A holding device and method for decreasing the contact-impact event on sub-projectiles when fired from a barrel, cylinder, carrier shell or the like includes a core and at least two legs that at least partially enclose at least one sub-projectile each. When a projectile is fired from a barrel or the like the sub-projectiles load the legs of the device which are deformed and open up and release the sub-projectiles in a controlled manner without tumbling which leads them to hit and penetrate their target with the short-side. A holding device including sub-projectiles and a projectile including the holding device are also provided.

Launching an aeronautical system can comprise applying force or energy to the system in connection with accelerating the system. Responsive to the force or energy, an element of the system can move along a defined path within the system. The system can comprise a drive that converts motion along the defined path into rotational motion. The drive can rotate a mass within the system, which can be supported by a gas bearing. The rotating mass can comprise the moving element, a different system element, or the entire system. The rotating mass can produce angular momentum and can support gyroscopic stabilization of the aeronautical system. Rotational energy can be selectively imparted to and transferred between system elements in connection with stabilization management. System elements can moderate the system's response to impulsive stimuli associated with rotation and acceleration. A gas bearing can support an external surface of the system during launch.

The present invention is directed to a projectile configured to provide a submunition payload across a wide impact pattern, similar to that of a shotgun, at a range typically beyond the capability of standard shotgun rounds. The additional range is provided in some embodiments of the invention by allowing the tailoring deployment range of the submunition payload based upon a given threat.

Asteroid redirection and soft-landing systems are provided that use cosmic ray and muon-catalyzed micro-fusion. These systems include a micro-fusion propulsion system providing thrust for redirecting a small asteroid, as well as providing a particle cushion at a landing site for a soft-landing. The systems deploy deuterium-containing fuel material as a localized cloud interacting with incoming ambient cosmic rays to generate energetic fusion products. Dust or other particulate matter in the fuel material converts some cosmic rays into muons that also catalyze fusion. The fusion products provide thrusting upon the asteroid. The fusion products also aid deceleration of incoming asteroids to be mined for a soft landing upon a lunar or planetary surface.

An article ejection structure is disclosed, having a housing, and a first biasing member positioned in the housing and having a first biasing force biasing the first biasing member toward a first neutral position to drive a rupture structure to rupture the housing. A release member restricts the first biasing member from moving toward the first neutral position when the release member is in a lock state, and is conditionable to a release state, in which the release member at least partially releases the first biasing member to move toward the first neutral position and drive the ejection structure to rupture the housing. A second biasing member positioned in the housing, the second biasing member having a second biasing force biasing the second biasing member toward a second neutral position to drive an article positioned in the housing out of the housing when the housing is ruptured.

A device for improving the aerodynamic feature of a projectile is disclosed. The projectile has a front part and a rear part. The external diameter of the front part of the projectile is larger than the external diameter of the front end of a rear part of the projectile. The front end of the rear part of the projectile is conical having larger diameter at locations behind the front end. The device comprises an annular cut-off cone sleeve slidably disposable over the front part of the projectile. The diameter of the narrower end of the annular cone sleeve is slightly larger than the diameter of the front part of the projectile and the length of the annular cut-off cone sleeve is larger than the distance between the front end of the rear part of the projectile and a location on rear part having a diameter equal to the diameter of the rear end of the annular cut-off cone sleeve.

The present invention is directed to a projectile configured to provide a submunition payload across a wide impact pattern, similar to that of a shotgun, at a range typically beyond the capability of standard shotgun rounds. The additional range is provided in some embodiments of the invention by allowing the tailoring deployment range of the submunition payload based upon a given threat.

The present invention relates to a firearm projectile capable of releasing a secondary payload mid-flight through a pyrotechnic timing mechanism. Once the firearm is fired, the powder in the casing pushes out the projectile as a typical round. In addition, the powder ignites the delay column. The formulation and amount of delay pyrotechnics determines the delay time. When the delay column is burned, the final portion ignites an expelling charge. The expelling charge builds pressure in the projectile casing and separates the base plug from the main projectile housing. The expelling assembly pushes out the secondary payload out the rear of the projectile. Although the payload exits the rear of the projectile at minimum velocity, the net velocity of the payload is still in the forward direction.

The present invention relates to an arrow device with dual destructive function which provides a second extended destruction by explosion of explosives carried within the arrow device in addition to a penetrative destruction caused by kinetic energy of an arrow. The arrow device with dual destructive function comprises an arrow body and an arrowhead, wherein the arrow body comprises a hollow tube, the hollow tube is provided with an inertial body therein, the arrowhead is of a hollow structure and is provided with a hole structure communicating the hollow structure of the arrowhead with the outside. The hollow structure of the arrowhead is equipped with explosives or ammunition therein. An isolation mechanism is provided between the arrowhead and the hollow tube of the arrow body. A firing mechanism for firing explosives or ammunition is provided on the isolation mechanism or the front end of the inertia body.

An article ejection structure is disclosed, having a housing, and a first biasing member positioned in the housing and having a first biasing force biasing the first biasing member toward a first neutral position to drive a rupture structure to rupture the housing. A release member restricts the first biasing member from moving toward the first neutral position when the release member is in a lock state, and is conditionable to a release state, in which the release member at least partially releases the first biasing member to move toward the first neutral position and drive the ejection structure to rupture the housing. A second biasing member positioned in the housing, the second biasing member having a second biasing force biasing the second biasing member toward a second neutral position to drive an article positioned in the housing out of the housing when the housing is ruptured.