USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Victor J Carlson

John R Luense

Mary Hilker Sherlock

Jonathan R Ross

Ferrell Windsor Furr

Timothy S Hennessey

Windsor Furr

Robert Grande

The present invention comprises a warhead designed to provide a number of spiraling tendrils composed of segmented rods that move in an increasing radial arc in order to defeat a target. The warhead comprises a substantially cylindrical explosive charge having a plurality of rod segments arranged circumferentially around the explosive charge in a plurality of horizontal layers. As the horizontal layers descend down the explosive charge, the rod segments are offset from those directly above and below them to create a pattern that appears to be twisted columns. The number of columns is equivalent to the number of rod segments in each horizontal layer.

Segmented-rod warhead

A line explosive charge attaching system connects individual explosive charges in line with a yarn structure having yarns interlocked in a braided structure to cover and position several individual explosive charges together.

Explosive charges braided into a line charge assembly

The present invention comprises a device for clearing mines comprising a housing assembly with a chamber therein that carries a surface contact chemical that is capable of consuming the explosive fill within a mine. A nose assembly is attached to the housing assembly. The nose assembly separates from the housing assembly when the device contacts a solid mass. The nose assembly is capable of penetrating a mine housing and contacting the mine explosive fill sufficiently to expose the fill whereby the surface contact chemical can consume the fill. The present invention also includes a method of using a plurality of such devices in order to conduct a mine clearance operation in a surf zone or on a beach.

Neutralization chemical injection penetrator

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Ellicott City, MD, United States of America

Victor J Carlson