Non-pyrotechnic, low observable tracer

摘要

A method of manufacturing a low observable photoluminescent tracer projectile, for use with a small caliber weapon at night—which method utilizes a base phosphor material of Ca, Sr and S, or a base phosphor material of Y2, O2, and S—with a combination of minor dopant ingredients; which base phosphor material is mixed with a clear binder to form a photoluminescent material which is applied to the rear end, or base, of a small arms projectile as a thin layer; to which thin layer is added a layer of small retro-reflectors—whereby, when this projectile is fired from the weapon, the photoluminescent mixture will be activated and will be observable, using night vision at an angle of 0 to about 20 degrees from the rear end of the projectile.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing a low observable photoluminescent tracer projectile, for use with a small caliber weapon, comprising:
a. selecting a at least one photoluminescent phosphor material from the group consisting of
0 to 50 wt. % Ca, and 0 to 50 wt. % Sr; and at least 50 wt. % S, with of at least one minor dopant ingredients selected from the group consisting of Eu, Sm, Dy, Ce, Mn, Cu, Al, and Tm; b. compounding the selected phosphor material with 40 to 70 weight percent of a clear hinder to form a photoluminescent mixture; c. applying a thin layer of said photoluminescent mixture to the flat rear end of a small arms projectile; d. applying a plurality of retro-reflectors to the surface of the thin layer of said photoluminescent mixture.