WO2010064253A1

WO2010064253A1 - Self defense projectile

Info

Publication number: WO2010064253A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/001157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yigal Haviv Toledano
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-07
Filing date: 2009-12-07
Publication date: 2010-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2011-06-07
Also published as: IL195776A0

Abstract

The present invention relates to slow and short range self protecting projectile assembly (20), which comprises: (a) first propellant charge (12) for forwardly propelling a warhead (18); and (b) a forwardly disposed warhead (18), which in turn comprises: (b.l) a payload; and (b.2) second propellant means (56) for rearwardly discharging said payload from said warhead (18) with respect to a forward trajectory of said warhead (18); (b.3) detonation means for activating said second propellant means (56) in midair thereby to eject said payload rearward relative to said warhead trajectory; and (b.4) a timing circuit for activating said detonation means in midair at a distance approximately 3-50 meters from the warhead launching barrel (30).

Description

SELF DEFENSE PROJECTILE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of weaponry. More particularly, the invention relates to a short range projectile assembly for self defense purposes against very close enemy forces and other hostile attackers that are attacking from many directions.

Background of the Invention

At times, military personnel stationed at a defense post are under attack by close enemy forces that are out of their firing angle. In such a situation, the defending soldiers are forced to exit their post under fire that is directed to the post exits in order to attack enemy forces that are out of sight.

There are various scenarios in which military personnel find themselves under close range attack from many directions for which existing ammunition does not provide a proper solution. One example is the case when a tank or any other armored vehicle is attacked by enemy infantry troops from many directions and is unable to maneuver itself away from the attacking forces. In such a case, the tank crew is entrapped within the tank while being faced with the following limitations: Firstly, the existing main gun can cover only a limited firing angle at any given time. Secondly, weapons such as machine guns for covering a broader field of fire are generally not safely accessible when the tank is under attack from close range and many directions and finally, current mortar ammunition in the tank is not suitable for harming very close range attackers.

In order to fire on enemy troops, the tank crew would have to exit the turret and reach the machine guns or throw hand grenades under heavy close range enemy fire. Current defense practice, for example, requires firing from another tank or by artillery forces on the attacked tank in order to destroy the enemy forces.

There are various situations in which tanks, light and heavy armored vehicles , and a self mobilized Howitzer, cannot maneuver when fired upon by enemy forces at close range, for example, in urban warfare or in rough terrain that are limited to a narrow known path, or when immobilized.

Artillery forces are generally stationed at a single post for a prolonged period of time, e.g. a number of hours or a number of days. Artillery batteries provide a prime target to enemy infantry forces, and are similarly limited in the angle of fire and choice of ammunition when attacked by close enemy forces from many directions and cannot safely respond to enemy fire without being exposed. An additional scenario relates to an infantry stronghold or post from which the defense forces fire only at enemy forces that are within sight. For example, defending forces are limited in their ability to injure attacking forces that are located above or behind of the stronghold firing slots.

It would be desirable to provide ammunition for incapacitating enemy forces located within a short range and that are out of existing firing angles while protecting soldiers within a defense post. Such ammunition is intended to harm and shock the surrounding enemy troops and provides the attacked forces with an opportunity to retreat and/or counterattack the enemy troops.

An additional scenario relates to police or other security forces that are under attack by hostile attackers and require means for stopping or disabling the attackers without killing or seriously harming the attackers.

US 4,494,459 discloses an explosive projectile assembly comprising a forward, armor piercing high explosive charge and an aft anti-personnel high explosive charge in a shrapnel providing casing. Both charges are activated by a single, deceleration sensitive detonator assembly. The aft explosive charge serves as the inertial mass used to function the explosive train at target impact, and can be designed to burst out the rear of the projectile assembly. Since the aft explosive charge is detonated only upon impact, the projectile assembly is not adapted for handling scenarios as described above.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a projectile which can self protect soldiers within a stationary or mobile defense post that are under attack by enemy soldiers located at a very close range and are out of a direct fire angle.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a projectile assembly that can immediately incapacitate and shock a large number of enemy soldiers located at a very close range and surrounding a defense post.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a projectile assembly that can be used to protect an armored vehicle which is under attack and cannot readily change or improve its position due to being engaged in urban warfare, located in rough terrain, or when mechanically immobilized.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a self defense projectile assembly with reduced lethality for protecting police and other security forces against hostile attackers. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to slow and short range self protecting projectile assembly, which comprises: (a) first propellant charge for forwardly propelling a warhead; and (b) a forwardly disposed warhead, which in turn comprises: (b.l) a payload; and (b.2) second propellant means for rearwardly discharging said payload from said warhead with respect to a forward trajectory of said warhead; (b.3) detonation means for activating said second propellant means in midair thereby to eject said payload rearward relative to said warhead trajectory; and (b.4) a timing circuit for activating said detonation means in midair at a distance approximately 3- 50 meters from the warhead launching barrel.

The term "projectile assembly" relates herein to both cases (a) where the first propellant charge which propels the projectile, i.e., the "flying" body (the part which is physically launched) from the launching barrel is included within a same casing as the projectile itself, or external to said projectile casing (i.e., it is included within the projectile assembly portion which is not launched). The term "projectile", when used alone, generally relates to the projectile assembly portion which is launched. In some cases, although the term "projectile assembly" is used, this term refers to a case after launching, when the first propellant charge (and optionally its separate casing), are already exhausted, and therefore are already not included within the assembly.

In one embodiment, the payload is shrapnel. Preferably, the shrapnel is selected from the group of including metallic balls, flechettes or pointed objects.

In another embodiment, the payload comprises explosive elements. Preferably, the explosive elements are plurality of rockets, which are disposed within the warhead jacket essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the warhead. In one specific embodiment, the rockets are disposed within the warhead jacket such that their longitudinal axis is slightly angled one to another. In still another alternative, the explosive elements are grenades.

In another embodiment, the payload comprises reduced lethality devices for shocking, or stopping hostile attackers without inflicting serious wounds to, or killing the attackers.

In another embodiment of the invention the first propellant charge is stored within an aftwardly disposed case, wherein the projectile assembly warhead further comprises a frangible protective layer at the aft of the warhead for separating between the warhead payload and the first propellant charge before the projectile launching, for protecting the warhead payload from the first propellant charge detonation, and for disintegrating at the time of or prior to activation of said detonation means.

Preferably, the projectile assembly of the invention further comprises two or more spin reducer rings for reducing the spinning of the warhead while launched from a rifled barrel, resulting in reduction of the warhead spinning during its flight.

Preferably, the warhead further comprises a disintegrated dome at its front, for enabling gas release to the front of the warhead during the explosion of said second propellant charge.

Preferably, the warhead further comprises openings at its front for enabling forward release gas due to the explosion of said second propellant charge.

Preferably, in the embodiment where the payload is shrapnel the protective layer comprises disintegrated openings for enabling discharge of the payload through the openings. Alternatively the warhead is provided with plurality of longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced explosion resistant guide ways that are disposed along the outer periphery of said warhead jacket, each guide way has a first state in which it stays within the warhead jacket, and a second state in which it extends outward after the warhead launch, and wherein each guide way contains second propellant charge and shrapnel that are discharged following the explosion of said second propellant charge.

Preferably, the projectile assembly is fired in an angle as close as possible to a vertical direction in order to improve the spread pattern of the rearwardly discharged payload around the defense post and maximize harm to attackers.

The invention also relates to a small and light weight single-projectile launcher that is readily suitable for use from many types of defense posts for launching the projectile of the invention upwards for even spread of the rearwardly discharged payload, which comprises: (a) a metal tube for ; launching the projectile (b) a detachable metal anvil surrounding said metal tube; for enabling loading of the projectile assembly from the bottom of the launcher (c) a firing device for activating the f projectile propellant charge; and (d) attachment bracket for attaching the launcher to a vehicle or to a stationary structure. Preferably, the launcher has a tube length in the range of 250-400mm, and a tube diameter of 65-75 mm. The invention also relates to a small and light weight multi-projectile launching apparatus readily suitable for launching the projectile of the invention from many types of defense posts upwards for even spread of the rearwardly discharged payload , which comprises: (a) a metal launching container which contains plurality of launching tubes; (b) a remote firing system, for remotely firing of said projectiles from within an armored structure or vehicle; and (c) attachment bracket for attaching the apparatus to the exterior of said structure or vehicle.

In an embodiment of the invention, the launching apparatus is adapted for upwards launching 3 projectiles, either individually or simultaneously, said apparatus having a length of 200-250mm, height of 250-350mm, and thickness of 70-80mm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

- Fig. IA is a general schematic cross sectional view of a projectile assembly 20 according to a basic embodiment of the invention;

- Fig. IB illustrates a warhead according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

- Figs. 1C and ID provide alternative variations to the embodiment of Fig. IA; - Fig. IE provides an alternative variation to the embodiment of Fig. IB;

- Fig. 2 illustrates a situation where enemy infantrymen attack a typical defense post having narrow firing slots that provide a limited view to the defender;

- Fig. 3 illustrates the use of the projectile assembly of the invention by a tank that uses the main gun to launch the projectile.

- Fig. 4 is an example illustrating how stationary tank units of two or more tanks that use their main guns for launching the projectiles can be positioned in a manner that maximizes the harming zone of the shrapnel to include also areas directly behind each firing tank;

- Fig. 5 illustrates the use of the warhead of Fig. IB;

- Fig. 6 illustrates still another variation of the warhead of Fig. IA;

- Fig. 7 illustrates still an additional variation of the warhead of Fig. IA;

- Fig. 8 illustrates a small dimensions exemplary mortar type launcher for launching a projectile according to the present invention;

- Fig. 9 shows an exemplary remote-controlled multiple-projectile launching apparatus for remotely launching the projectile of the invention from within an armored vehicle or a stationary structure, according to an embodiment of the invention; - Fig. 10 shows the apparatus of Fig. 9 while being attached to the body of an armored vehicle, and safely operated from within the vehicle;

- Fig. 11 shows the apparatus of Fig. 9 while being attached to the exterior of an armored post, and safely operated from within the post structure.

- Fig. 12 shows an exemplary self defense projectile assembly which contains bomblets. The projectile assembly is adapted for launch from a standard top loaded mortar type launcher, or a standard anvil loaded mortar or from small dimensions anvil loaded mortar type launcher such as shown in Fig. 8, or from a remote-controlled multiple-projectile launching apparatus such as shown in Fig. 9; and

- Fig. 13 shows an additional variation of the self defense projectile assembly of Fig. 12 which contains shrapnel instead of bomblets.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

As said above, defense forces that are confined within a stronghold or an armored vehicle, such as, a tank, self mobilized Howitzer, or an armored vehicle, and that are under attack by close range surrounding enemy forces are in many cases limited by currently available ammunition that is designed mainly to harm distant forces in predetermined directions. Additional weapons or ammunition that can be used for better dealing with such situations are not safely accessible, or cannot be safely used while under attack from all directions. The present invention provides novel self defense ammunition for harming close range attackers and subsequently for improving the ability of the attacked forces to exit their post and launch a counterattack while the enemy forces are shocked and harmed.

The term "defense post", when used herein, relates to a stationary stronghold, such as, an infantry post, border police post, or sensitive site gate, and similarly to a mobile armored vehicle, such as a battle tank, heavy armored carrier , light armored patrol and policing vehicle, a self mobilized Howitzer, or the like.

The present invention relates to a slow, short range projectile assembly designed for incapacitating a large number of close enemy infantrymen or hostile attackers that are attacking a defense post from several directions. The projectile assembly of the present invention is advantageously designed to rearwardly release its payload in midair within a very short range of a few meters to tens of meters (generally no more than approximately 50m) from the point of launching, and, in order to maximize harm to said enemy infantrymen or hostile attackers that are at a very close range, including those that are out of direct sight.

Fig. IA is a general schematic cross sectional view of a projectile assembly 20 according to a basic embodiment of the invention. Projectile assembly 20 comprises case 51 located at an aft portion in which is stored first propellant charge 12, and jacket 53 located at a fore portion for encasing the warhead 18. Warhead 18 contains second propellant charge 56 and payload, in this case shrapnel 57, e.g. in the form of metallic balls, flechettes, or other harming or objects. An ignition system 14 including timer 19 is adapted to ignite second propellant charge 56 almost immediately after projectile assembly 20 is fired, e.g. within approximately 50m from the firing point, so that shrapnel 57 will be discharged backward onto the enemy forces surrounding the firing point.

One advantage of the very short range of the warhead flight is that the amount of first propellant charge 12 stored in case 51 of projectile assembly 20 can be very low. First propellant charge 12 therefore occupies a relatively small percentage of the volume of projectile assembly 20, so that the relative volume of the, e.g. second propellant charge 56 and the payload such as shrapnel 57, can be increased if desirable. High magnitude of shock waves and rearward explosion is therefore induced as a result of the combined effect of the detonation of large-volume second propellant charge 56 and the release of large-volume shrapnel 57.

A frangible protective layer 59 is attached to the rear of warhead 18. Protective layer 59 is adapted to protect the warhead 18 from the explosion of the first propellant charge 12. Protective layer 59 is designed to disintegrate or otherwise be removed prior or during the rearward explosion of second propellant charge 56 in order not to obstruct the rearward discharge of shrapnel 57.

Shortly after the ignition of first propellant charge 12 and the separation of warhead 18 from case 51, and at a short range of several tens of meters from the firing point, timer 19 ignites the second propellant charge 56. The rearward explosion of second propellant charge 56 results in high and loud shock wave, as well as a high degree of shrapnel density, shocking and significantly harming the enemy forces around the attacked point. The explosion of second propellant charge 56 is of such a magnitude so as to propel the shrapnel fragments 57 backwards at a velocity much greater than the forward velocity of warhead 18, in order deem the shrapnel effective in harming the attacking troops.

It should be noted that projectile assembly 20 is intended to be fired by forces located within a sheltered enclosure of the defense post, and therefore it is assumed that they are well protected and can hide from the rearward explosion.

Fig. IB illustrates a warhead 118 of a second embodiment of the present invention. Warhead 118 contains plurality of explosive elements 194 that are rearwardly shot from the warhead (instead of the shrapnel 57 of Fig. IA). The explosive elements 194 are positioned within tubular cells 149. Cells 149 centerlines 167 are oriented slightly angled one to another in order to scatter rockets 194 to a predetermined circular area. Each rocket 194 has its own second propellant charge 156, connected to a central ignition timer 114. Furthermore, each rocket 194 contains its own second propellant charge and detonator (not shown). Upon ignition by timer 114, all the rockets 194 are propelled rearwardly in velocity higher than the forward velocity of warhead 118, and explode upon hitting the ground. One advantage of this embodiment, in comparison to the embodiment of Fig. IA, is that higher muzzle velocities are allowed since the harming capacity of the explosive elements (such as rockets) 194 is independent of the rocket velocity. The other elements having similar numerals to those of the basic embodiment of Fig. IA have similar functionality, and therefore will not specifically be discussed herein.

Figs. 1C and ID provide alternative variations to the embodiment of Fig. IA. Fig. IE provides similarly an alternative variation to the embodiment of Fig. IB. In order to provide an improved accuracy of the rearward ejection of shrapnel 57, by reducing those recoil vectors that are perpendicular to trajectory of the warhead, which result due to the explosion of second propellant charge 56. More particularly, in Fig. 1C the front dome 79 of the warhead 18 is solid and frangible. Therefore, during the explosion of the second propellant charge, dome 79 disintegrates or otherwise removed, causing forward release of shock waves, as well as rearward release of the shrapnel. In the embodiment of Fig. ID, the dome 179 is not frangible, however, the dome comprises front guide ways for providing forward release of the shock waves. The guide ways 168 are filled with some material, which is release only due the explosion of the second propellant charge. Therefore, the side recoil of the warhead due to the explosion of the second propellant charge is reduced. Fig. IE provides an embodiment similar to the embodiment of Fig. IB. However, in order to reduce angular deviation of the warhead due to the propulsion of the explosive elements 194, each of the cells 149 (hereinafter also referred to as "rocket tubes") has a front opening 133, as shown. Therefore, due to the release of gases through the front opening 133, the angular deviation is reduced. The embodiment of Fig. IE provides a version similar to IB where the rocket tubes continue through the warhead and are open on both sides. This design allows the rocket propellant gases to escape with minimal recoil and minimal angular deviation of the warhead thus increasing accuracy of the rocket deployment. The front ends 133 of the rocket tubes 149 are covered with frangible aerodynamic covers.

In all the embodiments of the invention, the distance between the firing point and the rearward explosion is designed to provide effective velocity, fire density and spread to maximize harming of the attackers within a desirable radius. The distance between the firing point and the rearward explosion should allow the shrapnel or other harming payload to hit the desirable area at a velocity and pattern suitable for harming the attackers. The spread angle of the rearward shrapnel should cover a desired radius around the firing point. The number, weight, density and shape of the shrapnel are designed to inflict maximum damage.

When fired from a rifled barrel, in order to limit the shrapnel scattering radius, warhead 18 (see Fig. IA) may be provided with spin reducer rings, in a manner known in the art. Each spin reducer mechanism comprises a ring 66 of limited width that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 52 of warhead 18 and loosely encircles the outer surface of jacket 53. The thickness of ring 66 is designed to provide contact with the inner wall of the projectile launcher barrel. As projectile assembly 20 is fired, the rings 66 rotate about axis 52, due to the contact with the rifled grooves, However, the spinning of projectile assembly 20 about axis 52 is significantly reduced in compare to the rate of spinning of the rings 66.

Figs. 2 to-5 illustrate various scenarios for which the firing of the projectile assembly of the present invention will effectively harm enemy troops attacking a defense post, or more particularly, those enemy soldiers that are located within a radius of few tens of meters from the firing point, including troops that are out of direct fire line. Fig. 2 illustrates a situation where enemy infantrymen 11 attack a typical defense post 25 having narrow firing slots that provide a limited view to the defender. Soldiers in the defense post, using the projectile assembly 18 of the present invention can harm attacking troops 11 that are well out of the direct fire range of existing weapons and ammunition. Launch barrel 30 may be of any rocket launcher, mortar, and any cannon positioned in the defense post. As a result of the timing system, warhead 18 of the projectile assembly travels along a very short trajectory 21 and then fragmentizes in midair into a plurality of fragments 57 at a short range that is suitable for harming the enemy troops all around the post. Launch barrel 30 is preferably disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to a ground surface G to increase the area exposed to fragments 57. The use of the novel projectile assembly of the invention significantly increases the capability of the defenders to harm from within the safety of their post attackers that would not be harmed by existing ammunition types

As shown in Fig. 3, the defense post may be a tank 42. When using its main gun to launch the projectile assembly the crew of tank 42 may harm, and then counterattack enemy infantrymen 11 located on top of or in the vicinity of tank 42, by positioning barrel 46 of the main gun at an obtuse angle α with respect to a horizontal plane and firing the warhead 18^V1 of the present invention from barrel 46. The projectile assembly accordingly travels along a ballistic trajectory 48 which is as close as possible to the vertical. Due to the operation of the timer 19 (see Fig. 1), warhead 18 explodes while the projectile assembly is ascending along trajectory 48, to effectively scatter the discharged payload. A large number of shrapnel 57 are therefore discharged from warhead 18 rearwardly with respect to trajectory 48 in a destructive range of enemy infantrymen 11. Once the enemy forces are shocked and harmed from the shrapnel and shock waves, the tank crew that were protected within tank 42 can safely leave its confines and destroy the remaining enemy forces. Alternatively, use of one or more projectiles can provide the entrapped crew time until external rescue forces arrive.

Fig. 4 is an example illustrating how stationary tank units of two or more tanks using their main guns to launch the projectiles can be positioned to maximize the harming zone of the shrapnel to include areas directly behind each firing tank. Enemy infantrymen 11 may hide behind a tank when the projectile is fired, and as a result, they may survive the explosion of the warhead of the present invention. To reduce the hiding areas for enemy infantrymen 11, two tanks 42A and 42B are deployed opposite to one another as illustrated in Fig. 4. Thus, a projectile fired from each of the tanks can harm enemy infantrymen 11 located behind the other tank, and therefore the coverage area of the two projectiles 18A and 18B is maximized. Fig. 5 illustrates the use of the warhead of Fig. IB. A plurality of rockets 194 are ejected rearwardly. Each rocket develops a rearward thrust, which provides rocket 194 velocity which is greater than the forward velocity of the warhead 118 trajectory. After rocket 194 impacts the ground or tank surface, the rocket explosive charge is detonated and explodes. Infantrymen 11 located in the vicinity of the point of impact will be harmed.

Fig. 6 illustrates still another embodiment of a warhead 218 for rearwardly releasing the payload. Warhead 218 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced explosion resistant guide ways 271 that are disposed along the outer aft periphery of jacket 253. Each guide way 271, the aftward end of which is slightly slanted as shown, stays normally within warhead 218, and extends outward only after the warhead is shot out of the barrel. Each guide way contains second propellant charge and shrapnel that are deployed similarly to the shrapnel of the embodiment of Fig. IA. The warhead 218 comprises a central timer, which ignites simultaneously the second propellant charges within all the guide ways 271. This embodiment eliminates the need for a frangible protective layer such as frangible layer 59 of Fig. IA.

Another embodiment of a warhead for rearwardly releasing the payload is illustrated in Fig. 7. Warhead 318 is provided with a plurality of frangible regions 376, through which, after being disintegrated, shrapnel 357 is rearwardly discharged onto the enemy forces. A plurality of circumferentially spaced regions 376 are provided at the rear face of cover 361. Upon detonation of the second propellant charge 356, regions 376 become disintegrated and shrapnel 357 is discharged through the openings formed by the disintegrated regions. The central region 381 provides a stationary protective layer, which can sustain the impact of the first propellant charge. In this embodiment, case 351 is modified to direct the propellant forces to the central region 381.

Fig. 8 illustrates a small dimensions exemplary mortar type launcher 400 for launching a projectile assembly according to the present invention. The launcher includes a short metal tube 401, a detachable metal anvil 402 for anvil loading of the tube, optional mounting brackets 404, optional brackets 404 for attachment of the launcher to a stationary or mobile structure, and firing device 5. The projectile assembly is indicated by numeral 403. Typical dimensions for the launcher may be: a=250-400mm, b=65- 75mm. As can be seen, and in view of the very small propellant charge that is required for launching the short range of the projectile assembly , the dimensions and subsequently weight of the launcher can be made relatively very small in comparison to standard mortars designed to launch projectile to much longer range Fig. 9 shows an exemplary remote-controlled multiple-projectile launching apparatus 500 for remotely launching the projectile assembly of the invention from within an armored vehicle or a stationary structure, according to still another embodiment. The exemplary launching apparatus 500 comprises a launching metal container 501 which comprises plurality of individual launchers 507 (not completely seen in the figure), mounting brackets 502 for attaching the apparatus 500 to the vehicle body or another structure, an exemplary cable 503 and remote firing box 504 for remotely activating one or more of the launchers individually or simultaneously. The projectile assemblys 505 are preferably positioned within the tubes of the individual launchers beforehand, and they may optionally be covered by a detachable cover 506. This apparatus may also have small dimensions, in view of the very small amount of propellant charge within the projectile assemblies. Typically, the dimensions may be: c=200-250rnm, d-250- 350mm, and e=70-80mm_:_

Fig 11 shows the apparatus 500 while being attached to an armored post (in this case apparatus 500 is attached to the roof of the post by means of different attachment brackets than those shown in Fig. 9). The apparatus is controlled by a soldier from within the post structure. Fig. 10 shows the apparatus 500 while being attached to an armored vehicle. The apparatus is controlled by a soldier from within the vehicle 520. Fig. 12 shows a mortar type projectile assembly 600 according to still another embodiment of the invention. The projectile assembly 600 is fired upward and is designed to explode at an altitude of about 10-30 meters, spreading bomblets in a circular pattern of about 5-20 meters radius around the attacked vehicle or post. The projectile assembly comprises a projectile assembly body 620, plurality of directional bomblet ports 601 for deploying the bomblets rearwardly with respect to the projectile assembly trajectory direction, at the required angle and distance, a small propellant charge 602 at the lower end of the body for propelling the projectile upward, exemplary guide rings 603 around the projectile assembly body 620 for maintaining the projectile in a line while being fired from the mortar. The projectile assembly also comprises a bomblet ejector device 604 for holding the bomblets in the ports and ejecting them to a defined distance once activated. The timed fuse igniter and ejector release 605 ignites the bomblets fuses and releases the bomblets ejector upon arrival of the projectile to a defined height. The bomblets 606 are held within the respective ports 601, and and are ejected at said defined height to fall in a circular pattern. Each bomblet trigger 607 arms the bomblet during ejection and activates the bomblet at upon ground impact. For safety reasons, each bomblet also comprises a safety bomblet fuse 608, which is activated during the bomblet ejection and is set to explode the bomblet after several seconds from the bomblet ejection, in case the bomblet did not explode at ground impact. The bomblet payload is designed to shock, injure or kill personnel within a defined radius around the bomblet impact point. Furthermore, the projectile assembly also comprises a detachable protective bomblet port cover, which is detached upon the bomblet release.

Fig. 13 shows a mortar type projectile assembly 700 according to still another embodiment of the invention. Projectile assembly 700 is fired upwards and explodes at a very low altitude of 3-10 meters releasing shrapnel downwards in a conical pattern to hit a circular area around the attacked vehicle or post. The very low altitude of explosion allows the shrapnel to spread downwards at moderate angle and hit close enemy attackers more effectively. The projectile assembly comprises a projectile assembly body 701, and circular grooves 711 that are slanted downwards and that store and direct the fired shrapnel downward in a conical form. Small propellant charge 702 at the lower end of the body 701 propels the projectile upward. Exemplary guide rings 703 around the projectile assembly body 701 maintain the projectile in a line while fired from the mortar. The timed fuse 712 activates the payload detonators 613 at a defined height. The payload charge 614 comprises explosives and shrapnel. Furthermore, a detachable metal payload cover 615 is used to maintain the payload in place until their time of release, and it forms a part of the projectile assembly 700 structure. While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried out with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A slow and short range self protecting projectile assembly, comprising: a. first propellant charge for forwardly propelling a warhead; and b. a forwardly disposed warhead, which comprises: i. a payload; and ii. second propellant means for rearwardly discharging said payload from said warhead with respect to a forward trajectory of said warhead; iii. detonation means for activating said second propellant means in midair, thereby to eject said payload rearward relative to said warhead trajectory; and iv. a timing circuit for activating said detonation means in midair at a distance approximately 3-50 meters from the warhead launching barrel.

2. Projectile assembly according to claim 1, wherein the payload is shrapnel.

3. Projectile assembly according to claim 2, wherein the shrapnel is selected from the group of metallic balls, flechettes or pointed objects.

4. Projectile assembly according to claim 1, wherein the payload comprises explosive elements.

5. Projectile assembly according to claim 4, wherein the explosive elements are plurality of rockets.

6. Projectile assembly according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of rockets are disposed within the warhead jacket essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the warhead.

7. Projectile assembly according to claim 6, wherein said rockets are disposed within the warhead jacket such that their longitudinal axis is slightly angled one to another.

8. Projectile assembly according to claim 4, wherein said explosive elements are bomblets.

9. Projectile assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first propellant charge is stored within an aftwardly disposed case, and wherein the projectile assembly further comprising a frangible protective layer at the aft of the warhead for separating between the warhead payload and the first propellant charge before the projectile assembly launching, for protecting the warhead payload from the first propellant charge detonation, and for disintegrating at the time of or prior to activation of said detonation means.

10. Projectile assembly according to claim 1, further comprising two or more spin reducer rings for reducing the spinning of the warhead while launched from a rifled barrel, resulting in reduction of the warhead spinning during its flight.

11. Projectile assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a disintegrated dome at the front of the warhead, for enabling gas release to the front of the warhead during the explosion of said second propellant charge.

12. Projectile assembly according to claim 5, further comprising openings at the front of the warhead for enabling forward release gas due to the explosion of said second propellant charge.

13. Projectile assembly according to claim 9, wherein said payload is shrapnel, and wherein said protective layer comprises disintegrated openings for enabling discharge of the payload through said openings.

14. Projectile assembly according to claim 2, provided with plurality of longitudinally extending and circumferentially spaced explosion resistant guide ways that are disposed along the outer periphery of said warhead jacket, each guide way has a first state in which it stays within the warhead jacket, and a second state in which it extends outward after the warhead launch, and wherein each guide way contains second propellant charge and shrapnel that are discharged following the explosion of said second propellant charge.

15. Projectile assembly according to claim 1, wherein the payload is a reduced lethality payload.

16. A single-projectile launcher for launching the projectile assembly of claim 1, which comprises: a. a metal tube for containing the projectile assembly before firing, and for guiding the projectile assembly upwards during firing ; b. a detachable metal anvil surrounding said metal tube; c. a firing device for activating the firing of the projectile assembly; and d. attachment bracket for attaching the launcher to a vehicle or to a stationary structure.

17. Launcher according to claim 16, having a tube length in the range of 250-400mm, and a tube diameter of 65-75 mm.

18. A multiple projectiles launching apparatus for launching projectiles according to claim 1, which comprises: a. a metal launching container which contains plurality of launching tubes; b. a remote firing box, for remotely firing of said projectiles from within an armored structure or vehicle; and c. attachment bracket for attaching the apparatus to the exterior of said structure or vehicle.

19. A projectiles launching apparatus according to claim 18, for launching 3 projectiles either individually or simultaneously, said apparatus having a length of 200-250mm, height of 250-350mm, and diameter of each launching tube of 70-80mm.