Projectile Base Igniter Ejection for Infrared Target Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectiles face challenges in reliably marking the point of impact, especially on soft or wet surfaces, due to intense fireballs masking individual shots, and the use of secondary explosives increases costs and safety risks, while pyrophoric charges may be obscured by terrain.
Innovation Solution
A projectile with a pyrotechnic marking charge initiated by a mechanical ignition chain, where the base igniter is ejected rearward upon impact, releasing the marking charge in the opposite direction to create a visible and infrared-marking effect, independent of ground conditions and impact speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional ammunition is used to generate a large fireball on impact, then the target is marked, but the point of impact cannot be distinguished from individual shots
Solution Approach 1:
The marking function is segmented from the main projectile body and implemented through a separate base igniter assembly that ejects backwards. This separates the marking event from the impact event, allowing individual shot identification while maintaining effective target marking.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of marking the target in the forward direction of travel, the marking is inverted to occur in the backward direction through ejection of the base igniter. This reverse-direction marking provides clear visibility of individual impact points without the masking effect of forward-directed fireballs.
2Reliability
If secondary explosives are used in HE grenades for target marking, then the marking effect is achieved, but the cost increases and the risk of duds and improper implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex secondary explosive system is extracted and replaced with a simpler base igniter containing pyrotechnic composition. This extraction eliminates the need for complex ignition chains while maintaining reliable target marking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The base igniter is designed as a disposable component that is ejected and consumed during the marking process. This disposable approach reduces overall system complexity and cost compared to reusable or complex ignition systems with secondary explosives.
3Reliability
If pyrophoric or pyrotechnical charges are used that are initiated by target impact, then the marking is achieved, but the effect is covered by sand or extinguished by terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is performed in the opposite direction to terrain interaction by ejecting the base igniter backwards. This inversion protects the marking effect from being covered or extinguished by sand, water, or other terrain elements that would affect forward-directed markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The base igniter is preliminarily positioned in the base of the projectile and is ejected before the main impact marking occurs. This preliminary ejection ensures the marking material is placed in a position where it cannot be covered or extinguished by terrain upon impact.
4Illumination intensity
If colored markings are used as in EP 1 183 494 B1, then the marking is visible, but the visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The marking system utilizes pyrotechnic composition that generates light through chemical reaction rather than relying solely on reflected colored light. This parameter change from passive color to active light emission dramatically increases visibility range and adaptability to various lighting conditions.
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
This solution provides a reliable and consistent target marking, reducing the risk of duds and handling hazards, and is economical, as it eliminates the need for secondary explosives and complex ignition chains, ensuring visibility from the air and improved safety during training and use.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnic marking charge (2), which is initiated by an ignition chain (5) in the base igniter (4)
Implementation Method 2
Due to the resulting gases and the pressure, the base lighter is pushed backwards out of the projectile
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A projectile (10), particularly in the medium caliber range, is proposed, comprising a projectile body (3) and a marking charge, wherein the marking charge is a pyrotechnic marking charge (2). The projectile (10) has a base igniter (4) in which an ignition chain (5) is arranged. After the pyrotechnic marking charge (2) is initiated by the ignition chain (5), the base igniter (4) is ejected from the rear of the projectile body (3), so that the marking charge (2) is ejected from the rear of the projectile (9) in the opposite direction of fire. The proposed pyrotechnic marking charge (2) is characterized by a composition that is effective in the infrared range as well as in the visually visible range.