends on the surrounding atmosphere (e.g., oxygen). The intermetallic reaction is independent of fragmentation. The release of the additional chemical energy during combustion with oxygen is generally faster and more complete the more finely the reactive material is fragmented after impact.

[0059] When used as (reactive) fragmentation, the following applies: The fragmentation of the projectile / warhead can consist of individual pre-formed fragments (with microscopic / macroscopic predetermined breaking points). Alternatively, a continuous shell with predetermined breaking points can also serve as the active material, contributing to the system's structural rigidity under acceleration forces. The predetermined breaking points of the shell are designed so that, upon detonation of the active material / warhead, it breaks into individual fragments that then act upon impact with the target, fragmenting further. Furthermore, the effect on the target can be optimized by adjusting fragment sizes or predetermined breaking points in the projectile shell. Depending on the target, the projectile's effectiveness could also be increased by a mixture of conventional fragments and reactive fragments weakened by predetermined breaking points.The density of the chip material is another design parameter.

[0060] Further features, effects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. These figures are shown in schematic diagrams: Figure 1 shows a projectile with an active element in the form of a construction fragment in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows an alternative active element in the form of a construction fragment in a perspective view; Figure 3 shows a section through the active element made of Figure 2Figure 4 shows a section through an alternative weapon in the form of a construction fragment, Figure 5 shows a weapon in the form of a projectile in perspective view, Figure 6 shows a weapon during launch and flight towards a target with the breaking point upon impact with the target in the case of detonation of explosives, and Figure 6 shows a purely ballistic breaking point as well as fragments of a weapon in an interior of the target. Figure 6a .

[0061] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a highly stylized section of a projectile 2. This projectile contains a shell 4 and, on its outer surface, a fragmentation 6, of which only a single fragment, in the form of a construction fragment 7, is shown. The construction fragment 7 is formed here by, or rather, designed as, a functional element 8. In this respect, the functional element 8 is such for the intended projectile 2. The functional element 8 comprises a total of fifteen fragments 10. The entire functional element 8 has a circumferential shape 32, here a cubic shape. Two of the fragments 10 (at the rear of the figure) each occupy approximately one-quarter of the cube's volume and are identical and cuboid in shape. Two of the fragments 10 (identical, cubic, at the front left) each occupy one-eighth of the cube's volume. Another eighth of the cube (front right top) is divided into three fragments of 10 (one sixteenth - cuboid, twice one thirty-second (cube)).Another eighth of the cube (front right bottom) is further divided into eight equally sized cube fragments 10.

[0062] The active body 8 contains a plurality of bridges 12, which are shown enlarged in the figure for clarity. Adjacent fragments 10 are initially mechanically connected to one another via the bridges 12. The bridges 12 themselves form predetermined breaking points in the active body 8 between the fragments 10. With regard to their mechanical strength and the mechanical strength of the connection between the bridges 12 and the fragments 10, they are configured as follows (see also [reference to be added]). Figure 6 ): Figure 6a shows how the second floor (in Figure 6(not shown itself), and together with this, the attached weapon 8 is fired from a cannon 16 towards a target 22. During the launch 14 (indicated by an arrow) and during the flight 18 (indicated by an arrow) and during the detonation of any explosives, the bridges 12 hold the fragments 10, as in Figure 1 As shown, they remain mechanically firmly connected. The firing 14 also occurs towards a designated breaking point 20.

[0063] This is in Figure 6b Indicated by a circle, this consists of the ballistic impact of the projectile 8 on the target 22. The breaking point 20 is the point of impact of the projectile 2, or the projectile 8, on the 22, here a vehicle with armor 24 surrounding an interior 26. The projectile has sufficient mass to penetrate the armor 24.

[0064] Due to the impact shock on the armor 24, i.e., the ballistic energy, the bridges 12 break open at the predetermined breaking points during penetration of the armor 24. The fragments 10 are no longer held together and separate. In other words, the weapon disintegrates into its fragments 10. These, however, do not further fragment; they are mechanically stable and now act as individual splinters, comparable to conventional structural fragments of relatively low mass.

[0065] Figure 6b This illustrates that the fragments 10 and bridges 12 are still arranged so that at the breaking point 20, here at the impact of the weapon body 8 on the armor 24, the bridges 12 break as predetermined breaking points and the relevant fragments 10 separate from each other, while the fragments 10 themselves continue to exist.

[0066] The tightly held target body 8, with its comparatively large mass, serves to initially penetrate the armor 24. After the target body 8 has fulfilled this task, it breaks apart into fragments 10 along the predetermined breaking points or bridges 12. Each fragment then exerts its effect against components 28 within the interior 26 (only one is shown symbolically). These components are electronic devices and other internal installations of the target 22.

[0067] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows an alternative embodiment of an active body 8. This also has a circumferential shape 32 in the form of a cube. However, the active body 8 has only three cuboid fragments 10, which occupy approximately one half and two quarters of the cube's volume.

[0068] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a section through the active body 8 along plane III-III. In this embodiment, the bridges 12 are not formed across the entire surface between the fragments 10, but rather as concentrated webs in the gaps between the fragments 10, indicated here by hatching. The active body 8 has an outer layer 34, indicated here by dashed lines, which encloses the active body 8 from its surroundings 35. The outer layer 34 is formed exclusively from fragments 10 (or parts thereof) and bridges 12, which connect the fragments 10 as explained above. Furthermore, the active body 8 has an interior space 36 enclosed by the outer layer 34, which here has a T-shaped cross-section. Another bridge 12 is arranged in the interior space 36.

[0069] Furthermore, the interior 36 contains two additional elements 38a,b. The additional elements 38a,b are powder-like, consisting of an accumulation of powder elements 40 (only some of which are symbolically indicated in the figure). The powder elements 40 are much smaller than the entire additional element 38a,b. The additional element 38a is a partially solidified powder made from the powder elements 40, which initially forms a solid mass, but which, upon penetration of the target, breaks down according to Figure 6b pulverized, i.e., separated into individual powder elements 40. The additional element 38b, on the other hand, is actually already initially included as loose powder of the powder elements 40 in the interior 36. During the disassembly of the active body 8 according to Figure 6b This is simply released. In this embodiment, in addition to the fragments 10, the loose powders or powder elements 40 also penetrate the interior 26 of the target 22.

[0070] The in the Figures 1 to 3The depicted active elements 8 are each manufactured entirely by an additive manufacturing process, in this case 3D printing. The starting point for this is a base material for the active element 8, which is solidified in the usual manner during the manufacturing process. The fragments 10 are created by the fact that the base material is maximally or finally solidified during the manufacturing process. The bridges 12 in Figure 1 In contrast, they are manufactured in such a way that the starting material is only partially solidified. Solidification occurs only to the extent that the bridges 12, as described above, launch 14 and flight 18 of the effective body 8 according to Figure 6a as a mechanical load to hold the fragments 10 together. According to the impact shock at target 22. Figure 6b However, if the bridges 12 do not withstand the force, they act as weak points and break, causing the fragments 10 to separate from each other.

[0071] In the Figures 2 and 3Are the bridges also 12 stronger than in Figure 1 solidified base material. Here, the function of the predetermined breaking point also arises from the smaller dimensions of the bridges 12 in relation to the fragments 10 or the gaps between them. In other words, the bridges in the direction from one fragment 10 to the next have a comparatively small cross-section.

[0072] In this sense, the active substances are 8 according to the Figures 1-3 These components 8 are manufactured in one piece with respect to all fragments 10 and bridges 12. Within their circumferential shape 32, here the cube shape, these active bodies 8 have no unfilled cavity and thus consist entirely of the aforementioned base material for 3D printing, which, as above, is partly end-hardened and partly only partially hardened (bridges 12 in Figure 1The powder elements 40 are also formed from base material. In the additional element 38b, the base material is not solidified at all and therefore remains as loose powder; in the additional element 38a, it is only solidified to the extent that a cohesive mass results. The active body 8 according to the Figures 2 and 3 It is therefore entirely manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. The powder elements 40 are the base material or manufacturing material, the additional element 38b is unsolidified material, the additional element 38b is slightly partially solidified material, the bridges 12 are more strongly solidified base material, and the fragments 10 are again fully solidified base material. In this respect, all elements of the active body 8 are Figures 2 and 3 with the exception of the additional element 38b, manufactured or executed in one piece.

[0073] The fragmentation pattern 6 of the second projectile includes, in addition to the effective bodies 8, also structural fragments 7 in classic solid design. In the Figure 1 Only one of these is indicated by a dashed line. These serve as the basis for use according to... Figure 6b also penetrate the armor 24, but do not disintegrate further and may also penetrate the armor 24 even after passing through the interior 26, i.e. on the right side in Figure 6b , in order to penetrate and damage target 22 again on the side facing away from the shelling.

[0074] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a section through another alternative active body 8, which is also manufactured in one piece using an additive manufacturing process. Here, the bridges 12 are uniformly end-hardened with the fragments 10. The effect as a predetermined breaking point results from the creation of cavities 42 inside the active body 8 during manufacturing. The effect as a predetermined breaking point thus arises solely from the purely geometric dimensioning of the bridges 12. Here too, as shown in Figure 1, the following results: Figures 2 and 3 a closed outer layer encircling the entire cube 34.

[0075] The active substances 8 (here, for example, the one according to Figure 4 ) are designed in an alternative variant for a different fracture point 20, or the bridges 12 are dimensioned differently accordingly. The effective bodies 8 are then dimensioned for a projectile 2 as intended, which contains explosive 30 within its shell 4 and in Figure 4 is shown as a dashed line.

[0076] In the example according to the Figures 2 and 3 Furthermore, the active element 8 is made of reactive material, in this case pyrophoric material, as the base material. Upon release at the fracture point 20 as fragments 40 and powder elements 40, the material reacts with atmospheric oxygen as the counter material 44. A particularly strong reaction occurs for the additional elements 38a,b, since the pyrophoric material is present as powder elements 40. However, the fragments 10 formed from pyrophoric material also react with their respective environments, especially with air or propellant in the interior 26, which significantly increases the effect of the projectile 2.

[0077] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows another alternative weapon body 8, which here is designed as a complete projectile 2. Here too, the weapon body 8 has a total of eight fragments 10, which are comparable to Figure 1The projectile 2 is connected by solid material bridges 12, which are also manufactured from a less dense or hardened base material using an additive manufacturing process. The projectile 2 is unexplosive, meaning it only has the fragments 10 and bridges 12. The fracture point 20 is, in turn, the impact on a target 22 during or after flight 18. The breaking of the bridges 12, and thus the fragmentation of the weapon 8 into the fragments 10, occurs purely ballistically through the impact shock when the projectile 2 strikes the target 22 or its armor 24, as shown in Figure 6b depicted. Reference symbol list

[0078] 2 Projectile 4 Projectile casing 6 Fragmentation 7 Construction fragment 8 Warhead 10 Fragment 12 Bridge 14 Launch 16 Tube weapon 18 Flight 20 Breaking point 22 Target 23 Environment (of the target) 24 Armor 26 Interior 28 Component 30 Explosive 32 Circumferential shape 34 Outer layer 35 Environment (of the warhead) 36 Interior (of the outer layer) 38a,b Additional element 40 Powder element 42 Cavity 44 Countermaterial

Claims

1. Projectile (2), wherein the projectile (2) has a fragmenting covering (6) with a plurality of active bodies (8) in the form of a respective structural fragment (7), wherein each of the active bodies (8) has: - at least two fragments (10), - at least one bridge (12), two of the fragments (10) initially being mechanically fixedly connected to each other via at least one bridge (12) in each case, - wherein the bridges (12) and / or the connected fragments (10) with regard to their mechanical strength and / or the mechanical strength of the connection of the bridges (12) to the fragments (10) are configured as a predetermined breaking point such that - the bridges (12) continue to hold the fragments (10) together during an intended launch (14) and flight (18) of the active body (8) with the projectile (2) towards an intended rupture point (20), and - at the rupture point (20) the predetermined breaking points break and the affected fragments (10) are separated from each other, the fragments (10) themselves remaining intact, - wherein the projectile contains an explosive, the projectile being configured such that the explosive is used to break up the projectile in the air, characterized in that the projectile is configured such that the active bodies are accelerated by detonation of the explosive, but the active bodies themselves do not break up during the detonation and the rupture point of the active bodies occurs only upon subsequent impact on the target.

2. Projectile (2) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the individual active bodies are additionally connected via further, weaker predetermined breaking points in the form of bridges and thus form a projectile casing for an explosive projectile, wherein the projectile is configured such that the weaker bridges break when the explosive is ignited, as a result of which the active bodies are present individually, and the rupture point of the individual active bodies occurs upon impact on the target.

3. Projectile (2) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active body (8) has an outer layer (34) which closes off the active body from its surroundings (35), and the outer layer (34) consists exclusively of at least sections of fragments (10) and bridges (12) connecting them.

4. Projectile (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active body (8) has an outer layer (34) which closes off the active body from its surroundings (35) and an interior space (36) enclosed by the outer layer (34), and the active body (8) contains at least one additional element (38a, b) which is arranged in the interior space (36).

5. Projectile (2) according to Claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the additional elements (38a, b) is in powder form as an agglomeration of powder elements (40), wherein the powder elements (40) are smaller than the entire additional element (38a, b).

6. Projectile (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the active body (8) is produced by an additive manufacturing process.

7. Projectile (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active body (8) is designed in one piece with regard to at least two fragments (10) and one of the connecting bridges (12).

8. Projectile (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active body (8) has no unfilled cavity (42) within its peripheral shape (32).

9. Projectile (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one constituent part of the active body (8) contains or consists of reactive material, wherein the reactive material is configured to act reactively with a designated counterpart material (44).

10. Method for producing an active body (8) of a projectile (2) according to any of Claims 6 to 9, in which at least a portion of the active body (8) is produced by an additive manufacturing process.

11. Method for operating an active body (8) of a projectile (2) according to any of Claims 1 to 9, in which: - the active body (8) as part of the projectile (2) is launched together with the projectile towards an intended target (22), wherein the projectile (2) also contains an explosive (30), wherein the active bodies are accelerated by detonation of the explosive, but the active bodies themselves do not break up during the detonation and the rupture point (20) occurs upon intended impact of the active body (8) on the target (22).

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