Propellant, propellant assembly and ammunition

Abstract

The present invention relates to a propellant (100) for driving a projectile (302), comprising a shell (104) externally delimiting a propellant chamber (103), and at least two propellant bodies (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) disposed in the propellant chamber (103), each of the propellant bodies (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) having adjacently extending bores (112), and at least one of the propellant bodies (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) having at least 70 adjacently extending bores (112). The present invention also relates to a projectile (302) and a munition (300) including such a propellant (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a propellant charge for driving a projectile having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a propellant charge assembly having the features of the additional independent claims. Finally, the invention relates to ammunition having the features of the other independent claims. [Background technology]

[0002] In military technology, propellants are used to drive projectiles through the barrel of a gun, typically by generating gas pressure. After ignition, the propellant burns, and the resulting combustion gases create high gas pressure "behind the projectile," propelling it toward the muzzle.

[0003] The performance of a projectile or ammunition is determined by the maximum allowable gas pressure in the barrel, the mass of the charge, and the chemical composition and particle shape of the propellant powder. Current projectile developments, such as kinetic energy projectiles or KE projectiles (penetrators), are limited by the limited volume of the propellant chamber and therefore the limited chemical energy of the available propellant powder.

[0004] Furthermore, modern high-performance weapons are limited in maximum gas pressure by their material properties and barrel geometry. For example, increasing the diameter of the propellant chamber comes at the cost of significantly increasing the weapon's mass. Lengthening the propellant chamber reduces the effectiveness of the drive.

[0005] Propellant powder shapes with 7, 19, or 37 holes are known from the prior art. This allows the surface area to be increased depending on the burn rate of the propellant powder shape. Increasing the surface area during combustion (progressive burn behavior) results in a constantly increasing amount of gas being generated, accelerating the projectile over a longer time or distance. However, large propellant powder shapes with many holes reduce the propellant filling level in the propellant charge or cartridge. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a propellant that improves projectile or ammunition performance and allows the required maximum gas pressure to be kept relatively low. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention achieves this object by means of a propellant charge having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The propellant is configured or intended to drive a projectile through a gun barrel. The propellant has an outer shell that defines a propellant chamber within which at least two propellant shaped bodies are disposed. Each propellant shaped body has a plurality of adjacently extending holes. The holes may preferably extend parallel to one another. At least one propellant shaped body, preferably two or more propellant shaped bodies, each has at least 60 or 70 adjacently extending holes.

[0009] The proposed design has the advantage that such propellant compacts (porous compacts) burn at a multiple of the surface area increase of a normal 19-hole compact. Furthermore, the progressive burning behavior (rapid increase in surface area during burning) results in a constantly increasing mass of gas generated per unit time. This allows the projectile to be accelerated for a longer time or distance, as the maximum gas pressure occurs later or after the projectile has traveled a longer distance. The increased gas mass and gas release characteristics ensure a significant increase in projectile power, even at relatively moderate maximum gas pressure values.

[0010] Preferably, two or more propellant compacts each have at least 60 or 70 adjacently extending holes. This increase in gas mass can further improve the projectile's output. Even more preferably, half, three-quarters, or all of the propellant compacts each have at least 60 or 70 holes. This can further improve the projectile's output.

[0011] The holes or hole channels in the propellant compact combine with one another to form the perforations of the propellant compact. The holes or hole channels can be designed as blind holes or through holes.

[0012] Within the scope of preferred embodiments, at least one propellant compact may have at least 100, preferably at least 200, more preferably at least 300, and even more preferably at least 400 adjacently extending pores. The use of such a porous compact can further increase the gas mass and the power output of the projectile, thereby achieving particularly pronounced combustion behavior.

[0013] Preferably, two or more propellant compacts each have the above number of holes, and more preferably, half, three-quarters, or all of the propellant compacts each have the above number of holes.

[0014] In tests, a propellant compact with 470 parallel-running holes has proven particularly advantageous.

[0015] In principle, the holes in the propellant compact could be drilled, but this is not economically feasible for propellant compacts with many holes, especially 30 or more.

[0016] The proposed propellant compacts are preferably produced by extrusion or extrusion, the holes in the propellant compact being formed directly during extrusion.

[0017] Specifically, propellant compacts can be extruded in a quasi-continuous manner. The propellant mass, still in a paste form ("dough"), is forced under high pressure through a die assembly, which separates the propellant compact mass into multiple individual strands and forms holes. After the die assembly, the individual strands are (again) compressed through funnel-shaped channels into a single strand of propellant compact mass. The strands can have any cross-section, but are preferably circular.

[0018] A desired length of section is cut from this strand (first cut to trim the strand to length), which itself either directly forms a propellant compact (finished in the die) or forms the starting piece for a future propellant compact. In the latter case (starting piece for a future propellant compact), the section may be cut parallel or oblique to the strand axis (second "cut to shape" cut), resulting in a segment (e.g., a "pie slice" or portion thereof) of the propellant body (finished in the die).

[0019] The die assembly may include a stable steel disk with many holes (similar to a "meat grinder" - the number of holes may match the desired number of holes in the propellant compact, or may be fewer or more). Attached to or within this steel disk are many very thin needles (the number of needles corresponds to the number of holes in the future propellant compact), each of which creates a hole in the strand (a hole in the future propellant compact). The needles are designed to be long enough to extend from or within the steel disk beyond the funnel-shaped channel through which the propellant compact mass is compressed to form the strand. The needles "float," so to speak, within the compressed propellant compact mass, leaving holes (holes in the propellant compact).

[0020] Advantageously, the propellant compacts can be arranged or layered one on top of the other in one, two, or more layers within the propellant chamber, with at least two propellant compacts forming each layer. The propellant compacts forming at least one, preferably two, or all layers are designed to conform to the shape of the propellant chamber as a whole. In other words, the propellant compacts in each layer are shaped to conform to the shape of the propellant chamber as a whole. This contributes to a relatively high packing density within the propellant chamber and, consequently, a high packing mass. Conforming to the shape of the propellant chamber means that the propellant compacts forming the layers are conformed to the shape or contour of the propellant chamber or shell as a whole, minimizing voids between the propellant compacts and / or between the propellant compacts and the shell (conforming to the contour of the shell). In particular, by increasing the number of holes (at least 70 holes per propellant compact), shape adjustments can increase the packing mass by approximately 20-40% compared to the packing density of approximately 1 g / cm3 currently achieved with 19-hole compacts, even if the propellant chamber volume is the same.

[0021] Conveniently, each propellant compact has a cross section (basal area) that can extend along the compact axis while maintaining this cross section. This facilitates a structurally simple and robust design. The propellant compact may be a cylindrical body. The compact axis may be oriented perpendicular to the basal surface. The holes may be oriented parallel, perpendicular, or oblique (slanted) to the compact axis.

[0022] The cross section of the propellant compact may be circular, partially circular (e.g., arc sector or arc segment), or polygonal (n-gon), and the polygonal design may be regular or irregular. In n-gon designs, 3≦n≦8 or 3≦n≦6 are possible. In n-gon designs, the side surfaces of the compact extending parallel to the compact axis (lateral body sides) may be convex or concave, or convex or concave.

[0023] Specifically, the propellant compact may have a hexagonal cross section and at least 60 holes, such as 61 holes.

[0024] It is also contemplated that the propellant compact may be provided with chamfers, recesses and / or grooves to conform to the shape or configuration of the propellant chamber.

[0025] In principle, it is conceivable that the propellant compacts have the same cross-section in shape and / or size. For example, a propellant compact with a cylindrical chamber or a cylindrical shell can have a cross-section in the shape of a circular arc sector ("slice of a pie"). At least two such propellant compacts can be combined to form one or more layers.

[0026] However, advantageously, the propellant compacts can have cross-sections of different shapes and / or sizes. This can be used to increase the packing density within the propellant chamber, if desired. Furthermore, the assembly of propellant compacts can be adapted to other geometric elements within the propellant chamber, such as projectile components (bullets, penetrators, and / or sabots) that protrude into the propellant chamber. Specifically, the propellant can include different propellant compacts with cross-sections of different shapes and / or sizes, for example, two, three, four, or more cross-sections of different shapes and / or sizes.

[0027] The holes can be formed as blind holes and / or through holes. In other words, some of the holes can be designed as blind holes and others as through holes. Alternatively, all holes can be designed as blind holes or through holes. The holes can be arranged parallel, perpendicular or oblique to the axis of the compact. The holes can be arranged parallel to each other (perforations). Through holes can be made relatively easily in propellant compacts. Blind holes can further increase the surface area (progressive burning).

[0028] Within the scope of preferred embodiments, a majority of the holes on at least one propellant compact, particularly at least 60, 70, or 80 percent, may be arranged with the same spacing (equally spaced holes), while the remaining holes may be arranged with different spacings, particularly with shorter distances between holes. If deviations from the same (equally spaced) spacing are permitted for the remaining holes, the holes on the propellant compact may be arranged more variably, thereby facilitating greater freedom in the shape of the propellant compact. Furthermore, the number of holes may be increased while maintaining the same shape and / or size of the propellant compact. Selecting a non-optimal (non-equally spaced) spacing between holes has little effect on the overall increase in surface area associated with combustion.

[0029] Advantageously and preferably, the propellant compacts can be (surface) treated so that the pores are partially closed with a substance (e.g., solid) that reduces, and preferably compensates for, the temperature dependence of the propellant compact's burn rate. Propellant compacts treated in this way burn more or less independently of the initial temperature. Closing the pores with a substance reduces the increase in the propellant powder burn rate with temperature and partially compensates for the temperature dependence of the gas pressure evolution. This behavior allows for an almost constant power output over the entire temperature range. The reduction in gas pressure level at high temperatures and the limitation of the weapon stresses associated with the gas pressure level (upper gas pressure limit) make it possible to achieve the required performance even at low temperatures.

[0030] Specifically, according to one possible embodiment, one of the propellant compacts can have a diameter of 50 mm (millimeters) and a height of 35 mm. This propellant compact can have, for example, 470 holes with a hole spacing (the so-called "web") of 2 mm (although, as mentioned above, some deviations from the ideal hole spacing are possible). The hole diameter can be between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0031] The shells that delimit the propellant chambers can have a hollow cylindrical shape. The shells can be closed at their axial ends (closed hollow cylinders).

[0032] The shell that delimits the propellant chamber from the outside can be made of paper (paper shell), preferably paper that burns when the propellant powder burns and leaves no residue. The shell that delimits the propellant chamber from the outside can be made, for example, from a mixture of wood fiber, nitrocellulose, a stabilizer (due to the chemical stability of nitrocellulose) and a composite material (varnish or adhesive), which makes the shell sufficiently stable for use and burns without leaving any residue.

[0033] Alternatively, the shell that separates the propellant chamber from the outside can be made of a woven fabric (cloth shell). The fabric is preferably designed to burn when the propellant powder burns and to leave no residue. The cloth cover can be designed, for example, as a bag. The propellant may also consist of several bags.

[0034] Furthermore, the shell that separates the propellant chamber from the outside can be made of metal (metal shell). Such a shell forms a solid and stable boundary for the propellant chamber. This shell can be designed, for example, as a propellant shell or a cartridge shell.

[0035] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a propellant assembly having the features of the independent claims. With regard to the advantages that can be achieved with the propellant assembly, reference is made to the statements relating to the propellant in this respect.

[0036] The propellant assembly includes one or more propellants having one or more of the aspects described above.

[0037] For example, a propellant assembly may contain one or more individually wrapped propellants, depending on the desired power output to drive the projectile. The individual propellants may be enclosed in a bag and / or held in position relative to one another by a suitable holder, particularly one made of a combustible material, to allow for targeted loading of the propellant chamber of a barreled weapon, such as in a howitzer.

[0038] The aspects discussed above in relation to propellant charges are useful in developing propellant charges assemblies.

[0039] The object stated at the outset is also achieved by a charge having the features of the independent claims. With regard to the advantages that can be achieved thereby, reference is made to the remarks in this regard relating to the propellant.

[0040] The ammunition may be designed as a cartridge ammunition within the range of possible configurations, or may be constructed in two parts, with the bullet part containing the propellant powder and the remainder being pure propellant powder.

[0041] The ammunition section includes a bullet and a propellant having at least one of the above-described features. In this case, the shell that separates the propellant chamber from the outside can be designed as a cartridge shell, for example, a metallic cartridge shell. In this way, a particularly powerful cartridge ammunition can be provided.

[0042] Advantageously, the bullet may comprise a bullet body, in particular a penetrator, the high gas mass of which allows the bullet body to reach a relatively high muzzle velocity (v0) and achieve high penetration performance at the target.

[0043] Preferably, the bullet includes a sabot for the bullet body (in addition to the bullet body). The sabot is a guide device that guides the small-caliber bullet body through a larger-caliber (full-bore) barrel and serves to seal the barrel against propellant gases. This seal allows the gas pressure generated when the propellant combusts to be transmitted to the bullet body. After the bullet leaves the muzzle of the barrel, the sabot detaches from the bullet body.

[0044] The more progressive combustion of the propellant compacts proposed here reduces the load on the projectile by reducing the maximum gas pressure, which allows the use of lighter and lighter materials as the propellant base material for the sabot, such as plastics or compressed structural materials.

[0045] If the ammunition is designed as a cartridge ammunition, the cartridge shell may be constructed with a shell base on or above which (on the propellant chamber side of the propellant) is located a propellant igniter. The propellant igniter can be a flame, an electric igniter, or a pyrotechnic composition. The propellant (located in the propellant chamber) is adjacent to the propellant igniter.

[0046] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a set consisting of a barreled weapon, a bullet and a propellant for driving the bullet. For the advantages that can be achieved thereby, please refer to the description in this regard relating to the propellant.

[0047] A barreled weapon has a barrel and a propellant chamber adjacent to the barrel. The propellant chamber is typically located "upstream" of the barrel, i.e., at the end of the barrel away from the muzzle. A bullet can be inserted into the barrel and "applied," as in a howitzer, for example. The propellant chamber of a barreled weapon serves to receive the propellant.

[0048] The propellant chamber has a propellant chamber wall that separates the propellant chamber from the outside. At least two or more propellant bodies are disposed in the propellant chamber, each having a plurality of adjacently extending holes. The holes may preferably extend parallel to one another. At least one propellant body, preferably two or more propellant bodies, each has at least 70 adjacently extending holes.

[0049] The propellant chamber into which the propellant shaped bodies are or have been introduced may be delimited by a propellant chamber wall instead of a propellant shell delimiting the propellant chamber from the outside, in other words, the propellant shell delimiting the propellant chamber from the outside can be omitted.

[0050] The propellant compacts can be used without shells, in bulk, or in one or more pouches, as well as in cartridge ammunition.

[0051] Advantageously, the propellant forms may be arranged or layered one on top of the other in one, two or more layers within the propellant chamber of the barreled weapon, with at least two propellant forms forming each layer, and with at least one layer, preferably two layers or all layers, the propellant forms forming said layers being designed so that they as a whole fit the shape of the propellant chamber of the barreled weapon.

[0052] The measures described in relation to the propellant charge can be used to further develop the set of propellant compacts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] The invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, in which identical or functionally identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals, which, where appropriate, are designated only once. Each figure is a schematic representation.

[0054] [Figure 1] 1 shows an embodiment of a cartridge ammunition in longitudinal section. [Figure 2] 1 shows an embodiment of a cartridge ammunition in cross section. [Figure 3] 3 shows the cartridge ammunition embodiment of FIG. 2 in cross section. [Figure 4] 3 shows a further embodiment of the cartridge ammunition of FIG. 2 in cross section. [Figure 5] 1 shows another cartridge ammunition embodiment in cross section. [Figure 6] 1 shows another cartridge ammunition embodiment in cross section. [Figure 7] 1 shows another cartridge ammunition embodiment in cross section. [Figure 8] The rectangular parallelepiped propellant compact is shown in a perspective view and a cross-sectional view. [Figure 9] An embodiment of a rectangular parallelepiped propellant compact is shown in perspective view with a convex compact side and in cross section. [Figure 10] 1 shows a longitudinal section of a rectangular parallelepiped propellant compact having a through hole. [Figure 11]1 shows a longitudinal section of a triangular cross-section propellant compact having through holes oriented transversely to the compact axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal cross section of a cartridge ammunition generally designated by the reference numeral 300.

[0056] The cartridge ammunition 300 comprises a projectile 302 having a projectile body 304 and a sabot 306 for the projectile 304. In this example, the projectile 304 is designed as a penetrator, with a main body 308 and a breech unit 310 attached to the rear of the penetrator. The cartridge ammunition 300 also contains a propellant 100 for driving the projectile 302 through the barrel of the gun.

[0057] The propellant charge 100 has an outer shell 102 that defines a propellant chamber 103. In this example, the shell 102 is designed as a solid shell 104 (propellant charge or cartridge shell 104) and is preferably made of a combustible shell material. A sleeve base 106 (shown here only diagrammatically) is attached to the sleeve 104 and closes the rear of the sleeve 104. A propellant ignition device (not shown) may be attached on or above the shell base 106.

[0058] A plurality of propellant compacts 110 are disposed in the propellant chamber 103, each having a plurality of holes 112 extending alongside one another (for clarity, only the holes are shown). The holes 112 preferably extend parallel to one another. In this example, at least half of the propellant compacts 110 have at least 70 holes 112 extending alongside one another. As noted above, it is also envisioned that a given propellant compact may have 100 or more holes 112. The holes 112 may be designed as blind holes or through holes.

[0059] Each propellant compact 110 has a cross-section (base) that extends along a compact axis 114 (as shown for one of the compacts 110 in the figure). The cross-section of the compact 110 may be circular, part-circular, or polygonal, as described above. The compacts 110 may have different cross-sections or the same cross-section. Regardless, in this example, the holes 112 are aligned parallel to the compact axis 114.

[0060] In principle, the propellant compacts 110 could each have the same height or be designed to have the same height. In this example, the propellant compacts 110 have different heights (different axial configurations) to illustrate different designs. Thus, the propellant compact 110 located on the right side of Figure 1 is approximately twice as tall as the propellant compact 110 located on the left side of Figure 1.

[0061] The propellant bodies 110 are arranged in a plurality of layers S in the propellant chamber 103, with at least two propellant bodies 110 forming each layer S (layers S' and S" are shown in FIG. 1). Each of these layers S', S" is formed to fit the overall shape of the propellant chamber 103. In other words, each of the propellant bodies 110 forming the layers S', S' fits the shape of the propellant chamber 103 as closely as possible.

[0062] Optionally, in a propellant compact 110 having at least 70 or at least 100 perforations 112, a majority of the perforations 112, e.g., 50% or more, can be arranged with the same perforation spacing (equally spaced perforations), and the remaining perforations 112 can be arranged with smaller perforation spacing, e.g., as described above.

[0063] Regardless of this, the propellant compacts may be surface treated as described above.

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of cartridge ammunition 300, with only one propellant compact 110 shown in propellant chamber 103 for clarity.

[0065] The propellant compact 110 is designed as described above and may have at least 70 or at least 100 perforations 112 (the perforations are only partially shown in FIG. 2). The propellant compact 110 has a cross section in the shape of a flattened arcuate sector ("slice of pie") in this example, and extends along a compact axis 114 (the compact axis 114 projects perpendicularly from the plane of the drawing in FIG. 2).

[0066] In this example, the propellant form 110 has its radially outer surface portion 120 as closely as possible to the sleeve 104 and its radially inner surface portion 122 closely to the main body 308. As a result, the propellant chamber 103 between the main body 308 and the sleeve 104 is largely filled (depending on the arc sector or the proportion of the propellant form 110).

[0067] In this example, six identically formed propellant compacts 110 form one layer of propellant 100 (shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 2 ), and these propellant compacts 110 are formed to the same thickness along the compact axis 114. The propellant compacts 119 forming layer S in this example are designed to generally fit the shape of the propellant chamber 103 (to minimize the amount of space between the compacts 110 and / or shells 104).

[0068] In this example, several layers S of propellant compacts 112 can be provided, in particular two or more layers.

[0069] Figure 3 shows an example configuration that generally corresponds to cartridge ammunition 300 of Figure 2. To avoid repetition, please refer to the above discussion regarding Figure 2.

[0070] In contrast, the cartridge of Figure 3 has a plurality of fins 312 projecting radially outward from the main body 308, which fins may form, for example, a penetrator tail unit 310. In this example, for purposes of illustration, the two propellant compacts 110 disposed in the propellant chamber 103 each have a cross section shaped like a flattened arcuate sector, and each propellant compact 110 having this cross section extends along a compact axis 114.

[0071] The propellant compacts 110 are sized to fit into the space between two adjacent fins 312. The remaining space (slot) between two adjacent propellant compacts 110 can be filled with propellant powder (rod or bulk powder) of a correspondingly fine particle size, if desired. In this example, the propellant compacts 110 are identical in shape.

[0072] Figure 4 shows another example configuration that generally corresponds to cartridge ammunition 300 of Figure 2. To avoid repetition, please refer to the above discussion regarding Figure 2.

[0073] The propellant compacts 110 disposed between the main body 308 and the sleeve 104 generally have a cross section in the shape of a circular arc sector ("slice of a pie") with a flattened tip. However, in the present case, these propellant compacts 110 are formed in multiple sections, each having a radially inner compact section 110' and a radially outer compact section 110" that join at a parting plane T, which in this example is perpendicular to the radial direction (although it is also possible to set the parting plane T at an angle).

[0074] In this example, the radially outer compact portion 110" has a cross section in the shape of a circular arc sector with a flattened tip (parting plane T). In other words, the radially outer compact portion 110" has a cross section of a circular arc segment. The radially inner compact portion 110' has a cross section in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. These two compact portions 110', 110" position two different propellant compacts or compact sections within the propellant chamber 103. If necessary, any voids within the propellant chamber 103, such as those remaining between the two compact portions 110', 110" and the sleeve 104, can be filled with fine-grained propellant powder (bulk powder or rod powder).

[0075] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of another cartridge ammunition embodiment in which a different propellant form is disposed in the propellant chamber 103.

[0076] First, disposed in propellant chamber 103 is a multi-piece propellant compact 110 having a radially inner compact portion 110' and a radially outer compact portion 110". To avoid repetition, please refer to the above discussion regarding Figure 4.

[0077] Furthermore, two propellant compacts 124 are disposed in the propellant chamber 103, each having a circular cross section and extending along the compact axis 114 while maintaining this cross section. In this example, another propellant compact 124' also having a circular cross section is disposed in the propellant chamber 103, and has a diameter significantly smaller than the two propellant compacts 124. The propellant compact 124' is disposed between the two propellant compacts 124 and the sleeve 104. The propellant compact 124' therefore contributes to improving packing density (gap filling).

[0078] Furthermore, in this case, eight propellant compacts 124" having a circular cross section are arranged in the propellant chamber 103, which have an even smaller diameter than the propellant compacts 124'.

[0079] At least the propellant compacts 110 and 124, and preferably all of the propellant compacts 110, 124, 124', 124'', respectively, have at least 70 or at least 100 holes 112 extending alongside one another.

[0080] In this example, five different propellant bodies 110, 124 are used to fill the propellant chamber 103 or to fill the intermediate spaces, thereby achieving the highest possible packing density. Any remaining space in the propellant chamber 103, for example, the space between the different propellant bodies 110, 124 and / or the shells 104, can be filled with finer propellant powder (loose or rod-shaped powder) if necessary.

[0081] FIG. 6 shows a cross section of another cartridge ammunition embodiment in which a plurality of identical propellant compacts 126 are disposed in the propellant chamber 103.

[0082] Disposed within the propellant chamber 103 are a plurality of propellant compacts 126, each preferably having a regular hexagonal or hexagonal cross section and extending along a compact axis 114 while maintaining this cross section. Each propellant compact 126 has at least 70 or at least 100 adjacently extending holes 112.

[0083] In this example, eighteen propellant compacts 126 having hexagonal cross sections are arranged immediately adjacent to each other to form a layer S of the propellant 100.

[0084] The hexagonal propellant compacts 126 are adapted to the shape of the shell 104 or the propellant chamber 103 to achieve the highest possible charge density. The holes 112 are made in the propellant compacts 126 at a corresponding spacing depending on the maximum gas pressure, projectile mass, etc. The remaining space in the propellant chamber 103, e.g., the space between the propellant compacts 126 and / or the shell 104, can be filled with a correspondingly finer propellant powder (loose or rod-shaped) if necessary. The increased charge mass can translate into increased projectile velocity.

[0085] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of another embodiment of a cartridge ammunition 300 having various propellant forms disposed in the propellant chamber 103.

[0086] First, a multi-piece propellant compact 110 having a radially inner compact portion 110' and a radially outer compact portion 110" is disposed in the propellant chamber 103. To avoid repetition, please refer to the above discussion regarding Figure 4.

[0087] Furthermore, two propellant compacts 124 are disposed in the propellant chamber 103, each having a circular cross section and extending along the compact axis 114. To avoid repetition, please refer to the above discussion regarding Figure 5.

[0088] Additionally, propellant chamber 103 contains a propellant compact 126 having a six-sided or hexagonal cross section and extending along compact axis 114 while maintaining that cross section. To avoid repetition, please refer to the above discussion regarding Figure 6.

[0089] Furthermore, a propellant compact 128 having a triangular cross section and extending along the compact axis 114 while maintaining that cross section is disposed in the propellant chamber 103. In this example, the propellant compact 128 is disposed between the two propellant compacts 124 and the sleeve 104.

[0090] Each of the propellant compacts 110, 124, 126, 128 may have at least 70 or at least 100 holes 112, each of which is disposed parallel to the compact axis 114 of each propellant compact. The holes 112 may be formed as blind holes or through holes.

[0091] A majority of the perforations 112 in a propellant compact 110, 124, 126, 128, e.g., 50% or more of the perforations 112, may be arranged with the same perforation spacing, and the remaining perforations 112 in the associated propellant compact 110, 124, 126, 128 may be arranged with a smaller perforation spacing, e.g., as described above.

[0092] Four, for example, cube-shaped propellant compacts 130 are disposed in the propellant chamber 103, each extending along a compact axis 114. Additionally, for example, three, for example, cube-shaped propellant compacts 132 having convex sides are disposed in the propellant chamber 103, each extending along the compact axis 114. The propellant compacts 130 and 132 will be described below.

[0093] 8 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a propellant compact 130. The propellant compact 130 may have at least 70 or 100 perforations 112, as described above, with the perforations 112 of the propellant compact 130 each oriented transversely or perpendicularly to the compact axis 114.

[0094] The holes 112 can be formed as blind holes or through holes. Holes 112 designed as blind holes can be formed from two opposing flat sides of the propellant compact 130. Thus, a portion of the blind hole may be formed from the first flat side 130' and another portion of the blind hole may be formed from the second flat side 130". Alternatively, the blind holes may all be formed from only one of the flat sides 130' or 130".

[0095] In embodiments not shown, the holes 112 may be arranged parallel or oblique to the compact axis 114 .

[0096] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a propellant compact 132.

[0097] The propellant compact 132 corresponds in design to the propellant compact 130, so that to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above description.

[0098] Alternatively, the propellant compact 132 has a convex side 132" extending parallel to the compact axis 114. In this example, the opposite side 132' is flat. This can also be used to influence the charge density in the propellant chamber 103.

[0099] FIG. 10 shows a schematic longitudinal cross section of another propellant compact 130 in parallel planes (a first planar side 130′ and a second planar side 130″ are arranged parallel to each other). This propellant compact may have a rectangular cross section (as shown here) or a circular cross section. In this propellant compact 130, all of the holes 112 are formed as through holes. The propellant compact 130, for example, can contribute to a high charge density in the propellant chamber due to its relatively low height (length along the compact axis 114).

[0100] FIG. 11 shows a schematic longitudinal section of another propellant compact 134, at least a portion of which extends along a compact axis 114. A first side 134' is disposed perpendicular to the compact axis 114, and a second side 134" is angled relative to the first side 134'. In other words, the two sides 134', 134" form an angle α with respect to each other, where α is, for example, less than 45°. In this example, the propellant compact 134 has a cross section shaped like a circular arc sector (see the arc on the left in FIG. 11). Again, all holes are formed as through-holes 112, extending from the first side 134' to the second side 134".

[0101] The propellant compact 134 allows the conical narrowing portion (e.g., "dome") of the propellant chamber to be filled with a high charge density. Figuratively, the propellant compact 134 is shaped like a pie slice with very thin edges (FIG. 11, left) and a very tall center (FIG. 11, right).

Claims

1. A propellant (100) for driving a projectile (302), comprising: a shell (104) that separates the propellant chamber (103) from the outside; at least two propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) disposed in the propellant chamber (103); Each of the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) has a plurality of holes (112) extending adjacent to one another; At least one of the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) has at least 60 of the holes (112) extending adjacent to one another; Propellant (100).

2. At least one of the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) has at least 100, preferably at least 200, more preferably at least 300, and even more preferably at least 400 holes (112) extending adjacent to one another; The propellant (100) of claim 1.

3. the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) are stacked together in the propellant chamber (103) to form one, two or more layers (S); At least two of the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) each form a layer (S); in at least one layer (S), preferably two, several or all layers (S), the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) forming said layer (S) are designed to fit as a whole to the shape of the propellant chamber (103); A propellant (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) has a cross section and extends along a compact axis (114) while maintaining this cross section; A propellant (100) according to any preceding claim.

5. the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) have cross-sections of different shapes and / or sizes; The propellant (100) according to claim 4.

6. The holes (112) are formed as blind holes and / or through holes. A propellant (100) according to any preceding claim.

7. In at least one propellant compact (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134), the holes (112) are primarily arranged with the same hole spacing, while the remaining holes (112) are arranged with different hole spacings, in particular smaller hole spacings, A propellant (100) according to any preceding claim.

8. the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) have been treated so that the holes (112) are partially closed with a substance that reduces the temperature dependence of the burn rate of the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134); A propellant (100) according to any preceding claim.

9. A propellant assembly comprising one or more propellants (100) according to any preceding claim.

10. Ammunition (300) comprising the propellant (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a projectile (302).

11. the projectile (302) comprises a projectile body (304), in particular a penetrator; Ammunition (300) according to the preceding claims.

12. The projectile (302) has a sabot (306) for the projectile body (304). Ammunition (300) according to the preceding claims.

13. A set consisting of a barrel weapon, a projectile (302) and a propellant (100) for driving said projectile (302), The barrel weapon comprises: The barrel and a propellant chamber adjacent to the weapon barrel and externally bounded by a chamber wall; At least two propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) are disposed within the chamber, each having a plurality of apertures (112) extending adjacent to one another, and at least one of the propellant compacts (110, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132, 134) has at least 70 of the apertures (112) extending adjacent to one another.

Images