Grenade dispense mechanism for non-spin dual purpose improved conventional munitions

Abstract

A grenade dispensing mechanism for non-spin or low spin dual purpose improved conventional munition launched from inside a projectile. At a pre-determined point along the trajectory, the projectile time fuze which is set at the gun functions to provide initiation output to the payload expulsion charge assembly. The payload expulsion charge assembly contains a propellant which when ignited, produces a gas pressure acting on a pusher plate which acts as a piston. The gas pressure increases with time until the forces of the gas pressure acting on the pusher plate through the grenade payload to the base/tail assembly are sufficient to shear the thread attachment of the base assembly to the projectile body section. An obturator band serves to seal the expulsion gas pressures to prevent excessive gas blow-by as the payload canister assembly travels through the rifled projectile body section. Upon thread shear, the base separates from the projectile body permitting movement of the grenade payload toward the aft open end of the projectile body. The projectile payload section is in the warhead/payload canister assembly. A pre-engraved rotating band attached to the payload canister as it travels through the projectile section rifling creates a torque thus the grenades emerge from the projectile body with rotational and tangential velocity determined by their position in the payload section which cause the grenades to disperse, arm and stabilize to form a large approximately uniform, distribution of grenades in a pattern effects over a target area.