Projectile

About: Projectile is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 13047 publications have been published within this topic receiving 115563 citations.

Spin-stabilized projectile with pulse receiver and method of use

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile (20) the trajectory of which can be improved to increase accuracy with the projectile (20) being controlled by a source of electromagnetic radiation providing pulses carrying encoded information. The projectile (20) includes a nose end (22) and a midportion (26) having a periphery disposed about which are a plurality of spaced masses (28) with a high explosive charge (30) associated with each mass (28) for high explosive detonation acceleration of its corresponding mass (28) to provide an impulse to the projectile (20). A projectile (20) has a boatail (24) defining a cavity (32) opened at the rear end of the boatail (24). Received in the cavity (32) is a pulsed electromagnetic radiation receiver (36) and processor (44, 48). This radiation receiver (36) and processor (44, 48) has a component for determining the approximate elapsed time from firing of the projectile (20), a component for determining the direction of the source of electromagnetic radiation with respect to the projectile, a component for determining approximate vertical, a component for determining rotational rate, and a component for counting the times between adjacent electromagnetic pulses in a series of such pulses. The radiation receiver (36) and processor (44, 48) also includes a microprocessor (48) reponsive to these components for controlling selective high explosive detonation acceleration of the masses (28) to improve the trajectory of the projectile (20) towards its target. A method of controlling a number of such projectiles is also disclosed.

Railgun performance with a two-stage light-gas gun injector

Abstract: Results obtained with the HELEOS (hypervelocity experimental launcher for equation of state) railgun, which uses a two-stage light-gas gun (2SLGG) as an injector, are presented. The high-velocity 2SLGG injector preaccelerates projectiles up to approximately 7 km/s. The high injection velocity reduces the exposure duration of the railgun barrel to the passing high temperature plasma armature, thereby reducing the ablation and subsequent armature growth. The 2SLGG also provides a column of cool, high-pressure hydrogen gas to insulate the rails behind the projectile, thereby eliminating restrike. A means to form an armature behind the injected projectile has been developed. In preliminary tests, the third-stage railgun has successfully increased the projectile velocity by 1.35 km/s. Extensive diagnostics have been used to determine the behavior of the armature and track the launcher's performance. Insome cases, velocity increases in the railgun section have been achieved, which are in close agreement with theoretical predictions, whereas in other experiments deviations from theoretical have been observed. The reasons for and implications of these results are addressed. Recent tests are reported. >

Projectile with supported missiles

Abstract: A projectile is shown which has stacked bays to receive packs of flechettes. The flechettes of each pack are bound together and supported by a frangible matrix. The matrix consists of small smooth glass spheres bound together and to the flechettes by a resin. The matrix prevents the flechettes from becoming damaged during acceleration of the projectile.

Light projectile scattering off the Color Glass Condensate

Abstract: We systematically compute the Gaussian average of Wilson lines inherent in the Color Glass Condensate, which provides useful formulae for evaluation of the scattering amplitude in the collision of a light projectile and a heavy target.

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.