Transformable Segmented Warhead for Multi-Target Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ballistic munitions require multiple warheads and configurations to effectively target various types of targets, leading to complexity and inefficiency in military and demolition operations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-warhead munition featuring a transformable warhead with rotating segments that can adjust its geometry to engage different targets, combining the capabilities of cylindrical fragmentation, shaped charge, and thermobaric warheads in a single munition, allowing for flexible deployment against area, point, and hardened targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different warheads are used to target various types of targets, then the effectiveness against different targets is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The warhead segments are designed to be rotatable relative to the central axis, allowing dynamic reconfiguration from a cylindrical arrangement to an open fan-shaped arrangement. This dynamic transformation enables a single warhead to adapt its geometry for different target types (area targets, point targets, hardened targets) without requiring multiple separate warheads.
Solution Approach 2:
The warhead is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be arranged in different configurations. The segments are connected via rotation joints, allowing them to be repositioned from a closed cylindrical configuration to an open configuration where they form a fan shape. This segmentation enables one warhead to perform the functions of multiple different warhead types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple warhead configurations are carried on a single munition, then the versatility is improved, but the weight and volume of the munition increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single transformable warhead is designed to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate warheads. By rotating the segments to different angles, the same warhead can engage area targets (cylindrical configuration), point targets (fan configuration), and hardened targets (adjusted angular configuration), eliminating the need to carry multiple specialized warheads.
Solution Approach 2:
The warhead structure incorporates movable segments that can be repositioned during or before engagement. This dynamic capability allows one warhead to assume the roles of multiple static warhead configurations, reducing the total mass and volume required on the munition platform.
3Strength
If the segments are rotated to greater than 90 degrees to create a high-velocity jet, then the penetration capability against hardened targets is improved, but the structural complexity of the rotation mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation angle of the segments is varied as a key parameter to achieve different operational modes. By rotating segments to angles greater than 90 degrees, the warhead creates a focused high-velocity jet for penetrating hardened targets. The same rotation mechanism also allows 90-degree positioning for area targets, demonstrating how parameter adjustment enables multiple functions without adding complex subsystems.
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 multi-warhead munition provides enhanced flexibility and effectiveness by creating a high-velocity jet or fragment cloud capable of penetrating hardened targets and clearing explosive reactive armor, reducing the need for multiple warheads and configurations, thus simplifying operations and increasing tactical versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a second cylindrical warhead offset axially from the first cylindrical warhead, the second cylindrical warhead being a segmented warhead including a plurality of segments each having an outer segment face bounding a cavity of the segment filled with high explosive
Implementation Method 2
the segments being elongated and mounted at one end for rotation away from an axis of the munition to an open position in which the segment faces are pointed in a forward direction for detonation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-warhead munition includes a first cylindrical warhead having a cavity filled with high explosive, and a second cylindrical warhead offset axially from the first cylindrical warhead. The second cylindrical warhead is a transformable, segmented warhead including a plurality of segments each having an outer segment face bounding a cavity of the segment filled with high explosive. The segments are elongated and mounted at one end for rotation away from an axis of the munition to an open position in which the segment faces are pointed in a forward direction for detonation. Rotation may generally be somewhere in a broad range from about 105 degrees to about 170 degrees, obtaining different effects in different sub-ranges. The munition includes first and second detonators for the first and second cylindrical warheads respectively, the second detonator simultaneously detonating the segments of the second cylindrical warhead.