Deployable Warhead Assembly for Optimal Standoff Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Projectiles with tandem warheads face challenges in achieving optimal warhead spacing and standoff distance due to length restrictions, making it difficult to store and load them in combat tanks, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for compact size and efficient deployment.
Innovation Solution
A deployment system for a warhead assembly that includes a precursor warhead and a main warhead, which can be selectively deployed from a retracted to a deployed configuration using an inflatable expansion member, allowing for increased longitudinal dimension and optimal standoff distance, facilitated by a pyrotechnic actuator and pressurized gas vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the longitudinal length of the projectile is increased to achieve optimal warhead spacing and standoff distance, then the warhead effectiveness is improved, but the projectile cannot be stored or loaded in combat tanks due to space restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile employs a deployable nose cone structure that transitions from a compact retracted state during storage and loading to an extended deployed state during flight. This dynamic transformation allows the projectile to fit within space-constrained combat tank storage and loading mechanisms while achieving the required longitudinal length for optimal warhead spacing and standoff distance during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The nose cone is divided into multiple telescopic segments that can slide relative to each other. The forward module containing the precursor warhead and the aft module containing the main warhead are separated by a deployable structure, allowing independent positioning to achieve optimal spacing while maintaining a compact overall form when retracted
2Ease of operation
If the longitudinal length of the projectile is reduced to improve storage and handling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the warhead spacing and standoff distance become insufficient for optimal effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable nose cone structure allows the projectile to be nested in a compact configuration for storage and handling, with the forward and aft modules telescoped together. Upon deployment, the nested structure expands to provide the required warhead spacing and standoff distance, effectively transitioning from a compact stored state to an operational extended state
3Manufacturing precision
If a mechanically fixed warhead spacing is used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different operational requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile features a deployable structure that allows the warhead spacing to be dynamically adjusted between a compact retracted configuration and an extended deployed configuration. This provides adaptability to different operational requirements while maintaining precise spacing when deployed, as the structure is designed with predetermined extension dimensions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a compact projectile size for storage and handling, with reliable and fast deployment to achieve the desired warhead spacing and standoff distance, enhancing the effectiveness of the warhead assembly during flight and target engagement.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable expansion member, and the system further comprises an actuation system for selectively inflating the inflatable member to provide said deployed configuration
Implementation Method 2
facilitated by a pyrotechnic actuator and pressurized gas vessel
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A warhead assembly is provided for a projectile includes a forward module having a precursor warhead, and an aft module including a main warhead. The warhead assembly includes a deployment system for selectively deploying the warhead assembly from a retracted configuration to a deployed configuration, at predetermined conditions, to thereby provide a longitudinal displacement between the forward module and the aft module. The deployment system includes an expansion member accommodated between the forward module and the aft module, and configured for being longitudinally expanded under the predetermined conditions to thereby increase a longitudinal dimension of the expansion member and thereby urge the forward module and the aft module away from one another to provide said longitudinal displacement. A corresponding deployment system and projectile are also provided.