Programmable Test Ammunition with Separable Projectile Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ammunition used for testing detonators poses a risk of unexploded ordnance, disrupting operations and posing danger until the ordnance is destroyed, due to the presence of a main charge.

Innovation Solution

A programmable test ammunition with a separable projectile design and minimal explosive content, allowing for a controlled explosion at a programmed point, emitting a visible signal to evaluate detonator function, which can also be used as practice ammunition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional live ammunition with a main charge is used for testing detonators, then the detonator function can be proven, but unexploded ordnance is created posing danger and disrupting operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetonator function verificationVSAvoidunexploded ordnance danger
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The projectile is divided into separable parts (projectile head and tail assembly) that separate upon controlled detonation. This segmentation allows the testing ammunition to function as live ammunition for proving detonator reliability while minimizing harmful effects by creating non-dangerous fragments instead of a single large unexploded ordnance piece.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main charge is extracted or removed from the traditional live ammunition configuration and replaced with a minimal explosive charge positioned specifically in the tail assembly. This extraction eliminates the dangerous main charge that would create hazardous unexploded ordnance while preserving the necessary detonation function for testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional live ammunition is used for testing, then realistic weapon system operation can be simulated, but collateral damage and operational disruption occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweapon system operation simulationVSAvoidcollateral damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The testing ammunition creates a controlled copy of the detonation effect without the full destructive power of live ammunition. The separable projectile design reproduces the functional outcome of live fire (projectile separation and detonation signal) while using minimal explosive content that cannot cause significant collateral damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Object-affected harmful factors

If test ammunition without a main charge is used, then unexploded ordnance danger is reduced, but the ability to produce a controlled explosion for testing may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunexploded ordnance riskVSAvoidcontrolled explosion capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The explosive charge is strategically positioned in the tail assembly rather than distributed throughout the projectile. This local placement ensures that the minimal charge produces sufficient controlled explosion for testing purposes while being contained in a way that prevents uncontrolled detonation and eliminates the formation of dangerous unexploded ordnance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Significantly reduces the risk of unexploded ordnance and collateral damage, enabling safe and cost-effective testing and training while allowing realistic simulation of weapon system operations.

Implementation Method 1

The test and/or training ammunition comprises a propellant, a projectile, and at least one projectile head or ogive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

the testing and/or training ammunition is programmed according to a target selection. The ammunition is then detonated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact detection: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

The fuze initiates projectile separation at the programmed detonation point, upon impact with a target, or with a delay after impact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentEP3887751B1Test and/or practice ammunition
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
  • EP3887751B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3887751B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a test and/or practice ammunition (1) having at least one projectile (11) with a projectile head (3) and a fin (15) which can be found at the end of the projectile for example or a projectile with a projectile base and a projectile ogive. A cartridge shell (9) is used to receive a drive (2) and has a shell base (7), wherein an interface is attached in or on the shell base (7). The test and/or practice ammunition (1) is characterized by a programmable fuze (4) which is arranged in the projectile head (3) or the projectile ogive. The projectile head (3)/projectile ogive is equipped with at least one fuze amplifier (5) and an electronic fuze system (14) and optionally a separating charge (6). A blast point (16) and/or target impact (12) for example can be programmed in the fuze (4), and the projectile (11) additionally comprises a pyrotechnic for producing a visible signal (13). The visible signal (13) can be a light and/or smoke signal.