Ammunition and explosives – Shells – Focused or directed detonation
Statutory Invention Registration
1998-07-15
2001-01-02
Tudor, Harold J. (Department: 3641)
Ammunition and explosives
Shells
Focused or directed detonation
C102S210000, C102S308000
Statutory Invention Registration
active
H0001930
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein relates to shoulder-launched rocket rounds and in particular to rocket rounds having modifications to defeat reactive armor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Existing high explosive anti-armor (HEAA) warheads are ineffective against some armored vehicles which employ explosive reactive armor. In particular, the SMAW HEAA warheads effectiveness can be greatly degraded by the addition of explosive reactive armor on enemy armored vehicles. Typically, this reactive armor is supported by a stand-off structure attached to the armored vehicle. When an anti-armor round strikes the reactive armor, the reactive armor immediately explodes. The armored vehicle is unharmed because (1) the reactive armor has a stand-off location and (2) there is no penetrator or shaped charge. The incoming round, however, lacks both the stand-off (since the reactive armor explodes on contact) and the hardened structure of the armored vehicle. The incoming round is severely damaged, disabling both the fusing mechanisms and the penetrator. In fact, the penetrator often does not even form. As a result of the effectiveness of the reactive armor, a means is needed to detonate the reactive armor prior to the anti-armor round impact. Although specialty rounds have been built for detonating reactive armor, a need remains to provide a simple modification of existing munitions to accomplish the same purpose. In particular, a modification is needed for the high explosive anti-armor round used in the Shoulder-Launched, Multiple-Purpose Assault Weapon (SMAW).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a precursor warhead for attachment to an anti-armor rocket round.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a precursor warhead having an instantaneous contact fuse.
It is another object of the invention to provide a precursor warhead adaptable to the existing high-explosive anti-armor (HEAA) fuse.
Accordingly, the invention is a precursor warhead for attachment for an anti-armor rocket having a small shaped charge and formed to be friction-fit to the forward end of a HEAA round. The precursor warhead contains a cylindrically-shaped charge in a casing having a hollow cylindrical center section, the hollow center section fitting over a HEAA round nose cone. The forward end of the precursor warhead contains a rearward facing conical charge which, when detonated, forms a forward-extending, rod-like mini-penetrator. This mini-penetrator detonates the reactive armor of an armored vehicle upon first contact of the HEAA round. Because the mini-penetrator causes immediate detonation of the reactive armor, the stand-off distance of the HEAA round nose section is sufficient to protect the HEAA round from damage. It is not necessary to employ delay timers and the like. As a result, the precursor warhead is suitable for use on a variety of warheads despite differences in impact velocity of the various rounds. The precursor warhead initiation is accomplished in place of the standard crush fuse option of the HEAA round.
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Bechtel, Esq. James B.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
Tudor Harold J.
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