Fragmentation device and method firing such a device

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A substantially spheroidal fragmentation device (10) configured to be fired from a firearm, the fragmentation device (10) accommodating at least one warhead (9), the fragmentation device comprising i) a protective exterior layer (6) of resilient material ii) an inner core (11) protected by said exterior layer (6), the inner core (11) comprising 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) wherein the ratio of the thickness of the protective exterior layer (6) to the radius of the fragmentation device (10) ranges from 0.25:1 to 0.4:1, and wherein the warhead (9) is accommodated within the protective exterior layer (6) or between the inner core (11) and the protective exterior layer (6).

2. The fragmentation device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fragmentation device (10) is a shell.

3. The fragmentation device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fragmentation device (10) is substantially sphere-shaped.

4. The fragmentation device according to claim 1, wherein the resilient material is selected from plastics, polymers and/or rubber.

5. The fragmentation device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one warhead (9) comprises heavy metal particles (2).

6. The fragmentation device according to claim 5, wherein the heavy metal particles (2) are i) embedded uniformly or disposed in a fragmented metal sphere (7) in the exterior layer (6); or ii) disposed in a fragmented metal sphere (4) between the exterior layer (6) and the inner core (11).

7. The fragmentation device according to claim 1, wherein an SAI (Safety/Arming/Initiation) unit (3) is integrated with a fuze system.

8. The fragmentation device according to claim 5, wherein the heavy metal particles (2) have an average diameter ranging from 3 to 4 mm.

9. The fragmentation device (10) according to claim 7, wherein a battery activating the fuze system is arranged in the inner core (11) of the fragmentation device (10).

10. The fragmentation device (10) according to claim 7, wherein a piezoelectric sensor is connected to the fuze system.

11. The fragmentation device (10) according to claim 7, wherein a delay unit is connected to the fuze system.

12. Method of firing a fragmentation device (10) according to claim 1, wherein a firearm is aimed and the fragmentation device (10) is fired at a surface enabling rebounding of the fragmentation device (10) whereby the fragmentation device (10) changes direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIGS. 1a-c show the shape of a fragmentation device illustrating heavy metal particles embedded in the exterior layer of the fragmentation device in different extents so as to simultaneously show the inner core of the fragmentation device.

(2) FIGS. 2a-c show a pre-fragmented steel sphere at which heavy metal particles are to be disposed.

(3) FIG. 3a shows an embodiment in which the heavy metal particles are embedded in the exterior layer. FIG. 3b shows heavy metal particles arranged in a pre-fragmented steel sphere.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

(4) FIG. 1a shows a fragmentation device 10 disposed in a sabot 1 in a barrel 8. The fragmentation device 10 is a substantially spheroidal fragmentation device 10. The fragmentation device 10 accommodates at least one warhead 9. The fragmentation device 10 comprises a protective exterior layer 6 of resilient material and an inner core 11 protected by said exterior layer 6.

(5) In FIGS. 1a-b (the uppermost figures), explosives 5 may be seen in the inner core 11 of the fragmentation device 10. An SAI unit 3 is arranged in the central portion of the inner core 11. According to the example shown in FIG. 1a, the at least one warhead 9 comprises heavy metal particles 2. The heavy metal particles 2 are embedded in a rubber matrix comprised in the protective exterior layer 6. FIGS. 1b-c show the same embodiments as in FIG. 1a illustrating the heavy metal particles 2 embedded in the rubber matrix of the fragmentation device 10.

(6) FIGS. 2a-c show embodiments with a pre-fragmented steel sphere 4 in which heavy metal particles 2 are disposed (not shown). The sphere 4 is disposed between the exterior layer 6 and the inner core 11. The further numerals are identical to those of FIG. 1a.

(7) FIG. 3a shows heavy metal particles 2 embedded in the protective exterior layer 6. FIG. 3b shows heavy metal particles 2 (not shown) disposed in a pre-fragmented steel sphere 7 inside the protective exterior layer 6 but outside the inner core 11. The further numerals are identical to those of FIG. 1a.