IMPROVED MISSILE WARHEAD DESIGN

摘要

The need in the art is addressed by the hard-target penetrating warhead of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, the inventive system is adapted for use with length constrained missile payload bays and includes a warhead case for containing explosives. A tungsten ballast is inserted within the case to provide a high warhead sectional pressure upon impact of the missile against a target. A fuse detonates the warhead explosives following penetration of the target. A fuse well houses the fuse and is attached to the case at one end. A slip fit section of the fuse well provides structural support to the case and prevents dislodging of the fuse well and the fuse from the case upon missile target impact. Explosives blowout ports included in the fuse well inhibit undesirable detonation of the warhead explosives by accidental exposure to high heat. In a specific embodiment, the case includes a 6 caliber radius head nose. The fuse well includes main explosives blowout ports for allowing accidental exposure to high heat to burn the missile explosives and safely vent gases resulting from the burning. The main explosives blowout ports are placed around a circumference of the fuse well and include nine ports having a surface area designed to prevent undesirable detonation. The blowout ports also include booster blowout ports for allowing safe venting of booster charge explosives that are included in the fuse. Additionally, a special polyethelene/polyalphaolefin liner lines the inside of the case for improving safe venting performance under fast cook-off hazardous conditions. The warhead explosives include PBXN - 109. The case includes a textured or lightly grooved surface for facilitating bonding of the ballast to the case.