Scalable effects net warhead

Abstract

A spin launched unmanned aerial system projectile includes a net means for disabling a selected target. The net means includes deployment mechanism and weights attached thereto which are cast at said target through use of an ejection spring means. Centripetal forces on the still spinning petals/weights open the net means as it is cast at the target.

Claims

1. A spin launched unmanned aerial system projectile for disabling a selected target, including means for casting a compact, selectively unfoldable net at said target, said projectile including a projectile body, and an ogive section releasably attached at the front of said projectile body, and electrical battery means and a control board aft of said ogive section, and said net includes deployment petals attached to said net, and whereas said means for casting a net at said target includes ejection spring means aft of said net, and whereas a signal from said control board activates a release mechanism which activates a central lock plunger to release a ball lock mechanism to in turn release the ogive section which allows the ejection spring means to eject the petals along with the net stowed therewith, and whereas centripetal forces imparted by previous projectile spin would force the petals outwards, opening the still spinning net which has been ejected in the path of the target.

2. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said control board signal is activated remotely.

3. The projectile of claim 1 wherein said control board signal is generated locally by encountering proximity to the selected target.

4. The projectile of claim 1 wherein control board signals are generated by remote activation of the control board.

5. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the projectile is launched by gas pressure.

6. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the projectile is launched by ignited propellant.

7. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the target is an unmanned aerial system.

8. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the target is a boat.

9. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the target is a boat propeller.

10. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the target is a moving land vehicle.

11. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the target is a stationary land vehicle.

12. The projectile of claim 1 wherein the projectile is a 40 MM.

Description

LIST OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a net warhead in a projectile round which may deliver a spinning net at a target location, to ensnare such target, according to this invention.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates the steps of intercepting a targeted device from launch, through spreading net deployment, then through to actual target intercept, according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(3) As was mentioned, this invention utilizes a projectile round to more rapidly deliver a net precisely at a target location, as opposed to launching the net from a comparatively large distance away from the target. As shown in FIG. 1, the invention includes a projectile body 104 including a net 114 with weights and deployment petals 116, an ejection spring 118 and a releasable ogive 102. The warhead 100 could be launched from any appropriate gun tube using either propellant or compressed air. Upon exiting the barrel, the velocity and spin of the projectile would be specific to the caliber of the round. As the round nears the target, a signal from an electronics control board 108 activates a release mechanism 110. The signal may be activated remotely or it may be generated locally by encountering proximity to the selected target through a proximity detector means, or both means of activation may be active during an attempted intercept. The release mechanism 110 is a piston actuator moved by a detonated small pyrotechnic charge initiated by the aforementioned signal. Alternately, release mechanism 110 could be an electrical servo device activated by the aforementioned signal. The release mechanism 110 pulls on a central lock release plunger 111 to in turn release a ball lock mechanism 112. This releases the ogive section 102, which in turn allows the ejection spring means 118 to eject the petals and weights along with the net stowed there within. Centripetal forces imparted by previous projectile spin would now force the petals outwards. This would open the (still spinning) net which had been ejected in the path of the target. In FIG. 2, an intercept is attempted of a remote drone 209. In a first step 201, a net warhead 202 in accordance with this invention, is launched. During flight at point 203 being approximately 6 to 9 meters from the target drone, the warhead begins to disassemble. The ogive 206 is released, the ejection means 205 is activated to eject the (already spinning) net assembly 207 out of previously spinning projectile 204. The net assembly 207 has petals and weights 216 which ultimately spread out the still spinning net, as seen in step 208. The net is now fully deployed and hopefully will be able to meet/engage/ensnare, the drone 209. Debris which may be remnants of the ogive and other warhead components may appear as still moving, at 211. Such debris would not be expected to be functional at such point.

(4) While the invention may have been described with reference to certain embodiments, numerous changes, alterations and modifications to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.