1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of munitions. More specifically, the invention comprises a hand grenade with a modular design allowing the components to be easily varied in order to suit particular objectives.
2. Description of the Related Art
The present invention comprises a modular hand grenade design that permits the use of compressed powders such as A-5. The hand grenade body is split into two main components—a base/sleeve and a nose cap. These two main components contain the explosive. They are loaded with explosive while still separate. The explosive is loaded into the base/sleeve and compressed to form a solid. A core sleeve is attached to the base to form a void inside the explosive where the detonating portion of a fuse assembly can be placed. Explosive is likewise loaded into the nose cap and compressed to form a solid. The nose cap is attached to the base/sleeve assembly. A fuse assembly is then attached to complete the grenade.
Different types of nose caps can be provided to allow the grenade to be reconfigured in the field. A shaped charge nose cap allows the grenade to perform armor piercing operations. A detonator nose cap allows the grenade to be remotely detonated using an electrical signal. Many other variations are possible using the inventive design.
Body 14 is formed by combined three separate components.
Cores sleeve 28 is mated against the interior of base 24. It provides a housing for the inwardly protruding portion of fuse assembly 12 and keeps the fuse assembly separate from explosive 32. Explosive 30 is loaded into nose cap 22, with the two volumes of explosive meeting at joint 34.
A variety of explosives can be used, but A5 (a combination of RDX and wax) is preferred. Those skilled in the art will know that A5 must generally be pressed into place. The present design is particularly well suited to the use of A5—as will be explained subsequently.
The nose cap, sleeve, and base are preferably made of a strong and dense material such as steel. Core sleeve 28 is preferably made of a thin and ductile material such as copper. The fuse assembly is made of a variety of materials known to those skilled in the art.
The unique construction of the invention lends itself to manufacturing. As mentioned previously, A5 must generally be pressed into place (as opposed to granular nitrocellulose powders which may be simply poured through an opening).
Explosive 32 (preferably A5) is then introduced through the opening. The explosive is compressed—typically using a ram. Once compressed the explosive fuses into a solid mass. The assembly of base 24, sleeve 26, and cores sleeve 28 may then be lifted free of the holding fixture and its associated pin. Because the explosive has been fused into a solid mass, the components will remain in the position shown even after the assembly has been lifted free of locating pin 92.
The nose cap is also shown being loaded in holding fixture 96. Flat 46 on the nose cap may be placed against the bottom of holding fixture 96 to positively locate the component. Explosive is then introduced and pressed into place. As for the sleeve/bases assembly, the explosive is preferably fused into a solid mass that will hold its shape once the nose cap is removed from holding fixture 96.
Separate holding fixtures are shown for the base/sleeve assembly and for the nose cap. A third fixturing device (locating pin 92) is provided for core sleeve 28. Those skilled in the art will know that such fixtures can be combined into a single fixture. Thus, although a first holding fixture, second holding fixture, and third holding fixture are illustrated—these should not necessarily be thought of as separate items.
The explosive pressing process produces a solid mass of A-5 in both the base/sleeve assembly and the nose cap. In some embodiments it is desirable to leave the nose cap and the base/sleeve assembly separate (for reasons that will be made apparent subsequently). The reader will observe that the compressed explosive within the base/sleeve assembly has an exposed surface (facing upward in the view). The compressed explosive within the nose cap also has an exposed surface facing upward. These exposed surfaces are preferably sealed so that moisture and other contaminants cannot enter the device prior to the mating of the nose cap to the rest of the hand grenade.
Once the explosive is loaded, the nose cap and sleeve/base assembly may be threaded together.
The modular nature of the device allows more many variations—particularly with the nose cap. The reader will observe that once the propellant has been pressed into place, the nose cap can be attached to or removed from the balance of the hand grenade. This allows for the use of different types of nose caps. Interchangeable nose caps are preferably provided, with the decision of which type to use being left to the soldier in the field.
The embodiments of
The modular nature of the grenade allows for many other variations. Returning to
The grenade as pictured in
The use of the A5 in place of Comp B allows either (1) a much more powerful grenade having similar dimensions; or (2) a comparably powerful grenade having significantly smaller dimensions. The present grenade is relatively slender—having a diameter of about 1.5 inches (or 37 mm). An M67 has a diameter of about 2.5 inches (or 67 mm). The reduced diameter allows a soldier having a smaller hand to more easily grip and throw the grenade. In addition, the slender configuration allows the present invention to more easily be carried in a pocket or other holding device on a tactical vest.
The illustrations show the use of an existing fuse assembly with a safety handle configured for use with the M67 grenade. The reader will observe in
The preferred use of the machined channels on the exterior surface of the components allows the channel spacing to be altered without requiring expensive dedicated tooling. It is simple to use a lathe, a broach, or a grinding device to create the channels. The channel variation allows the size of the fragments produced upon detonation to be varied as desired.
The reader will thereby appreciate that the present invention provides a modular hand grenade design with numerous advantages over the existing designs. The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20110232466 A1 | Sep 2011 | US |