Aerodynamically Expanding Sub-Projectile Ammunition

Abstract

An invention for using commonly available weaponry, namely shotguns or larger caliber cannons, for the control of drones and other projectiles by use of an ammunition containing aerodynamically designed series of sub-projectiles linked together by high tensile strength web in such a manner as to expand to the predetermined maximum size immediately upon exiting the barrel of the weapon and continuing along a steady and predictable flight path to the target while maintain the shape of the web to provide the most consistent interception pattern increasing the odds of success.

Claims

1. a series of sub-projectiles having an airfoil shape designed to provide a consistent outward vector upon being fired from the barrel of a weapon, and a. by means of a plastic or similar material discarding sabot formed holder to retain and orient the sub-projectiles prior to and during the discharge of the weapon which will facilitate their outward trajectory with full expansion of the integrated circumferential web, and b. by means of a series of filaments linking two oppositionally placed sub-projectiles to limit the outward travel of the sub-projectiles, and c. a series of ever-increasing circumferential filaments connected to the linking filaments in such a manner as to create a web upon deployment to stabilize, trap and destroy drones and other projectiles, and

2. a series of slip rings through which each of the multiple linking filaments pass allowing the circumferential web to reconfigure in a substantially identical circumferential web configuration automatically should one of the sub-projectiles become detached, and

3. in another embodiment the same projectile's range could be extended by including a dispersal charge within the sabot detonated by a time or proximity fuse, and

4. in another embodiment the linking and circumferential filaments could be of materials designed to generate static electricity to interfere with the target projectile or drone electronics, and

5. in another embodiment linking and circumferential filaments could be of a material which would deliver a or static charge or high voltage electrical discharge from batteries electricity contained in the sub-projectiles, and

6. in another embodiment the sub-projectiles or filaments could contain an explosive that would detonate on impact or on proximity with the sub-projectile and or the linking and circumferential filaments.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of a standard shotgun shell with a cutaway showing the invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross section of FIG. 1

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the sabot (wadding in common parlance) with a cutaway showing the invention

[0015] FIG. 4 is an oblique side and rear view of a single sub-projectile

[0016] FIG. 5 is an oblique side and rear view of the complete sub-projectiles and attaching filaments

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown a side view of a common shotgun shell 1. Contained within the shotgun shell is a sabot 2 which contains the sub-projectiles 3. The sub-projectiles 3 are individual aerodynamically shaped planforms designed to provide an aerodynamically derived outward force. The sabot 2 is more commonly called wadding in the shotgun industry. The purpose of the sabot 2 in this invention is to support the sub-projectiles 3 in a proper orientation so that upon exiting the barrel of the weapon they are oriented in such a manner to immediately begin providing aerodynamic force outward from the center spreading the web.

[0018] Referring in more detail to FIG. 2 there is shown a cross section of FIG. 1 as seen in cross section 2-2. This view shows the outer shell of the shotgun shell 1, the outer shell of the sabot 2, and the sub-projectiles 3. Additionally, the undeployed and stored web 4 (or net) is shown undeployed in the center of the sub-projectiles to which it is attached and upon which the outer aerodynamic forces will act.

[0019] Referring in more detail to FIG. 3 there is shown the sabot 2 removed from the shotgun shell 1 with a cutaway showing the sub-projectiles 3 in a radial placement oriented forward. The sabot 2 typically is a light polymer and has holes along its bottom designed to absorb and dissipate the shock of the explosive propellent contained in the shotgun shell 1.

[0020] Referring in more detail to FIG. 4 there is shown an oblique side and rearward view of a single sub-projectile 3 in flight. The sub-projectile 3 is connected to a series of attaching filaments 5 made of a high tensile filament made of Kevlar or similar material. The attaching filaments 5 pass through an attaching slip ring 6 which is a round plastic or metal ring having no openings through which the various filaments either attach or are guided. The attaching filaments 5 are allowed to move freely through the attaching slip ring 6 to allow the sub-projectile to find equilibrium as it generates outward force from its aerodynamic lifting moment. The linking filaments 7 are tied to the attaching slip ring 6 in a static manor. The linking filaments 7 are of the same high tensile type of material as the attaching filaments 5.

[0021] Referring in more detail to FIG. 5 there is shown an oblique side and rearward view of all parts of the sub-projectiles and their filaments as deployed. Linking filaments 7 are shown linking through multiple attaching slip rings 6 to its opposite sub-projectile 3. The direct linking filament 7 allows the opposing sub-projectiles 3 to provide opposing aerodynamic force to stretch the linking filament 7 taught. Linking filament 7 is permanently connected to attaching slip rings 6 by a knot but merely slipped through circumferential slip rings 9 to allow lateral movement of the two opposing sub-projectiles and to allow the circumferential filament 8 to self-adjust should the linking filament 7 break. The circumferential filament 8 is a circular filament that passes through each of the circumferential slip rings 9 located at the same distance from the center of the web. The circumferential filament 8 is free to move through each of the circumferential slip rings 9. Each circumferential filament 8 has a larger circumference that allows the formation of a web with multiple circumferential filaments 8. The number of circumferential Filaments 8 will be a function of the size of the overall circumferential and the size of the target projectile.

[0022] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.