Patent · US Expired

Bomblet dispersion system for a cluster bomb

US4638736A · kind A · utility

13Cited by
10References
6Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 20, 1984
Grant dateJan 27, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 20, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF42C17/04
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Each bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblets can be programmed to detonate at desired intervals over a relatively long period of time. Program signals are transmitted to a number of bomblets at the same time from a wire that runs through openings in the bomblets, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblets. The wire is attached to the bomb canister at selected points and is severed inbetween the connection points when the canister is opened, thus permitting the wire sections to be pulled away without disrupting the bomblets' dispersion pattern. A shaped charge running along at least one of the canister sections is used to sever the wire. The shaped charge is arranged to direct its explosive force toward the adjacent canister section and generally away from the bomblets, and generally comprises a chevron-shaped casing filled with an explosive.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.