A warhead includes a gas generator, a plurality of barrels, and a plurality of projectiles. The warhead is configured to selectively actuate the gas generator to generate a pressurized gas that energetically propels the projectiles through and out from the barrels to strike a target.

A munition includes a warhead having a warhead axis and axially opposed first and second warhead ends. The warhead includes: a tubular shock attenuation barrier including an axially extending passage extending from a first barrier end proximate the first warhead end to a second barrier end proximate the second warhead end; an explosive core charge disposed in the passage; an explosive main charge surrounding the shock attenuation barrier; projectiles surrounding the main charge; a core charge detonator; and a main charge detonator. The warhead is configured to be activated in each of a first projection mode and an alternative second projection mode. When the warhead is activated in the first projection mode, the main charge detonator detonates the main charge to thereby forcibly project the projectiles from the warhead with a first set of projection velocities and velocity profile. When the warhead is activated in the second projection mode, the core charge detonator detonates the core charge proximate the first barrier end such that a core charge detonation wave propagates through the passage to the second barrier end and, at the second barrier end, the core charge detonation wave detonates the main charge to thereby forcibly project the projectiles from the warhead with a second set of projection velocities and velocity profile. The second set of projectile velocities and velocity profile is different from the first set of projectile velocities and velocity profile.

The present invention relates to a substantially spheroidal fragmentation device (10). The fragmentation device (10) comprises: i) a protective exterior layer (6) of resilient material accommodating at least one warhead (9); ii) an inner core (11) protected by said exterior layer (6). The inner core (11) comprises: ii.a) an insensitive munition (IM); ii.b) a polymeric, plastic and/or rubbery matrix embedding the insensitive munition (IM); ii.c) explosive material (5) enclosed within the matrix of ii.b) and/or surrounding the matrix of ii.b). The ratio of the thickness of the protective exterior layer (6) to the radius of the fragmentation device (10) ranges from 0.1:1 to 0.7:1. The warhead (9) is accommodated within the protective exterior layer (6) or between the inner core (11) and the protective exterior layer (6). The invention also relates to a method of firing a fragmentation device (10) as disclosed herein, wherein a firearm is aimed at a surface enabling rebounding of the fragmentation device (10) whereby the fragmentation device (10) changes direction. The invention also relates to the use of a fragmentation device (10) as disclosed herein in a firearm.

The present invention relates to a substantially spheroidal fragmentation device (10). The fragmentation device (10) comprises: i) a protective exterior layer (6) of resilient material accommodating at least one warhead (9); ii) an inner core (11) protected by said exterior layer (6). The inner core (11) comprises: ii.a) an insensitive munition (IM); ii.b) a polymeric, plastic and/or rubbery matrix embedding the insensitive munition (IM); ii.c) explosive material (5) enclosed within the matrix of ii.b) and/or surrounding the matrix of ii.b). The ratio of the thickness of the protective exterior layer (6) to the radius of the fragmentation device (10) ranges from 0.1:1 to 0.7:1. The warhead (9) is accommodated within the protective exterior layer (6) or between the inner core (11) and the protective exterior layer (6). The invention also relates to a method of firing a fragmentation device (10) as disclosed herein, wherein a firearm is aimed at a surface enabling rebounding of the fragmentation device (10) whereby the fragmentation device (10) changes direction. The invention also relates to the use of a fragmentation device (10) as disclosed herein in a firearm.

A procedure for producing a warhead with controlled fragmentation includes manufacturing an inner shell and filling it with an explosive substance. The procedure further includes providing a net around the outer surface of the inner shell as well as depositing a material on and around the net. A warhead is produced by the procedure and includes an inner shell. A material applied to the warhead comprises weak points for guided fragmentation of the deposited material upon detonation of the warhead.

A procedure for producing a warhead with controlled fragmentation includes manufacturing an inner shell and filling it with an explosive substance. The procedure further includes providing a net around the outer surface of the inner shell as well as depositing a material on and around the net. A warhead is produced by the procedure and includes an inner shell. A material applied to the warhead comprises weak points for guided fragmentation of the deposited material upon detonation of the warhead.

A mortar shell including: a metallic inner layer defining an interior of the mortar, the metallic inner layer having a grid formed on an outer surface to define a plurality of metallic fragments separated by grooves; a polymer having first reinforcing fibers disposed within the grooves; and a polymer outer layer, the polymer outer layer having second reinforcing fibers dispersed therein. The grid can be a square grid to define square shaped metallic fragments. The polymer outer layer can include a pattern of dimples formed on an outer surface. The polymer outer layer can include a solid lubricant.

A mortar shell including: a metallic inner layer defining an interior of the mortar, the metallic inner layer having a grid formed on an outer surface to define a plurality of metallic fragments separated by grooves; a polymer having first reinforcing fibers disposed within the grooves; and a polymer outer layer, the polymer outer layer having second reinforcing fibers dispersed therein. The grid can be a square grid to define square shaped metallic fragments. The polymer outer layer can include a pattern of dimples formed on an outer surface. The polymer outer layer can include a solid lubricant.

The present invention provides an ammunition having a metal injection molded projectile and a polymer cartridge case comprising a polymer ammunition cartridge comprising a bottom portion and a top portion that enclose a propellant chamber, wherein the bottom portion comprises a primer recess in communication with a primer flash hole that extends into a propellant chamber and the top portion comprises a projectile aperture; a primer inserted into the primer flash hole aperture; a propellant at least partially filling the propellant chamber; and a metal injection molded projectile frictionally fitted in the projectile aperture, wherein the metal injection molded projectile comprises a nose extending essentially symmetrically to a shoulder, and an essentially cylindrical bearing surface extending from the shoulder to a base.

The present invention provides an ammunition having a metal injection molded projectile and a polymer cartridge case comprising a polymer ammunition cartridge comprising a bottom portion and a top portion that enclose a propellant chamber, wherein the bottom portion comprises a primer recess in communication with a primer flash hole that extends into a propellant chamber and the top portion comprises a projectile aperture; a primer inserted into the primer flash hole aperture; a propellant at least partially filling the propellant chamber; and a metal injection molded projectile frictionally fitted in the projectile aperture, wherein the metal injection molded projectile comprises a nose extending essentially symmetrically to a shoulder, and an essentially cylindrical bearing surface extending from the shoulder to a base.