US1879840A - Bladed projectile - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 2?, 1932. E. w. BRANDT 1,879,849

BLADEDPROJECTILE Filed Nov. 5. 1930 3 Shegts-Sheet 1 p 27, 1932- E. w. BRAND T 1,879,840

BLADED PROJECTILE Filed Nov. 5. 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 QQO p 3932- E. w. BRANDT 1,879,840

BLADED PROJEGTILE Filed NOV. 5, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Sept. 27, 1932 UNITED STATES YATENT OFFICE anon wnmmnmm', or rams, mnen amen rnomcrnm I Application filed November 5,1980, Serial No. 498,675, and in France May 22, 1980.

This invention relates to improvements in bladed projectiles, and more particularly to a projectile of this type with a high specific capacity, intended to be projected by the aid of a discharging device preferably of smooth bore type. t

The projectiles usually employed with said devices comprise substantially a body of suitable shape, terminated by a perforated tall .10' in which a propulsive cartridge is inserted,

this latter being carried away by the pro ectile after percussion.

The idea has already occurred of stabiliz ng projectiles of this kind during their tra ecl tory, by providing them on the rear end with fixed blades which act similarly 'to the featherin on an arrow.

These fixed blades, which can only have a very restricted periphery-limited by the calibre of the discharging tube-operate in a zone of partial vacuum, and, for this rea son, their efficiency is considerably reduced. In order to obviate this inconvenience in the case of projectiles of small and medium specific capacity, it has been proposed to give them a specially designed streamline shape, which minimizes the vortical zone at the rear of the projectile. As the result of this artifice, the fixed blades succeed in favourably 8 stabilizing the projectile during its trajector v V Iii the case of projectiles of high' capacity, however, this remedy is no longer applicable. In fact, in order toobtain said high capacity, it has been necessary to increase the length of the projectile (since the calibre must remain unaltered) and to give it a shape assuring maximum volume, that is to say, in this particular case, cylindrical. Now the profile 0 which has thus had to be adopted results in the formation, at the rear of the projectile during its flight, of a vortical zone of far greater diameter than in the case of suitably designed profiles.

This drawback can evidently be remedied by increasing the length of the fixed blades, or by shifting them further to the rear by lengthening the tail, but this solution entails 0 increasing the .volume of the combustion from the powder,

chamber, thereby considerably diminishing the propulsive efliciency of the cartridge.

In contradistinction, the improvements forming the subject of the invention enable perfect stability to be obtained in the case of any projectile whatsoever (more particularlv, however, projectiles of high capacity) durin flight, whilst obviating the drawbacksierembefore referred to.

According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the rear of the projectile is equipped with blading, which is wholly or partially movable and is adapted to move automatically, when vthe shot is fired, from one stable position into the other, that is to say, from a neutral (or. folded) position,in which it isretained close to the body of the projectile in such a way as to cause a minimum of obstruction in the launching tube,

into an operative (or unfolded)position 7 which, during flight, is situated at a distance from the body of the projectile and in a zone where it can exert a high stabilizing action.

The invention also comprises various devices which assure the actuation of the blading, at the desired moment, under the influence of one or more of the following agencies; air resistance, elastic members, the gas theinertia of the blading and the like.

The invention also comprises blocking devices (operating by springs, inertia or the like) which assure the retention of the blading in its neutral and operative positions respectively. 35

The invention also contemplates various designs of blading, intended to assure optimum stabilization, whilst permitting the introduction of additional charges for the purpose of strengthening the action of the propulsive cartridge. v j

It follows from the foregoing characteristics that the projectile according tothe invention can be stabilized in its trajectory under the most favourable conditions, even for 93 very high-angle fire, owing to the fact that the blading, when fixed in the operative position, operates in a zone of compression. It is thus possible, in accordance with the invention, to stabilize projectile of a far greater The destructive eifect of projectiles of great length in calibres is well known to those engaged in the art.

Mention maybe simply made of the fact that the projectiles according to the invention are admirably adapted for the destruction of objectives situated at acertain height above the ground, such as lines of barbed wire, which are mown down, by the fragments of theprojectile, over a far greater area than with a shorter projectile.

The possibility of the high-angle firing of the projectiles according to the invention, is evidently a matter of interest in connection with the destruction of objectives in confined positions, or located behind nearly vertical obstacles, such as rock walls,.a;nd the like.

Other advantages and special features of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

In the accompanyin drawings, which are given solely by way 0 example:

Fig. 1 is an elevation of an embodimentof a projectile according to the invention, with the wings outspread; v

Fig. 2 is a partial section on a larger scale;

Fig. 3 is a partial section, with the wings folded together;

Fig. 1 is a section along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2, looking towards the rear of the projectile;

Figs. 5 and 6 blading;

Figs. 7 and 8 represent an embodiment of the device for locking the blades in the closed and expanded positions respectively;

Fig. 9 is a modification of said device;

show modifications of the Fig. 11 is a partial elevation and partial longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the blading according to the invention, showing the wings spread out;

.Fig. 12 is a partial end view and cross section along the line 12-12 of Fig. 11, with the wings spread out;

Fig. 13 is a partial elevation, showing the complete blading in the folded condition;

Fig. 14 is an end view of the blading of Fig. 13

Fig. 15 is a section, along the line 15-15 of Fig. 13, of a detail of this blading, on a larger scale;

Fig. 16 is a partial axial section of a third embodiment of the blading, in the closed position;

Figs. 17 and 18 represent respectively an end view of this embodiment and a detail I of same, on a larger scale;

Fig. 19 is an elevation of the blading according to Fig. 16 in the operative position;

Fig. 20 is a longitudinal section of a differeut construction of the blading according to the invention, with the blades in the closed position; and

Fig. 21 is an end view of this blading.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the projectile of the launchin tube, and limits t e explosion chamber in ront.

Towards the rear, the body 1 tapers at 4, preferably in the form of a truncated cone, the minor base of which is at the rear end. This portion is closed by a wall 5 (Fig. 2).

The portion 4 terminates in a heel 6, to which is suitably attached a'tubular tail 7, of known type, provided with a certain number ofopenings 8. This tail is intended to house .the propulsive cartridge, the wall of which lodges in agroove 9 when the shot is fired.

At the rear end, thetail 7 is provided, on

its periphery, with a certain number of pairs of lugs, such as 10 (Fig. 4) in which are pivotally mounted the axes, such as 11,'of small blades, such as 12.

In the embodiment illustrated, each of these small blades is composed of anarm 13, provided with two integrally cast straightfins 14, 15 (Figs. 1-4) and a concave-convex terminal plate 16.

Thefins 14, 15 are parallel to one another, and, when the blades are opened out, are parallel to the axis of the projectile, whereas, in that position, the medial axis AA of the terminal plate 16 (Fig. 2) is slightly inclined Fig. 10 is a detail of Fig. 2, on a larger scale;

towards the front of the projectile.

A heel, such as 17 (Fig. 7), provided near the pivotal point of eachblade 12 is des gned so as to come in contact with the end of the tail, in orderto retain the blade in the outspread or extended position.

When the blades are folded, the fins and tlgrminal plates occupy the position shown in On issuing from the launching tube, the blades move automatically from the position shown in Fig. 3 to that of Fig. 2, under the action of the resistance of the air and of the gases of the firing cartridge.

In the modification shown in Fig. 5, several series of blades 18 are provided, each series being pivoted, at the forward end, on ashaft 19, carried, for example, by a fixedblade 20. Prior to firing, the blades are retained in folded position against the body of the projectile, either by hand or by suitable accessory means, against the action of a spring 21 which causes them to extend-or spread out, like a fan, on issuing from the tube.

In the similar modification in Fig. 6, the

pivotal axis 22 is, placed in the rear, which: enables a widely projecting blading to be obtained in the extended or opened-out position 23.

It will be evident that the blades may be constructed in any suitable manner, such as stamping, welding, in one or more pieces, or the like; The may also be shaped in any form suitable or the parts they are to play. In order to keep the blades in position, various" devices may be employed, such as those hereinafter described.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, aball 24, actuated by aspring 25, housed in arecess 26 in the blade, coacts with twonotches 27, 28, corresponding respectively to the folded and extended positions.

The strength of the spring and the form of the notches 27 28, are designed so that, on the one hand, they hold the blades firmly in the closed position, to pre'ventthem from shaking,'or from catching while the projec-, tile is being handled, and, on the other hand, to prevent the blades, when opened out, from folding up'again when the porjectile, fired ata high angle, begins to drop. They are also designed so as to allow the blades to be released, under the action of the air resistance, at the moment the projectile is launched, and also as to enable a blade which has been locked in the opened position to be folded again by manual pressure.

In the modification shown in Fig. 9, the blades are retained in the closed and opened positions, by means of a bent spring 29, adapted to engage in thenotches 30 and 31 respectively.

The blades may also be held in the folded position, previous to firing, by means of a locking ring 32 (Figs. 2 and 10) slidably mounted on the tail/7. This ring is provided withforward clips 33 which engage theplates 16 when the ring is retained in the locking position byarched springs 34, of suitable strength, engaging in agroove 35 in thetail 7 On the projectile being fired, thering 32 recedes under the effect of inertia, and releases the blades.

By way of modification, the blades may be connected to ether by means of asuitable ligature 36 TFig. 3) preferably of silk or other material capable of being burned by the combustion of the propulsive charge. This ligature may be replaced by a spring (not shown) provided with a certain num ber of shallow notches corresponding to the edges, such as 37, of the arms of theblades. The various components ofthe pro ectile may be constructed of any suitable metal whatsoever, the body, for example, being of steel, and the wings of aluminium.

Figs. 11 to 15 represent another embodiment, in which the blades, such as 38, 39, of cylindrical or other shape, are arranged to pivot on axes, such as 40 parallel to the axis of the projectile. Theaxes 40, 41 which are preferably profiled in front (42, Fig. 11) to lessen their resistance to the air;-'are'supported by rigid members, such as 43, 44, 45, suitably attached to thetail 7.Openings 46 provided in said members andin the blades, to the ri 'ht of theperforations 8 in thetail 7, allow the powder gases to pass. A fusible ligature 47 (lead wire for example), preferably disposed on the front part of the tail, so as notto hinder the insertion of the cartridge, retains the blades in the folded position prior to firing, and, when the projectile is fired, disappears under the action of the heat generated by the deflagration of the powder gases. Theheel pieces 49 serve also to hold the additional charges, such as 51, in the recesses between the blades and the tube. 011 issuing from a the tube, the blades, liberated in this manner, are forced, bysprings 48, into the outspread or extended position'represented in Figs. 11 and 12, in which theirheel pieces 49 encounter the stops 50 .by which the projectile is guided in the tube (Figs. 12 and 15).

The blades are preferably arranged to fit one over the other, when in the closed position, (as shown in Figs. 1 4 and'15) above the supporting members, such as 43, 44. The whole, firmly supported against thetail 7, thus becomes extremely rigid and prevents any distortion of the blades, both in handling and under the effect of the defiagrationthus being approximately double the area of' the exterior peripheral surface available- The incurved form of the blades increases their resistance. The spring control enables the blades to open outwithout any sudden jolt. Moreover, the absence of any projection, and the uniform arrangement of the surface of the blades, assure to the projectile the most favourable conditions of navigation on its trajectory.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 16 to 19, the bladihg is-arranged so as to slide longitudinally and, on the projectile beingfircd. to move into a position beyond the vortical zone set up behind the projectile and in which the stabilizing forces acting on the blading do so with a greater amount of lever- WVith this object, the tail carrying the blades-is provided with an extension 52 (Fig. 16) suitably attached thereto, or integral therewith. This extension52 is adapted to slide in aguide tube 53 centred in the axis of the projectile and is provided with apart 41, approximately i of larger diameter 55a at its forward end. Inside said guide tube is housed an inter mediate member 54 (Fig. 18), slightly tapered at 55, intended 'tocoact with the correspondingly shapedend 55 of theextension 52, so as to wedge it in the positlon shown in Fig, 19. -Aspring 56 bearing, on the one hand, against the bottom.57ofthe tube 53, and,on the other, against theheel 58 of thetail 7, tends to push the latter backwards. Abolt 59, controlled by aspring 60, serves to lock thetail 7 in the position of Fig. 16, prior to firing.

\Vhen the projectile is fired, the gases of the cartridgeescape by theopenings 8, cause the abolt 59 to move inwards, and thus release the over at theirouter edges 61, as shown, in order to increase their peripheral stablhzing action. They are also slightly inclined on the axis of the projectile, so as to set up a drag-' s ng efl'ect under the most favourable condi tions fromv the point of View of stability of flow. They are advantageously provided with ribs at 62 (Fig. 17), intended'to increase the moment of'inertia of the dangerous section'of-the blade, and withgaps 63 ensuring the equilibrium of the pressures. They are preferably rounded at, their forward ends at 51a. l

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21, the slidingblading 64 1noves rearwards, under the action of the inertia of its mass, at the moment of firing, iii overcoming the resistance of the lockingspring 65. The ailerons (i6 stabilize chiefly by drag.

Vhen the hereindescribed improvements are applied to aircraft bombs, the launching cartridge be ng suppressed, a suitable device,

such as a spring, is employed in order to ass sist, if necessary, and conjointly with the resistance of the air, in setting the blades in operation at the moment the projectile leaves the launch ng tube or other device.

It is self-evident that the embod ments hereinbefore described are given solely by wa of explanation and are in no respect restrictive, and that various modifications in detail maybe introduced therein without departing from the spirit and scope*of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Thus, in particular, the invention is by no means restricted'to projectiles of high capacit-y, but can be equally applied tov all other projectiles of any shape whatsoever, provided, or not, with a perforated tail.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is 1. A projectile comprising a body, ivots mounted at the rear of the body para lel to the longitudinal axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed about said axis, stabilizingwings each comprising a substantially rigid structure having the form when folded V of a portion of an outwardly concave cylinder, two said wings being articulated on each said pivot and inidividually movable therearound between folded and extended positions, the said wings having in folded position a diameter less than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, awing mounted on one of \said pivots being in folded position in overlapping relationship with a wing of the adjacent pivot, the wings oneach pivot moving in opposite angular directions about the pivot in passing from folded to extended positions, interengaging elements on each wing and on the body for limiting the extending movement of the wing, and means for moving the wings from folded to extended position upon firing of the projectile.

2. A projectile comprising a body, pivots" mounted at the rear of the body parallel to the axis ofthe projectile and. uniformly distributed about said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extended positions, said wings having .in folded position a diameter less than-and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, and leaving between them and a launching tube, when'folded, recesses to accommodate propelling" charges, and means for moving the wings from folded to extend- 1 ed position. 1 V

3. A projectile comprisingia body, a perforated tubular tail fixed at the bottom of the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail, pivots mounted on the perforated tail Ill] parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots "and movable therearound between folded andextended positions, said wings having in folded position adiameter less than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, andleaving between them and a, launching tube, when folded, recesses to accommodate additional propelling 12 charges, and means for moving the wings from folded to extended position.

4. A projectile comprising a body, aperforated tubular tail fixed at the bottom of the projectile, --a propulsive charge in the tail, pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movable therearo'und between folded and exm es' to accommodate additional propelling charges, means to hold said additionalpropelhng char es m said recesses, and means for moving t e wings from folded to extend-i ed position.

5. A projectile comprising a body, a perforated tubular tail fixed at the bottom of the projectile, a propulsive, charge in the tail, pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extended position, said wings having in folded position a diameter less than and in extended position a diameter greaterthan the caliber of the projectile, and leaving between them and a launching tube, when folded, recesses to accommodate additional charges, elastic means for moving the wings from folded to extended position and coopcrating abutment members on the wings and the body for retaining the wings in extended position in opposition to the action of the said elastic means, the said abutments on the wings serving also to retain the additional propelling charges.

6. A projectile comprising a body, a perforated tubular tail fixed at the bottom of the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail, pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed around said axis,stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extended position,said wings having in folded position a diameter less than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, and leaving between them and a launching tube, when folded, recesses to accommodate additional propelling charges, elastic means for moving the wings from folded to extended position, and cooperating abutment members on the wings and the body for retaining the wings in extended position in opposition to the action of the said elastic means, the said abutments on the body serving also to guide the projectile in the firing tube.

7. A projectile comprising a body, pivots mounted at the rear of the body parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly dis tributed about said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on'the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extended positions, said wings having in folded position a diameter less than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile,each wing comprising a substantially rigid structure having, when folded, the form of a portion of an outwardly conpropelling" cave cylinder, and means for moving the wings from folded to extended position.

8. A projectile comprisin a body, a. erforated tubular tail fixed at the bottom 0 the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail, pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extended positions, said wings having in folded position a diameter less than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the proj ectile, the said wings resting on one another when folded and being further provided with perforations opposite the perforations in the tail'when the wings arefolded, the wings leaving between them and a launching tube, when folded, recesses to accommodate additional propelling charges, and means for moving the wings from folded to extended position;

9. A projectile comprising a body, a perforated tubular tail fixed-at'the bottom of the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail, pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extended positions, said wings having in folded position a diameterless than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber the projectile, a propulsive charge in the tail,

pivots mounted on the perforated tail parallel to the axis of the projectile and uniformly distributed around said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on thepivots and movable t-herearound between folded and extended positions, said Wings having in folded position a diameter less than and in extended 'position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, and leaving between them and a launching tube, when folded, recesses to accommodate additional propelling charges,

disruptible ligatures connecting the wings and the perforated tubular tail for retaining the wings in folded position; said ligatures passing through the said perforated tubular tail and being disrupted upon the firing of the charge, and means for extending the wings after disruption of the said connecting ligatures. v

11. A projectile comprising a body, pivots mounted at the rear of the body substantially parallel to the axis of the projectile and disdiameter less t tributed about said axis, stabilizing wings articulated on the pivots and movable therearound between folded and extended ositions, said win shaving in' folded posit1ona llan and in extended'position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, each wing comprising a substantially rigid structure presenting, when in folded position, an outwardly open recess,

I m and means for moving the wings from folded y tions and having in folded' position a diam-' to extended position.

12. A projectile comprising a body, pivots mounted at the rear of the body substantially parallel to the axis of the pro ectile and distributed about said axis, pairs of stabilizing f wings jointed on each said pivot, the wings of each pair being movable about the common pivot for said pair in opposite angular directions between folded and, extended posieter less than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, each wing comprising a substantially rigid structure presenting, when in folded position, an outwardly open recess,

and means for moving the wings from folded to extended position.

13. A projectile comprising abody, pivots mounted at the rear of the body substantially parallel to the axis of the projectile and distributed about said axis, pairs of stabilizing'wings jointed on each said pivot, the

wings of each pair being movable about the common pivot for sald palr 1n opposite angu- 5 lar directions between folded and extended positions and having in folded position a diameter less than and in extended position a diameter greater than the caliber of the projectile, and van individual torsion spring surrounding each said pivot and operating upon both the wings of the pair thereon for moving the wings from folded to extended position.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature. EDGAR WILLIAMI BRANDT.

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