Lodged projectile removal charge

US10571212B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• David Rivera Marchand · Alexandria, US
• Angel Diaz · Waldorf, US
• Daniel McCarthy · Baltimore, US
• Michael G. Craft · Waldorf, US
• Walter Hubbard · San Antonio, US
• Nicholas Shaker · Springfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 25, 2018
• Grant date: Feb 25, 2020
• Expiry date: Sep 25, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F41A31/02
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A process that uses a lodged projectile removal charge (LPRC) apparatus to remove a projectile jammed in a cannon's gun tube. The LPRC is positioned coaxially and offset from the projectile, and the gun tube is filled with water. The charge is detonated producing a shock wave that disintegrates the LPRC apparatus and pressurizes the water. The pressurized water produces a radial hydraulic force against an interior wall of the gun tube, an axial hydraulic force against the projectile pushing the projectile toward the chamber, and produces an opposing expansion of explosive gases that blasts out most of the water in the gun tube. The process is less likely to damage the gun tube. The LPRC may be made using a 3D printer.