Patent Application
20220090886
The invention relates to a weapon having an explosive charge and a detonation ignition means and to a method for operating a weapon of this kind.
A weapon, for example a torpedo or a naval mine, comprises an explosive charge, for example a warhead. A detonation ignition means, in particular a detonation ignition chain, can be activated, usually following safety release and upon receipt of a corresponding activation command. The activated detonation ignition means causes the explosive charge to detonate.
The situation may arise whereby the explosive charge cannot be detonated due to a technical fault, for example, or is not allowed to be detonated on account of a possible unintentional danger to life and/or property. In both cases, the weapon must be reliably neutralized without it posing any danger to life or property.
The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a weapon having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method having the features of the preamble of claim 13, by which the weapon can be neutralized relatively harmlessly when the explosive charge cannot, or may not, be detonated.
This problem is solved by a weapon having the features specified in claim 1 and by a method having the features specified in claim 13. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.
The weapon according to the solution comprises
The ignition device is able to activate, selectively, the detonation ignition means or the deflagration ignition means. The activated detonation ignition means is able to cause the explosive charge to detonate. The activated deflagration ignition means is able to cause the same explosive charge to deflagrate.
A weapon of this kind can be operated by the method according to the solution. The method comprises the following steps:
“Deflagration” refers to the process whereby the explosive charge burns without detonating. The burning takes place at a speed which is slower than the speed of sound in the explosive charge. The detonation ignition means usually produces pressure waves which act on the explosive charge and cause it to detonate. The deflagration ignition means essentially produces heat which acts on the explosive charge and causes it to deflaarate.
The invention achieves a substantial advantage, in particular when the explosive charge cannot be detonated due to a technical fault, for example, or is not allowed to be detonated due to a possible unintentional danger to life and/or property. In many cases the invention avoids the need for the weapon to be moved to a safe location and for the explosive charge to be detonated there. Transporting the weapon, in particular, can be costly and hazardous. This expense and risk have been well enough known to date due to the neutralization (deactivation) of unexploded ordinance from the last World War.
Thanks to the invention, it is possible to guarantee that the explosive charge is destroyed, and therefore neutralized, by a planned detonation or a selectively initiated deflagration. This means that even if the explosive charge is not detonated, it is prevented from falling into the hands of unauthorized persons. These unauthorized persons could accidentally (e.g. children at play or reckless adults) or deliberately (e.g. criminals) use the explosive charge in such a way as to endanger life.
In many cases the deflagration of the explosive charge that has been caused means that due to the resulting combustion gases and/or flames, the electronic devices, in particular the data stores, on board the weapon, are destroyed. This means that unauthorized persons who come into possession of the remnants of the defiagrated weapon are prevented from obtaining confidential information by inspecting or evaluating the electronic devices. In particular, in many cases a data store is prevented from being read out without authorization or an inscription from being read.
The invention saves the need for a further explosive charge or other device to be provided on board the weapon, in order to destroy an electronic device on board said weapon, in addition to the explosive charge which can either be caused to detonate or deflagrate. The deflagration ignition means does not necessarily include an explosive charge. Because there is no need for an additional explosive charge, the invention saves on an additional component and therefore on installation space. During the deflagration of the explosive charge, a large amount of energy, in particular chemical energy, is released, which is able to destroy all electronic devices with a far greater degree of reliability than a further explosive charge or another separate destructive device.
The weapon customarily comprises a safety release mechanism. This safety release mechanism must be initially released. Following the release, it is possible for an activation command to be triggered which activates the detonation ignition means. The weapon according to the solution is also preferably implemented with a safety release mechanism of this kind.
In one embodiment, the weapon comprises at least one electronic device and a guidance device. During deflagration of the explosive charge, combustion gases and/or flames are produced. The guidance device guides these combustion gases and/or flames in the direction of the, or at least one, preferably each electronic device. The combustion gases and/or flames which are guided destroy the, or each, electronic device of the weapon selectively and with even greater reliability than would be the case without the guidance device. This means that a person who comes into possession of the remnants of the deflagrated weapon is unable to evaluate or use the, or an, electronic device belonging to the weapon in an unauthorized manner.
The guidance device may be configured as a purely mechanical and passive device and therefore be very reliable and require no drive and no monitoring.
Thanks to the guidance device, the need for a dedicated destruction mechanism to be provided for the electronic device is avoided. This dedicated destruction mechanism can fail or, however, be unintentionally activated and destroy the electronic device. On the other hand, the combustion gases and/or flames that inevitably result during a deflagration of the explosive charge destroy the electronic device with a greater degree of reliability, thanks to the substantially greater amount of energy released, than would a dedicated destruction mechanism for the electronic device. The guidance device conducts the combustion gases and/or flames to the, or each, device.
The guidance device which conducts the combustion gases and/or flames may be a special mechanical component of the weapon. In another embodiment, a component of a housing of the weapon becomes this guidance device during the deflagration. The housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part. These two housing parts are connected to one another in a connection part which is configured as a predetermined breaking point between the two housing parts. A deflagration of the explosive charge produces excess pressure in the housing. In particular, this excess pressure which is produced leads to this connection part configured as a predetermined breaking point breaking. Once the predetermined breaking point has broken, the first housing part is movable relative to the second housing part. As soon as the first housing part is movable, the combustion gases and/or the flames which occur during deflagration and the excess pressure caused mean that the first housing part actually moves away from the second housing part. This produces a sufficiently large opening in the housing, and the second housing part acts as a component of the guidance device for the combustion gases and/or flames.
In one embodiment, the deflagration ignition means is spatially separate from the detonation ignition means. A mechanical barrier is preferably arranged between the deflagration ignition means and the detonation ignition means, namely permanently or at least until the ignition device activates the detonation ignition means. Once the deflagration ignition means is activated, this mechanical barrier reduces the risk of the detonation ignition means being activated and/or pressure waves from the deflagration ignition means reaching a component of the detonation ignition means, e.g. an ignition amplifier charge, and possibly triggering a detonation. The mechanical barrier therefore reduces the risk of the explosive charge being unintentionally detonated when the deflagration ignition means is activated. The mechanical barrier can be configured as a purely passive component and does not therefore need to be activated. The mechanical barrier can be designed as a fixed component which does not require a drive or can be moved from a deflagration position into a detonation position.
In another embodiment, at least one component of the weapon belongs both to the detonation ignition means and to the deflagration ignition means. This joint component can preferably be activated by the ignition device, This embodiment reduces the number of components required for the two ignition means.
In a development of this embodiment, this common component can be operated, selectively, in detonation mode or in deflagration mode. In detonation mode the common component contributes to the detonation of the explosive charge. In deflagration mode the common component contributes to the deflagration of the explosive charge. For example, this common component can be selectively activated in such a manner that it either achieves the maximum possible effect, for example pressure waves with the maximum possible pressure, or only a lesser effect, for example essentially heat and no pressure waves, or pressure waves with a substantially lower amplitude. In detonation mode the common component produces the maximum possible effect; in deflagration mode, only the, or a, lesser effect.
It is also possible for the common component to be moved, for example linearly displaced or pivoted, either into a deflagration position or into a detonation position. The common component in the deflagration position belongs to the deflagration ignition means, while the common component in the detonation position belongs to the detonation ignition means. A suitable element, for example a locking unit, preferably holds the common component in the deflagration position and prevents the common component from being unintentionally moved into the detonation position. This embodiment further reduces the risk of the explosive charge being unintentionally detonated. An actuator is able to move the common component into the detonation position, for example in that the actuator unlocks the locking unit and preferably following a safety release. It is also possible for the common component to be held in a standby position and later moved either into the detonation position or into the deflagration position.
It is possible for the weapon to comprise a single ignition means which acts both as the detonation ignition means and as the deflagration ignition means. This single ignition means can be operated as a whole, selectively, in a detonation mode or in a deflagration mode or it can be moved, selectively, into a deflagration position or into a detonation position. In this embodiment the ignition device is also able to activate this single ignition means.
An embodiment with two different modes for the common component can be combined with an embodiment with two different positions for the same common component. This combination further increases the certainty that the explosive charge will not be detonated unintentionally.
In another development of the embodiment with the common component, a further component of the weapon belongs only to the detonation ignition means, and not to the deflagration ignition means. If both the common component and the further component are activated, these two activated components contribute to the explosive charge being detonated. If only the common component is activated, but not the further component, the explosive charge is caused to deflagrate.
For example, the explosive charge is caused to detonate when the common component and the further component are activated according to a predefined temporal flow chart, for example simultaneously or, to be more precise, so that the two activation times for the two components differ from one another by a predefined tolerance interval at most. The explosive charge is caused to deflagrate when the common component is activated.
It is possible for an actuable switch to be arranged between the ignition device and the further component. Depending on the position of this switch, the ignition device is able to activate the further component, in addition to the common component, or the further component is locked by the switch or a separate barrier to prevent activation.
Both the detonation ignition means and the deflagration ignition means are preferably each configured as an ignition chain comprising multiple components or realized by a single ignition chain with multiple components. The ignition device activates a first component, and a component of this ignition chain in each case activates the following component. The last component of the ignition chain in each case causes the explosive charge to detonate or deflagrate. The deflagration ignition means preferably comprises an ignition initiator charge and a subsequent deflagration charge.
In one embodiment the weapon is abandoned, for example moved into the water. According to the solution, the ignition device of the abandoned weapon activates the deflagration ignition means when a predetermined event has taken place. In one embodiment, this event takes place when a deflagration activation command has been sent to the weapon. In another embodiment, this event will have taken place when, following the event whereby the weapon is abandoned, a predetermined interval has elapsed without the explosive charge being detonated. Once this interval has elapsed, the ignition device automatically activates the deflagration ignition means.
The embodiment with the interval of time ensures that the weapon is neutralized automatically and independently by the deflagration which is automatically triggered. This desired neutralization also takes place when a data connection to the weapon cannot be established and it is not therefore possible to transmit an activation command to the weapon and, at the same time, to ensure that no other weapon has been activated, Also, in the event that the data connection is not possible or has been lost or interrupted, this embodiment ensures that the weapon no longer poses a risk once the interval of time has elapsed.
The two embodiments can be combined with one another. The ignition device activates the deflagration ignition means when the weapon has received a deflagration activation command or when the predetermined interval of time has elapsed. This combination further increases the certainty that the weapon has been caused to deflagrate in each case and no longer poses a risk, at the latest once the interval of time has elapsed.
In one embodiment, the weapon is designed for underwater deployment, for example as an underwater projectile, e.g. as a torpedo, or as a naval mine or a sweeping device for neutralizing naval mines. The weapon may also be a guided missile (e.g. a rocket) or an unguided missile (e.g. an aircraft bomb) or an anti-tank weapon or a grenade or a land mine. A weapon within the meaning of the patent claims may be any weapon that has an explosive charge and/or is referred to in Annex 1 of Section 1(1) (War Weapons List) of the German War Weapons Control Act (Kriegswaffenkontrollgesetz).
The invention can be realized on board a weapon, in order to ensure that the weapon is neutralized by deflagration if the explosive charge does not detonate after the weapon has been abandoned, for example due to a technical fault, or if a carrier vehicle drops the weapon without it being intended to detonate. The second situation arises, for example, when an airplane or another aircraft carries the weapon on board and has to eject it prior to landing, so that the weight of the aircraft remains below a prescribed weight limit when it touches down on a landing strip.
The weapon according to the invention is explained in greater detail below with the help of an exemplary embodiment depicted in the drawings. In the drawings:
In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is used for a weapon in the form of an underwater projectile, e.g. a torpedo, or a guided or unguided missile. This weapon comprises a main explosive charge 101 which is configured in such a manner that it is not accidentally detonated by a vibration, in particular not while the weapon is being transported to a deployment site. An ignition means is therefore needed which is able to bring about an intentional detonation of the main explosive charge 101. According to the solution, the weapon further comprises an ignition means which is able to bring about a deflagration of the main explosive charge 101. The main explosive charge 101 burns away during a deflagration, wherein flames and combustion gases are usually produced without the main explosive charge 101 being detonated.
The following further components of this weapon are shown schematically in
The detonation ignition chain 109 comprises
The deflagration ignition chain 119 comprises
The igniter electronic system 111 is able to trigger the detonation ignition chain 109 or the deflagration ignition chain 119 selectively. If the safety release mechanism has been actuated and the release has been effected and the igniter electronic system 111 then receives a detonation activation command and subsequently triggers the detonation ignition chain 109, the following steps are implemented:
The igniter electronic system 111 activates the ignition initiator charge (detonator) 107.
The activated stage-1 ignition amplifier charge 105 activates the stage-2 ignition amplifier charge 103.
In one embodiment, a movable metal plate which is not shown prevents the stage-2 ignition amplifier charge 103 from being unintentionally activated. This metal plate interrupts the detonation ignition chain 109. An actuator which is not shown pulls this metal plate to the side as soon as the detonation activation command has been received, as a result of which the detonation ignition chain 109 is closed. This actuator, which is able to pull the metal plate to the side, preferably belongs to the safety release mechanism in the exemplary embodiment. Only when this safety release mechanism has been actuated can the detonation activation command cause the detonation ignition chain 109 to be closed.
If the igniter electronic system 111 receives a deflagration activation command and actuates the deflagration ignition chain 119 as a result of this or for another reason (see below), the following steps are performed:
The deflagration ignition chain 119 may also comprise a movable metal plate which prevents the deflagration charge 121 from being unintentionally activated and which is part of the safety release mechanism,
The activated deflagration charge 121 produces an adequately high temperature, at least on the side facing the main explosive charge 101. This adequately high temperature causes a deflagration of the main explosive charge 101. An unintentional and therefore unwanted detonation of the main explosive charge 101 is prevented in the exemplary embodiment by the following measures:
The impulse (the pressure wave) which is produced during activation of the deflagration charge 121 is kept low,
In the exemplary embodiment, the weapon is abandoned, for example launched or dropped. A timer switch on board the weapon is activated. As soon as the igniter electronic system 111 receives a detonation activation command, the igniter electronic system 111 activates the detonation ignition chain 109, as a result of which the main explosive charge 101 is caused to detonate. The igniter electronic system 111 automatically activates the deflagration ignition chain 119 when one of the following events has taken place:
In a further implementation, the ignition initiator charge 207 is initially held in a standby position in which it is spatially remote from the ignition amplifier charge 105 and spatially remote from the deflagration charge 121. The actuator which is not shown is able to move the ignition initiator charge 207 out of the standby position into the detonation position or into the deflagration position, selectively.
In the detonation position, the ignition initiator charge 207 is connected to the stage-1 ignition amplifier charge 105; in the deflagration position it is connected to the deflagration charge 121. After receiving a corresponding activation command, the igniter electronic system 111 activates the ignition initiator charge 207. Depending on its position, the ignition initiator charge 207 belongs to the detonation ignition chain 109 or to the deflagration ignition chain 119 and triggers a detonation or deflagration of the main explosive charge 101.
After receiving an activation command, the igniter electronic system 111 activates this ignition means 213. The activated ignition means 213 produces pressure waves and heat. If the ignition means 213 is in the detonation position, the pressure waves reach the main explosive charge 101 and cause it to detonate. If the ignition means 213 is in the deflagration position, on the other hand, the orientation of the ignition means 213 and the mechanical barrier 123 prevent pressure waves from the activated ignition means 213 from reaching the main explosive charge 101, in such a manner that the pressure waves cause the main explosive charge 101 to detonate. It is essentially only the heat that reaches the main explosive charge 101 and causes it to deflagrate. It is possible that before the ignition means 213 turns out of the deflagration position into the detonation position, the mechanical barrier 213 is retracted, in order to allow movement and to ensure that pressure waves actually reach the main explosive charge 101 and bring about the desired detonation. It is possible that this ignition means 213 can, in addition, be selectively activated in a detonation mode or in a deflagration mode.
In the situation shown in
The main explosive charge 101 is thereby caused to deflagrate, which is indicated in
During deflagration, the control electronics system 201 of the missile 205 should also be completely destroyed.
101 Main explosive charge, is caused either to detonate by the detonation ignition chain 109 or to deflagrate by the deflagration ignition chain 119
103 Stage-2 ignition amplifier charge of he detonation ignition chain 09
105 Stage-1 ignition amplifier charge of the detonation ignition chain 109
107 Ignition initiator charge (detonator) of he detonation ignition chain 109
109 Detonation ignition chain, comprises the ignition initiator charge 107, the stage-1 ignition amplifier charge 105, and the stage-2 ignition amplifier charge 103
111 Ignition electronics system, in one embodiment selectively triggers either the detonation ignition chain 109 or the deflagration ignition chain 119 and in another embodiment the ignition means 213
117 Ignition initiator charge (deflagrator) of the deflagration ignition chain 119
119 Deflagration ignition chain, comprises the ignition initiator charge 117 and the deflagration charge 121
121 Deflagration charge of the deflagration ignition chain 119
123 Mechanical barrier between the detonation ignition chain 109 and the deflagration ignition chain 119
201 Control electronics system of the missile 205, arranged between the main explosive charge 101 and the front housing part 211, comprises the igniter electronic system 111, is destroyed during the detonation and deflagration of the main explosive charge 101
203 Mechanical connection part between the rear housing part 209 and the front housing part 211, configured as a predetermined breaking point
205 Missile (rocket), comprises the two housing parts 209 and 211, the main explosive charge 101, the detonation ignition chain 109, the deflagration ignition chain 119, and the control electronics system 201
207 Ignition initiator charge, belongs either to the detonation ignition chain or the deflagration ignition chain, depending on position
209 Rear housing part of the missile 205, includes the main explosive charge 101, the detonation ignition chain 109, the deflagration ignition chain 119, and the control electronics system 201
211 Front housing part of the missile 205, connected to the rear housing part in the connection part 203
213 Rotatably mounted ignition means, acts as a detonation ignition means or deflagration ignition means, depending on the position
D Rotational axis about which the ignition means 213 can be turned
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2019 201 176.4 | Jan 2019 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2020/051105 | 1/17/2020 | WO | 00 |
