Patent · US Active

Launchable grenade system

US8220392B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
7References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 28, 2005
Grant dateJul 17, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 8, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF42B14/00
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A launchable grenade system is backwards compatible with conventional launch platforms and is capable of launching a variety of payloads at greater range and increased launch velocity, and with significantly improved targeting accuracy. The grenade is pre-packaged in a disposable launch canister that effectively confines launch ejection gases behind the projectile until it exits the canister. Additional enhancements in one or more embodiments, include collapsible aerodynamic stabilizers that are folded inside the launch canister prior to firing and deploy in flight to improve projectile stability and ballistic performance; electronic fuzing for improved repeatability and targeting precision, next-generation digital capabilities that include electronic device identification, failsafe and device monitoring; and momentum arresting forward expulsion of the payload to reduce blunt trauma hazard from projectile hardware and to provide for short distance targeting at significantly greater speed.

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