Munition Modification Kit Airframe Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing munitions lack enhanced fragmentation capabilities, and methods to convert them into 'smart' munitions with improved targeting and dispersal of fragments are limited.
Innovation Solution
A modification kit that encloses an existing munition in an airframe with preformed fragments, including adapters for connecting a nose kit and tail kit, transforming it into a fragmentation munition capable of height-of-burst detonation for wide-area dispersal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing penetrator munitions are used as-is, then they maintain simple structure and reliability, but they lack enhanced fragmentation capabilities for wide-area dispersal
Solution Approach 1:
The airframe is enclosed within the existing munition casing, creating a nested structure where the inner airframe containing fragments is positioned inside the outer munition housing. This allows the fragmentation capability to be added without replacing the entire munition structure, resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modification kit divides the munition into distinct functional segments: the original penetrator munition casing and charge, and the added airframe containing preformed fragments. This segmentation allows the fragmentation capability to be added as a separate module, maintaining the original penetrator function while enhancing versatility without overly complicating the overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are added to connect nose kit and tail kit, then compatibility with guidance systems and launch platforms is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapters are designed with universal connection capabilities that can interface with multiple types of guidance systems and launch platforms. The nose adapter can connect to various nose kits including laser guidance systems, and the tail adapter can attach to different tail kits and launchers, making the modified munition compatible with existing infrastructure without requiring complex custom connection mechanisms for each platform.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the airframe contains preformed fragments, then fragmentation effects are enhanced for wide-area dispersal, but the volume and weight of the munition increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airframe is constructed as a thin-walled structure that contains the preformed fragments efficiently. The thin film nature of the airframe allows it to enclose the fragments while adding minimal weight, enabling enhanced fragmentation effects without significantly increasing the overall munition weight. The thin-walled airframe collapses upon detonation to maximize fragment dispersal while maintaining weight efficiency.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the airframe is designed to collapse upon detonation, then fragment dispersal is maximized, but the structural integrity during flight may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The airframe is designed with dynamic structural characteristics that allow it to maintain integrity during flight through its natural aerodynamic stability, while incorporating collapse mechanisms that activate upon detonation. The thin-walled structure remains stable during transit but is designed to fail in a controlled manner when subjected to the forces of detonation, maximizing fragment dispersal without compromising flight stability.
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
The modified munition achieves enhanced fragmentation effects by converting a penetrator munition into a fragmentation weapon, allowing for precise targeting and wide-area dispersal of fragments, compatible with standard launch platforms and guidance systems.
Implementation Method 1
an explosive charge positioned at a forward end of the airframe
Implementation Method 2
When the explosive charge is actuated, the warhead effect modules are distributed in a predetermined pattern
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An existing munition (12) may be modified, using a modification kit (14), to provide enhanced fragmentation effects. The munition (12) may be enclosed in an airframe (20), which also contains preformed fragments (22), and one or more adapters (24-28) may be used to provide connections through the airframe (20). The adapters (24-28) may be used to substitute for types of connectors already on the existing munition (12). The adapters may include one or more of an adapter for coupling a tail kit (38) to a tail of the munition, an adapter for coupling a nose kit (34) to a nose of the munition, and an adapter for coupling lugs (104, 106) to the munition. The adapters (24-28) may engage couplers on the munition, and/or may engage the airframe (20). The modification of the existing munition (12) may transform the existing munition into a fragmentation weapon, for example usable for height-of-burst detonation to spread fragments over a large area.