Innovative technologies that optimize the range of mortar systems

In this proposal, several novel concepts are presented that have the objective of extending the mortar range while increasing its lethality. With the proposed concepts, the mortar range is to be increased by reducing the total mass of the shell, reducing the friction forces acting on the shell in the launch tube, and by reducing aerodynamic drag forces during the flight. The mortar precision is to be increased inducing spinning through aerodynamic forces without generating any additional drag. The proposed novel composite structure concepts would not only reduce the shell weight but would also allow for aerodynamic formed fragmentation upon detonation to significantly increase lethality. The proposed composite shell structure design also provides the capability of integrating many of the mortar components into the shell structure, such as the proposed very low power actuation devices for terminal guidance or other similar course correction actions to increase lethality. As a result, the space available inside the mortar shell for explosive charges and other components is increased, thereby providing another means of increasing lethality.