US3720168A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elliptical warhead
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1970-12-14
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Granted: 1973-03-13
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Expires: 1990-12-14
Abstract
Abstract High explosive or shaped charge modules are sandwiched between offset elliptical plates, and a series of such elliptical sections pack into a cylindrical, roll-stabilized air-to-surface missile body when inclined to the missile axis at a nominal dive angle. A preformed fragmentation or modified continuous rod shell surrounds the high explosive sections and when detonated above ground a horizontal orientation is obtained for maximum lethal effects.
Inventors
- 👤 A Sylwester
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:26
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41H; F41H11/00; F41H11/02; F42; F42B; F42B12/00; F42B12/02; F42B12/20; F42B12/201; F42B12/202; F42B12/204; F42B12/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In a roll-stabilized missile, a directional detonatable warhead, comprising: a. a plurality of elliptical sections comprising a plurality of high explosives sandwiched between a plurality of parallel elliptical plates, b. said elliptical plates being inclined to the missile axis and being normal to the vertical when said roll-stabilized missile is at a predetermined terminal dive angle toward a surface target, c. said elliptical plates providing a focused blast wave with horizontal orientation and extended range upon detonation of said high explosive to provide complete horizontal coverage against surface targets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a roll-stabilized missile, a directional detonatable warhead, comprising: a. a plurality of elliptical sections comprising a plurality of high explosives sandwiched between a plurality of parallel elliptical plates, b. said elliptical plates being inclined to the missile axis and being normal to the vertical when said roll-stabilized missile is at a predetermined terminal dive angle toward a surface target, c. said elliptical plates providing a focused blast wave with horizontal orientation and extended range upon detonation of said high explosive to provide complete horizontal coverage against surface targets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a roll-stabilized missile, a directional detonatable warhead, comprising: a. a plurality of elliptical sections comprising a plurality of high explosives sandwiched between a plurality of parallel elliptical plates, b. said elliptical plates being inclined to the missile axis and being normal to the vertical when said roll-stabilized missile is at a predetermined terminal dive angle toward a surface target, c. said elliptical plates providing a focused blast wave with horizontal orientation and extended range upon detonation of said high explosive to provide complete horizontal coverage against surface targets.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a roll-stabilized missile, a directional detonatable warhead, comprising: a. a plurality of elliptical sections comprising a plurality of high explosives sandwiched between a plurality of parallel elliptical plates, b. said elliptical plates being inclined to the missile axis and being normal to the vertical when said roll-stabilized missile is at a predetermined terminal dive angle toward a surface target, c. said elliptical plates providing a focused blast wave with horizontal orientation and extended range upon detonation of said high explosive to provide complete horizontal coverage against surface targets.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A directional warhead as in claim 1, wherein hemi-cylinders of high explosive are provided at each end thereof to provide expanded angular Explosive coverage forward and aft in the horizontal plane upon detonation of the warhead.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A directional warhead as in claim 1 wherein said elliptical warhead sections are detonated in sequence from the end sections to the center section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A directional warhead as in claim 1 wherein said high explosive sections comprise high explosive surrounded by preformed explosive fragments.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A warhead as in claim 1 wherein a continuous rod bundle is wrapped about the elliptical sections of the warhead to provide a horizontally expanding continuous rod loop upon detonation of the warhead.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
a directional warhead as in claim 1 wherein said high explosive sections comprise an elliptical wheel pack of shaped charge modules.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-12 | 1976-09-11 | 1977-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-12 | 1980-09-11 | 1981-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-12 | 1984-09-11 | 1985-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |