Showing papers on "Projectile published in 1972"

Weapon for immobilization and capture

Abstract: A weapon for subduing and restraining includes a harmless projectile that is connected by means of a relatively fine, conductive wire to a launcher which contains an electrical power supply The projectile is intended to contact a living target without serious trauma and to deliver an electric charge thereto sufficient to immobilize In different embodiments, the projectile can be a pellet, a net or a combination of pellets and a net The magnitude and frequency of the electrical impulses delivered to the target can be controlled at the launcher, and would range in effect from immobilizing to potentially ''''lethal'''' levels

Micrometeoroid simulation studies on metal targets

Abstract: Experiments on impact craters and impact ionization of dust particles have been performed using iron microparticles from a 2-Mv Van de Graaff accelerator. The particle velocity υ ranged from 0.2 to 40 km/sec and the mass m ranged from 1 × 10−15 g to 5 × 10−10 g. The analysis and mass determination of iron microspheres on smooth targets and of iron layers of the projectile in the middle of impact craters have been done with an electron microprobe. The Kα radiation emitted by the iron layer in the crater has been measured as a function of mass and velocity of the projectile. The radiation measurement gives, in combination with the crater diameter D, a means for the determination of the projectile parameters m and υ. The targets used were Ag, Al, Cu, Cd, and W. Within an error of approximately 20% the total mass of the iron projectile has been found inside the craters in W, Cu, and Al targets at velocities of ≤13 km/sec. The impact ionization has been studied for impact velocities of up to 40 km/sec and projectile masses of down to 10−15g. The yield of either ions or electrons, normalized to the incident mass m, can be described by an empirical relation of the form Q = const ƒ(θ, υ) · mα · υβ, where θ is the angle of incidence. Analysis of impact ionization has been applied to extremely sensitive detectors of cosmic dust particles. The impact cratering and ionization are discussed in terms of shock effects by applying the Rankine-Hugoniot theory. The energy partition in the form of kinetic energy and internal energy (e.g., elastic compression and irreversible heating) is discussed as a function of the velocity of iron particles impacting the targets Al, Cu, W, and Au. As a result, W and Au are targets that transform a greater fraction of the primary energy into heating and ionization of projectile material.

Low density indirect fire munition system (U)

Abstract: The invention relates to a munition system, which can be dropped from airft and is capable of scanning the ground for military targets; eg, tanks and vehicles, and then directionally propelling a projectile at the target when it locates one The munition system includes a housing, which contains an explosive warhead capable of directionally propelling a projectile, a directional sensing fuze in alignment with the path of the projectile, and a parachute to retard the descent and induce rotation of the housing at a predetermined rate, whereby the sensing fuze has sufficient time to scan the ground along a spiral path for military targets

Indicating the passing of a projectile through an area in space

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for indicating the passing of a projectile through an area in space comprising inciding the whole of said area with a projectile light beam and detecting a reflection of said beam off a projectile passing through said area resulting from incidence of said beam thereon thereby determining that said projectile passed through said area.

Kinetic energy ring projectile

Abstract: A rotatable airfoil non-lethal sting projectile comprising a hollow closed circular ring wing surrounding a central open area. The projectile consists of an aerodynamic lifting body of a thick ring wing geometry which uses spin imparted to it from a launching means for its gyroscopic stability. The combination of aerodynamic stability characteristics and high spin rate (i.e. above 2,000 rpm) results in a flat trajectory and extended range capability. The projectile is intended as a riot control weapon. Impact is non-lethal, but may be painful. The subsonic launch velocity, the non-metallic light weight structure, the soft resilience, and relatively large size of the projectile avoids serious bodily harm due to impact with a person even at point-blank range.

Projectile trajectory correction system

Abstract: A system for correcting the terminal portion of the trajectory of a projectile in free fall so as to minimize the error between the actual and the intended impact point. The projectile may be an artillery rocket, cannon shell, or a similar ballistic body, which is caused to roll during its free fall trajectory. The intended target or impact point is illuminated by a light source and this light is received at the projectile by a sensor consisting of optics and a plurality of detectors arranged in a plane, and along an annular area. The sensor is made to have a hollow conical field of view, such that the ground area in the vicinity of the target covered by the field of view is reduced as the projectile approaches the target. Thus, when the target appears in the field of view its image will fall on one of the detectors to determine the polar coordinates of the target with respect to the uncorrected impact point. Electronic means are provided for firing a lateral thruster at a predetermined time commensurate with the polar position of the detector that has detected the target image. This will apply a lateral impulse to the projectile to change the trajectory so as to minimize the terminal error.

Fire control mechanism for firearms

Abstract: A fire control mechanism for firearms having projectiles loaded in superimposed relation includes a separate arming device associated with each projectile. Each arming device is responsive to changes in gas pressure, heat buildup, or the like, generated when the projectile immediately ahead of it is fired to thereby automatically arm the primer of the next projectile in the firing order. The armed primer is then in a condition capable of being activated by the firearm triggering mechanism to fire its corresponding projectile. In one embodiment, each arming device and primer are integral with the projectile. In another embodiment, each arming device and primer combination is incorporated into a separate wafer, and the wafers are disposed between the superimposed projectiles. In a preferred form of the invention, the fire control mechanism is incorporated into a variety of special purpose firearms, such as survival rifles or missile launchers suitable for throw-away use.

Non-hazardous ring airfoil projectile for delivery of non-lethal material

Abstract: A rotatable airfoil projectile comprising a hollow closed circular ring wing surrounding a central open area with a nonlethal riot control agent positioned within the hollow ring. The projectile consists of an aerodynamic lifting body of a thick ring wing geometry which uses spin imparted to it from a launching means for its gyroscopic stability The combination of aerodynamic stability characteristics and high spin rate (i.e. above 2,000 rpm) results in a flat trajectory and extended range capability. The projectile ruptures on impact due to centrifugal and impact forces to distribute the non-lethal riot control payload about the target area. The sub-sonic launch velocity avoids bodily harm due to impact with a person even at point-blank range.

Rotating band for projectile

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plastics for rotating bands on projectiles fired from rifled gun barrels. The plastic band is injection molded into a circumferential channel provided in the projectile body. The cross section of the circumferential channel is designed such as to provide a tight gas seal between the plastic rotating band and the projectile body, to assure transfer of spin introduced by the rifling in the gun barrel and to secure the rotating band to the projectile after exit from the muzzle of the gun. The portion of the plastic rotating band protruding beyond the projectile body engraves and is compressed into the rifling groove of the gun barrel, thus obturating the propellant gases and transmitting the spinning motion to the projectile. The plastic rotating band is lighter and costs less than conventional metallic rotating bands and is, in addition, a noncritical war material. Furthermore, its use yields better obturation and reduced barrel wear than is obtained with conventional rotating bands.

Closed-loop gun control system

Abstract: A method of directing the firing of a gun and a system for its implementation. A final gun-fire order, aim correction, is deduced analytically based on observed performance, for example the miss distance of at least one previously fired projectile. Both the correlated and uncorrelated aspects as well as the bias of the observed performance are accounted for by assuming that the correlated aspects may be represented as a Markov process. A Kalman filter, linear predictor, and a storage-feedback device can then be employed to derive a correction order which may be applied to a subsequently fired projectile, thus minimizing the mean square miss distance.

Craters formed in mineral dust by hypervelocity microparticles

Abstract: As a simulation of erosion processes on the lunar surface, impact craters were formed in dust targets by 2- to 5-micron-diameter polystyrene spheres with velocities between 2.5 and 12 km/sec. For weakly cohesive, thick targets of basalt dust with a maximum grain size comparable to the projectile diameter, the craters had an average projectile-to-diameter diameter ratio of 25, and the displaced mass was 3 orders of magnitude greater than the projectile mass. In a simulation of the effect of a dust covering on lunar rocks, a layer of cohesive, fine-grained basalt dust with a thickness nearly twice the projectile diameter protected a glass substrate from damage, but an area about 50 times the cross-sectional area of the projectile was cleared of all but a few grains. Impact damage was produced in glass under a thinner dust layer.

Recoilless and detonation-free projectile firing device

Abstract: A recoilless and detonation-free projectile firing device comprises a tube having a front muzzle end with an inturned flange portion defining a front end stop and a rear end with a cap secured thereto with an inturned flange which defines a rear end stop. The tube contains a cartridge case made of an elastic material of a low modulus of elasticity which has an outer diameter which permits it to be snugly fitted within the interior of the tube. Arranged within the cartridge case from the front muzzle end toward the opposite rear end in order and in ready-to-use form are: a muzzle end brake ring adjacent the front stop, a projectile to be fired, a cartridge case base for the projectile, a propellant charge, an opposite cartridge case base having an inert material of easy divisibitlity and a rear end braking ring. All of the elements are combined in the cartridge case and are hermetically sealed therein by diaphragms which are secured to each end of the case.

Silent launch gun for projectiles

Abstract: A silent launching system for projectiles having a launch tube with a breech to receive a special cartridge and a constricted muzzle and containing a sabot. The projectile, such as an arrow, is loaded tail-first into the muzzle to contact the sabot. When the cartridge is fired, the sabot and projectile accelerate toward the muzzle, where the sabot is arrested in the constriction and the projectile continues out the muzzle to the target. The arrested sabot traps the expanding gases within the launch tube, providing a flashless, smokeless, and noiseless launch.

Velocity measuring system

Abstract: A system and method for determining the relative velocities of a projectile at different portions of its path in which a plurality of signalling detector stations are arranged at predetermined intervals along such path, a common receiving station is arranged to receive signals from the detector stations through a common communication channel and has a memory unit capable of storing pulses corresponding to the signals received, and a calculator capable of analyzing adjacent pairs of the pulses which have been produced by passage of the projectile over two or more of the path intervals monitored by the detector stations to determine the relative velocities of the projectile as it traverses the path intervals monitored by different pairs of detector stations. This information is valuable for example in studying retardation properties of a projectile.

Rotary sabot projectile

Abstract: A sabot having a thermoplastic body and thermosetting reinforced phenolic ring embedded therein which ring retains a projectile in position in the forcing cone of a gun barrel is disclosed. A split ring plastic retainer is used to hold the sabot in place on the tapered rear portion of the projectile. When the projectile is fired, centrifugal force and heat cause the thermoplastic material to expand engaging both the rifling and side walls of the gun bore and thereby imparting a spinning motion to the projectile, while also acting as an obturator to prevent the escape of propellant gases.

Expellable cartridge case

Abstract: Novel cartridge, suitable for use with high velocity anti-tank projectiles, possesses an open tube casing adapted to be expelled from the weapon along with the projectile and separated therefrom on muzzle exit, thereby eliminating dangerous residues in the weapon without significantly affecting projectile ballistics. The cartridge has an open ended casing attached by means of an adapter to the rear of a projectile provided with a tracer composition and an obturating band. The casing is closed at its breech end by a ventable cap and the adapter at the other end is open so that the propellant gases can pressurize the breech area and entire gun area behind the obturator band and expel the projectile. The adapter also permits the propellant gases to ignite the tracer composition so as to burn and sever the attachment to the projectile. The attachment remains intact while the cartridge is in the gun barrel but is severed after it leaves the muzzle, whereby the projectile is separated from the adapter and spent casing debris in the area near the front of the weapon and no residue, fragments, etc. are left behind in the weapon.

Attachment of rotating band to shell casing by brazing

Abstract: : This invention relates to improved means of attaching rotating bands to artillery shells, and more particularly by brazing the band to the shell casing. A rotating band is a cylindrical ring of copper or gilding metal positioned around the exterior surface of a projectile. It affords a snug seat for the projectile in the forcing cone and centers the base in the bore. As the projectile moves forward, the soft rotating band is engraved by the bands of the bore. Because of the compression of the band, excess metal flows toward the rear. This flow of metal is taken by up cannelures, or grooves, cut in the rotating band. Since the riflings of the weapon has a helical twist, rotating is imparted to the moving projectile by the engraved rotating band. In addition, the rotating band prevents the escape of the propellant gases forward of the projectile by completely filling the grooves of the rifling.

Electrical primer for projectiles

Abstract: An electrical primer for a projectile in which the charge on a capacitor is stepwise reduced by periodic timing pulses to a level at which the projectile is armed. Several embodiments of the circuit and of the timing elements are disclosed.

Method and apparatus for detecting a projectile leaving the barrel of a gun

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a projectile leaving a gun using a permanent horse-shoe magnet located at or near the muzzle of the gun whereby the projectile cuts some of the magnetic lines of force of the magnet. Resultant voltage pulses from the separation of the projectile from the gun and from the passage of the projectile above the permanent magnet are induced in a pick up winding wound on the magnet and these are fed through an amplifier to an oscilloscope and/or a chronograph to provide an indication. The apparatus may also be utilized to measure the velocity of and to photograph the projectile as it leaves the muzzle of the gun.

The forces for projectile penetration of aluminium

Abstract: A technique to measure the force-penetration behaviour of projectiles penetrating metal targets has been developed and used to examine the penetration characteristics of projectiles impacting soft 2S aluminium. The maximum force measured during complete penetration of a plate of given thickness was found to be essentially independent of projectile geometry, but the geometry influenced the total energy required for the same process. The results have been discussed in terms of the yield behaviour of the material, the effect of the projectile geometry on the deformation pattern, and the energy loss due to friction.

Apparatus for shooting a projectile shaped additive into molten steel

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting bullet shaped additive materials into molten steel. The apparatus has two hoppers for holding the bullet-shaped additive materials and delivering them successively. A pair of rotary feeders having spaced elongated grooves receive the materials supplied from the hoppers and are rotated intermittently a distance corresponding to the pitch of the elongated grooves through use of a Geneva gear mechanism. A gas controlling device connected to a source of gas under pressure controls the supply of gas synchronously with the rotating motion of the rotary feeders to supply the gas to a pair of projectile guiding pipes which shoot the bullet shaped additive materials into a molten steel bath.

Ignition circuit for projectile fuses

Abstract: A projectile with an electrically ignitable fuse is provided with a control circuit in which piezo electric cells are provided which develop a potential upon acceleration of the projectile and then develop a reverse potential upon relaxing of the acceleration on the projectile when it emerges from the firing weapon. The piezo electric cells are serially arranged and connected thereacross is a pair of condensors, the juncture of which is fastened to the juncture of the cells with one capacitor charging during the acceleration period of the projectile and the other charging during the relaxing period. A resistor connected across the capacitors provides for reversing of the charge on the one capacitor and which reversing triggers a control circuit. The control circuit releases the charge from a third capacitor which is charged by one of the cells during the relaxing period thereby to ignite the fuse. An impact control source of voltage is also provided for igniting the fuse upon impact of the projectile.

Layered projectile for close-in weapon system

Abstract: A projectile having layers of metal separated by layers of another material which may also be metal, the configuration of the layers being generally conical or frustoconical, thereby inhibiting the formation and propagation of impact cracks which often form in a projectile subjected to a high impact, to thereby maintain the projectile in one piece.

A method for obtaining aerodynamic coefficients from yawsonde and radar data

Abstract: : A numerical integration method for the reduction of yawsonde data from instrumented projectiles in free flight has been developed. Yawsonde data represent two-dimensional information (solar aspect angle and spin) while the actual motion is three-dimensional (pitch, yaw, and spin). The method obtains a best fit of the aerodynamic coefficients in the equations of motion using numerical integration. The coefficients are iteratively adjusted. Linear aerodynamic coefficients have been derived from the flight of an M549, 155mm rocket assisted projectile.

Self-obturating, expellable cartridge case

Abstract: A novel cartridge possesses a fin-stabilized, high velocity projectile attached to a propellant casing, which is self-obturating and expelled from the weapon together with the projectile and separated from the latter on muzzle exit. The projectile is located such that its finned end is within the casing and its front end projects beyond the closed front end of the casing which has a ventable closure at its breech end. Sabot means are removably mounted on the projecting part of the projectile such that they abut against the front end of the casing and are thrown off by aerodynamic forces and centrifugal force of low spin generated by engagement of the casing with the rifling.