US3646888A

US3646888A - Aerodynamic directional grenade, launcher therefor and weapons system utilizing the same

Info

Publication number: US3646888A
Application number: US811702A
Authority: US
Inventors: Philip Lynn Posson; Donald Baker Moore; Dallas Earl Nicholson
Original assignee: Explosive Technology Inc
Current assignee: Explosive Technology Inc
Priority date: 1969-03-27
Filing date: 1969-03-27
Publication date: 1972-03-07
Anticipated expiration: 1989-03-07

Abstract

An aerodynamic directional grenade in the form of a body formed of a high-energy explosive material, said grenade having a generally saucerlike configuration with upper and lower surfaces that are adapted to sail through the air, the upper surface having a length in the direction of airflow which is greater than the length of the lower surface in the direction of airflow, whereby, when the body is propelled through the air an aerodynamic lift is imparted to the body. Fragment forming means is carried adjacent to one portion of the body, and means is carried by the body for detonating the body. A launcher is provided for the aerodynamic directional grenade and has a launcher housing which carries a magazine that is adapted to receive a plurality of the grenades stacked one above the other, the housing having a discharge opening through which the grenades can be discharged. Means is mounted on the housing for receiving the grenades one by one from the magazine and discharging the same through the said opening at a speed so that the grenades are propelled aerodynamically through the air. Means is further included in said launcher to impart to the aerodynamic directional grenade a degree of rotation resulting in gyroscopic stability about an axis generally transverse to the direction of aerodynamic flight, requisite to maintaining a favorable aerodynamic flight orientation and desired orientation at detonation. Means is mounted on the housing for initiating operation, on or before the grenade leaves the housing, of the means carried by the body for detonating the body. The weapons system may typically be used on a vehicle on which at least one launcher is carried by the vehicle and in which the launcher includes a means for launching the grenades sequentially from said magazine and to disperse the grenades automatically over a predetermined area within reasonably immediate range of the vehicle within a relatively short period of time. A plurality of the launchers can be provided to cover all the immediate area around the vehicle. The weapons system is capable of saturating the area immediately in the vicinity of the launcher with lethal fragments within a very short period of time.

Description

United States Patent Posson et al.

[ Mar. 7, 1972 [54] AERODYNAMIC DIRECTIONAL GRENADE, LAUNCHER THEREFOR AND WEAPONS SYSTEM UTILIZING THE SAME [72] Inventors: Philip Lynn Posson, Suisun; Donald Baker Moore, San Lorenzo; Dallas Earl Nicholson, Napa, all of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Explosive Technology, Inc., Fairfield,

Calif.

[22] Filed: Mar. 27, 1969 [211 Appl. No.: 811,702

[52] U.S.Cl. ..102/67, 89/1 R, 102/4,

[51] Int. Cl ..F42b 13/48 [58] FieldofSearch ..89/1,14;102/69,65,67,1,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,204,282 11/1916 Lake ..89/14 2,023,158 12/1935 Williams ..102/64 2,328,276 8/1943 Hunt 102/8 2,972,949 2/1961 MacLeod.... 102/67 3,500,714 3/1970 Cullinane.... ..89/1

Primary Examiner-Sarnuel W. Engle Attorney-Flehr, Hohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert [57] ABSTRACT An aerodynamic directional grenade in the form of a body formed of a high-energy explosive material, said grenade having a generally saucerlike configuration with upper and lower 009/ item surfaces that are adapted to sail through the air, the upper surface having a length in the direction of airflow which is greater than the length of the lower surface in the direction of airflow, whereby, when the body is propelled through the air an aerodynamic lift is imparted to the body. Fragment forming means is carried adjacent to one portion of the body, and means is carried by the body for detonating the body.

A launcher is provided for the aerodynamic directional grenade and has a launcher housing which carries a magazine that is adapted to receive a plurality of the grenades stacked one above the other, the housing having a discharge opening through which the grenades can be discharged. Means is mounted on the housing for receiving the grenades one by one from the magazine and discharging the same through the said opening at a speed so that the grenades are propelled aerodynamically through the air. Means is further included in said launcher to impart to the aerodynamic directional grenade a degree of rotation resulting in gyroscopic stability about an axis generally transverse to the direction of aerodynamic flight, requisite to maintaining a favorable aerodynamic flight orientation and desired orientation at detonation. Means is mounted on the housing for initiating operation, on or before the grenade leaves the housing, of the means carried by the body for detonating the body.

The weapons system may typically be used on a vehicle on which at least one launcher is carried by the vehicle and in which the launcher includes a means for launching the grenades sequentially from said magazine and to disperse the grenades automatically over a predetermined area within reasonably immediate range of the vehicle within a relatively short period of time. A plurality of the launchers can be provided to cover all the immediate area around the vehicle. The weapons system is capable of saturating the area immediately in the vicinity of the launcher with lethal fragments within a very short period of time.

11 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures :HFATENTEDHARTISR v 3,545,888

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' SHEEIBUFA INVENTORSI PHILLIP L POSSON DONALD B MOORE DALLAS E NICHOLSON PATEN-TEUMAR 7 I972 SHEET u [1F 4 IAI INVENTORS I-IILLIP L. POSSON DONALD E. MOORE DALLAS E. NICHOLSON AERODYNAMIC DIRECTIONAL GRENADE, LAUNCHER THEREFOR AND WEAPONS SYSTEM UTILIZING THE SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Aerodynamic antipersonnel grenades of various types heretofore have been provided. However, such grenades have been generally designed so as to disperse lethal fragments in all directions. In other words, such grenades have not discharged a majority of the lethal fragments in only a single desired direction. There is need therefore for a new and improved grenade. In military warfare there is a need for providing a very rapid and highly efficient defensive response weapons system in the event a vehicle is ambushed or in other appropriate tactical maneuvers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS The aerodynamic directional grenade consists of a body which is formed of a high-energy explosive. The body, or alternately the body housing, is generally saucerlike in shape and is formed with an airfoil on its outer perimeter. Fragment forming means is carried adjacent one portion of the body and means is carried by the body for detonating the body to cause lethal fragments to be projected away from the body in generally one direction.

The launcher for the aerodynamically directional grenades consists of the housing with a magazine carried by the housing that is adapted to receive a plurality of the grenades stacked one above the other. The housing is provided with a discharge opening through which the grenades are adapted to be discharged. Means is mounted in the housing for receiving the grenades one by one through an inlet opening and of discharging the same in sequence through the discharge opening at a speed such that the grenades are propelled aerodynamically through the air and so that the grenades are spun such that they are gyroscopically stabilized with the axis of spin generally at right angles to the direction of aerodynamic flight. Means is mounted on the housing for initiating operation of the grenades as they are discharged from the housing.

Typically, the weapons system is for use on a vehicle already at a predetermined location in which at least one launcher is utilized. Each launcher is provided with a magazine in which it is capable of holding a plurality of aerodynamic directional grenades. The launcher includes means for launching the grenades sequentially from the magazine to disperse the grenades automatically over a predetermined area within a relatively short period of time to cause lethal fragments to saturate the said predetermined area within said relatively short period of time.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aerodynamic directional grenade, launcher therefor and weapons system utilizing the same which are relatively inexpensive and which can be utilized by relatively unskilled personnel.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a grenade launcher and weapons system which can be rapidly placed in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade launcher and weapons system of the above character which can be utilized for saturation of a preselected area with lethal fragments within a very short period of time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a launcher and weapons system of the above character whose operation is substantially automatic once operation has been initiated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a launcher and weapons system of the above character which is particularly useful in defensive situations as for example, with ambushed vehicles.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the above character which can be safely used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the above character in which the lethal fragments can be projected in a chosen direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the above character in which the functioning time is not critical.

Another object of the invention is to provide a grenade of the above character in which different types of fragments may be utilized.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments are set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an aerodynamic directional grenade incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the grenade shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing another embodiment of an aerodynamic directional grenade incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing another embodiment of an aerodynamic directional grenade incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing still another embodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a launcher for the aerodynamic directional grenades.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of the electrical circuitry utilized in conjunction with the launcher shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a weapons system incorporating the present invention utilizing launchers which are capable of launching the aerodynamic directional grenades and illus trating the manner in which a predetermined area can be saturated with the lethal fragments in a very short period of time.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration in plan of the weapons system as shown in FIG. 9 and illustrating the coverage which can be obtained by the launchers used by the weapons system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The aerodynamic directional grenade which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed in such a manner that it has aerodynamic properties for the purpose hereinafter described. Thus, as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the grenade is generally in the shape of an inverted saucer and is provided with a curved upper convex surface 13 and a generally planar bottom surface 14. The upper curved surface 13 is characterized by a central portion 13a, a slightly curved portion 13b which adjoins the portion 13a, a generally arcuate downwardly descending portion 13c which adjoins portion 13b and forms an annular rim, and a slightly intumed portion 13d which adjoins the portion 13c.

The hereinafter described geometry of the grenade 11 is such that when the grenade 1 l is propelled through the air, an aerodynamic lift is imparted to the body. This is because the geometry heretofore described forms what is conventionally called an airfoil. As is well known to those skilled in the art, an article is considered an airfoil when the distance over which the air must travel on the upper surface of the article is greater than that which it must travel on the lower surface so that a pressure differential is created that provides an aerodynamic lift as the article travels through the air. Since the grenade 11 is circular or disclike in configuration, the grenade 11 represents an annular or curvilinear airfoil so that even if it is spinning it will continuously present an airfoil in the direction of flight of the grenade 11 if the grenade 11 is being propelled in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of a symmetry of the grenade 11. Thus, in summary, aerodynamic lift is imparted to the grenade 11 as a function of its airfoillike geometry.

The aerodynamic directional grenade 11 which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a body 12 formed of a high-energy explosive. The explosive used in the grenade is one which is a solid at ambient operating temperatures. in addition, the explosive should be one which has high-energy and high brisance. Also, it should have a high density and should be capable of being cast, press-loaded or loaded by other mass production techniques. It is desirable that the explosive be stable at higher temperatures. Two types of general explosives which would be generally suitable are cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine lRDX) and cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX) both of which are available from the Holston Army Ammunition Plant at Kingsport, Tennessee. There are many compounds which utilize either RDX or HMX which would be suitable. One which would be particularly suitable is the castable composition commonly called Composition B which is normally comprised of 60% RDX and 40% TNT by weight. There are other castable compositions which utilize RDX and HMX as ingredients. There are also suitable pressable compositions which utilize IRDX. Also if desired. certain plastic bonded explosives also can be utilized. Alternatively, the explosive can be a liquid, a gel, or any other form which gives a dense consolidation of explosive energy.

Fragment producing means is carried adjacent the body 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this fragment producing means takes the form of a circular plate 16 formed of a suitable material such as steel which has been provided with a plurality of serrations 17 in the bottom surface 18 to provide a checkerboard pattern. As hereinafter explained, the plate 16 has been provided with the serrations 17 so that it will break apart or fragment into many parts upon the detonation of the body 12. Any suitable means such as an adhesive can be utilized for securing the plate 16 to the bottom planar surface 14 of the body 12.

if desired, a cover 21, formed of a suitable material such as plastic, can be provided to cover the upper portion of the body 12 and the side surface of the plate 16 which is secured to the bottom of the body 12. However, such a cover should be unnecessary in many applications because as explained previously, the body 12 can be formed of a solid high-energy explosive which is capable of being used in the present application without the necessity of a supplemental cover. If a liquid or gel is utilized for the explosive, it could be placed in a cavity formed between the cover 21 and the plate 16 as hereinafter described.

Means is carried by the body 12 for detonating the body 12 and consists of a combination time delay and detonator assembly 22. This time delay and detonator assembly 22 can be of any conventional type. It is merely necessary that a predetermined time delay, which need not be too precise, be provided and that the body 12 be detonated at the appropriate place within the body at the end of the time delay. The combination time delay and detonator unit 22 consists of an outer case 23 formed of a suitable conductive metal. The case 23 is embedded within body 12 at a point so that the upper extremity of the same extends slightly above the body 12 so that electrical contact can be made with same as hereinafter described. The case 23 contains a charge 24 which is formed of a suitable high explosive such as RDX that is capable of detonating the body 12. Another charge 26 is provided within case 23 for initiation of the RDX charge 24 and can typically consist of lead azide. A delay column 27 is mounted adjacent to the charge .26 and preferably is formed from a gasless delay composition such as a mixture of tungsten metal, barium chromate, and potassium perchlorate. The desired time delay can be obtained by varying the length of the delay column 27. Delays in the range from 2 to l seconds can readily be obtained. An ignition material 28 is disposed in the case 23 adjacent to the delay column 27 and typically can be of a type described in copending application, Ser. No. 669,296, filed on Sept. 20, l967 and entitled Pyrotechnic Composition. A plurality of resistance wires 31 extend through the ignition material 28 and have the other end connected to a pin 32 formed of a conducting material. The pin 32 is mounted in a ceramic insulator 33 secured to the bottom of the case 23. The pin 32 is in contact with the fragmentation plate 16.

As hereinafter described, when an electrical current path is established through the time delay and detonator assembly 22 by passing through the case 23, through the bridgewires or resistance wires 31, to the pin 32, through the plate 16, the resistance wires ignite the ignition mixture 28 which in turn ignites the delay column. The delay column after a predetermined length of time initiates the lead azide charge 26 which in turn detonates the detonator charge 24 and which thereafter detonates the body 12. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the detonation front which is created by the detonation of the RDX charge 24 propagates essentially spherically from the charge 24, downwardly and outwardly through the body 12 to fragment the plate 16 along the serrations 17 to provide a great number of fragments which are propelled at a high velocity in a generally downward direction as hereinafter described.

Another embodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade is shown in FIG. 3 and consists of an aerodynamic housing or cover 36 which is provided with an upper curved surface 37 which has much the same configuration as the upper curved convex surface of the cover 21 in FIG. 2. The housing or cover 36 can be formed of any suitable material such as a relatively strong impact resistant plastic such as ABS manufactured by B. F. Goodrich Company. A body 38 formed from a high-energy explosive of the type hereinbefore described is disposed within a cavity 39 provided within the housing 36. As can be seen, the body 38 is shown in the form of a disc having a generally rectangular cross section.

it should be appreciated that if desired any other configuration can be used for the body 38 as long as it fits within the cavity 39 provided within the housing 36. In this embodiment of the invention, the fragment forming means takes the form of a fragmentable plate 41 that has been formed by using a length of steel wire which is rectangular in cross section which has been wrapped in a spiral and which has been brazed together to form the plate 41. The wire has been provided with notches 42 at spaced intervals so that when the plate 41 is fragmented it will fragment into a plurality of cubes. The explosive body 38 and the fragmentable plate 41 is retained within the cavity 39 by an inwardly extending annular portion of the housing 3611 which engages the outer peripheral portion of the fragmentable plate 41 as can be seen in FIG. 3. A dishshaped sheet explosive 44 is mounted on top of and engages the top surface 46 of the explosive body 38. A filler 47 formed of a suitable inert material such as wood or plastic is provided to fill the space between the sheet explosive 44 and the surface 46.

A combination time delay and detonator assembly 48 is provided for detonating the grenade. The assembly 48 consists of a conducting metal case 49 which is embedded in the sheet explosive 44 and in the explosive body 38 and in other respects is generally very similar to the assembly 22 shown in the embodiment FIGS. 1 and 2. in the present embodiment, the case 49 does not extend through the cover or housing 36 and for that reason, a contact plate 51 is mounted on the cover on the upper surface thereof and is connected by a wire 52 to the case. In all other respects the function of the time delay and detonator assembly is the same. Upon detonation of the detonator charge at the upper end of the assembly 48, the sheet explosive 44 is first detonated, which in turn detonates body 38. Because of the sheet explosive, the body 38 will be detonated in an annular region which will cause a detonation wave front to propagate downwardly in a direction which is substantially normal to the plane of the fragmentable plate 41 so that the fragments which are formed will be projected downwardly in a substantially vertical direction with very little side scatter.

Another embodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade is shown in FIG. 4 and also consists of an aerodynamie covering or housing 54 of a suitable material such as hereinbefore described. The cavity 56 provided within the housing is substantially filled with a body 57 of a high-energy explosive of the general type hereinbefore described. The fragment forming means is provided by a plurality of steel balls 58 which are disposed in a single plane and which are embedded in a suitable retaining material such as a thermosetting plastic or aluminum, to provide a substantially planar platelike assembly 59 which is secured to the bottom of the body 58 by a suitable adhesive. The means carried by the body for detonation of the body consists of the combination time delay and detonator assembly 61 similar to the

assemblies

42 and 48 hereinbefore described. A contact plate 62 is provided on the top of the housing or cover 54 and is connected by a wire to the case 63. If the balls 58 are embedded in a plastic, an additional contact plate 64 must be provided on the bottom surface which is connected by a wire 66 to the pin which makes contact with the bridgewires.

The operation of this embodiment of the grenade is very similar to those hereinbefore described. The principle difference is that the lethal fragments are in the form of balls 58.

Still another embodiment of the aerodynamic directional grenade is shown in FIG. 5 and consists of an aerodynamic housing 68 formed of a material hereinbefore described. As can be seen the housing is provided with a curved upper surface 69 and a bottom planar surface 71. An annular body 72 formed of the high-energy explosive is disposed within a cavity 73 formed within the housing 68. As can be seen from FIG. 5 the body is formed in such a manner that the outer extremities are inclined upwardly from the horizontal at a suitable angle as for example an angle of 30. For a purpose hereinafter described, fragment forming means is secured to the body in the form of a serrated annular plate 74 which is secured to the lower surface of the body 72 by a suitable means such as an adhesive. Means is provided for detonating the body 72 and consists of a combination time delay and detonator assembly 76 which again is very similar to the type hereinbefore described with the exception that it is inverted. A contact plate is mounted on the upper surface 69 and is connected by a wire 78 to the pin which is connected to the bridgewires. Finally, a contact plate 79 is mounted on the bottom surface 71 of the housing 68 and is connected by a wire 81 to the case of the assembly 76. In order to properly locate the assembly 76 within the housing 68, a support block 82 is mounted within the housing and carries the assembly 76. In order for the combination time delay and detonator assembly 76 to detonate the annular body 72, suitable means such as a ring of sheet explosive 83 is provided which engages the lower extremity of the assembly 76 and has its outer margins in contact with the annular body 72. The outer margin of the ring 83 can be secured to the body 72 by a suitable means such as a clamping member 84. Alternatively in the place of the ring of sheet explosive 83, detonating cord or such suitable means can be utilized for detonating the body 72 from the assembly 76.

The operation of the grenade shown in FIG. 5 is very similar to those hereinbefore described with the exception that detonation of the body 72 will cause the fragments to be dispersed in an expanding conelike pattern in a downward direction. Because of the inclination of the body 72, the pattern which would be covered by a grenade of this type would be substantially greater than the patterns provided by the grenades of the other types hereinbefore described.

In all of the embodiments of the aerodynamic directional grenade herein described, it can be seen that the grenade itself has an outer geometry which gives an appearance of an inverted saucer so that at all times an airfoil is presented to the air through which the grenade is moving to provide an aerodynamic lift and in addition when the grenade is rotated about its axis of symmetry it will be spin stabilized thereby permitting it to travel relatively long distances at a low velocity as hereinafter described. As pointed out previously the aerodynamic geometry can either be provided by the housing if the explosive is carried within the housing or alternatively the explosive itself can be fashioned into a geometry giving the desired aerodynamic characteristics to the grenade. The fragment forming means for each of the grenades has been shown as being incorporated in the separate element as for example in the plate being secured to the lower portion of the body, however, alternatively, the elements themselves can even be possibly embedded within the explosive body adjacent the surface which is nearest the direction in which it is desired to propel the fragments or articles. Also it should be appreciated that although the fragments have been shown as being located on the bottom surface of the bodies to cause the fragments to be projected downward, if desired, the fragment forming means could be formed in other portions of the body and still retain the desirable aerodynamic characteristics of the grenade.

A launcher for launching the grenades hereinbefore described is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown therein, it consists of a housing 101 formed of a suitable material such as metal. The housing is provided with spaced parallel top and

bottom walls

102 and 103 respectively, and a generally circular sidewall 104. One portion of the housing 101 is formed to provide a discharge opening 106 which is generally tangential to an inner surface of a sidewall 104 as can be seen particularly in FIG. 6. The housing 101 is carried by a bearing assembly 108 which is rotated and mounted upon an output shaft 109 of a speed reducer 111 mounted upon a drive motor 112 of a suitable type such as a DC motor. The speed reducer 111 is provided with an additional output shaft 113 which carries a pinion gear 114. The pinion gear 114 is spring-loaded in an outward direction on the shaft 113 by a spring 116. The pinion gear 114 is adapted to engage an arcuate rack 117 mounted on the bottom wall 103 of the housing 101. The housing 101 is provided with means for receiving grenades of the type hereinbefore described and consists of a cylindrical member 119 mounted slightly off center of the housing 101 to form a receiving opening 121 that opens downwardly through the top wall 102 of the housing 101.

A cylindrical magazine 122 is mounted on the cylindrical member 119 in a suitable manner. For example, it can be hinged by the use of hinge means 123 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to permit the magazine 122 to be tilted away from the vertical in order to permit loading of the same. The magazine 122 is adapted to receive a cartridge 126 which is also cylindrical and adapted to fit within the magazine. A plurality of the grenades 11 are stacked one above the other within the magazine as can be seen in FIG. 7 with their spin axes being coincident with the axis of the cartridge and with their lower planar surfaces facing downwardly in the cartridge 126.

Means is provided for preventing the grenades 11 provided within the cartridge 126 from dropping into the opening 121 when the magazine 122 is raised to the vertical position as shown in FIG. 7. Such means consists of a forked member 127 which is provided with a pair of prongs 128. The prongs 128 extend through holes 129 provided in the cylindrical member 119. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the prongs are spaced apart but extend into the opening 121 and prevent the grenades l 1 from dropping through the opening while the prongs are in the holes 129.

Suitable means is provided for withdrawing the forked member 127 when it is desired to release the grenades 11 from the magazine 122 and consists of an electrical solenoid 131 which is mounted on the housing 101.

Means is provided for discharging the grenades 11 when they are dropped into the housing and consists of a two-bladed impeller 136 which is fixed to the shaft 109 and rotates with the shaft 109. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the impeller 136 extends diametrically in the housing 101 and is of such a length that there is very little space between the impeller 136 and the sidewall 104. V

The launcher includes means for initiating operation for each of the grenades before they are discharged from the launcher which consists of a contact plate 138 which is secured to the bottom side of the top wall 102 of the housing T01 adjacent to the discharge opening 106 as can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7. The electrical circuitry for operating the initiation means and the other associated electrical parts of the launcher is shown in FIG. 8. The circuitry includes a simple source of power such as a battery 139 which is adapted to be connected by a switch 144 to the operating parts of launcher. The motor 112 is provided with a centrifugal switch 146 which when the motor 112 reaches a predetermined speed. closes its contacts to energize the solenoid 131. The motor 112 and the contact plate 138 are energized at the time the switch 144 is closed.

Operation of the launcher shown in FIGS. 6. 7 and 8 may now be described as follows. Let it be assumed that the cartridge 136 has been loaded with a suitable number of grenades 11 as for example [8. and that the cartridge has been placed in the magazine 122. Let it also be assumed that the magazine 122 has been raised to the vertical position and that the grenades 11 are resting on the forked member 127 as shown in FIG. 7. Now let it also be assumed that a situation has arisen in which it is desirable that all the grenades be discharged from the launcher. This can be accomplished by closing the switch .144 which energizes the motor 112 and the contact plate 138. As soon as the motor 112 is energized. it operates the speed reducer 111 which in turn causes rotation of the

shafts

109 and 113. The speed reducer 111 is geared in such a manner that shaft 109 rotates at a much higher speed than does shaft 113. The impeller 136 begins rotating immediately and as soon as the motor 112 has reached full speed. the centrifugal switch 146 closes and energizes the solenoid 131. Energization of the solenoid 131 withdraws the forked member 127 and permits the first grenade 11 to drop downwardly in through the opening 121 and into the housing 101. Only one grenade at a time can drop into the housing because the housing 101 only has a depth which is sufficient to accommodate one grenade at a time. As soon as the grenade has dropped into the housing. it will be engaged by the impeller which by this time will be rotating at full speed and will cause the grenade to be rotated rapidly about the shaft 109 and at the same time it will rapidly move outwardly toward the outer wall 104 of the housing 101. The grenade will be spun along the outer wall 104 and will pick up circulatory motion about its axis of symmetry while at the same time gathering momentum in a forward direction so that it will be discharged very rapidly through the opening 106 in a tangential direction in a generally horizontal plane. Because of the aerodynamic characteristics of the grenade itself, some lifting action will be imparted to the grenade and it will have a tendency to travel in a gradually upward trajectory outwardly from the launcher. Because rotational action has been imparted to the grenade while it is being launched. it is spin stabilized during its flight. Thus, the grenade will have a tendency to travel over relatively long distances at a low velocity and with a relatively precise trajectory. it should be appreciated however that these factors can be readily controlled by the size of the grenade. the mass, the moment of inertia and the ratio of the rotational momenturn to the translational momentum imparted to the grenade during launch. However in general. as long as the grenade is traveling, the upwardly curved surface will remain in an upward position and the lower generally planar surface will remain facing downwardly.

it should be pointed out that at the time the grenade was launched. it came into contact with the contact plate 138 which caused an electrical current flow through the combination time delay and detonator assembly 22 carried by the grenade. This caused initiation of the same and depending upon the time delay that had been built into the grenade, the grenade will detonate within a predetermined time after launch. Detonation of the grenade will cause a large number of fragments to be projected downwardly toward the ground to saturate a preselected area with lethal fragments. The pattern covered by each of the grenades is determined by the configuration of the grenade as hereinbefore described.

The grenades are launched in relatively rapid succession by the launcher until they have all been launched. The area that TS to be covered by the grenade can be programmed by using different time delays in the different grenades carried by the cartridge. This would in effect give a dispersion in a radial direction. The launcher is provided with additional means whereby dispersion can be effected circumferentially of the launcher. This is accomplished by rotation of the pinion 114 which travels relatively slowly to cause rotational movement of the housing 101 on the shaft 109 by engagement of the arcuate rack 117. Thus. as the grenades are sequentially ejected from the launcher. the housing 101 is gradually rotated about its axis so that the grenades are launched to different angles with respect to the launcher so that a relatively wide area can be covered with a single launcher.

After all the grenades have been launched, and it is desired to return the launcher to its original position, the pinion 114 can be depressed. and the housing 101 can be returned to its normal position by hand. Thereafter, the pinion 114 can be released to again permit it to engage the rack 117.

A weapons system utilizing the launcher and the grenades hereinbefore described is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown therein. a motorized vehicle 141 has been provided with six launchers 99. three of which are mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle to provide 360 coverage. With such an arrangement. each of the launchers 99 would be utilized to cover an angle of approximately as shown in FIG. 10. From the pattern that is provided in FIG. 10. it can be seen that substantially all areas in the general vicinity of the vehicle are covered by the grenades from the launchers.

To illustrate the manner of use of the weapons system, let it be assumed that the vehicle 141 is traveling down a road in enemy territory and that it finds that the road is blocked and shortly thereafter the vehicle is being fired upon. The operators within the vehicle immediately initiate a defensive response by operating one or more switches to place in operation the launchers 99. The launchers would immediately begin launching the grenades automatically one by one in sequence from each launcher so that each launcher would cover its preselected area surrounding the vehicle with lethal fragments within a very short period of time. It is readily within the capability of each grenade to project downwardly at least 3,200 1- grain fragments at velocities up to 2,000 meters per second in a downward cone-shaped pattern designed to cover an area approximately 40 meters in diameter with an average fragment impact density of 1 fragment per 5 square feet. By dispersing l8 grenades from each of the launchers, each launcher could uniformly blanket a quadrant with fire extending from a minimum desirable radius of 50 meters from the vehicle out to a maximum effective range of approximately 200 meters. With such a high density of lethal fragments. it should be possible to achieve a kill or casualty probability of 30 to 40 percent in the immediate area surrounding the vehicle in a relatively short period of time as for example within 30 seconds. The dispersion of the grenades from each of the launchers over the desired pattern would be achieved by the use of different time delays within the grenades themselves and by rotating the housing 101 as hereinbefore described. The areas that would be covered by the fragments resulting from the individual grenades in the quadrant are represented by the circles 146 shown in FIG. 10. Typically, the grenades would be detonated at a height approximately 20 meters above the ground.

The operation of the weapons system hereinbefore described on the vehicle 141 should be sufficient to suppress the enemy fire and permit the occupants of the vehicle 141, should it be desirable, to seek protective cover. Alternatively. if the vehicle has not been damaged, they can withdraw from the area. if other vehicles are accompanying the vehicle 141, the deployment of the weapons system hereinbefore described. can provide sufficient time for conventional weapons to be brought to bear upon the enemy force.

ln addition to the lethal characteristics of the grenade hereinbefore described, the grenade should also have other psychological deterrent factors for the enemy. For example the inherent low velocity of the grenade which makes it visible would present a psychological factor to the enemy because of the anticipation and fear created by the sight of the grenade. In addition, if desired, the serrations on the fragmentation means could be designed such as that when the grenade travels through the air, it would make a whistling or whining sound to present an additional psychological factor to the enemy.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there has been provided a very new and novel type of grenade of a type which heretofore has not been available. In addition, there has been provided a launcher which automatically can launch a large number of the grenades and distribute the same over a predetermined area. The launcher and the grenades can be readily combined into a weapons system to provide immediate defensive power. Although the weapons system has been described for use with the motorized vehicle, it is readily apparent that it can be used in conjunction with other types of vehicles such as patrol boats, helicopters and the like. It will also be apparent that the weapons system can be used in tactical situations not involving vehicles of the type hereinbefore described. For example, the weapons system can be utilized in the protection of field fortifications wherein such fortifications are subject to periodic infiltration or mass attack by enemy forces. In such instances, the weapons system hereinbefore described can be utilized in preselected quadrants to provide a ready source of emergency fire power to be utilized in the event of enemy troop attack requiring immediate response.

We claim:

1. A time delay aerodynamic directional grenade designed for in-flight detonation above ground to direct fragments thereof generally in a single direction downwardly, comprising an airfoil contoured symmetrical body having generally a disc shape defined by a generally planar circular bottom surface and a curved convex upper surface joined with said bottom surface at an annular rim, such airfoil contour imparting aerodynamic lift to said grenade as the same moves through the air prior to detonation thereof; said body comprising a mass of high-energy explosive; a platelike member operatively secured to said mass of explosive and adapted to be fragmented and propelled downwardly upon detonation of said explosive; and time-delay detonator means carried by said body for detonating said mass of explosive in the air a predetermined time after said grenade is launched; said time delay detonator means including contact plate structure exposed at one surface of said grenade for initiating detonation of said mass of explosive in predetermined time delay sequence following launching of said grenade.

2. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member defines said bottom surface of said grenade.

3. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by a serrated plate designed to separate into a plurality of separate fragments upon detonation of said mass of explosive.

4. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator means further includes a detonator charge for initiating detonation of said mass of explosive a predetermined time after initiation of detonation of said detonator charge.

5. The grenade of claim 4 in which said time delay detonator means further includes a column of delay composition interposed between said detonator charge and said mass of explosive, said delay column being of predetermined length selected in accordance with the length of time delay desired between launching of said grenade and in-flight detonation of said mass of explosive.

6. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator means is of the type which is electrically actuatable upon electric current being applied to said contact late structure.

7. The grenade o c arm 1 whlch |s fu er defined by a housing of generally inverted saucer shape enclosing said mass of explosive, and in which said platelike member defines the bottom surface thereof and closes off said housing.

8. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by a notched coil of wire formed into a fragmentable plate.

9. The grenade of claim 1 in which said platelike member is defined by a plurality of balls embedded in a generally flat mass of fragmentable material.

10. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator means further includes a sheet explosive overlying said mass of explosive and positioned in an annular region above said mass of explosive to propagate a detonation wave train downwardly through said mass of explosive.

11. The grenade of claim 1 in which said mass of explosive is in the shape of an annulus which is inclined upwardly from the horizontal, and in which said platelike member is secured to the bottom of said annulus and inclined therewith.

Claims

1. A time delay aerodynamic directional grenade designed for inflight detonation above ground to direct fragments thereof generally in a single direction downwardly, comprising an airfoil contoured symmetrical body having generally a disc shape defined by a generally planar circular bottom surface and a curved convex upper surface joined with said bottom surface at an annular rim, such airfoil contour imparting aerodynamic lift to said grenade as the same moves through the air prior to detonation thereof; said body comprising a mass of high-energy explosive; a platelike member operatively secured to said mass of explosive and adapted to be fragmented and propelled downwardly upon detonation of said explosive; and time-delay detonator means carried by said body for detonating said mass of explosive in the air a predetermined time after said grenade is launched; said time delay detonator means including contact plate structure exposed at one surface of said grenade for initiating detonation of said mass of explosive in predetermined time delay sequence following launching of said grenade.

6. The grenade of claim 1 in which said time delay detonator means is of the type which is electrically actuatable upon electric current being applied to said contact plate structure.

7. The grenade of claim 1 which is further defined by a housing of generally inverted saucer shape enclosing said mass of explosive, and in which said platelike member defines the bottom surface thereof and closes off said housing.