Self-consuming projectile

Abstract

A projectile with a projectile casing and at least one pyrotechnic charge incorporated in the projectile casing is proposed, wherein the projectile has an open projectile base with a destructible membrane and the pyrotechnic charge burns away at a defined rate during the flight of the projectile, and so the projectile loses mass in such a way that a predetermined effective range is not exceeded. As a result, safety and a nonlethal effect are achieved, in particular outside the effective range.

Claims

1. A projectile comprising: a projectile casing; a first pyrotechnic set incorporated in the projectile casing; a second pyrotechnic set incorporated in the projectile casing and separated from the first pyrotechnic set; and an open projectile base with a destructible membrane, wherein the first pyrotechnic set is configured to ignite during launching of the projectile and is configured to ignite the second pyrotechnic set, and wherein the first pyrotechnic set burns during a flight of the projectile at a defined rate so that the projectile loses mass such that a predefined effective range is not exceeded.

2. A projectile comprising: a projectile casing; at least two pyrotechnic sets incorporated in the projectile casing; and an open projectile base with a destructible membrane, wherein the at least two pyrotechnic sets burns during a flight of the projectile at a defined rate so that the projectile loses mass such that a predefined effective range is not exceeded, and wherein at least one membrane is introduced between the at least two pyrotechnic sets.

3. The projectile as claimed in claim 1, wherein delay paths are incorporated.

4. The projectile as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projectile casing is formed of a metal, steel or aluminum.

5. The projectile as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projectile casing is formed of a plastic.

6. A projectile comprising: a projectile casing; at least one pyrotechnic set incorporated in the projectile casing; and an open projectile base with a destructible membrane, wherein the at least one pyrotechnic set burns during a flight of the projectile at a defined rate so that the projectile loses mass such that a predefined effective range is not exceeded and wherein the projectile casing includes a combustible material.

7. A projectile comprising: a projectile casing; a first pyrotechnic set incorporated in the projectile casing; a second pyrotechnic set incorporated in the projectile casing and separated from the first pyrotechnic set; and an open projectile base with a destructible membrane, wherein the first pyrotechnic set is configured to ignite during launching of the projectile and is configured to ignite the second pyrotechnic set only if a predefined effective range for the projectile is exceeded.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawing which is given by way of illustration only, and thus, is not limitive of the present invention, and wherein the sole FIGURE illustrates an example embodiment, showing a projectile with a projectile casing or projectile body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(2) Using an exemplary embodiment with a drawing, the invention is described in detail. The single FIGURE shows a projectile 1 with a projectile casing or projectile body 2 in sketch form and in said exemplary embodiment two pyrotechnic sets 3, 4 incorporated in the projectile casing 2. Both sets 3, 4 enable incremental burning. The projectile 1 or the projectile body 2 comprises an open projectile base 5 that is closed until launch by a destructible membrane 6. A membrane 7 can be introduced between the two pyrotechnic sets 3, 4.

(3) The pyrotechnic set 3 is ignited during launching of the projectile 1 from a launch tube or gun barrel that is not represented in detail. Said ignition can be carried out directly. The pyrotechnic set 3 is dimensioned (volume, mixture etc.) so that the same ignites the further pyrotechnic set 4 only if an effective range for the projectile 1 is exceeded.

(4) The ignition of the pyrotechnic set 3 can however also be carried out with a delay. Delay elements and the adjustment thereof are discussed for example in DE 10 2013 013 705 A1, DE 10 2012 014 150 A1 or DE 10 2012 014 149 B3, which are all incorporated herein by reference.

(5) By the implementation of the pyrotechnic sets 3 and 4, the projectile 1 loses mass or weight. The mass tends to zero. As a result, a small residual mass of the projectile 1 is guaranteed beyond the effective range. Safety is increased, and a non-lethal effect of the residual projectile is in particular achieved beyond the effective range.

(6) The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.