Mounting collar for a warhead

Abstract

Systems and methods for mounting forward subsystems and mounting collars onto warheads are described herein. A mounting collar comprising a cylindrical exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a warhead cavity for receiving a warhead is described, wherein the warhead cavity comprises a first warhead cavity end having a first warhead cavity diameter and a second warhead cavity end having a second warhead cavity diameter, and wherein the warhead cavity narrows from the first warhead cavity end to the second warhead cavity end.

Description

[0001] MOUNTING COLLAR FOR A WARHEAD

[0002] FIELD

[0003] Air-launched guided projectiles typically require warheads having cylindrical interfaces at both ends so that the warheads can be integrated into the wider weapon system. The present invention relates to cylindrical interfaces for warheads.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Warhead subsystems in air-launched guided projectiles are ideally cylindrical to maximise space utilization and energy density, as well as to assist in integration with the wider weapon system. A cylindrical warhead subsystem requires the warhead to present cylindrical interfaces at the front end of the warhead and at the back end of the warhead. However, a warhead having a cylindrical shape is not optimal for aerodynamics during flight or maximising the warhead’s penetration of its target.

[0006] To improve the aerodynamic and penetration performance of warheads, warheads have been developed comprising a cylindrical body and a nose that tapers to a point, such as an ogive shaped nose. Warheads with tapered noses offer a cylindrical interface at the back end of the warhead, but do not have a cylindrical interface at the front end of the warhead. This reduces the compatibility of the warhead with wider weapons systems.

[0007] To increase the compatibility of warheads having tapered noses with wider weapons systems, sleeves or shrouds are sometimes provided to confer a cylindrical exterior on the warhead such that it has cylindrical interfaces at the front and back ends of the warhead. However, using a sleeve or shroud to surround the entire warhead decreases the available space and mass for energetics, and reduces the number of warheads that can be stored in a particular space.

[0008] EP2095060A2 describes a cylindrical sleeve for mounting a NATO-standard guidance system onto a warhead having a cone-shaped nose. The sleeve is mounted to the forward section of the warhead using a threaded interface, thus the NATO-standard guidance system is mounted to the warhead using a threaded interface. The use of a threaded interface limits the structural integrity of the forward section of the warhead. Furthermore, the use of a threaded interface requires a secondary feature, such as an alignment pin, to be used to ensure that the NATO- standard guidance system is rotationally aligned with the warhead.

[0009] Additionally, in the prior art, the provision of a sleeve having a diameter that is different from the diameter of the widest part of the warhead results in the warhead subsystem having an inconsistent and non-conformal outer mould line. This reduces aerodynamic efficiency. Moreover, the internal cavity of the sleeve is cylindrical, which results in a non-conformal interior profile between the sleeve and the warhead, thus causing the collar to impact the penetration performance of the warhead.

[0010] There is a need for a solution for integrating warhead subsystems comprising warheads having tapered noses for increased penetration performance into wider weapons systems.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] The described mounting collar and warhead assemblies provide the advantages of improving the aerodynamic properties of the projectile, providing a mounting collar that has minimal impact on the penetration performance of a warhead, and providing cylindrical interfaces that confer greater design flexibility. The present invention further provides a conformal outer mould line between the mounting collar and the warhead, and does not require a secondary feature for rotational alignment between the two. Moreover, the present invention maximises the space available for mass and energetics.

[0013] In particular, in a first embodiment of the invention, a mounting collar for a warhead is provided, comprising: a cylindrical exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a warhead cavity for receiving a warhead. The warhead cavity comprises a first warhead cavity end having a first warhead cavity diameter and a second warhead cavity end having a second warhead cavity diameter, and the warhead cavity narrows from the first warhead cavity end to the second warhead cavity end. Advantageously, the narrowing of the warhead cavity may allow the warhead cavity to be shaped such that it has an interior profile that is conformal with an exterior surface of at least a portion of a nose of a warhead when the mounting collar is mounted onto the warhead. After the warhead has been launched, air carriage loads would be applied as bending moments and transverse forces across the mounting collar as a result of eccentric loads generated by forward airframe components of the projectile. The internal conformal profile creates a consistent structural joint that provides sufficient restraint for the air carriage loads. By contrast, once the warhead has reached a target, during penetration the conformal internal profile causes the penetration impact forces to act directly through the boresight axis, thus resolving the impact load through shearing of the fasteners. This ensures that the provision of the mounting collar has minimal impact on the penetration performance of the warhead.

[0014] The mounting collar may comprise a mounting section for mounting a forward subsystem, wherein the mounting section extends longitudinally from the second warhead cavity end. The mounting section may comprise a mounting cavity that comprises a first mounting cavity end and a second mounting cavity end. The mounting cavity may be cylindrical. Advantageously, the mounting cavity provides the warhead with a cylindrical front interface, even though the warhead itself may not be cylindrical at the front. The cylindrical front interface allows for forward subsystems, such as seekers or guidance electronics, to be mounted onto the warhead.

[0015] The first mounting cavity end may be proximal to the second warhead cavity end and the second mounting cavity end may be distal to the second warhead cavity end, and wherein the mounting cavity may comprise a first mounting cavity diameter that is equal to the second warhead cavity diameter, and the mounting cavity may narrow from the first mounting cavity end to the second mounting cavity end. The second mounting cavity end may be open, or the second mounting cavity end may be closed. Advantageously, the mounting collar may be shaped to have an interior profile that is conformal with an exterior profile of at least a portion of, or the entirety of, the nose of the warhead. This provides further restraint for air carriage loads and ensures that the provision of the mounting collar has minimal impact on the penetration performance of the warhead.

[0016] The mounting section may comprise means for mounting at least one forward subsystem, and optionally, the means may comprise bolt holes. The mounting collar may comprise means for rotationally and longitudinally fixing the mounting collar to the warhead, and optionally, the means may comprise bolt holes. Advantageously, the rotational and longitudinal alignment that arises from the use of bolted joints ensures that the appropriate datum positions are maintained during assembly of the warhead subsystem. This ensures that the forward subsystems can be orientationally aligned with the warhead and provides increased design flexibility. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a warhead assembly comprising a mounting collar and a warhead is provided. The mounting collar comprises a cylindrical exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a warhead cavity for receiving a warhead. The warhead cavity comprises a first warhead cavity end having a first warhead cavity diameter and a second warhead cavity end having a second warhead cavity diameter, and the warhead cavity narrows from the first warhead cavity end to the second warhead cavity end. The warhead comprises a cylindrical body, and a nose. At least a portion of the nose of the warhead comprises a first nose end having a first nose diameter and a second nose end having a second nose diameter, wherein the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead narrows from the first nose end to the second nose end. The warhead cavity is dimensioned to receive the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead, the first warhead cavity diameter is greater than or equal to the first nose diameter, and the second warhead cavity diameter is greater than or equal to the second nose diameter, and wherein the first warhead cavity diameter, the second warhead cavity diameter, the first nose diameter and the second nose diameter are selected such that an interior profile of the mounting collar is shaped to be conformal with an exterior profile of the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead. Advantageously, the first warhead cavity diameter, the first nose diameter, the second warhead cavity diameter, and the second nose diameter are selected such that the interior profile of the mounting collar is shaped to be conformal with an exterior profile of at least a portion of the nose of the warhead when the mounting collar is mounted onto the warhead, optionally using low resilience fasteners. After the warhead has been launched, air carriage loads would be applied as bending moments and transverse forces across the mounting collar as a result of eccentric loads generated by forward airframe components of the projectile. The internal conformity creates a consistent structural joint that provides sufficient restraint for the air carriage loads. By contrast, once the warhead has reached a target, during penetration the conformal internal profile causes the penetration impact forces to act directly through the boresight axis, thus resolving the impact load through shearing of the low resilience fasteners. This ensures that the provision of the mounting collar has minimal impact on the penetration performance of the warhead.

[0017] An exterior collar diameter of the cylindrical exterior surface of the mounting collar may be equal to an exterior body diameter of the cylindrical body of the warhead. Advantageously, ensuring that the exterior diameter of the mounting collar is equal to the exterior diameter of the body of the warhead provides a conformal outer mould line for the warhead assembly. This means that the mounting collar does not increase the amount of drag that the projectile comprising the warhead assembly will experience, which therefore optimises the aerodynamic performance of the projectile.

[0018] The mounting collar may be configured to receive the nose of the warhead, and optionally, a length of the mounting collar may be greater than or equal to a length of the nose of the warhead. Advantageously, the entire warhead may be contained within the mounting collar.

[0019] The mounting collar may be rotationally and longitudinally fixed to the warhead, and optionally, the mounting collar may be bolted to the warhead. The mounting collar may comprise a mounting section that extends longitudinally from the second warhead cavity end, and wherein the mounting section comprises means for mounting at least one forward subsystem on the mounting collar, and optionally, the means may comprise bolt holes. Advantageously, the rotational and longitudinal alignment that arises from the use of bolted joints ensures that the appropriate datum positions are maintained during assembly of the warhead subsystem. This ensures that the forward subsystems can be orientationally aligned with the warhead and provides increased design flexibility.

[0020] The present invention further provides a warhead assembly comprising: a mounting collar comprising a cylindrical exterior surface having an exterior collar diameter, and an interior surface defining a warhead cavity for receiving a warhead; and a warhead comprising a cylindrical body having an exterior body diameter, and a nose; and wherein the exterior collar diameter of the mounting collar is equal to the exterior body diameter of the cylindrical body. Advantageously, ensuring that the exterior collar diameter of the mounting collar is equal to the exterior body diameter of the body of the warhead provides a conformal outer mould line for the warhead assembly. This means that the mounting collar does not increase the amount of drag that the projectile comprising the warhead assembly will experience, which therefore optimises the aerodynamic performance of the projectile.

[0021] The mounting collar may be configured to receive the nose of the warhead, and optionally, a length of the mounting collar may be greater than or equal to a length of the nose of the warhead. Advantageously, the entire warhead may be contained within the mounting collar.

[0022] The mounting collar may be rotationally and longitudinally fixed to the warhead, and optionally, the mounting collar may be bolted to the warhead. The mounting collar may comprise a mounting section that extends longitudinally from the second warhead cavity end, and wherein the mounting section comprises means for mounting at least one forward subsystem on the mounting collar, and optionally, the means may comprise bolt holes. Advantageously, the rotational and longitudinal alignment that arises from the use of bolted joints ensures that the appropriate datum positions are maintained during assembly of the warhead subsystem. This ensures that the forward subsystems can be orientationally aligned with the warhead and provides increased design flexibility.

[0023] The present invention further provides a method for mounting a mounting collar onto a warhead, the method comprising providing the mounting collar of the first embodiment, providing a warhead comprising a cylindrical body and a nose, and attaching the mounting collar to the warhead.

[0024] The step of attaching the mounting collar to the warhead may further comprise rotationally and axially fixing the mounting collar to the warhead, and optionally, bolting the mounting collar to the warhead. Advantageously, the rotational and longitudinal alignment that arises from the use of bolted joints ensures that the appropriate datum positions are maintained during assembly of the warhead subsystem. This ensures that the forward subsystems can be orientationally aligned with the warhead and provides increased design flexibility.

[0025] The cylindrical body of the warhead may comprise an exterior body diameter, and an exterior collar diameter of the cylindrical exterior surface of the mounting collar may be equal to the exterior body diameter. Advantageously, ensuring that the exterior collar diameter is equal to the exterior body diameter of the warhead provides a conformal outer mould line for the warhead assembly. This means that the mounting collar does not increase the amount of drag that the projectile comprising the warhead assembly will experience, which therefore optimises the aerodynamic performance of the projectile.

[0026] The present invention further provides a method of mounting at least one forward subsystem on a warhead, the method comprising providing the mounting collar of the first embodiment, providing a warhead comprising a cylindrical body and a nose, providing at least one forward subsystem, receiving at least a portion of the nose of the warhead in the warhead cavity, attaching the mounting collar to the warhead, and attaching the at least one forward subsystem to the mounting collar. The step of attaching the mounting collar to the warhead may further comprise rotationally and axially fixing the mounting collar to the warhead, and optionally, bolting the mounting collar to the warhead. The at least one forward subsystem may be attached to the mounting collar before the mounting collar is attached to the warhead. Attaching the at least one forward subsystem to the mounting collar may comprise bolting the forward subsystem to the collar. Advantageously, the rotational and longitudinal alignment that arises from the use of bolted joints ensures that the appropriate datum positions are maintained during assembly of the warhead subsystem. This ensures that the forward subsystems can be orientationally aligned with the warhead and provides increased design flexibility.

[0027] The cylindrical body of the warhead may comprise an exterior body diameter, and an exterior collar diameter of the cylindrical exterior surface of the mounting collar may be equal to the exterior body diameter. Advantageously, ensuring that the exterior collar diameter of the mounting collar is equal to the exterior body diameter of the warhead provides a conformal outer mould line for the warhead assembly. This means that the mounting collar does not increase the amount of drag that the projectile comprising the warhead assembly will experience, which therefore optimises the aerodynamic performance of the projectile.

[0028] The present invention further provides a method of retrofitting at least one forward subsystem to a warhead, the method comprising providing a warhead comprising a cylindrical body and a nose, providing the mounting collar of the first embodiment, providing at least one forward subsystem, drilling bolt holes in at least a portion of the nose of the warhead, receiving the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead in the warhead cavity, bolting the mounting collar to the bolt holes that have been drilled in the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead, and attaching at least one forward subsystem to the mounting collar.

[0029] The at least one forward subsystem may be attached to the mounting collar before the mounting collar is attached to the warhead. Attaching the at least one forward subsystem to the mounting collar may comprise bolting the forward subsystem to the collar. Advantageously, the rotational and longitudinal alignment that arises from the use of bolted joints ensures that the appropriate datum positions are maintained during assembly of the warhead subsystem. This ensures that the forward subsystems can be orientationally aligned with the warhead and provides increased design flexibility. The cylindrical body of the warhead may comprise an exterior body diameter, and an exterior collar diameter of the cylindrical exterior surface of the mounting collar may be equal to the exterior body diameter. Advantageously, ensuring that the exterior collar diameter of the mounting collar is equal to the exterior body diameter of the warhead provides a conformal outer mould line for the warhead assembly. This means that the mounting collar does not increase the amount of drag that the projectile comprising the warhead assembly will experience, which therefore optimises the aerodynamic performance of the projectile.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting collar.

[0032] Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the mounting collar of Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting collar of Fig. 1.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting collar of Fig. 1 attached to a warhead.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a warhead assembly comprising the mounting collar of Fig. 1 attached to a warhead.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a forward sub-assembly attached the warhead assembly of Fig. 4.

[0037] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the projectile of Fig. 5.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] With reference to the figures, Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting collar 10. The mounting collar 10 comprises a cylindrical exterior surface 120 having an exterior collar diameter and an interior surface 140 defining a warhead cavity 142 for receiving a warhead. The warhead cavity 142 comprises a first warhead cavity end 144 having a first warhead cavity diameter and a second warhead cavity end 146 having a second warhead cavity diameter. The mounting collar 10 comprises a longitudinal axis 115. As seen in Figs. 2A and 2B, the warhead cavity 142 narrows from the first warhead cavity end 144 to the second warhead cavity end 146 in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The warhead cavity 142 comprises means for rotationally and longitudinally fixing the mounting collar to the warhead, such that the datum positions of the warhead are aligned with any datum positions of a forward subsystem. The means comprise bolt holes 150. In alternative embodiments, the means may comprise other means for rotationally and longitudinally securing the mounting collar 10 to the warhead.

[0040] The mounting collar 10 further comprises a mounting section 130. The mounting section 130 may be configured for mounting forward subsystems or sub-assemblies. The mounting section 130 extends longitudinally from the second warhead cavity end 146 of the warhead cavity 142. The mounting section comprises a mounting cavity 136 comprising a first mounting cavity end 132 having a first mounting cavity diameter and a second mounting cavity end 134 having a second mounting cavity diameter. The first mounting cavity end 132 is proximal to the second warhead cavity end 146 along the longitudinal axis and the second mounting cavity end 134 is distal to the second warhead cavity end 146 along the longitudinal axis. In further alternative embodiments, the first mounting cavity diameter may be equal to the second warhead cavity diameter, and the mounting cavity 136 may narrow from the first mounting cavity end 132 to the second mounting cavity end 134. The second mounting cavity end is open; however, in alternative embodiments the second mounting cavity end may be closed so as to entirely encase a nose of the warhead.

[0041] The mounting section 130 further comprises means for rotationally and longitudinally securing a forward subsystem to the mounting collar. By rotationally and longitudinally securing the forward subsystems to the mounting collar, and rotationally and longitudinally securing the mounting collar 10 to the warhead, the forward subsystems are rotationally aligned with and longitudinally fixed relative to the datum positions of the warhead. The orientation of the warhead can consequently be aligned with the orientation of the forward subsystem, without requiring a further alignment feature. This is particularly relevant if the forward subsystem comprises orientation sensitive seekers or guidance and navigation electronics. The means comprise bolt holes 150. In alternative embodiments, the means may comprise other suitable methods of rotationally and longitudinally securing the forward subsystems to the mounting collar. Figs. 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of the mounting collar 10. The interior surface 140 defines the warhead cavity 142 in the shape of an ogive. Other suitable shapes in which the warhead cavity 142 narrows from the first warhead cavity end 144 to the second warhead cavity end 146 may be used, such as a frustum or a paraboloid. The diameter of the first mounting cavity end 132 is greater than the diameter of the second warhead cavity end 146. The internal diameter of the second mounting cavity end 134 is equal to the diameter of the first mounting cavity end, such that the mounting cavity 136 is cylindrical, thus providing cylindrical interfaces at the front and at the back of the warhead, which allows the warhead to be integrated into the wider weapon system.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a warhead assembly 30 comprising the mounting collar 10 of Fig. 1 and a warhead 20. The warhead 20 comprises a cylindrical body 210 having an exterior body diameter, and a nose 220. The nose 220 of the warhead narrows from the cylindrical body to a point (see Fig. 4). The nose 220 of the warhead 20 has an ogival shape. The nose of the warhead may have other suitable shapes such as a cone or a paraboloid. At least a portion of the nose 220 of the warhead 20 is contained within the warhead cavity 142 of the mounting collar 10 when the mounting collar 10 is secured to the warhead. The mounting collar 10 is secured to the warhead 20 using bolts 155 in bolt holes 150. Alternatively, other means for rotationally and longitudinally aligning and securing the mounting collar to the warhead may be used.

[0043] The exterior diameter of the mounting collar 10 is equal to the exterior diameter of the cylindrical body 210 of the warhead 20. Consequently, when the mounting collar 10 is secured to the warhead 20, the warhead subsystem has a conformal outer mould line. This conformal outer mould line reduces the likelihood of drag and therefore increases the aerodynamic properties of the projectile.

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the warhead assembly 30 of Fig. 3. The longitudinal axis 115 of the mounting collar is aligned with the longitudinal axis 215 of the warhead 20, thus defining a boresight axis 315 of the warhead assembly 30. The nose 220 is received by the warhead cavity 142 such that the warhead cavity 142 and the nose 220 form a conformal interior profile. To this end, at least a portion of the nose 220 defines a first nose end 226 having a first nose diameter, and a second nose end 224 having a second nose diameter. The first nose diameter is greater than the second nose diameter, such that the nose 220 narrows from the first nose end 226 to the second nose end 224. When the mounting collar 10 is connected to the warhead 20, the first nose end 226 is longitudinally aligned with the first warhead cavity end 144 and the second nose end 224 is longitudinally aligned with the second warhead cavity end 146. Accordingly, the diameter of the first warhead cavity end 144 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first nose end 226, and the diameter of the second warhead cavity end 146 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second nose end 224 such that the interior surface of the warhead cavity 142 is conformal with the exterior surface of the warhead nose 220. In the present example, as discussed with respect to Figs. 1 to 3, the nose 220 of the warhead is ogive shaped, and the interior surface of the mounting collar defines an ogive shaped warhead cavity 142. However, other suitable shapes of the nose and corresponding shapes of the warhead cavity 142 may be used as appropriate, such as a cone, a frustum or a paraboloid.

[0045] The shape of the warhead cavity 142 is determined such that it creates a conformal interior profile with a warhead nose that is received in the warhead cavity. After the projectile comprising the warhead has been launched, air carriage loads would be applied as bending moments and transverse forces across the mounting collar as a result of eccentric loads generated by forward airframe components of the projectile. The conformal interior profile creates a consistent structural joint that provides sufficient restraint for the air carriage loads. By contrast, once the warhead has reached a target, during penetration the conformal internal profile causes the impact forces to act directly through the boresight axis, thus resolving the impact load through shearing of the bolts, which are low resilience. The mounting collar thus breaks off and the point of the nose warhead can penetrate the target. Other low resilience fasteners may be used as appropriate. This ensures that the provision of the mounting collar has minimal impact on the penetration performance of the warhead.

[0046] Figs. 5 and 6 show a forward subsystem 40 connected to the warhead 20 through the mounting collar 10. Examples of forward subsystems that could be connected to the warhead are guidance and navigation electronics, seekers, proximity fuzing systems and precursor charges. The forward subsystem 40 is bolted to the second mounting cavity end 134 of the mounting collar 10 using the bolts 155 in bolt holes 150. Other fasteners that are capable of shearing on impact may be used as appropriate. The diameter of the widest section of the forward subsystem 40 is equal to the exterior diameter of the cylindrical body 210 of the warhead 20, such that the projectile has a consistent outer mould line. This increases the aerodynamic properties by reducing the likelihood of the provision of the mounting collar increasing the drag of the projectile once it has been launched. The forward subsystem has a longitudinal axis 415 that is aligned with the boresight axis 315.

[0047] A method of manufacturing an air-launched projectile may comprise a method of mounting a mounting collar onto a warhead. The method may comprise providing the mounting collar 10, providing the warhead 20 and attaching the mounting collar 10 to the warhead 20. The method may further comprise attaching the forward subsystem 40 to the mounting collar 10. Attaching the warhead 20 and / or the forward subsystem 40 to the mounting collar 10 may comprise bolting the warhead 20 and / or the forward subsystem 40 to the mounting collar 10.

[0048] The exterior diameter of the mounting collar 10 may be equal to the exterior diameter of the warhead 20. The exterior diameter of the forward subsystem 40 may be equal to the exterior diameter of the warhead 20.

[0049] A warhead 20 may be retrofit with a forward subsystem 40 by attaching the forward subsystem 40 to a mounting collar 10, and then attaching the mounting collar 10 to the warhead 20.

[0050] Various systems and methods for mounting forward subsystems and mounting collars onto warheads have been described. Such methods and systems allow for a warhead to present cylindrical interfaces at both the front and the back of the warhead, and allow for improved aerodynamic performance.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mounting collar for a warhead, comprising: a cylindrical exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a warhead cavity for receiving a warhead; wherein the warhead cavity comprises a first warhead cavity end having a first warhead cavity diameter and a second warhead cavity end having a second warhead cavity diameter, and wherein the warhead cavity narrows from the first warhead cavity end to the second warhead cavity end.

2. The mounting collar of claim 1, further comprising a mounting section for mounting a forward subsystem, wherein the mounting section extends longitudinally from the second warhead cavity end.

3. The mounting collar of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mounting section comprises a mounting cavity that comprises a first mounting cavity end and a second mounting cavity end.

4. The mounting collar of claim 3, wherein the mounting cavity is cylindrical.

5. The mounting collar of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the first mounting cavity end is proximal to the second warhead cavity end and the second mounting cavity end is distal to the second warhead cavity end, and wherein the mounting cavity narrows from the first mounting cavity end to the second mounting cavity end.

6. The mounting collar of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the second mounting cavity end is open, or wherein the second mounting cavity end is closed.

7. The mounting collar of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the mounting section comprises means for mounting at least one forward subsystem, and optionally, wherein the means comprises bolt holes.

8. The mounting collar of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting collar comprises means for rotationally and longitudinally fixing the mounting collar to the warhead, and optionally, wherein the means comprises bolt holes.

9. A warhead assembly, comprising: a mounting collar comprising: a cylindrical exterior surface, and an interior surface defining a warhead cavity for receiving a warhead; wherein the warhead cavity comprises a first warhead cavity end having a first warhead cavity diameter and a second warhead cavity end having a second warhead cavity diameter, and wherein the warhead cavity narrows from the first warhead cavity end to the second warhead cavity end; and a warhead comprising: a cylindrical body, and a nose; and wherein at least a portion of the nose of the warhead comprises a first nose end having a first nose diameter and a second nose end having a second nose diameter, wherein the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead narrows from the first nose end to the second nose end, and wherein the warhead cavity is dimensioned to receive the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead, and wherein the first warhead cavity diameter is greater than or equal to the first nose diameter, and wherein the second warhead cavity diameter is greater than or equal to the second nose diameter; wherein the first warhead cavity diameter, the second warhead cavity diameter, the first nose diameter and the second nose diameter are selected such that an interior profile of the mounting collar is shaped to be conformal with an exterior profile of the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead.

10. A warhead assembly comprising: a mounting collar comprising: a cylindrical exterior surface having an exterior collar diameter, and an interior surface defining a warhead cavity for receiving a warhead; anda warhead comprising: a cylindrical body having an exterior body diameter, and a nose; and wherein the exterior collar diameter of the mounting collar is equal to the exterior body diameter of the cylindrical body.

11. The warhead assembly of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the mounting collar is configured to receive the nose of the warhead, and optionally, wherein a length of the mounting collar is greater than or equal to a length of the nose of the warhead.

12. The warhead assembly of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the mounting collar is rotationally and longitudinally fixed to the warhead, and optionally, wherein the mounting collar is bolted to the warhead.

13. The warhead assembly of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the mounting collar comprises a mounting section that extends longitudinally from the second mounting cavity end, and wherein the mounting section comprises means for mounting at least one forward subsystem on the mounting collar, and optionally, wherein the means comprises bolt holes.

14. A method for mounting a mounting collar onto a warhead comprising: providing the mounting collar of any one of claims 1 to 8; providing a warhead comprising a cylindrical body and a nose; attaching the mounting collar to the warhead.

15. A method of mounting at least one forward subsystem on a warhead comprising: providing the mounting collar of any one of claims 1 to 8; providing a warhead comprising a cylindrical body and a nose; providing at least one forward subsystem; receiving at least a portion of the nose of the warhead in the warhead cavity; attaching the mounting collar to the warhead; and attaching the at least one forward subsystem to the mounting collar.

16. The method of any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the step of attaching the mounting collar to the warhead further comprises rotationally and axially fixing the mounting collar to the warhead, and optionally, bolting the mounting collar to the warhead.

17. A method of retrofitting at least one forward subsystem to a warhead, comprising: providing a warhead comprising a cylindrical body and a nose; providing the mounting collar of any of claims 1 to 8; providing at least one forward subsystem; drilling bolt holes in at least a portion of the nose of the warhead; receiving the at least a portion of the nose of the warhead in the warhead cavity; bolting the mounting collar to the warhead; and attaching at least one forward subsystem to the mounting collar.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one forward subsystem is attached to the mounting collar before the mounting collar is attached to the warhead.

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein attaching the at least one forward subsystem to the mounting collar comprises bolting the forward subsystem to the collar.

20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the cylindrical body of the warhead comprises a exterior body diameter, and wherein the mounting collar comprises an exterior collar diameter that is equal to the exterior body diameter.

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