Abstract:
A warhead charge device ( 18, 18′, 18″, 18′″ ) arranged to carry liquid explosive ( 11 ), and which device is for use in an ammunition cargo unit such as a missile. The device incorporates at least two confined spaces ( 2, 6, 9 ) equipped with or, while the function of the device is in operation, capable of receiving liquid explosive ( 11 ) or components thereof via a device such as a pump device arranged to transfer completely or partially the explosive or components thereof from at least the first confined space to the other confined space, or vice versa.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates to a warhead charge device for ammunition cargo units such as missiles, cruise missiles, light assault weapons, etc. The device is arranged to carry liquid explosive, herein denoting viscous explosive such as explosive mixed into slurry. 
   The proposal of ammunition units of the said types—which are individually dedicated to specific types of targets—is already known, and can be generally referenced in applicable patent literature. Thus ammunition units exist that are effective against hard targets, and there are other ammunition units that are effective against soft targets, etc. 
   There is a general desire to reduce the assortment of ammunition cargo units, and for a proposal to enable such units to combat a wider range of target types. One and the same ammunition unit shall thus be deployable in different scenarios and situations with retained effectiveness in each type of scenario and situation. The purpose of the present invention is to resolve the above problem and to propose that the ammunition unit be designed to be adaptable to achieve optimal effect in each engagement situation. The adaptability involved shall be unequivocal and shall satisfy the stringent requirements pertaining to the handling and operation of the ammunition or devices in question, especially in the field. The present invention also resolves this problem. 
   SUMMARY 
   The main characteristic feature of the initially mentioned warhead charge device is that the device in question incorporates at least two confined spaces that are equipped to receive liquid explosive or components thereof, or have the capability to do this while the device is operating. Another characteristic feature is that there is an arrangement to enable the explosive, or components thereof, to be completely or partially transferred from at least the first confined space to the second confined space, or vice versa. In this context ‘arrangement’ denotes a mechanical arrangement, overpressure/underpressure, etc. The pressure in question can be generated by compressed gas or pyrotechnics, etc. The expression ‘arrangement’ shall thus be interpreted in its widest sense. 
   In one design it is proposed that the first confined space be arranged centrally in the device adjacent to a first layer (or jacket) for the first effect components that can be comprised of pellets or fragments of large dimensions. A second confined space can then form a ring-shaped space located partly outside the first confined space and partly adjacent to a second layer for other effect components in the form of pellets or fragments of small dimensions for example. The first layer can thereby be located inside the said ring-shaped space. Furthermore, in another design a second ring-shaped space can be located outside the first ring-shaped space. The second effect layer can also be located between the first and second ring-shaped spaces. 
   The arrangement mentioned above can incorporate a pump device that, subject to a control system, pumps the explosive from the first confined space to the second confined space or vice versa. In one design the first confined space can be divided into two chambers that in a first function stage of the device each contains a mutually compatible explosive component. These two components are mixable in the two chambers in a second function stage of the device by complete or partial elimination of the dividing wall between the chambers on the occasion of the said second function stage. The explosive components in the two chambers are distributed in mixed state to the said first or second ring-shaped space in the same way as in the case described above where the components are mixed from the beginning, whereby transfer or distribution is performed by the said arrangement or pump device. 
   Additional spaces can also be utilised, and in one design the compatible explosive components in an initial stage can be applied in the said two additional spaces. In a subsequent stage the explosive components with the aid of the said arrangement or pump device can be transferred from the two additional spaces to, for example, the said first and second confined spaces that are arranged with one or more different effect layers with large pellets/fragments, small pellets/fragments, etc. 
   Additional design versions of the present invention are disclosed in the subsequent Patent Claims. 
   The above proposals achieve an attractive device that meets the said adaptability requirements, and that enables the ammunition cargo unit to be optimised for different types of target such as those that can be combated with large pellets/fragments, those that can be combated with small pellets/fragments, those that can be combated with blast effect, those that can be combated with carbon fibre rods and/or incendiary and combustion sustaining agents, etc. Proven parts, such as pump devices, can be used for transfer or re-distribution of explosive or explosive components from a first confined space to a second confined space. Alternatively, the mixing function can be performed with the aid of initiators, detonators, etc. The use of proven parts enhances safety during handling and servicing, and prepares the way for reliable ammunition cargo devices, 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A currently proposed design for a device as claimed in the present invention is described below with reference to the appended  FIGS. 1–5  in which 
       FIG. 1  shows a longitudinal section partially illustrating a warhead charge device, applicable in a missile, cruise missile, etc, with a central cylindrically shaped confined space outside of which two ring-shaped spaces are arranged, in between which layers or jackets of pellets of different dimensions are located, and 
       FIG. 2  shows a longitudinal section partially illustrating an alternative design to that shown in  FIG. 1 , where the explosive is arranged in binary mixable explosive units, whereas 
       FIG. 3  shows a longitudinal section of an overview of a warhead charge device applicable or incorporated in an ammunition cargo unit where a design as per  FIG. 1  interacts with additional confined spaces for the explosive components, while 
       FIG. 4  shows a longitudinal section partially illustrating another design form of the warhead charge device, and 
       FIG. 5  shows a longitudinal section partially illustrating a warhead charge device that differs somewhat from the warhead charge device shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  shows an ammunition cargo unit symbolically designated  1 . The ammunition cargo unit can be of an already known type, and in this context reference is made to generally known missiles, cruise missiles, light assault weapons, etc. As the ammunition cargo unit as such is already well known it will not be described in any further detail herein. The warhead charge device comprises a first confined space  2  arranged in a cylindrical unit  3  that is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the ammunition cargo unit. Cylindrical unit  3  is located at the centre of device  1  with which it has a common longitudinal axis  4 . A first effect layer  5  is arranged outside the sidewall  3   a  of unit  3 . This effect layer can be comprised of pellets of large dimension whereby the expression ‘large’ relates to pellets that in this context are considered to have a relatively large calibre. A second confined space  6  is arranged outside effect layer  5 . In  FIG. 1  the pellets in effect layer  5  are designated  5   a.  This second confined space is located in a first ring-shaped unit  7 , which means that the second confined space  6  is also ring-shaped or rotationally symmetrical in form. A second effect layer  8  is arranged outside the first ring-shaped unit  7 . This effect layer can be comprised of pellets  8   a  of small dimension. ‘Small dimension’ here denotes pellet sizes that in this context are considered to have a small calibre. A second ring-shaped confined space  9  located inside a second ring-shaped unit  10  is arranged outside the second effect layer  8  or pellets  8   a.  Thus confined space  9  is also ring-shaped. A characteristic of the three confined spaces  2 ,  6  and  9  is that they have essentially mutually equal volumes. 
   As claimed in the present invention a liquid explosive  11  is initially located in confined space  2 . As claimed in the present invention the liquid explosive  11  can be re-distributed to either confined space  6  or confined space  9 . This re-distribution can be effected by an arrangement that can comprise an already known pump device  12  for pumping or transferring the liquid explosive. The intake pipe  12   a  of pump device  12  is thereby connected to confined space  2 , and pump device  12  has two outlet pipes  12   b  and  12   c  that connect pump device  12  to confined spaces  6  and  9 . The pump device  12  is controllable via an already known method from a control unit  13  that can execute control signals to pump device  12  so that it pumps from confined space  2  to confined space  6  or  9 . The control signals are designated  13 ′ and  13 ″, and the arrangement for control of the pump can be effected using an already known method. 
   The arrangement described above thus enables different warhead effects to be triggered depending on the control signals from control unit  13 . In a first case the explosive  11  can be triggered when it is in confined space  2 . This results in a warhead function utilising pellets  5   a  and  8   a,  i.e. pellets of both dimensions. In a second case the pump  12  has pumped the explosive over to confined space  6 , and a triggering of the warhead in this case results in a warhead function utilising only the small dimension pellets  8   a.  In a third case the pump  12  has pumped the explosive over to confined space  9 , whereby the warhead function comprises only detonation of the explosive with ensuing damage, i.e. no pellets are released when the warhead is initiated. 
   Triggering is effected by means of an initiation or detonation system that can be comprised of an already known type. The triggering function of the ammunition cargo unit can thereby be determined by a device  14  via which an initiator  15  for the explosive in confined space  2 , initiators  16  and  16   a  for possible explosive in confined space  6 , and initiators  17  and  17   a  for possible explosive in confined space  9  can be initiated depending on which confined space  2 ,  6  or  9  the explosive  11  is located in when triggering occurs. The explosive can assume an initial location in confined space  2 ,  6  or  9  and be redistributed by a pump device  12  to another of two or more confined spaces in accordance with a predetermined strategy or programme. It is perceived that the number of confined spaces can vary from 2, 3 or more spaces. It is also perceived that the warhead charge device can be equipped with different effect layers  5 ,  8 , for example in the form of fragments, carbon fibre rods, incendiary and combustion sustaining agents, etc. Adapting the warhead charge device to the type of target in question can be performed on the ground by a programming or other setting procedure. Alternatively, programming can be effected on board the weapon platform (e.g. aircraft) carrying the device in question. Another alternative is for programming of the device for the relevant type of target to be performed via wireless link from the ground or from the cargo unit  1  carrying the device, etc. 
     FIG. 2  shows the warhead charge device  18  with the same basic design as that illustrated in  FIG. 1 , but with the difference that the confined space  2 , i.e. cylindrical unit  3  in  FIG. 1 , is subdivided into two chambers  2 ′ and  2 ″. The cylinder in this case is designated  3 ′. The explosive components are located in the two chambers from the beginning. The explosive components are compatible and can be mixed using an already known method before the warhead charge device is triggered. Components A and B can be separated by a dividing wall  19  or be pre-packed, using an already known method, in sealed packs that keep components A and B separate until a mixing function shall be performed. The dividing wall  19  can be comprised of material that self-destructs when actuated. Actuation can be effected when or before the device is used in the ammunition cargo unit  1 ′ in question. Alternatively, some form of initiation or detonation can be effected, for example via device  14 ′. This device actuates initiator  15 ′ which causes explosive components A and B to be mixed. After the said mixing, chambers  2 ′ and  2 ″ function as a single confined space as per  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, components A and B can be mixed in a third confined space and subsequently be pumped back to their original chambers in mixed form. 
     FIG. 3  shows the basic design of the warhead charge device similar to the design illustrated in  FIG. 1 , but with the difference that the explosive  11  (see  FIG. 1 ) in the initial stage of the warhead charge device  18 ′ is not located in any of the mentioned confined spaces  2 ,  6  and  9 . Instead, the explosive or explosive components A and B are located in two additional confined spaces  20  and  21 . In this design example there are two confined spaces containing explosive components A and B that are mutually compatible in accordance with the above. In this case the pump device  12 ′ operates with three outlet pipes  12   b ′,  12   c ′ and  12   d ′. The pump intake pipe in this case branches into two branch pipes  12   a ″ and  12   a ′″. These two branch pipes connect confined spaces  20  and  21  to the pump intake  12   a ′. In the present case the mixing of explosive components A and B takes place in the actual pump function effected by pump device  12 ′. Thus completion of warhead charge device  18 ′ involves actuation of pump device  12 ′ and the transfer of the mixed explosive components A and B from confined spaces  20  and  21 . Transfer is to one of the confined spaces  2 ,  6  or  9 . It is also considered feasible to use only one additional confined space instead of two additional confined spaces  20  and  21 , in which case the single additional confined space shall contain ready mixed explosive. It is also considered that the volume of confined spaces  20  plus  21  shall essentially be equivalent to each of the confined spaces  2 ,  6  and  9 . In other respects, reference is made to the above. 
     FIG. 4  shows an arrangement in which the explosive can be transferred between chambers  23  and  24  depending on which warhead effect is desired. The warhead charge device  18 ″ for an ammunition cargo unit illustrated in  FIG. 4  thus comprises a cylindrical device  22  containing the two chambers  23  and  24  for the explosive. Chambers  23  and  24  are separated by a wall  25  that is arranged to be convex when viewed from chamber  24  and concave when viewed from chamber  23 . The wall incorporates an opening  25   a  in which a plug  26  or equivalent is arranged. An effect layer  27 , comprising pellets  27   a  in the case illustrated, is arranged outside chamber  23 , i.e. outside the cylinder wall section  22   a . Effect layer  27  can be configured in alternative ways as stated above.  FIG. 4  also shows an overview outline of initiation or detonation devices  28  and  28 ′ arranged at each end surface  22   b  of the cylinder. When actuating the device  28  in question with the explosive in chamber  24  the shape of wall  25  provides a modified shaped charge function, while initiation via  28 ′ with the explosive in chamber  23  provides a fragmentation function utilizing pellets  27   a . It is considered that alternative design forms can be arranged in this respect, and that the wall  25  can be designed as a piston or equivalent to enable a corresponding function to be obtained. In the FIG. other initiation or detonation devices are designated  28 ′. 
   In  FIG. 5  the outside of cylinder  22 ′ interacts with effect layer  27 ′ along the entire length of cylinder  22 ′. Besides chambers  23 ′ and  24 ′, both filled with explosive, the said cylinder also incorporates an additional chamber  29 . Chambers  23 ′ and  29  are linked to each other via a duct  30 . Explosive  23 ′ can thus be transferred to chamber  29 . In the design example the said duct is in the form of a pipe whose longitudinal axis coincides with that of cylinder  22 ′ and the longitudinal axis  4 ′ of the ammunition cargo unit. In this case chambers  23 ′ and  24 ′ are separated by a dividing wall  25 ′ of similar design to wall  25  in  FIG. 4 . In principle cylinder  22 ′ is separable from effect layer  27 ′ such that in a first actuation mode the warhead charge device  18 ′″ can be triggered with effect layer  27 ′ lying outside cylinder  22 ′, and in a second actuation mode the cylinder and effect layer are separated such that the mixed explosive can be triggered without the presence of any outer effect layer. Thus in  FIG. 5  the binary explosive components A and B are mixable. Furthermore, there is a third component composition C in chamber  24 ′. In  FIG. 5  there is an additional dividing wall  31  between chambers  24 ′ and  29 . In the present case chamber  24 ′ can be termed an intermediate chamber between chambers  23 ′ and  29 . 
   The designs illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  can be given (an)other function(s) depending on the choice of explosive components and their various interactions. Thus the arrangement provides a warhead with a selectable HE or shaped charge effect. The design as illustrated in  FIG. 4  can thus have the following composition and function as described below. 
   The warhead  18 ″ comprises two chambers  23  and  24  of essentially equal volume separated by a shaped charge liner  25  with a central opening  25   a . One chamber  23  has an external effect or fragmentation layer  27 ′. The explosive A is in liquid form and can be transferred from chamber  23  to the other chamber  24  via opening  25   a  in shaped charge liner  25 , or via an external pipe system that is not illustrated. Liquid explosive with an effect almost like HMX can thereby be used. An alternative is ADN dissolved in ethanol. 
   If the explosive is in chamber  23  when warhead  18 ″ is actuated the warhead will function as a fragmentation warhead in which the shaped charge liner contributes to the formation of fragments. If the explosive is in chamber  24  when the warhead is actuated it will function as a shaped charge warhead with minor fragmentation. 
   In an alternative design form, which is not illustrated, chamber  23  is divided into two separate reservoirs containing different (compared with the above) explosive components. The two explosive components are not explosive when in separate state. Only when they are mixed do they form an explosive substance. By varying the mixing ratio between the components the effect can be constantly varied from low to maximum within the limits at which the mixture can be detonated. The explosive can be transferred between the two reservoirs either before launch or while travelling to the target, using the methods described above. In other respects reference is made to the above concepts and ideas. 
   The design in  FIG. 5  can also be described from another aspect compared with the above. 
     FIG. 5  also illustrates a warhead charge device  18 ′″ consisting of a solid explosive charge C with shaped charge liner  25 ″ and a through duct  30 . On each side of explosive charge C there is a chamber  23 ′ and  29 . Both these chambers have essentially equal volumes, and chamber  23 ′ contains liquid explosive A. The said liquid explosive can be transferred between chambers  23 ′ and  29  via duct  30 . If the liquid explosive is in chamber  23 ′ when the warhead is actuated it will function as a fragmentation warhead, and the shaped charge liner will contribute to some extent to the formation of fragments. If there is liquid explosive in chamber  29  when the warhead is actuated the warhead will function as a shaped charge warhead with fragmentation effect from fragmentation layer  27 ′. 
   As described above the method for transferring the liquid explosive can consist of a mechanical arrangement such as an electrical or pneumatic arrangement. Alternatively, a pressurised or pressure difference arrangement can be used that operates with an over-and/or under-pressure arrangement, or with a pyrotechnic arrangement for pressurisation, etc. 
   The present invention is not limited to the design examples illustrated above, but can be subjected to modifications within the framework of the subsequent Patent Claims and the invention concept.