Training cartridge with day/night/thermal visible signature

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to ammunition rounds for training purposes. Specifically, the training munitions disclosed herein contain special properties rendering them visible by day, by night and through the use of thermal imagery while maintaining safety protocols and otherwise normal usage properties without requiring the outer shell to deform or destruct to initiate the signal properties.

Claims

1. A training ammunition round comprising: a training cartridge casing identical to a combat cartridge casing of an ammunition round which the training cartridge case is designed to replace for training, comprising a primer and a propellant charge; a projectile body comprising a first base end that is configured to seat within the training cartridge casing and a second opposite front end configured to be at least partially translucent and comprise a first and second cavity; said first cavity containing a combustible flash producing material, an oxidizer, and a first spark producing component, said second cavity containing a predetermined amount of a signature powder material, an external vent hole and an external vent hole plug, wherein there is a solid area between said first cavity and said second cavity, the solid area comprising at least one internal vent hole, and a second spark producing component capable of producing a spark when meeting with the first spark producing component, the second spark producing component is housed in a compartment exposed to the first cavity and, the compartment is covered with a seal; the training cartridge casing is configured to produce a spark upon the second spark producing component breaking said seal and striking said first spark producing component, the spark ignites the combustible flash producing material whereupon a flash occurs and a hot gaseous pressure builds up to a pre-determined pressure within the first cavity sufficient to break any remaining seal and causes the hot gases to leak into said second cavity through said at least one internal vent holes, the hot gases mix with the signature powder material, and build up enough pressure to expel the external vent plug and cause exhaustion of the contents through the external vent hole.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the training ammunition round replaces a live round from the group: M788, M918, and M781 TP Cartridge.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said second opposite front end of said projectile body comprises and ogive that is fully translucent.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said combustible flash producing material is magnesium powder.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said combustible flash producing material is magnesium wool.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said oxidizer is potassium perchlorate.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said oxidizer is oxygen.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said signature powder is titanium dioxide.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said signature powder is talc.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the second opposite front end of said projectile body comprises an ogive that is partially translucent with a non-translucent metal nose.

11. A training ammunition round comprising: a training cartridge casing identical to a combat cartridge casing of an ammunition round which the training cartridge casing is designed to replace for training, comprising a primer and a propellant charge; a projectile body comprising a first base end that is configured to seat within the training cartridge casing and a second opposite front end configured to be at least partially translucent and comprise a first and second cavity; said first cavity containing a combustible flash producing material, an oxidizer, and a first spark producing component, said second cavity containing a predetermined amount of a signature powder material, an external vent hole and an external vent hole plug, wherein there is a solid area between said first cavity and said second cavity, the solid area comprising at least one internal vent hole, and a second spark producing component capable of producing a spark when meeting with the first spark producing component, the second spark producing component is housed in a compartment separated from said first cavity along a hollow pathway which is covered with a seal and blocked by a spring actuated slider bar comprising a channel configured to align with said hollow pathway when sufficient force is generated to compress the spring; the training cartridge casing is configured to produce a spark upon the second spark producing component breaking said seal and striking said first spark producing component, the spark ignites the combustible flash producing material whereupon a flash occurs and a hot gaseous pressure builds up to a pre-determined pressure within the first cavity sufficient to break any remaining seal and causes the hot gases to leak into said second cavity through said at least one internal vent holes, the hot gases mix with the signature powder material, and build up enough pressure to expel the external vent plug causing exhaustion of the contents through the external vent hole.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said first spark producing component is chosen from the group comprising sandpaper, rough steel, a piezo element, and an ignition mechanism comprising a primer.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein said second spark producing component is chosen from the group comprising flint, steel rod, an impactor mass, and a firing pin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein and as mounted on a firing charge cartridge case.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts an outer side view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein and as mounted on a firing charge cartridge case.

(3) FIG. 3 depicts a cross sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein with its plug expelled.

(4) FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein with its plug intact and a chamber of signature powder ready to be deployed.

(5) FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein with its plug and signature powder intact and ready to be deployed and as mounted on a firing charge cartridge case.

(6) FIG. 6 depicts a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein with its plug and signature powder intact and ready to be deployed.

(7) FIG. 7 depicts a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein with its plug expelled and signature powder spent as after deployment.

(8) FIG. 8 depicts a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein with its plug and signature powder intact and ready to be deployed and as mounted on a firing charge cartridge case. In this embodiment, the tip is metal with adjacent translucent sidewalls forming the forward ogive.

(9) FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the internal component that replaces the insides of a combat training round that houses the other components as described herein.

(10) FIG. 10 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of the internal component that replaces the insides of a combat training round further depicting one embodiment of a flint ready in place to be deployed through a slider mechanism, said slider mechanism in the ready state keeping the flint secured in place.

(11) FIG. 11 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of the internal component that replaces the insides of a combat training round further depicting one embodiment of a flint ready in place to be deployed through a slider mechanism, said slider mechanism as it would appear once the projectile is fired and spins creating a centrifugal force compressing the spring and moving the slider such that the opening is exposed.

(12) FIG. 12 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of the internal component that replaces the insides of a combat training round further depicting one embodiment of a flint now beginning to move through the opening portion of the slider mechanism via momentum force once the projectile impacts its target.

(13) FIG. 13 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of the internal component that replaces the insides of a combat training round further depicting one embodiment of a flint as it continues to move forward and now breaks the foil seal allowing it into the chamber where the fuel, oxidizer and strike surface are housed.

(14) FIG. 14 depicts a cutaway view of one embodiment of the internal component that replaces the insides of a combat training round further depicting one embodiment of a flint as it continues to move forward and has broken through the seal and into the chamber where the fuel, oxidizer and strike surface are housed and striking the strike surface and creating a spark.

(15) FIG. 15 depicts a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein and as mounted on a firing charge cartridge case depicting a slider activation mechanism.

(16) FIG. 16 depicts a cross sectional view of one embodiment of a modified training round cartridge as described herein and as mounted on a firing charge cartridge case depicting both a translucent ogive and a translucent projectile base and sidewalls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the following subsections that describe or illustrate certain features, embodiments or applications of the present invention.

The System and Method of the Present Invention

(18) The present disclosure teaches embodiments of a realistically acting training ammunition round that produces a flash and smoke signature substantially similar to the actual round that it replaces for training.

(19) In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the projectile body (1) of a typical ammunition round is modified with a translucent ogive (2) and a first internal cavity (3) wherein the said first internal cavity is configured to comprise a flash producing mechanism comprising a flint (4), that through a sudden change in inertial force that is produced upon impact, pierces through a foil seal (7) and then against sandpaper or a rough steel (5) to produce a spark that will ignite the fuel/oxidizer mixture, which could be magnesium powder or wool (30) and potassium perchlorate (31), existing loose in the cavity (3), respectively, and upon ignition, creates a flash that is immediately visible through the translucent ogive (2). In this embodiment, the burning of the flash mechanism produces a buildup of hot gases that expel through the ruptured seal (7) and through vent holes (6) and into a separate second rear end cavity (9) housing a signature powder material (10) which could be titanium dioxide is accessed, the hot gases mixing then with the signature powder and the excess pressure expels a plug (11) blocking an external vent hole (12) and upon the unblocking, the signature powder is expelled through the now unblocked vent hole creating a simulation of smoke. FIG. 1 further illustrates the same projectile body sidewalls (13) as a normal live round munition that this modified training round replaces, configured to exactly fit the same into the cartridge case (14), that has the same closing cup (17) propellant charge (16) and rifle/pistol primer (15) as a live round such that it will work exactly the same with the weapon with which it is to be used. The flint (4) is housed in a compartment (8) that is connected to the vent holes (6) and once the flint ruptures the foil seal, the compartment (8) forms part of the entryway into the vent holes (6).

(20) In alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, which shows just the internal component housed within the cavities that generates the spark ignition, the flint (4) is housed in a lower compartment blocked by a slider bar (20) that comprises a spring (21) and a through hole (22) such that when rifling spin in the barrel of the weapon causes the projectile to spin, the spring compresses and the slider bar moves aligning the through hole (22) allowing the flint to escape and upon impact pierces through the seal (7) causing a hole and allowing the flint to strike the sandpaper (5) causing a spark to form at a point of impact (25). See, FIGS. 11-14. Now, in this embodiment, when the pressure builds from the gaseous ignition, the pressure also pierces the seal in the location of the vent holes (6) into the chamber with the signature powder.

(21) In an alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 15, the projectile body (1) of a typical ammunition round is modified with a translucent ogive (2) and is shown with the slider activation mechanism, but could also be further configured as shown in FIG. 1.

(22) In an alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 16, the projectile body (1) of a typical ammunition round is modified with a translucent ogive (2) and a translucent base and sidewalls (13a) that replace the same projectile body sidewalls (13) as a normal live round munition it replaces. This configuration could combine with any of the alternative other embodiments described herein. In this FIG. 16, the configuration is shown with a low velocity, 40 mm, cartridge case. This configuration is pre-existing and needs no description, but is illustrative of the types of rounds that may be modified as taught herein.

(23) In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the outside of the projectile as modified as described herein looks and acts just like a live round with the one exception that the ogive (2) will have a translucent or transparent appearance, at least at some portion of it.

(24) In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, a spent cartridge as modified as described herein will have an exposed vent hole (12) with the flash mechanism components and signature powder material having been expelled, an exposed compartment (8) where the flint was leading to the vent holes (6).

(25) In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, a non-used cartridge as modified as described herein will have its vent hole plugged (11) with the flash mechanism components and signature powder material intact.

(26) In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, a cross section of a non-used cartridge as described herein is depicted mounted on a normal cartridge case ready for deployment.

(27) In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, a non-used cartridge as modified as described herein will have its vent hole plugged (11) with the flash mechanism components and signature powder material intact.

(28) In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, a spent cartridge as modified as described herein will have an exposed vent hole (12) with the flash mechanism components and signature powder material having been expelled.

(29) In an alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, an ogive (2) may have a translucent component with a normal metal tip (18).

(30) In one embodiment, the flint (4) is secured in place in a compartment (8) just beneath a thin metal foil seal (7), such as aluminum foil, that secures the flint until the projectile impacts a target when the inertial force is sufficient to rupture the thin metal foil seal, striking the flint against the sandpaper or a rough steel component causing a spark to ignite the flash procuring materials that are loose within the cavity (3). In this embodiment, the seal also prevents the flash producing material from accumulating in the flint compartment or leaking through the vent holes (6) and keeps everything in place until impact. The one potential issue with this arrangement is that dropping the projectile prior to use may be sufficient impact to cause the flint to rupture the seal and cause a premature leaking of flash producing materials. Dropping the projectile may also be sufficient to dislodge the flint either prematurely causing a spark or causing the flint to be incapable of causing a spark.

(31) In an alternative embodiment, a slider mechanism is utilized to keep the flint in place. In this embodiment, referring to FIGS. 10-14, a simple bar (20) with a hole in it (22), is biased to block the flint with a spring (21) is set in place. Upon firing, spin causes the slider to move via centrifugal force compressing the spring and aligning the hole in the bar with the flint, essentially arming the flash mechanism that is then activated upon impact as described above. In this embodiment, the projectile can survive much greater drop test than the metal foil seal arrangement.

(32) In one embodiment, the ogive as described herein is at least partially constructed from polycarbonate that is transparent or at least translucent.

(33) In one embodiment, the entire projectile outer shell may be comprised of polycarbonate and be completely translucent maximizing visibility of the flash under many conditions.

(34) In one embodiment, the flash generating material components comprise magnesium powder and gaseous oxygen.

(35) In one embodiment, the flash generating material components comprise magnesium wool and gaseous oxygen.

(36) In one embodiment, the flash generating material components comprise magnesium powder and potassium perchlorate.

(37) In one embodiment, the flash generating material components comprise magnesium wool and potassium perchlorate.

(38) In one embodiment, the ogive portion of the projectile is completely translucent or transparent and constructed from polycarbonate.

(39) In one embodiment, the ogive portion of the projectile is partially translucent or transparent and constructed from polycarbonate with an aluminum nose. In an alternative embodiment, the aluminum nose can be replaced and constructed with any suitable metal chosen for strength, weight, deformation, and other desirable properties.

(40) In one embodiment, the overall working order of events is the firing pin strikes the primer, initiating the primer. The primer ignites the propellant charge. Expanding propellant gases accelerate the projectile spinning down the length of the barrel and causing the projectile to spin within the barrel. Projectile spin causes the slider to overcome the slider spring force, moving the slider to the armed position. Upon target impact, rapid projectile deceleration causes the flint to be thrust forward and pierce a foil seal and exit the flint cavity. The flint strikes the sandpaper, creating a spark that ignites the magnesium powder and potassium perchlorate mixture. The resulting chemical reaction produces a bright flash and a small volume of hot, modest pressure gases. These hot gases rupture a seal (and/or expel through the break in the seal caused by the flint puncture) and vent into the base of the projectile where it mixes with a powdered signature material such as titanium dioxide or talc. This mixture of warm, mildly pressurized gas and powder forces the base plug out of the projectile base, allowing the warm gases and powder to flow out of the projectile. The bright flash, powdered signature material, and warm gases produce a signature that closely mimics the combat round when observed day or night with the naked eye or night vision equipment including image intensifiers and thermal imagers. The bright flash, warm gases and powdered signature material minimize the hazards associated with projectiles that do not function upon target impact (duds).

(41) In alternative embodiments, ignition mechanisms may include projectiles where the sandpaper is replaced with a piezo element and a simple impactor mass such as a steel rod replaces the flint. The piezo element produces a spark when struck by the impactor mass. In another example, an ignition mechanism replaces the sand paper with a primer or primer compound or similar sensitive material in the forward end of the flash cavity, and a firing pin replaces the flint. Upon target impact, the firing pin strikes the primer, igniting the flash. One of skill in the art will be well versed in the choice of fuels, oxidizers and the like while maintaining the basic principles as described herein.

(42) Publications cited throughout this document are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Although the various aspects of the invention have been illustrated above by reference to examples and preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the following claims properly construed under principles of patent law.

(43) Each and every feature described herein, and each and every combination of two or more of such features, is included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in such a combination are not mutually exclusive.