Abstract:
Small, medium and large caliber ammunition housing multiple projectiles are traced by means of a tracing/marking system utilizing chemlucent chemicals. The tracing/marking system also provides target marking when using small, medium and large caliber ammunition. Multiple projectiles are coated in a chemlucent chemical (referenced as the coating) and placed in the ammunition. Additionally, a liquid chemlucent chemical in a separate container is placed in the ammunition. When launched or fired from a gun or munition, the separate container breaks and the coating and the chemlucent chemicals combine, emitting light. The present system applies to multiple projectiles that are either launched in a scatter pattern from a gun or dispersed in a scatter pattern after the housing of the ammunition opens up outside the gun after firing. For military ammunition, the tracing/marking system may use buckshot, steel balls, or tungsten balls. The tracing/marking system may also use various shaped projectiles such as stars, cubes, balls or flechettes. The chemlucent chemicals used by the tracing/marking system are non-flammable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of provisional application 60/481,765, filed Dec. 10, 2003, the entire file wrapper contents of which provisional application are herein incorporated by reference as though fully set forth at length. 

   FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT 
   The invention described herein may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the U.S. Government for U.S. Government purposes. 

   BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to munitions and cartridges employing a main projectile which contains multiple projectiles; these munitions and cartridges are used for training and tactical purposes in military applications and used for hunting in commercial applications. In particular, this invention relates to small, medium and large caliber ammunition including shot gun, mortar, canister, tank, artillery and canon caliber munitions comprising chemlucent chemicals capable of providing tracers to detail the trajectory of the multiple projectiles and mark target impact locations. More specifically, the main projectile and the multiple projectiles launched from the main projectile provides a trace/mark of its flight and impact area on the target. This is accomplished by chemlucent chemicals coated on the multiple projectiles emit light in visible light or IR spectrum. The chemlucents used are biodegradable, non-toxic and non-flammable. 
   2. Background of the Invention 
   In both military and non-military organizations, training and tactical exercises commonly employ materials capable of providing a visible trace of a projectile&#39;s trajectory after firing from a weapon. This visible trace, or tracer, assures that the projectile has been delivered to its desired target site and that its flight path has been traced from gun tube to target. 
   A requirement for the tracer is that an observer should be able to see the tracer in the applications it is intended for. The present invention can be used for observation of multiple projectiles in low light conditions. 
   Current tracer technology employs pyrotechnic compositions comprised of pyrotechnic materials that burn and create light. These pyrotechnic compositions are typically loaded into the back end of the projectile, or round. Common to the industry, when a projectile is loaded into a cartridge case containing a primer and propellant, the entire round is called a cartridge. After the projectile is fired from the weapon, the tracer ignites and burns, creating a visible light that can be observed as the projectile travels to its target. The observer or gunner can consequently see the trace of the projectile flight. If necessary, the observer can then adjust the weapon so that the next round fired can impact the desired target location. Exemplary pyrotechnic compositions suitable for such purpose may contain such chemicals as strontium nitrate, magnesium powder, potassium nitrate, barium nitrate, chlorinated rubber and the like. 
   Although such conventional methods have met with some degree of success, workers in the art have encountered certain difficulties. For example, tracer ammunition has frequently resulted in fires on training ranges that have been attributed to energetic material tracers contacting and burning surrounding brush and other ground material. These fires incur additional costs in extinguishing the fires and also interrupt training exercise. Consequently, training exercises may be extended to replace time lost, thereby incurring additional expense. Furthermore, materials used in pyrotechnic tracers are environmentally unfriendly. These materials often pose environmental hazards to training areas as a result of toxic emissions into the atmosphere and such materials leaching into ground water. Still further, tracer materials commonly in use are impact and pressure sensitive. Since projectiles housing the pyrotechnic materials may be transported, the nature and explosive properties of these pyrotechnic materials add significant costs and danger to personnel. 
   Tracers have also utilized chemlucent or chemiluminescent materials. The chemlucent or chemiluminescent materials are similar to conventional chemiluminescents, however, certain ingredients and manufacturing techniques were developed to obtain the capability of long duration (up to several hours for marker application) and high light intensity tracing and marking capability. The oxalate component employed is in a liquid (contained in glass vials) and may also be made into a powdered form. When the oxalate is mixed with liquid peroxide, a non-toxic slurry is formed that is non-flammable and biodegradable and gives off light. In addition, the chemiluminescent can provide a visible or infrared (IR) light source. The infrared (IR) light source provides a stealth capability such that only soldiers with infrared (IR) vision equipment can observe the trace or mark. As taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,181, granted on Dec. 24, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference, the chemlucent can be used to provide a trace for a projectile. This projectile, carried the chemlucent as a cargo, to be dispersed by the projectile after impact onto a target and therefore mark the target with the chemlucent material. 
   For purposes of explanation it should be noted that the following is commonly known to the industry. Ammunition that contains a main projectile, which houses multiple projectiles, and the main projectiles breaks up in the gun or at the gun muzzle exit, releasing the multiple projectiles to continue on to engage the target, is known as or referred to as a muzzle action cartridge, muzzle action round or muzzle action projectile. Ammunition that contains a main projectile, which houses multiple projectiles, and the main projectiles continues on to target a distance until a fuze is activated and expels the multiple projectile payload to continue on and engage the target, is known as or referred to as a cargo cartridge or cargo round or cargo projectile. 
   Although this technology has proven to be useful, it would be desirable to present additional improvements. What is needed is a way to provide trace and mark to multiple projectiles housed in a single main projectile, which is part of a ammunition cartridge for muzzle action projectiles. It is also desirable to provide trace and mark for a main cargo projectile that carries multiple projectiles a distance and then with fuze action expel the multiple projectiles (the main projectile falls to the ground) to continue and engage the target. Therefore, trace is needed for the main projectile and then trace and mark is needed for the multiple projectiles after they leave the main projectile. The method of providing the trajectory trace and target impact mark should be non-flammable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Another need is to have a chemlucent chemical, in a powdered or slurry form, that emits light (visible or IR) and can be fired along with the multiple projectiles and travel in the same vicinity of the projectiles and mark the target impact area. The need is for small, medium and large caliber ammunition including shotgun, canister, cargo, mortar, artillery and tank ammunition projectiles that are part of a cartridge. The need for such a system has heretofore remained unsatisfied. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   OTe present invention satisfies this need, and presents a system and an associated method (collectively referred to herein as “the system”or “the present system”) for providing trajectory traces and target impact marks using small, medium and large caliber ammunition which contains a main projectile housing multiple projectiles known as a payload. These main projectiles are part of a cartridge or ammunition round or item. 
   It should be noted that the shotgun cartridge contains multiple shot known as buckshot that are launched directly from the gun tube (muzzle action cartridge). 
   The small, medium and large caliber canister cartridge can be similar to a shotgun cartridge and may launch the multiple projectiles directly from the gun (muzzle action). These multiple projectiles are usually steel or tungsten balls, cubes, or flechettes (other projectiles may also be used in the industry and are applicable for the technology of this patent). There are also small, medium and large caliber canister cargo projectiles that are launched from the gun tube as a single main cargo projectile containing the multiple projectiles inside. When the main cargo projectile goes a predetermined distance a fuze is activated that pushes or expels the multiple projectiles (payload) out of the main cargo projectile. 
   Following the release of the payload, the main cargo projectile goes to the ground. The payload or multiple projectiles travel on to and engage (impact) the target. Similarly, mortar, tank and artillery main projectiles are intact as they exit the gun. They are mostly cargo projectiles and only occasionally muzzle action projectiles. As the main mortar, tank and artillery cargo projectile goes a predetermined distance or approaches its target, a fuze is activated that pushes or expels the multiple projectiles (payload) out of the main cargo projectile. The multiple projectiles continue on to their target while the main cargo projectile goes to the ground. 
   In order to provide trace and mark to the multiple projectiles or payload, a coating of a chemlucent chemical (referenced as the coating) is applied to the multiple projectiles. The projectiles are then placed or loaded into the ammunition item in the same manner as commonly loaded in the industry. Optionally, this chemlucent coating may contain waxes, silicone or liquid/slurry plastics to aid in adherence of the chemlucents to the multiple projectiles. Additionally, a liquid chemlucent chemical in a separate bag container and an optional chemlucent powder surrounding the multiple projectiles is placed in the ammunition. 
   When launched or fired from a gun or munition, the separate container breaks and the coating and the chemlucent chemicals combine, emitting light from the surface of the multiple projectiles and the chemlucent chemicals surrounding the multiple projectiles. The present system applies to multiple projectiles that are either launched in a scatter pattern from a gun (muzzle action) or dispersed in a scatter pattern after the housing of the cargo projectile opens up outside the gun after firing. 
   Another embodiment is to place chemlucent liquid in glass, plastic or composite vials or inside a bag along with the multiple projectiles. As the projectiles are fired from the gun, the two chemicals mix, emit light from the surface of the multiple projectiles and the chemlucent chemicals that travel with the multiple projectiles. Upon impact with the target the chemicals are deposited onto the target, from the surface of the projectiles and the chemlucent powder following the projectiles, therefore marking it. It should be noted that the chemlucent powder that is not coated to the multiple projectiles will only travel approximately up to 50 meters. The chemlucent coated multiple projectiles will provide trace and mark to the intended target. 
   For military ammunition, the present system may use buckshot, steel balls, or tungsten balls. The system may also use various shaped projectiles such as stars, cubes, balls, or flechettes (other multiple projectiles are applicable for this technology). The present system utilizes chemlucent chemicals to trace the trajectory of the multiple projectiles and show the range and scope of projectile distribution. These chemlucent chemicals are nonflammable, biodegradable, and non-toxic. The present system enables the user to determine the effectiveness against single or multiple targets and adjust the firing of the next round. In addition, the present system allows the user to judge the effectiveness of the distribution of a particular projectile type and its effectiveness in engaging multiple targets at different ranges. Further ore, the present system allows for marking target impact locations, indicating the effectiveness of each round fired and enhancing training of military personnel. 
   The present system can provide a trace only, of the main cargo projectile, if the main cargo projectile is transparent or translucent (made of plastics or composites). This is accomplished by the light emitted from the coated multiple projectiles, passing through the transparent or translucent main cargo projectile. Once the main cargo projectile expels its payload, the main cargo projectile falls to the ground and only the trace and mark of the multiple projectiles is seen. If the main projectile is opaque, made of steel or aluminum, then the flight of the main cargo projectile will not have a trace. 
   For commercial use, the present system utilizes bchemlucent coated uckshot loaded in a shotgun. cartridge A trace of the trajectory of the buckshot enables a user to evaluate the effectiveness of each shot and adjust the trajectory of future shots. As an advantage, the present system is non-flammable, biodegradable, and non-toxic and can be used on all training ranges and hunting locations. 
   The light emitted by the present system that provides tracing capability is created by combining a first chemlucent chemical (chemlucent chemical  1 ) with a second chemlucent chemical (chemlucent chemical  2 ). The chemlucent chemical  1  comprises, for example, a peroxide and alcohol mix; the chemlucent chemical  2  comprises, for example, an oxalate liquid or powder. The multiple projectiles are coated with chemlucent chemical  2  in liquid form and allowed to dry, forming coated projectiles. Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2  coating may contain waxes, silicone or liquid/slurry plastics to aid in adherence of the chemlucents to the multiple projectiles. The coated multiple projectiles are then loaded in a single main projectile and made into a cartridge in the same manner as presently done in the industry. Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2  in powder form may be placed among the coated multiple projectiles inside the main projectile or cartridge (as in the case of a shotgun cartridge). 
   A bag containing chemlucent chemical  1  is loaded in the main projectile or shotgun cartridge among the coated multiple projectiles. In an alternate embodiment chemlucent chemical  1  is loaded in a glass or plastic or composite vial and placed in a bag with optional chemlucent  2  powder. When the coated projectiles are launched from the gun tube or munition, the coated projectiles puncture a bag containing the chemlucent chemical  1 , breaking the bag. Alternatively, the bag breaks under the setback forces induced by gun launch. The bag could be made of any plastic or composite material that is compatible with the chemlucent chemicals. Such compatible plastics are polyethylene or polypropylene. If vials are used to contain ,e chemlucent chemical  1 , it breaks under the setback forces induced by gun launch or by the projectiles that impact the vials during gun launch. Chemlucent chemical  1  and chemlucent chemical  2  mix, creating a chemlucent chemical mixture. The chemlucent chemical mixture emits light, providing a trajectory trace to the target. 
   In one embodiment, additional chemlucent chemical  2  in powder form is loaded with the coated projectiles. The additional chemlucent chemical  2  combines with chemlucent chemical  1  after the bag is broken or ruptured by the coated projectiles, forming additional chemlucent chemical mixture. When the coated projectiles strike a hard object, a portion of the chemlucent chemical mixture transfers from the projectile to the object, marking the target impact location on the object. 
   In another embodiment, the chemlucent chemical mixture is a visible formulation, emitting visible light. In another embodiment, the chemlucent chemical mixture is an infrared (IR) formulation requiring night vision devices to observe the trajectory trace target mark. 
   The assembly for all the aforementioned projectiles and cartridges are done in the standard way performed in the industry, except for the addition of the chemlucent chemicals, bags and/or vials which are included with the loading of the multiple projectiles. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The various features of the present invention and the manner of attaining them are described in greater detail with reference to the following description, claims, and drawings, wherein reference numerals are reused, where appropriate, to indicate a correspondence between the referenced items, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional shotgun cartridge; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional 105 or 120 mm canister cartridge; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional 105 or 120 mm artillery or tank cartridge carrying various projectiles; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional 60, 81, or 120 mm mortar main cargo projectile carrying various projectiles; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a shotgun cartridge showing coated multiple projectiles and a chemlucent chemical in a bag, each surrounded by optional chemlucent chemical powder; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a shotgun cartridge showing the coated multiple projectiles surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder and the chemlucent chemicals in glass, plastic or composite vials suspended in a plastic spider and surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder; 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm canister cartridge showing the location of a chemlucent chemical in a plastic or composite bag and the location of the coated multiple projectiles; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm canister cartridge showing the coated multiple projectiles surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder and the chemlucent chemicals in glass or plastic or composite vials suspended in a plastic spider and surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder all in a plastic or composite bag; 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm artillery or tank cartridge showing the location of a chemlucent liquid in a plastic or composite bag and the location of the coated multiple projectiles surrounded by optional chemlucent chemical powder; and 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm artillery or tank cartridge showing the coated multiple projectiles surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder and the chemlucent chemicals in glass or plastic or composite vials suspended in a plastic spider and surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder; 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a 60, 81, or 120 mm mortar projectile showing the location of chemlucent chemical in a plastic or composite bag and various multiple projectiles coated with chemlucent chemicals; and 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a 60, 81, or 120 mm mortar projectile showing the coated multiple projectiles surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder and the chemlucent chemicals in glass or plastic or composite vials suspended in a plastic spider and surrounded by an optional chemlucent chemical powder. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional shotgun cartridge  100 . The shotgun cartridge  100  comprises a case  110 , a head  115 , a wad  120 , a primer  125 , a propellant  130 , and shot  135 . Head  120  comprises, for example, brass. 
     FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional 105 or 120 mm canister cartridge  200  (also referenced as canister cartridge  200 ). Canister cartridge  200  comprises a main canister projectile  210 , a case cap (adaptor)  215 , a cartridge case  220 , a case base  225 , a primer  230 , a propellant  235 , balls  240 , cubes  245 , and flechettes  250 . Balls  240 , cubes  245  and flechettes typically comprise steel or tungsten. 
     FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional 105 or 120 mm artillery or tank cartridge  300  (also referenced as tank cartridge  300 ). Tank cartridge  300  comprises a tank or artillery main cargo projectile  310 , a case adapter  315 , a cartridge case  320 , a case base  325 , a primer  330 , a propellant  335 , balls  340 , cubes  345 , and flechettes  350 . Case base  325  comprises a seal, not shown. Balls  340 , cubes  345  and flechettes typically comprise steel or tungsten. 
     FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a conventional 60, 81 or 120 mm mortar main cargo projectile  400  (also referenced as mortar projectile  400 ). Mortar projectile  400  comprises a mortar projectile main body  410 , balls  415 , cubes  420 , and flechettes  425 . Balls  415 , cubes  420  and flechettes  425  typically comprise steel or tungsten. 
     FIG. 5  portrays an exemplary overall environment in which a system and associated method for a flameless tracer/marker for multiple projectiles utilizing chemlucent chemicals according to the present invention may be used. The present invention is illustrated by exemplary shotgun cartridge  500 . Shotgun cartridge  500  comprises a case  510 , a head  515 , a wad  520 , a primer  525 , a propellant  530 , a bag  535 , chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , shot  545 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Bag  535  is comprised of polyethylene or polypropylene plastic or a composite material that is compatible with chemical  1 ,  540  and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . 
   Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , is contained in bag  535  and comprises, for example, peroxide and alcohol. Shot  545  is optionally coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  coating may contain waxes, silicone or liquid/slurry plastics to aid in adherence of the chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  to shot  545 . Shot  545  is loaded into the shotgun cartridge  500 . Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powdered form is a loaded into the shotgun cartridge  500  with shot  545 . Chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , may comprise, for example, oxalate powder. Bag  535  is placed in the shotgun cartridge  500  with shot  545 . 
   When shotgun cartridge  500  is fired in a gun, chemlucent chemical  2  coated shot  545  punctures bag  535  and passes through the chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , contained in bag  535 . Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , combines with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , on the coated shot  545 . The mixture of chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , emits visible light from the coating on each of the shot, providing a trajectory trace and target mark from each of the shot that travels to the target. In additional, the optional chemlucent powder chemical  2  travels through chemlucent chemical  1  and emits visible light and travels with the shot  545  providing a trace of its flight and a mark on the target. The chemlucent powder can travel up to 50 meters with the shot  545 . In an embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , comprise an infrared (IR) formulation requiring night vision devices (NVD) to observe the trace and mark. 
     FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a shotgun cartridge  600  with chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , placed in glass or plastic or composite vials  610  held apart by a plastic spider  615 . Shotgun cartridge  600  comprises case  510 , head  515 , wad  520 , primer  525 , propellant  530 , shot  545 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . The plastic spider  615  is placed in bag  620 . and surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Bag  620  is comprised of polyethylene or polypropylene plastic or a composite material that is compatible with chemical  1 ,  540  and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Shot  545  is coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry before being loaded into the cartridge. Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  coating may contain waxes, silicone or liquid/slurry plastics to aid in adherence of the chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  to shot  545 . In addition, shot  545  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   In an embodiment, bag  535  ( FIG. 5 ) and bag  620  ( FIG. 6 ) may be placed in other locations among the shot  545 . Optionally, shot  545  may be coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, shot  545  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   In a further embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , may be placed in separate bags and positioned in shotgun cartridge  600  to allow shot  545  to puncture both bags, allowing chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , to combine and emit light. Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , combine, adhere to shot  545 , and emit light. Optionally, shot  545  are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, shot  545  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   The embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  may use either visible or IR light chemlucent formulations. 
     FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm canister cartridge  700  (also referenced as canister cartridge  700 ). Canister cartridge  700  comprises a main canister projectile  710 , a case cap (adapter)  715 , a cartridge case  720 , a case base  725 , a primer  730 , a propellant  735 , a bag  740 , flechettes  745 , cubes  750 , balls  755 , chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Case base  725  comprises a seal, not shown. The flechettes  745 , cubes  750 , and balls  755 , collectively referenced as multiple projectiles  760 , are coated with chemlucent chemical  2  and allowed to dry before being loaded into the cartridge. 
   Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  coating may contain waxes, silicone or liquid/slurry plastics to aid in adherence of the chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  to multiple projectiles  760 . In an embodiment, the multiple projectiles  760  comprise steel. In a further embodiment, the multiple projectiles  760  comprise tungsten. Other projectiles may also be used in the industry and are applicable for the technology of this patent. The main canister projectile  710  is comprised of steel, aluminum, plastic or composite which is standard in the industry. 
   The projectiles  760  are placed in the main canister projectile  710  with bag  740  containing chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 . It is noted that loading of this projectile  760  is done exactly the same as in the industry except the bag and chemlucent chemicals are added when the multiple projectiles  760  are added to the main canister projectile  710 . Similarly cartridges and projectiles for  FIGS. 5 to 12  will be built in same manner as industry standard except the chemlucent chemicals and their containers will be added along with the multiple projectiles  760 . When the main canister projectile  710  is fired or launched from a gun, the multiple projectiles  760  puncture bag  740  and pass through the chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , contained in bag  740 . Alternatively, bag  740  breaks under the setback forces induced by gun launch of main canister projectile  710 . Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , combines with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , on the multiple projectiles  760  to emit light, providing a trajectory trace and target mark. 
   In an embodiment, optional chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form is placed in the main canister projectile  710  with the multiple projectiles  760 . When the chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powdered form combines with chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , the resulting chemlucent chemical mixture emits light. In yet another embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , comprise an infrared (IR) formulation requiring night vision devices (NVD) to observe the trace and mark. 
   As previously stated some main canister projectiles  710  are muzzle action and some are main canister cargo projectiles  710 . If the main canister projectile  710  is designed to be muzzle action and release the multiple projectiles  760  inside the gun tube or at the muzzle, then the main canister projectile  710  is consumed or breaks up inside the gun tube. The coated multiple projectiles  760  leave the gun tube, emitting light, therefore providing trace or their flight from the gun muzzle to the target and mark the target as aforementioned. The optional powdered chemlucents will also travel with the multiple projectile  760  and provide trace and mark up to 50 meters. 
   If the main canister projectile  710  has a fuze, it is known as a main canister cargo projectile  710 . After gun launch, the main canister cargo projectile  710  will travel down range intact, with the multiple projectiles  760  inside. Upon activation of the fuze, the multiple projectiles  760  are expelled from cargo projectile  710 . Main canister cargo projectile  710  falls to the ground and multiple projectiles  760  travel on the target. The multiple projectiles emit light from the chemlucent coating and provide a trace to the target. Upon hitting the target the multiple projectiles  760  mark the target by depositing some of the coated chemlucent on the multiple projectile  760  surface onto the target. If the main canister cargo projectile  710  is made of a transparent material (plastic or composite), then the main canister cargo projectile will provide a trace of its flight due to the chemlucents inside (coated on and between the multiple projectiles  760 ). If the main canister cargo projectile  710  is made of opaque material then its flight will not be traced. In this case only the multiple projectiles  760  will provide trace and mark. In addition, if optional chemlucent powder chemical  2550  was among the multiple projectiles  760  these chemlucent chemicals will follow the flight of the projectiles  760  for a limited distance, up to 50 meters to provide a trace and mark. 
     FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm canister cartridge  800  (also referenced as canister cartridge  800 ) with chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , placed in glass vials  810  held apart by a plastic spider  815 . Canister cartridge  800  comprises a main canister projectile  710 , a case cap (adapter)  715 , a cartridge case  720 , a case base  725 , a primer  730 , a propellant  735 , a bag  740 , flechettes  745 , cubes  750 , balls  755 , chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Case base  725  comprises a seal, not shown. The flechettes  745 , cubes  750 , and balls  755  are also referenced as multiple projectiles  760 . In an embodiment, the multiple projectiles  760  comprise steel. In a further embodiment, the multiple projectiles  760  comprise tungsten. 
   The plastic spider  815  with glass vials  810  is placed in bag  740  and surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  in either liquid or powder form. Multiple projectiles  760  are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  coating may contain waxes, silicone or liquid/slurry plastics to aid in adherence of the chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  to multiple projectiles  760 . The coated multiple projectiles  760  are then loaded into main canister projectile  710  in the same manner as commonly done in the industry along with the bag  740 . In addition, multiple projectiles  760  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   In an embodiment, bag  740  may be placed in other locations among the multiple projectiles  760 . 
   In a further embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , may be placed in separate bags and positioned within main canister projectile  710  to allow multiple projectiles  760  to puncture both bags, mixing the chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Alternatively, the separate bags break under the forces induced by gun launch of main canister projectile  710 . Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , combine and adhere to multiple projectiles  760  and emit light. When chemlucent chemical  1  and chemlucent chemical  2  are in bags in main canister projectile  710  then optionally, multiple projectiles  760  are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, projectiles  760  are optionally surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   All the aspects previously referenced from  FIG. 7  canister cartridge  700  referring to muzzle action or cargo action are applicable to  FIG. 8  canister cartridge  800 . 
     FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm artillery or tank cartridge  900  (also referenced as tank cartridge  900 ). Tank cartridge  900  comprises a tank or artillery main projectile  910 , a case adapter  915 , a cartridge case  920 , a case base  925 , a primer  930 , propellant  935 , a bag  940 , flechettes  945 , cubes  950 , balls  955 , chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Case base  925  comprises a seal, not shown. The flechettes  945 , cubes  950 , and balls  955 , collectively referenced as multiple projectiles  960 , are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 . Optionally, chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  coating may contain waxes, silicone or liquid/slurry plastics to aid in adherence of the chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550  to multiple projectiles  960 . [I an embodiment, the projectiles  960  comprise steel. In a further embodiment, the multiple projectiles  960  comprise tungsten. 
   The multiple projectiles  960  are placed in tank or artillery main projectile  910  with bag  940  containing chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 . When the tank cartridge  900  is fired, projectiles  760  puncture bag  940 , and pass through the chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , contained in bag  940 . Alternately, bag  940  breaks under the setback forces induced by gun launch of tank or artillery projectile main projectile  910 . Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and combines with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , on the projectiles  960  to emit light, providing a trajectory trace and target mark. Most multiple tank and artillery projectiles  910  are designed with a fuze action and the main cargo projectile  910  goes a distance before the fuze is activated and expels the multiple projectiles  960 . If the main cargo projectile  910  is fuze action, then there is a spin imparted to the main projectile  910  by the fin which further mixes the two chemlucent chemicals. 
   In one embodiment, optional chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form is placed in the tank or artillery main projectile  910  with multiple projectiles  960 . When the chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form combines with chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , the resulting chemlucent chemical mixture emits light. For short distances (approximately up to 50 yards) these chemicals that are not attached to the multiple projectiles  960  will travel with the multiple projectiles  960  providing for an enhanced trace and mark of the flight and impact on target of withhe multiple projectiles  960 . In another embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , comprise an infrared (IR) formulation requiring night vision devices (NVD) to observe the trace and mark. 
   If the main tank or artillery projectile  910  is designed to be muzzle action and release the multiple projectiles  960  inside the gun tube or at the muzzle, then the main tank or artillery projectile  910  is consumed or breaks up inside the gun tube or as it exits the gun tube. The coated multiple projectiles  960  leave the gun tube, emitting light, therefore providing trace or their flight from the gun muzzle to the target and mark the target as aforementioned. The optional powdered chemlucents will also travel with the multiple projectile  960  and provide trace and mark up to 50 meters. 
   If the main tank or artillery projectile  910  has a fuze (not shown), it is known as a main tank or artillery cargo projectile  910 . After gun launch, the main tank or artillery cargo projectile  910  will travel down range intact, with the multiple projectiles  960  inside. Upon activation of the fuze, the multiple projectiles  960  are expelled from tank or artillery main cargo projectile  910 . Tank or artillery main cargo projectile  910  falls to the ground and multiple projectiles  960  travel on the target. The multiple projectiles emit light from the chemlucent coating and provide a trace to the target. Upon hitting the target the multiple projectiles  960  mark the target by depositing some of the coated chemlucent from the multiple projectile  960  surface onto the target. If the tank or artillery main cargo projectile  910  is made of a transparent material (plastic or composite), then the tank or artillery main cargo projectile  910  will provide a trace of its flight due to the chemlucents inside (coated on and between the multiple projectiles  960 ). If the tank or artillery main cargo projectile  910  is made of opaque material then its flight will not be traced. In this case only the multiple projectiles  960  will provide trace and mark. In addition, if optional chemlucent powder chemical  2550  was among the multiple projectiles  960  these chemlucent chemicals will follow the flight of the projectiles  760  for a limited distance, up to 50 meters to provide a trace and mark. 
     FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a 105 or 120 mm artillery or tank cartridge  1000  (also referenced as tank cartridge  1000 ) with chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , placed in glass, plastic or composite vials  1010  held apart by a plastic spider  1015 . Tank cartridge  1000  comprises a tank or artillery main projectile  910 , a case adapter  915 , a cartridge case  920 , a case base  925 , a primer  930 , a propellant  935 , flechettes  945 , cubes  950 , balls  955 , chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Case base  925  comprises a seal, not shown. The flechettes  945 , cubes  950 , and balls  955  are collectively referenced as multiple projectiles  960  In an embodiment, the multiple projectiles  960  comprise steel. In a further embodiment, the multiple projectiles  960  comprise tungsten. 
   The plastic spider  1015  containing plastic or composite vials  1010  is placed in bag  1020  and surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Multiple projectiles  960  may be coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, multiple projectiles  960  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   In one embodiment, bag  940  containing chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form or contained in glass, plastic or composite vials and then placed in bag  940  and bag  1020  may be placed in other locations among the multiple projectiles  960 . Optionally, multiple projectiles  960  may be coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, multiple projectiles  960  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   In a further embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , may be placed in separate bags and positioned within tank or artillery main projectile  910  to allow multiple projectiles  960  to pass through both bags, breaking the bags. Alternatively, the separate bags break under the forces induced by gun launch of main tank or artillery main projectile  910 . Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , combine and adhere to multiple projectiles  960  and emit light. Optionally, multiple projectiles  960  are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, multiple projectiles  960  are optionally surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
     FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a 60, 81, or 120 mm mortar projectile  1100  (also referenced as mortar projectile  1100 ). Mortar projectile  1100  comprises main projectile  1110 , bag  1115 , chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , flechettes  1145 , cubes  1150 , and balls  1155 . The flechettes  1145 , cubes  1150 , and balls  1155 , collectively referenced as multiple projectiles  1160 , are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 . In an embodiment, the multiple projectiles  1160  comprise steel. In a further embodiment, the multiple projectiles  1160  comprise tungsten. 
   The multiple projectiles  1160  are placed in the mortar projectile  1100  with bag  1115  containing chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 . When the mortar projectile  1100  is fired or launched from the gun, multiple projectiles  1160  puncture bag  1115  and pass through bag  1115 . Alternatively, bag  1115  breaks under the setback forces induced by gun launch of the mortar projectile  1100 . Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , combines with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , and the projectiles  1160  to emit light, providing a trajectory trace and target mark. 
   In an embodiment, optional chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form (i.e. oxalate powder) is loaded in the mortar projectile  1100  with multiple projectiles  1160 . When the powdered chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form combines with chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , the resulting chemlucent chemical mixture emits light. In another embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , comprise an infrared (IR) formulation requiring night vision devices (NVD) to observe the trace and mark. 
     FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of 60, 81, or 120 mm mortar projectile  1200  (also referenced as mortar projectile  1200 ) with chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , placed in glass vials  1210  held apart by a plastic spider  1215 . Mortar projectile  1200  comprises main projectile  1110 , bag  1220 , chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , flechettes  1145 , cubes  1150 , and balls  1155 . The flechettes  1145 , cubes  1150 , and balls  1155 , are collectively referenced as projectiles  1160 . In an embodiment, the projectiles  1160  comprise steel. In a further embodiment, the projectiles  1160  comprise tungsten. 
   The plastic spider  1215  is placed in bag  1220  and surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 . Multiple projectiles  1160  are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, multiple projectiles  1160  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   In another embodiment, a bag  1115  m (not shown)ay contain chemlucent chemical  2550  in either liquid or powder form. Bag  1115  an(not shown) d bag  1220  may be placed in other locations among the multiple projectiles  1160 . Optionally, projectiles  1160  may be coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, projectiles  1160  may optionally be surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   In a further embodiment, chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , may be placed in separate bags and positioned within mortar projectile  1100  to allow projectiles  1160  to puncture the bags. Alternatively, the separate bags break under the setback forces induced by gun launch of main projectile  1100 . Chemlucent chemical  1 ,  540 , and chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , combine and adhere to projectiles  1160  and emit light. Optionally, projectiles  1160  are coated with chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in liquid form and allowed to dry. In addition, projectiles  1160  are optionally surrounded by chemlucent chemical  2 ,  550 , in powder form. 
   Projectile  1200   FIG. 12  and projectile  1100   FIG. 11  are usually cargo projectiles. Therefore, the main projectile  1110  will provide trace if it is transparent or translucent and will not provide trace if it is opaque. After expulsion of the multiple projectiles  1160  the main projectile  1110  falls to the ground and the chemlucent coated multiple projectiles  1160  along with the option chemlucent powder provide trace and mark. 
   It is to be understood that the specific embodiments of the invention that have been described are merely illustrative of certain applications of the principle of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made to the system and method for a flameless tracer/marker for ammunition housing multiple projectiles utilizing chemlucent chemicals described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.