Integral rocket motor-warhead

USH203H · kind H · statutory invention registration

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• William Thomas · Greenville, US
• Robert E. Betts · Huntsville, US

Key dates

• Grant date: Feb 3, 1987

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

A rocket motor is disclosed which employs a Class 1.1 detonatable composition which is both a propellant and explosive. One grain design is configured to give a high boost acceleration during the burning phase of a perforated portion of the grain. The internally burning grain subsequently changes to an end-burning grain which provides a sustaining thrust burning period. The rocket motor flies to target with the burning surface progressing towards the head end. The rocket burns to target, but the design always provides some remaining propellant which serves as the warhead explosive on impact with the target. Detonator means cause the remaining unburned propellant to denonate at target impact or prior to target impact. This rocket motor design does not provide for separation between the warhead and the motor case. Therefore, the complete rocket motor travels to the target area. The rocket motor case may be serrated to give a controlled shrapnel effect upon detonation at target area which allows all the motor case to act as controlled warhead shrapnel. The rocket motor propellant grain is shaped in one design at the front end with a detonator located within the propellant to ensure th…