Integrated spacing and orientation control system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A remotely deployable munition array for destroying mines in a minefield, comprising:
- an array of jet-type munitions each having a top end and a bottom end, each munition being designed to fire an explosive jet from its bottom end when detonated;
a generally planar network of upper flexible strapping members connected to the top ends of the munitions; and
a generally planar network of lower flexible strapping members connected to the bottom ends of the munitions;
the upper strapping members being fastened to the lower strapping members at locations between the munitions.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An integrated spacing and orientation control system is provided for carrying an array of objects and maintaining a predetermined orientation of the objects and a predetermined spacing between objects. In a presently preferred application, the spacing and orientation system carries an array of anti-mine munitions for clearing a path through a minefield. The invention deploys the anti-mine munitions in a downwardly pointed orientation with proper spacing between munitions, even when the array of munitions is deployed using rocket motors.
108 Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A remotely deployable munition array for destroying mines in a minefield, comprising:
-
an array of jet-type munitions each having a top end and a bottom end, each munition being designed to fire an explosive jet from its bottom end when detonated; a generally planar network of upper flexible strapping members connected to the top ends of the munitions; and a generally planar network of lower flexible strapping members connected to the bottom ends of the munitions; the upper strapping members being fastened to the lower strapping members at locations between the munitions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. An integrated spacing and orientation control system for supporting an array of objects in a preselected arrangement and orientation, each object having a top and a bottom, the control system comprising:
-
objects, said objects further defined as munitions; upper means for interconnecting the tops of the objects so as to restrict lateral movement of said tops; lower means for interconnecting the bottoms of the objects so as to restrict lateral movement of said bottoms; the upper means and lower means being joined to one another at spaced locations between the objects. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
-
-
11. A remotely deployable munition array for destroying mines comprising:
-
an array of jet-type munitions disposed in a preselected pattern and having preselected spacing and orientation for deployment over a mine field; and means for supporting the munitions during transport and deployment such that the preselected spacing and orientation of the munitions is attained after deployment; wherein the supporting means is coupled to a top end of each munition and to a bottom end of each munition so as to control the orientation of the munitions. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
-
Specification