Alliant Techsystems Inc.

Cordant Technologies Inc.

Thiokol Corporation

Michael T Rose

Daniel W Doll

Paul C Braithwaite

Andrew C Haaland

Daniel B Nielson

James D Rozanski

James A Hartwell

David W Endicott

Jared K Olson

Russell J George

Val D Lott

R Brad Cragun

Mark A Moore

Richard M Truitt

Benjamin N Ashcroft

Mark A Cvetnic

Randall T Busky

Steven J Bradley

Michael R Harper

James R Hodgson

Edward J Bray, Ii

Robert K Goodell

Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed.

Projectiles for marking targets and methods of manufacturing such projectiles

Projectiles for marking targets, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of utilizing the same

Weapons, weapon components and related methods are provided. In one embodiment a weapon component includes one or more discrete fragments embedded in a reactive material matrix. The weapon component may be used as a warhead that includes an explosive charge. In one embodiment the weapon component is configured such that, upon explosive launch, the reactive material matrix fractures to define one or more reactive material matrix fragments. The weapon component may be configured such that the discrete fragments are propelled at a first velocity over a defined distance while the reactive material matrix fragments are propelled at a second velocity over the defined distance, the second velocity being less than the first velocity. The weapon component may be used, for example, in a countermeasure weapon used to defeat a target weapon. Other embodiments of weapon components, weapons and related methods are also disclosed.

Weapons and weapon components incorporating reactive materials

A projectile having a reactive material disposed therein is provided. The projectile includes a housing which defines a cavity, the cavity being open at one end of thereof. A reactive material is disposed within the cavity. A tip is coupled with the housing and substantially encloses the opening of the cavity. The housing, the reactive material and the tip are cooperatively positioned and configured so as to define a void space between a surface of the tip and a surface of the reactive material. Upon impact with a target, the tip of the projectile is designed to become displaced within the cavity until it contacts the reactive material and transfers kinetic energy thereto, thereby causing ignition of the reactive material. The void space may be defined to provide a desired amount of time between initial impact of the projectile with a target and the subsequent ignition of the reactive material.

Reactive material enhanced projectiles and related methods

A process for manufacturing a high performance gun propellant containing an energetic thermoplastic elastomeric binder and a high-energy oxidizer is disclosed. The process includes preparing or obtaining a molding powder of the high-energy oxidizer particles coated with the energetic thermoplastic elastomeric binder and extruding the molding powder into the desired gun propellant configuration. The high-energy oxidizer has a concentration in the range from 70% to 85%, by weight, and the energetic thermoplastic elastomeric binder has a concentration in the range from 15% to 30%, by weight. The molding powder has a particle size in the range from 200&mgr; to 2000&mgr;. Typical thermoplastic elastomeric binders include oxetane, oxirane, and nitramine backbone polymers, copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Typical high-energy oxidizers include nitramine oxidizers.

Process for the manufacture of high performance gun propellants

A mechanism for isolating energetic material feed streams from a material processing apparatus includes a deflector conduit having side panels defining a passageway from an entrance to an exit. Openings are formed in the side panels, and deflector baffles are positioned within the passageway adjacent each of the openings. The deflector baffles are arranged obliquely to the side panels so as to permit material to pass through the passageway toward the exit without falling out of the openings, but to deflect flames, propagating through the passageway toward the entrance, out of the openings to substantially prevent the flames from reaching the entrance. A conveyor may be used in conjunction with the deflector conduit to separate the conduit from a material feed hopper. A combustible conduit may be used to direct material into the deflector conduit from the end of a conveyor or from a feed hopper.

Mechanism for mechanically isolating energetic material feed streams

A process for manufacturing a high performance gun propellant containing an energetic thermoplastic elastomeric binder and a high-energy oxidizer is disclosed. The process includes preparing or obtaining a molding powder of the high-energy oxidizer particles coated with the energetic thermo-plastic elastomeric binder and extruding the molding powder into the desired gun propellant configuration. The high-energy oxidizer has a concentration in the range from 70% to 85%, by weight, and the energetic thermoplastic elastomeric binder has a concentration in the range from 15% to 30%, by weight. The molding powder has a particle size in the range from 200 .mu. to 2000 .mu.. Typical thermoplastic elastomeric binders include oxetane, oxirane, and nitramine backbone polymers, copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Typical high-energy oxidizers include nitramine oxidizers.

Growing community of inventors

Tremonton, UT, United States of America

Michael T Rose