EP1002213B1 - System for protecting objects against shaped charges - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement for protection against shaped charges, primarily bomblets which approach or which position themselves on an object such as armored target object, through the provision of disruptive bodies on the target object.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for protecting objects against shaped charges approaching the object or placed thereon according to the preamble of claim 1.

The survivability of armored vehicles depends critically on their ability to protect against threats from above or from the side. Threats that come from above include, first and foremost, so-called bomblets being ejected from artillery shells or warheads above the battlefield, covering the last freefall route, usually with simple aerodynamic stabilization. The arming occurs during or after the ejection from the warhead by aerodynamic and mechanical aids. The firing of the bomblet is usually triggered by the jerky delay in the impact on the target surface.

The actual active part of such charges consists of so-called shaped charges with a conical or trumpet-shaped insert which may have a same or variable wall thickness over its height, which is then referred to as degressive or progressive hollow charge. In order for the shaped charges to be able to achieve their full performance, high manufacturing symmetry with corresponding dynamic material properties is a basic prerequisite.

From practice it is known that even very small disturbances, due to manufacturing inaccuracies, inhomogeneities in the explosive or slightly asymmetric Zündverläufe or not completely regular detonation of the explosive, lead to such a decisive reduction in performance that the forming of the insert shaped charge jet or shaped charge spine does not propagate or stretch completely axisymmetrically.

In Fig. 1 a shaped charge in the form of a bomblet 1 at the time of impact with the surface 10 of an object to be protected is shown schematically. The bomblet 1 consists essentially of a housing 2 which is filled with explosive 3 such that this explosive 3 surrounds a downwardly opening insert 4 made of a material such as copper. The explosive 3, which is bombarded by an igniter 6, compresses the insert 4 at high speed, so that a shaped charge jet or jet 5 forms out of the tip region of the insert 4.

The insert 4 is thus transformed by the detonation of the explosive 3 to the beam 5, which moves to the surface 10 under continuous stretching and penetrates into this. The peak velocities of the particles forming the beam 5 are between 5 and 8 km / s, the diameter of the formed beam 5 being in the millimeter range. With perfect precision penetration depths are achieved in homogeneous steel armor, which are between four to eight times the largest deposit diameter. The mechanical impact ignition is usually carried out in that a firing needle 7 moves due to its inertia in a channel 8 when hitting the object on the detonator 6 and pierces it, whereby the bomblet 1 is ignited. The igniter 6 brings the explosive 3 to detonation.

The efficiency of the bomblet 1 depends essentially on the extension of the beam 5. This is achieved by stretching the initially quasi-homogeneous beam at the time of its formation and thereby particulating it. A depth effect then results from the addition of the individual powers of the individual particles forming the beam 5, which have to penetrate one behind the other absolutely precisely. The stretching of the jet 5 takes place continuously, with the distance between the particles from the tip in the direction of the bomblet 1 decreasing steadily. For a desired breakdown performance, a certain stretch of stretch 9 is necessary, which is generally referred to as stand-off. The stand-off 9 is formed by the distance of the lower cone boundary of the insert 4 to the surface 10.

In Aufschlagzündern that need a sufficient delay to their functioning, the stand-off 9 is compared to the diameter of the insert 4 of the bomblets 1 by design small (see, eg, Fig. 11, in warheads with proximity fuse or electric ignition, the state -Off 9 be formed correspondingly larger (about 2 times the diameter of the insert).

For protection against bomblets, various systems are already known from the prior art.

For example, FR-A-1,041,126 discloses an arrangement for protecting objects against shaped charges on which the preamble of claim 1 is based. In this case, the plurality of bluff bodies are designed such that when a shaped charge with the tip is placed on a bluff body, this bluff body can penetrate into the interior of the insert of the shaped charge and thus disturb the shaped charge jet. In general, however, the shaped charge will not so ideally strike a bluff body but will sit on the ends of the bluff bodies and detonate remotely from the surface of the object to be protected.

Further, FR-A-2,771,490 describes a protective structure consisting of a pliable, preferably flowable filling layer applied to the armor, which accelerates into the interior of the insert upon penetration of a shaped charge into this layer. This known arrangement corresponds to the protective arrangement shown in Fig. 12, which will be described later as a comparative example.

However, the protective effect of all these known arrangements against an object approaching or placed on this shaped charges such as bomblets is limited or only limited.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a more effective arrangement for protection against shaped charges, primarily bomblets.

According to the present invention, this object is achieved by an arrangement having the features of claim 1. The bluff bodies are either (a) brittle are formed and / or are (b) elastically formed and / or stored and formed so thin in relation to the inner diameter of an insert of the shaped charge that at least one disruptive body can thread into the region of the insert or the stand-off of the shaped charge.

The elastic support of the bluff bodies can also be realized by embedding the bluff bodies in a resilient matrix.

The principle of the arrangement according to the invention is based on preventing the formation of the symmetrical beam of a bomblet and thus to significantly reduce its performance. This is done by the safe introduction of at least one disruptive body or parts thereof in the inner region of the hollow charge insert and / or in the region of the insert opening by the special training and / or storage of the bluff body.

By introducing the obstruction body into the inner region or at least into the lower central region of the shaped charge, the jet can already be disturbed in a particularly advantageous manner at the beginning of its stretching and before the jet has fully developed such that the final ballistic efficiency of the shaped charge can be reduced to one Fraction of their maximum efficiency is reduced. Comparable reductions in performance can not be achieved with any other goal-oriented measure known from practice, not even with the most modern dynamic methods.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention form the subject of the respective subclaims.

Fig. 1

Komponenten einer geformten Ladung in Form eines Bomblets für den Angriff auf ein zu schützendes Objekt von oben;

Fig. 2

die Einteilung unterschiedlicher Wirkzonen einer derartigen Ladung;

Fig. 3

unterschiedliche Positionen von Störkörpern;

Fig. 4

eine Zone A mit weiteren verschieden ausgeformten Störkörpern;

Fig. 5

eine Zone B mit weiteren Beispielen für verschieden ausgeformte Störkörper;

Fig. 6

die Zonen B und C mit weiteren Beispielen für verschieden ausgeformte Störkörper;

Fig. 7a bis 7c

eine schematisierte Darstellung der Abweichung des Strahls von seiner Ideallinie in Abhängigkeit von der Position des in die Einlage eingebrachten Störkörpers;

Fig. 8

mehrere Störkörper, welche mit einer Abdeckung versehen sind;

Fig. 9a und 9b

einen versenkten bzw. teilweise ausgefahrenen Störkörper;

Fig. 10a und 10b

die Freigabe von Störkörpern durch Zurückweichen einer Oberfläche;

Fig. 11a bis 11d

Beispiele für einen in eine Matrix eingebetteten Störkörper bzw. eine Matrix, welche mit Störkörpern versehen ist;

Fig. 12a und 12b

ein Eindringen von sich auf der Oberfläche des zu schützenden Objekts befindlichen Zielmateriales in den Innenbereich einer geformten Ladung (nicht Gegenstand der vorliegenden Erfindung);

Fig. 13a und 13b

bewegliche, schlanke Störkörper;

Fig. 14a bis 14c

eine schematisiert dargestellte Verankerung unterschiedlicher, beweglicher schlanker Störkörper;

Fig. 15a und 15b

ein Lochblech, welches mit Störkörpern versehen ist, sowie ein an eine Panzerung angepasstes und daran befestigtes Lochblech;

Fig. 16

eine schematisierte Darstellung, wobei ein Störkörper eine die Einlage schützende Hülle durchstößt;

Fig. 17

Störkörper, welche mittels einer Folie befestigt sind;

Fig. 18a und 18b

eine schematisierte Darstellung von gitterartigen Belegungen der Oberfläche des zu schützenden Objekts von oben;

Fig. 19

eine sich an die Störkörper anschließende optimierte Panzerung;

Fig. 20a bis 20c

einen Vergleich unterschiedlicher Schutzprinzipien;

Fig. 21

Störkörper tragende Schutzmodule mit Verbindungsgliedern;

Fig. 22

Schutzmodule mit beweglichen Abdeckungen und federnd ausgebildeten Störkörpern;

Fig. 23a und 23b

eine dünne Oberflächenstruktur mit strahlstörenden Eigenschaften,

Fig. 24

modulare Elemente zur Aufnahme von Störkörpern;

Fig. 25a bis 25c

Gitter mit Knoten zur Aufnahme von Störkörpern und einen Knoten in vergrößerter Ansicht;

Fig. 26

benachbarte Module mit Rand- und Fugenschutz durch Störkörper;

Fig. 27

benachbarte Module mit fugenüberbrückenden Elementen mit Störkörpern;

Fig. 28a und 28b

mittels eines Balges ausfahrbare Störkörper, wobei der Balg in der Panzerung bleibt;

Fig. 29a und 29b

mittels des Balges ausfahrbare Störkörper, wobei der Balg die Panzerung überragt;

Fig. 30

teleskopartig ausgebildete Störkörper;

Fig. 31

mittels eines Balges aus- und wieder einfahrbare Störkörper;

Fig. 32

den Einfluss des Störabstandes von der Oberfläche des zu schützenden Objekts;

Fig. 33

über einen Annäherungssensor gesteuerte ausfahrbare Störkörper; und

Fig. 34

eine aktive Anordnung zum Schutz gegen sich nähernde Bedrohungen als Vergleichsbeispiel.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

Components of a shaped charge in the form of a bomblet for attacking an object to be protected from above;

Fig. 2

the classification of different zones of action of such a charge;

Fig. 3

different positions of interfering bodies;

Fig. 4

a zone A with further differently shaped interfering bodies;

Fig. 5

a zone B with further examples of differently shaped bluff bodies;

Fig. 6

the zones B and C with further examples of differently shaped bluff bodies;

Fig. 7a to 7c

a schematic representation of the deviation of the beam from its ideal line as a function of the position of the introduced into the insert bluff body;

Fig. 8

a plurality of bluff bodies provided with a cover;

Fig. 9a and 9b

a sunk or partially extended bluff body;

10a and 10b

the release of disturbing bodies by retreating a surface;

Fig. 11a to 11d

Examples of embedded in a matrix obstruction or a matrix which is provided with Störkörpern;

Fig. 12a and 12b

penetration of target material located on the surface of the object to be protected into the interior of a shaped charge (not the subject of the present invention);

Fig. 13a and 13b

movable, slender disruptive bodies;

Fig. 14a to 14c

a schematically illustrated anchoring different, mobile slim sturgeon body;

Figs. 15a and 15b

a perforated plate which is provided with interfering bodies, and a perforated plate adapted to an armor and fastened thereto;

Fig. 16

a schematic representation, wherein a bluff body pierces a liner protecting the insert;

Fig. 17

Bluff bodies which are fastened by means of a foil;

Figs. 18a and 18b

a schematic representation of grid-like assignments of the surface of the object to be protected from above;

Fig. 19

an optimized armor following the bluff bodies;

Fig. 20a to 20c

a comparison of different protection principles;

Fig. 21

Impeller-supporting protection modules with connecting links;

Fig. 22

Protection modules with movable covers and resilient interference bodies;

Figs. 23a and 23b

a thin surface structure with jamming properties,

Fig. 24

modular elements for receiving disturbing bodies;

Fig. 25a to 25c

Lattice with nodes for receiving disturbing bodies and a node in an enlarged view;

Fig. 26

adjacent modules with edge and joint protection by bluff bodies;

Fig. 27

adjacent modules with joint bridging elements with interfering bodies;

Figs. 28a and 28b

bellows extendable bluff body, leaving the bladder in the armor;

Figs. 29a and 29b

bellows extendable by means of the bellows, the bellows surmounting the armor;

Fig. 30

telescopically formed bluff bodies;

Fig. 31

by means of a bellows out and retractable bluff body;

Fig. 32

the influence of the signal to noise ratio on the surface of the object to be protected;

Fig. 33

extendable bluff bodies controlled by a proximity sensor; and

Fig. 34

an active arrangement for protection against approaching threats as a comparative example.

To explain the individual modes of action and possibilities of the arrangement described here, the area of the insert 4, including the stand-off 9, is subdivided into three zones. In Fig. 2 these are arranged with zone A for the lower cone area and the stand-off 9, zone B for the central region of the insert 4 and zone C for the tip region of the insert 4, which on the igniter 6 facing side of the insert 4 is designated.

FIG. 3 shows a bomblet 1 which is arranged on the surface of an object (armor) 10. In this case, several focal points 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F of possible disruptive bodies in characteristic positions in an inner region 129 of the insert 4 are shown. The focal points of the perturbation masses or bluff bodies are not identical to the actual center of gravity in the various geometric configurations of the bluff bodies. Rather, they denote the location where a bluff body causes its greatest blasting interference. The connection between the centers of gravity 14A to 14F and the surface of the armor 10 of the object to be protected takes place either via a special device or in each case by the bluff body 16 itself. For orientation, the direction of movement of the bomblet 1, its axis of symmetry 11, the collapse point 12 and the forming beam tip 13 are shown. The already formed part of the insert 4 is denoted by 4A,

3 and thus emphasized positions 14A to 14F of the different centers of gravity is the main interference position 14A on the inner wall of the liner (insert) 4. In the position 14B of the center of gravity of the interference body extends into the upper region of the insert 4, at the position 14C in the central region of the insert 4 outside the axis of symmetry 11 inside. Correspondingly, at the position 14D in the lower central area of the insert 4, the interfering body is arranged near the axis of symmetry 11 and at position 14E the interfering body acts in the area of stand-off 9. A special case is the position 14F of the center of gravity. Here pierces or the bluff body deforms the insert 4 mechanically.

4, the area of the insert 4 of the bomblets 1 and the zone A are shown schematically and exemplary bluff body 16. The bluff body 16 are formed as different geometric body. Specifically, the bluff bodies 16 (from left to right in FIG. 4) are cylindrical, pin-shaped, spherical, cylindrical with a truncated cone tip, cylindrical with a rounded tip, designed as a pointed cone or as a blunt cone. All the rotationally symmetrical disruptive bodies 16 listed can also be made angular, for example as cuboids or truncated pyramids, if this proves to be advantageous for reasons of signature behavior (for example radar detection). It is at the discretion of the person skilled in the art to use the embodiments of a bluff body 16 shown in FIG. 4 as well for the desired centers of action 14D and 14E of the bluff bodies schematically shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows some embodiments of interference bodies 16 which have a length such that they protrude into zone B of the insert 4. In this case, a first disruptive body 16 is formed as a hollow cylinder, which is filled in the present embodiment with a medium 17. The bluff body 16 may also be easily formed as a hollow body without filling medium. The second interfering body 16 is pin-shaped formed and may also have a cavity 17 and / or a tip 18.

The first interfering body 16 may be formed in a further, deviating from the present example embodiment solid and without a tip.

A third disruptive body 16 shown in FIG. 5 is cylindrical and formed with a rounded tip 18, wherein the cylindrical base body is connected via a pin 19 with the rounded tip 18. A fourth obstruction body 16 is configured as a blunt cone, which is fastened, for example by means of a pin 20 in the surface (armor) 10 of the object to be protected as a support structure.

The first interfering body 16 represents a special embodiment of the centroids 14C and 14D shown in FIG. 3. The same applies to the second interfering body 16, which represents a special form of the centroids 14B and 14C according to FIG. The third interfering body 16 represents a specific embodiment of the centroid 14D according to FIG. 3 and the fourth interfering body 16 is one for the centroid 14A of FIG. 3. Of course, the transitions between the individual illustrated embodiments of the interfering bodies are fluid, and there are a plurality of combinations of the same conceivable.

In Fig. 6, the zone C of the insert 4 is shown, wherein a first pin-shaped interfering body 16 is formed such that it extends into the zone C and in its basic configuration corresponds to the center of gravity 14 B of FIG. 3. In addition, the combination of a pin-shaped obstruction body 16 with a cone-shaped base interfering body 23 is shown by way of example. This combination simultaneously involves disturbances of the beam 5 in zones A, B and C, as shown schematically in FIG. 3 by the centroids 14B, 14D and 14E.

A particularly interesting accident is shown in Fig. 6. This disruptive body 16 (on the right in FIG. 6), which is designed as a cylindrical bluff body in the present example, penetrates the surface of the armor 10 impinging on the object surface Inlay 4 of the bomblet 1. This is a larger deformed or disturbed zone 22 is formed, which leads to the detonation of the explosive 3 to particularly pronounced disturbances of the beam 5.

It should be pointed out at this point that the illustrated examples of disturbing bodies not only cause the blasting interferences intended for their focal points of action, but also that the connections to the surface of the armor 10 such as webs, pods, etc., another, in part, over a large Spatial region effect interference.

Figures 7a to 7c show three examples of typical beam disturbances corresponding to the positions of the centroids 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E. The beam disturbance shown in Fig. 7a, represented by the dashed line 24A, is triggered by the position of the centroid 14B. In this case, the center of gravity 14B of the bluff body is reproduced in a highly schematized manner as a black circle, which reproduces the end of the bluff body reaching into the inner region 129 of the insert 4.

Since the lower fast part of the beam, which provides the highest contribution to performance in penetrating the armor of the object to be protected, is formed by the tip of the insert 4, in this part, i. in zone C the disturbance caused by a bluff body is greatest. In addition to the interference already mentioned by the compounds of the bluff body and armor 10 is due to shock wave reflections in the explosive and in the area of the insert 4, the introduced disturbance also in the following areas, so that the disturbance of the beam is not limited to this area , Incidentally, this consideration applies to all other examples shown and described.

The blasting disturbance illustrated in FIG. 7b, which is represented graphically by the dashed line 24B, is caused by the bluff bodies with the centers of gravity 14A and 14C introduced into the inner region 129 of the insert 4. This results in a wide deflection of the middle part of the beam. 5

The beam deflection according to a dashed line 24C shown in FIG. 7c is caused by the introduction of the interfering bodies with the centers of gravity 14D, 14E into the inner region 129 of the insert 4. The disturbances in the formation of the beam 5 remain concentrated here primarily on the rear beam portion, while the interfering body with the center of gravity 14D due to its symmetrieachsennahen location still expect additional interference in the front beam parts. Of course, resulting from the different combinations of the location and design of the outer shape and the length of the bluff corresponding blasting noise that usually add up, as they support the asymmetry in principle.

If robust or relatively simply structured surfaces are to be realized, then short, thick bluff bodies with effect in the area of zone A will be used. With these, e.g. accessible surfaces can be realized. Such measures correspond to the example shown in FIG. 7C, wherein the effect is composed of several factors, if several disruptive bodies can be placed in the interior of an incident bomblet 1 at the same time or if a central obstruction body leads to a simultaneous asymmetric disturbance of the expanding shaped charge jet.

If planar surfaces of the object to be protected are to be realized, it is conceivable, for example, for a bluff body 16 with a cover 25 shown in FIG. 8 and designed as a blunt cone. It is then only necessary to ensure that this cover 25 does not prevent the further drop in the charge until it is ignited, so it is not carried out correspondingly solid. It is also possible to make the cover 25 removable, so that it is removed only in case of emergency.

Such covers are of particular interest when a particular signature behavior of the surface is desired. It is also possible to set a favorable signature behavior by certain shapes and materials of the interfering body-carrying surface of the armor 10 of an object.

In Figs. 9a, 9b and 10a, 10b, noise zones are dynamically constructed as needed. Thus, in the example shown in Fig. 9a, 9b bluff body 16 from the Surface 26 of a correspondingly executed target extended or pushed out. In this case, the disruptive body 16 is shown in the retracted and in Fig. 9b in partially extended state in Fig. 9a.

FIGS. 10a and 10b show an alternative to FIGS. 9a and 9b, whereby a surface 26 initially covering the bluff body 16 recedes in the direction of the arrow (FIG. 10a) and thus releases the bluff body 16 (FIG. 10b).

In FIGS. 11a to 11d, some embodiments of the invention with the above-mentioned protective properties are shown, wherein on the surface of the armor (residual or subsequent armor) 10 of the object to be protected, disruptive bodies 16 are applied, which cause the desired jet disturbance. Thus, FIGS. 11 a to 11 d show examples of disruptive bodies 16 that are embedded in a relatively soft, yielding matrix 30. In Fig. 11a, for example, a conical disruptive body 16 is positioned defined in such a material. FIG. 11b shows spherical bluff bodies 16 in regular or irregular distribution in the matrix 30. FIG. 11c shows a combination of the bluff bodies 16 shown in FIGS. 11a and 11b. In Fig. 11d, the matrix 30 is formed as a positioning or embedding layer for a spherical bluff body 16 that is not completely enveloped by the matrix 30. Such a matrix 30 may e.g. consist of a foamed material or a deformable polymeric material.

In Fig. 12 (comparative), a surface 32 of the object to be protected preceded layer 32 is made of a material that is compliant enough to during penetration of the bomblets 1 in this layer 32 in the direction of the insert 4, as shown by an arrow 33 shown to be accelerated. As a result, a disruptive body 16 consisting of the material of the layer 32 for disturbing the beam formation is introduced into the inner region 129 of the insert 4.

As already stated, disturbances in the region of the zone C, ie the tip region of the insert 4, are fundamentally particularly effective. In order to reach the zone C during the impact of the bomblets 1, are in a particularly advantageous Embodiment of the invention slender obstruction 16, as shown in Fig. 6, used. In FIGS. 13a and 13b, such bluff bodies 16 are shown. The bomblet 1 approaching in FIG. 13a the surface of the armor 10 of the object to be protected, which is occupied by the disturbing bodies 16, pushes one (as shown) or several disruptive bodies 16 (not shown) into the interior area 129 of FIG Insert 4 and bends the bluff body 16 in a form shown at 36.

In FIGS. 14a and 14b, two further exemplary embodiments are shown how the tip region of the insert 4 of an incident bomblet 1 can be achieved by means of a slender disruptive element 16. The state shown in Fig. 14a corresponds to the example shown in Fig. 13b. The bluff body 16 is made flexible so that it can be brought into the shape shown at 36. According to FIG. 14 b, the bluff body 16 is fixed, as shown at 37, in the surface of the armor 10. As an alternative to the flexible configuration 36, the bluff body 16 may also be rigid and may be movably mounted in the surface of the armor 10 by means of a rotating device 39 and be movable into the deflecting positions 38.

The turning device 39 may, as shown for example in Fig. 14c, be made of e.g. made with elastomeric material filled housing 40 which is embedded in the surface of the armor 10.

In principle, the layer carrying the disruptive bodies can have a modular structure. It may also be advantageous to cover curved surfaces with such interference layers. Fig. 15a shows an example of a perforated plate 41, are fixed in the bluff body 16. In this case, two basic forms of disruptive bodies are shown, once a slim design according to a bluff body according to FIG. 4 or a bluff body according to FIG. 5 and a conical embodiment according to a bluff body of FIG. 4. In FIG. 15 b, a carrier layer 44 consists of a hollow structure which the bluff body 16 carries. Following the curvature of the carrier armor 43, this structure is connected to the carrier armor 43 by means of a fastening element (not illustrated) or a fastening layer 45 shown schematically.

In a particular embodiment, such a protective surface can also consist of perforated metal strips with one or more rows of interfering bodies.

Since it is also conceivable that the insert 4 of an impinging bomblets 1 is provided with a cover 46, it is quite possible, with a correspondingly executed bluff body 16, which corresponds in principle to the bluff body of FIG. 6, the cover 46 to pierce and in to penetrate the inner region 129 of the insert 4. This is shown in principle in FIG. 16.

An example of an interference layer formed from a plurality of interference bodies 16 is shown in FIG. 17. In this case, the interference bodies 16 are fixed on a carrier plate 49 by means of bores 48 and surrounded by a cladding layer 50, which may be e.g. is applied by means of vacuum as a thermoforming sheet on the bluff body 16.

FIGS. 18a and 18b each show an occupancy of the surface of the armor 10 with interfering bodies 16, wherein these are arranged in such a way that one or more disruptive bodies 16 can simultaneously penetrate into the inner area of a bomblet, which is schematically indicated by the circles.

FIG. 19 shows an example of a favorable sequence structure after a layer with interfering bodies 19. A precisely aligned high-power beam is much easier to disturb by dynamically particularly effective devices, such as buckling structures, than a beam which is already highly fanned out. It is therefore useful to intercept the disturbed by means of an upstream interference zone 53 beam in a particularly effective ballistic follow-up armor 54 such as high-strength steel or ceramic. The subsequent armor or layer 54 may then be e.g. via an insulating layer 55, which is also suitable for the further distribution of possibly remaining behind the layer 54 residual beam parts, be mounted on a support armor 56.

FIGS. 20a to 20c show comparatively three target structures. Thus, Fig. 20a shows a homogeneous steel armor 57, which is just penetrated by the bomblet 1 (border penetration). The reference mass and the reference height H1 here are each 100%, which correspond to the value 1.

In Fig. 20b the same Bomblet 1 breaks through just a high-quality special armor 58 conventional structure. Their height H2 corresponds to about the height of the massive armor 57, with their mass is only one third. In Fig. 20c two protective power equal armor structures 59A and 59B are shown with Störkörpern. Their total height H3 should be half the height H1 of the homogeneous armor. Assuming a ratio of disturbance range height to follow-up armor of 1: 4 for the right-hand example (relatively massive interfering bodies), on average one quarter of the mass of the homogeneous steel target results. In the left example, slim, thin bluff bodies are used, allowing a 2: 1 sturgeon range / following armor ratio. This reduces the mass to one sixth of the mass of the homogeneous steel target.

Typically, the performance of a protection scheme is determined by the product of mass efficiency, which is the ratio of the penetrated target mass of a steel armor in the limit penetration to penetrated target mass of the considered target, and space efficiency, which in turn corresponds to the ratio of the thickness of the penetrated steel armor to the thickness of the considered target, specified. The example shown in FIG. 20a gives as a reference a product of FIG. 1, whereas the special armor 58 according to FIG. 20b is a product of three and the structure provided with interfering bodies according to FIG. 20c a product of FIG. 8 for the right-hand example and of FIG left example results. Such overall efficiencies are achieved by any other known from the prior art inert armor even approximately.

The above comparative consideration then leads to still significantly higher evaluation figures, if the interfering structure works with far into the insert 4 reaching into, slim interfering bodies, or if the bluff bodies are set wide and / or have a low mass. Since the disturbance of the beam, depending on the position of the bluff body with virtually any material can be achieved, a variety of extremely mass-efficient solutions is possible.

Meanwhile, experimental studies suggest that highly effective perturbations can be achieved even if the center of mass of the perturbation bodies is approximately between the upper third and the center the insert 4 is located. This simplifies the construction of optimally effective structures with interfering bodies.

It may often be convenient to construct a protective structure of the type proposed modular. Such an example is shown in FIG. On the left side, bluff bodies 16 are mounted on a surface 10 of the object to be protected. On the right side of the bluff body 16 and the surface 10 of the object to be protected should be integrally formed. The individual modules forming the protective surface are connected via connecting links 61, which also allow a certain mobility of the composite thus produced.

A particular technical solution of the principle proposed here are variable bodies which are variable in height, as exemplified in FIG. 22, for example. In a correspondingly shaped carrier element 62 are spring-like obstruction 16, which are held by means of a movable cover 65 in a chamber 66. If the covers 65 are removed from the chamber 66, the bluff body 16 is relieved and expands. Thus, in Fig. 22, a relieved bluff body 63 is shown. In order to effect a more efficient disturbance of the beam by a more favorable center of gravity, the disturbing body 16 may be provided with an additional disturbing mass 64 arranged at its end facing away from the carrier element 62.

This principle of a height-adjustable structure can be realized in different ways. So rubbery disruptive bodies are conceivable that can be folded bellows. Also metal springs fulfill this task. The variation of the height can also be achieved by a folding resilient spring bodies, which are erected resiliently when needed.

Two further technically interesting embodiments of the arrangement are shown in FIGS. 23a and 23b. Here the jet disturbing surface is realized by means of thin structures. In Fig. 23a, the surface of the armor 10 of the object to be protected carries a thin structure containing the disturbing body 16 for early beam disturbance. Such structures can be made, for example, of relatively thin, metallic sheets, of glass fiber reinforced plastics or polymers cast, deep-drawn, punched, forged or pressed. FIG. 23b shows a further surface profile 16, wherein bluff bodies of different lengths and shapes are provided. It is also conceivable to introduce 16 additional masses to improve the interference in the upper region of the bluff body.

For the application also devices can be interesting, which are modular and in which the desired Störkörper can be used. Fig. 24 shows two modules 68 with respective receivers 69. These may be both metallic carrier modules as well as those of plastic, rubber, glass fiber reinforced plastic or the like. Act. Non-planar surfaces can be accommodated either by modular design or by flexible support materials.

In FIGS. 25a to 25c, the above-described principle with respect to a more flexible design is further elaborated. This is a grid-like support structure 70, which preferably has in the node sensor 69 for Störkörper. Fig. 25b shows a receiver 69 of a node in plan view in an enlarged view. An inserted bluff body 16 is attached as shown in FIG. 25c via a pin 73 in the receiver 69. Such a principle is suitable for receiving arbitrarily shaped bluff body of different materials or even for the replacement of bluff bodies, for. against different threats.

It is also conceivable that the examples shown in FIGS. 12, 23, 24 and 25 for interference structures or carrier layers for interfering bodies are made so thin or soft that they have pronounced damping properties. As a result, it is quite conceivable to catch threats or bomblets that strike with a relatively high speed or falling speed in such a soft or resilient manner that ignition of the bomblets does not take place at all.

Another advantage of relatively yielding thick interfering or supporting layers for bluff bodies may be to allow threats to dip relatively deep prior to their firing. This is advantageous if the bomblet is provided with a splitter shell, which simultaneously accelerates splinters with the formation of the shaped charge jet via the detonating explosive in the lateral direction. These will then, at least in the immersed part, taken up by the interference or carrier layer.

A particular advantage of the arrangement described here for disrupting shaped charge jets during their formation is that in particular weak points of protective structures can be avoided hereby. This is illustrated by the embodiments of bluff bodies shown in the figures described below.

Thus, FIG. 26 shows four protection modules 68. The interference bodies 16 are in principle arranged so that a critical edge area or impact area between the protection modules 68 is strengthened. This can be done by virtue of the fact that the individual protection modules 68 have interfering bodies in their edge area, or in that interfering bodies are integrated directly into the joint area. This is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 26 through the section X-X. This shows a introduced between the protection modules 68 strip 76 which contains corresponding Störkörper 16, which are connected by means of webs 75 with the bar 76. This strip 76 can also serve as a buffer element between the protection modules 68 or take over other secondary functions (such as fixations). FIG. 26 also shows an example of how a decisive protection performance increase can be achieved by means of a central obstruction body 16 in the abutting area of a plurality of protection modules 68.

FIG. 27 shows further examples of the avoidance of weak points of modular armor by means of disruptive bodies. Thus, the edge regions of the protection modules 68 can be reinforced in protection either by a one-sided, edge body bearing edge strip or tab 78, two modules summarizing and the edge regions thereof overlapping strips or tabs 79, 80 or the joint area of several protection modules 68 overlapping, impact body.

The edge strip or tab 78 is provided specifically for the outer region of the carrier layers, to which no further carrier layer connects. The strip or tab 79 is made relatively wide and has two juxtaposed rows of bluff bodies. Alternatively, the bar or tab 80 formed, which has only a number of Störkörpern. The impact plate 81 is of square or round basic shape and carrier of eg four interfering bodies. In principle, the bluff bodies can be made of any desired geometric shape, such as, for example, spherical, cylindrical, conical or pyramidal, and of different lengths depending on their requirements. The disruptive bodies may consist of metallic materials, polymeric materials, glass or ceramic, glass fiber reinforced plastics, pressed bodies, cast bodies and / or foamed materials.

The case was shown with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 that fault zones can be constructed dynamically. FIGS. 28a to 31 show a number of technical solutions. Thus, in FIG. 28a, an arrangement 10 for protection against shaped charges is integrated into an armor 10, wherein, if required, sturdy bodies 16 can be extended out of a space 83 by means of a bellows 84 and a carrier plate 85. A closed cover 93 of the protection system takes place here via a perforated plate 91, the holes 92 are associated with the Störkörpern 16. As the outer cover 93, a thin plate or foil, e.g. can be pierced by the Störkörpern 16. Such a cover 93 may also perform special functions regarding the signature.

The bellows 84 includes a pressure space 86 together with the support plate 85. If e.g. via a gas generating element 87, which is controlled via a line 88, a working gas released, the bluff body 16 are pushed out of the surface of the protective structure. It is also possible that the working gas is passed directly through a bore 89 in the pressure chamber 86.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 28a and 28b, the movement of the bluff bodies 16 is limited by means of the plate 91. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which relatively shallow protective arrangements can be pushed out relatively far by means of movable platforms. FIGS. 29a and 29b show an embodiment for this purpose. Based on FIGS. 28a and 28b, the removal of interfering bodies 16 from a module 94 takes place again via a bellows 84. The module 94 is closed by means of a layer 96. If necessary can With this arrangement in the pressure chamber 86, a working medium such as a working gas are introduced, so that the volume 86A of the pressure chamber 86 is considerably increased and the bellows 84 as shown in Fig. 29b, is extended. In this case, relatively high lifting heights HuH 97 can be achieved.

In Fig. 30, the case is shown that 98 individual Störkörper can be extended from a protective structure. On the left side, an interfering body 16 in a piston 99 is moved via an overpressure in the feed line 102 and the bore 103. The bottom piece 101 serves as a seal and stroke limitation. The height of the bluff body 16 determines primarily the achievable lift height HuH at 97. It is also conceivable that in such an arrangement via an overpressure or negative pressure of the bluff body 16 off or retracted.

On the right side in Fig. 30 telescopic obstruction 16 are extended. Here, a second piston 105 is moved over the piston 99, in which in turn moves an end body 100. The supply of the working gas via the holes 103 and 103A. With this telescope principle, a relatively high lifting height HuH at 97A can be achieved.

Fig. 31 shows a technical embodiment for ejecting individual interfering bodies 16 from a protective structure 98, which is covered either openly or by means of a layer 106. According to the preceding two examples and as an alternative to Fig. 22, the extension and retraction of the obstruction body 16 takes place a working gas. A bellows 109 is shown in the retracted state Lind at 109A in the extended state.

In general, the performance of shaped charges, as mentioned at the outset, is determined by the stand-off 9, ie the distance of the lower edge of the insert from the surface of the structure to be protected. Charges for the attack from above, the so-called Bomblets 1, are usually characterized by the fact that they achieve the desired penetration performance even with a small stand-off. But also their penetration power increases as the stand-off increases. The active principle proposed here, the disturbance of the jet formation or the jet disturbance still in the area of the insert, is particularly suitable for the end ballistic Decreasing the performance of shaped charges even with larger stand-offs. The cause for this is shown in FIG. 32. Considered a relatively small stand-off 113A of the bomblet 1 to the surface of the armor 10 of the object to be protected compared to a relatively large distance 113B. It is assumed that the centroid of the impactor 112 interferes with the beam forming in such a way that it already has a lateral deflection 114A when the relatively close surface of the object to be protected is reached. As already stated, due to the deflection of the jet particles out of the axis, the penetration depth 117A is already greatly reduced by increasing the diameter of the crater 116A.

If the surface of the armor 10 is at the same interference at a significantly greater distance 113B, the beam 114A is stretched and also experiences a larger lateral deflection 114B. This leads to a further considerable reduction of the penetration depth 1 17B with simultaneous enlargement of the crater diameter 116B. Since in both examples shown the displaced crater volumes 115A, 115B are comparable for energetic reasons, this results in a physically conclusive explanation for the reduction of the penetration depth.

It is also quite conceivable that bluff bodies are extended according to the proposed solution by means of a sensor and corresponding devices when approaching a threat from the surface of an armor 10. Fig. 33 shows an example of such an "active" solution. Here, the approaching bomblet 1 is detected via a proximity sensor 118, as shown by a dashed double arrow 119. This sensor 118 sends a pulse via a line 120 to a control unit 121, which in turn, for example. is connected via a connection 122 with a gas-driven device or the pressure chamber 86 of FIG. 28a, 28b or 29a, 29b. Of course, the extension can also be done using other techniques. Examples may be electromagnetic devices or simple mechanical devices such as springs.

Fig. 34 shows another comparative example of an active protection device for ejecting disturbing objects against approaching threats such as shaped charges. In this embodiment, a target structure 123 includes individual ones Accelerator chambers 98 provided with a cover as described in FIG. 31. A proximity sensor 118 is associated with individual or group of defenders via the controller 121 and detects approaching threats such as bomblets 1 in areas shown at 125 are. The ejected and in this example the target structure leaving bluff 16 fly on a relatively short distance whose direction is indicated by the arrow 127, by the bore or recording of the acceleration chamber 98, the bomblet 1 opposite. In this way, it is possible to ensure, via an appropriate grouping of groups of disturbing bodies, that at least one disruptive object always penetrates the approaching threat (bomblet 1) and decisively disturbs the formation of the beam.

At their end facing away from the surface of the armor 10 of the object to be protected end of the bluff body of all previously mentioned embodiments may be concave, convex, flat or pointed. Likewise, their flanks may be formed at right angles or at an acute angle in a straight line with respect to the surface of the armor 10. Also, a curved surface of the flanks of the bluff body is possible.

In order to guarantee the most efficient jet disruption and to keep the weight of the object to be protected as low as possible, an optimal mass distribution in the design of the bluff body is taken into account. In principle, it is favorable for the jet disturbance when the bluff bodies are substantially adapted to the shape of the insert, which is usually cone-shaped or trumpet-shaped. This means that the farther the disruptive bodies enter or protrude into the inner region of the insert 4, the less mass is needed, especially in the end region of the obstruction body, for an effective disturbance of the beam formation. In the area of the surface of the object to be protected, more mass is needed to disrupt the beam formation, so that a profile similar to the Gaussian normal distribution curve essentially results for a mass and effect-optimized disruptive body.

In a further, unspecified embodiment of the protective arrangement, it may be provided that the bluff bodies are movably arranged in slide rails, which allow a displacement of the bluff body on the surface of the object to be protected. Thus, a large area can be effectively protected with a few interfering bodies. The arrangement of the bluff bodies could also be controlled via a movement detector or sensor arranged on the surface of the object to be protected.

The bluff bodies may be firmly connected to the surface of the armor 10 of the object to be protected by gluing, soldering, welding or interference fit.

Alternatively, it is possible to connect the bluff body with the surface of the armor 10 of the object to be protected releasably by means of screw or a plug connection.

The bluff body may consist in a particular embodiment of a combination of metallic, glass fiber reinforced plastics, glass or ceramic, polymeric materials and / or foamed materials.

The wall thicknesses of metallically formed bluff bodies can be of the order of magnitude of the wall thickness of the insert 4 at the defect, but wall thicknesses of the bluff bodies can also be provided which deviate from the wall thickness of the insert 4. The average diameter of the bluff body may be about two to five times the wall thickness of the insert 4 at the impurity.

For elongated objects such as slender cylinders or springs or similar. may correspond to the diameter of the bluff body in a particular embodiment of the average wall thickness of the insert 4. If the bluff bodies are formed from non-metallic materials, the bluff mass in the blur center can correspond approximately to the mass of the mass of the insert 4 located at this point.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

bomblet

2

Housing of the bomblet

3

explosive

4

inlay

4A

already formed part of the insert 4

5

beam

6

fuze

7

firing pin

8th

channel

9

Stand off

10

Surface of the object or only armor

11

Symmetry axis of the bomblet

12

collapse point

13

beam peak

14A-14E

Impact centers of the bluff bodies

16

18

top

19

spigot

20

spigot

22

disturbed zone

23

Basisstörkörper

24A-24C

dashed lines

25

cover

26

surface

30

matrix

32

layer

33

arrow

36

curved shape of the bluff body

37

stable connection

38

deflection position

39

rotator

40

Housing of the rotating device 39

41

perforated sheet

43

supporting armor

44

backing

45

attachment

46

Cover of the insert

48

drilling

49

support plate

50

shell layer

53

fault zone

54

up armouring

55

damp course

56

supporting armor

57

homogeneous steel armor

58

special armor

59A and 59B

armored structures

61

Connectors

62

support element

63

relieved bluff body

64

disturbing mass

65

movable cover

66

chamber

68

modules

69

pickup

70

grid-like support structure

75

web

76

capping strips

78

lipping

79

Strip (tab)

80

Strip (tab)

81

splice plate

83

room

84

bellows

85

support plate

86

pressure chamber

86A

enlarged volume of the pressure chamber

87

Gas generating element

88

management

89

drilling

91

perforated plate

92

drilling

93

Cover (outer)

94

module

96

layer

97

Lifting height HuH

97A

Lifting height HuH with telescopic arrangement

98

acceleration chamber

99

piston

101

breech

102

supply

103

drilling

103A

drilling

105

piston

106

Cover of the protective structure

107

protective structure

109

Bellows in retracted state

109A

Bellows in extended condition

112

Effect of gravity

113A

small stand-off

113B

great stand-off

1 14A

Disturbed beam at a small distance

114B

Disturbed beam at a great distance

115A and 115B

crater volumes

116A and 116B

Crater diameter

117A and 117B

penetration depth

118

proximity sensor

119

Detector beam of 118

120

Line (signal transmission)

121

Controller / signal processing

122

Line (signal transmission)

123

target structure

125

Detection range of the sensor

127

Arrow (direction of movement of 110)

129

Interior of the insert 4

A

Zone

B

Zone

C

Zone

Claims (38)

1. An arrangement for protection of objects against shaped charges (1), especially bomblets, comprising disruptive bodies (16) projecting from a surface or a back-up armouring of said object and being distributed over the surface (10) of said object to be protected, wherein said disruptive bodies interfere with or disturb the proper forming of the hollow-charge jet of the chaped charge, for which they are constructed in their material characteristics, their height projecting from the surface of said object and their geometrical shape and are arranged on the surface of said object such that at least one of said disruptive bodies can penetrate at least into the region of an insert (4) or a stand-off region (9) of the impacting shaped charge, before or during detonation of said shaped charge,
   characterized in that
   said disruptive bodies (16) satisfy at least one of the following conditions:

   (a) they are constructed brittle; or

   (b) they are constructed and/or supported elastically and are thin in relationship to the inner diameter of the insert (4) of said shaped charge (1) such that at least one disruptive body (16) can penetrate into the region of the insert (4) or the stand-off region (9) of the shaped charge (1).
2. An arrangement according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   said elastically supported disruptive bodies (16) are supported swingebly, resiliently or bendably in a turning device (39).
3. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   said disruptive bodies (16) are fixedly connected with the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected, by means of adhering, soldering, welding, press fitting or others.
4. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   said disruptive bodies (16) are screwed with the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected, plugged-in therein or otherwise detachably connected therewith.
5. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   said disruptive bodies (16) are embedded into a yieldable matrix (30).
6. An arrangement according to claim 5,
   characterized in that
   said disruptive bodies (16) are embedded into a matrix (30) made of a foamed material or a deformable polymeric material.
7. An arrangement according to claim 5 or 6,
   characterized in that
   said matrix (30) contains said disruptive bodies (16) in either a uniform or an irregular distribution.
8. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the intervals between said disruptive bodies (16) on the surface (10) of said object to be protected are smaller than the width of the internal region of the insert (4) or the stand-off region (9) of the shaped charge (1).
9. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   said at least one disruptive body (16) forms at least one center of action (14A-14F) located in the insert (4) or the stand-off region (9).
10. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are solidly constructed.
11. An arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are constructed entirely or partially hollow.
12. An arrangement according to claim 11,
    characterized in that
    said entirely or partially hollow disruptive bodies (16) are filled with a medium (17).
13. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are constituted entirely or partially of metallic materials, fibreglass-reinforced plastic materials, glass or ceramic, polymeric materials, foamed materials and/or a combination of one or more of these materials.
14. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are constituted entirely or partially of pressed members.
15. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are provided with a tip.
16. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are variably dimensioned in diameter along their lengths.
17. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are constructed so as to be able to penetrate a covering (46) arranged in front of the internal region (129) of the hollow charge insert (4) and/or to deform and/or penetrate the hollow charge insert (4) itself.
18. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are variable in their lengths.
19. An arrangement according to claim 18,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are at least partially formed as springs which comprise at their ends distant from the surface (10) or the back-up armouring (54) of the object to be protected an additional disruptive mass (64).
20. An arrangement according to claim 18,
    characterized in that
    at least a part of said disruptive bodies (16) is formed as a rubber-like element which is bellows-like folded.
21. An arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 20,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) being variable in their lengths are mounted in chambers (66) and said chambers (66) are provided with a movable covering (65).
22. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    between said disruptive bodies (16) and the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected there is located a connector (20, 37, 39) retaining said disruptive bodies (16) in their specified positions.
23. An arrangement according to claim 22,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are movably arranged in guide rails which allow a sliding of the disruptive bodies along the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected.
24. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are mounted on the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected by means of a support layer (26, 41, 44, 49, 62, 94, 98, 107).
25. An arrangement according to claim 24,
    characterized in that
    said support layer is constructed bendably and is adaptable to the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected.
26. An arrangement according to claim 24 or 25,
    characterized in that
    said support layer (41) is constructed as a punched plate or stripe in which there are fastened said disruptive bodies (16).
27. An arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 26,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are outwardly displaceable from said support layer (26) surrounding them.
28. An arrangement according to any one of claim 24 to 27,
    characterized in that
    said support layer (26) surrounding said disruptive bodies (16) yields back from the shaped charge (1) and thereby exposes said disruptive bodies.
29. An arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 28,
    characterized in that
    said support layer is modularly constructed, wherein the individual modules of the support layer are interconnected with each other via connecting elements (61) allowing a certain movability of the composition.
30. An arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 29,
    characterized in that
    said support layer is formed of a rigid or bendable matting with receivers for said disruptive bodies.
31. An arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 30,
    characterized in that
    said support layer (62, 94, 98, 107) is provided with a covering (65, 93, 96, 106).
32. An arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 31,
    characterized in that
    said support layer contains arbitrarily distributed disruptive bodies.
33. An arrangement according to any one of claims 24 to 31,
    characterized in that
    said support layer carries individual disruptive bodies.
34. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are arranged relative to the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected so as to project therefrom only upon need.
35. An arrangement according to claim 34,
    characterized in that
    on the back-up armouring (54) or the surface (10) of the object to be protected there is arranged a detecting means (118) for the proximate region.
36. An arrangement according to claim 35,
    characterized in that
    said detecting means (118) activates one or more protective modules comprising disruptive bodies (16).
37. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    an armouring (54) and a damping layer (55) following said disruptive bodies (16) are adapted to a disruptive zone (53) formed by the disruptive bodies and form a composition therewith such that the residual power of the shaped charge (1) can be easily absorbed.
38. An arrangement according to any one of preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    said disruptive bodies (16) are arranged and constructed such that they form a quasi-planar and/or accessible surface of the object.

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