Flechette weapon system and method employing minimal energetic material
US9677861B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B12/60
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A projectile having a leading section and a trailing section coupled together to define a structure for delivering a plurality of flechettes. The trailing section includes aerodynamic control surfaces that are deployable to apply an aerodynamic braking force to the trailing section to separate the trailing section from the leading section. The flechettes surround an explosive charge in the leading section such that initiation of the explosive charge outwardly disperses the flechettes after the leading section and the trailing section have separated. The control surfaces optionally also may impart spin to the projectile to assist in dispersing the flechettes. Thus, aerodynamic force is employed to assist in removing the flechettes from their confining structure in the projectile before dispersing them.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.