The Long Standoff Explosive Gun (LSEG) A Multiple Fragment Launcher

General purpose bombs and warheads project fragments of varied mass, geometry, and velocity. Typically, bombs and warheads are too large to enable economical experimental evaluation of fragment effects. A repeatable, effective, easily employed and maintainable system to explosively launch scaled simulated fragments in a predictable paflern is required. The proposed solution, The Long Standoff Explosive Gun (LSEG), is based upon Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warhead technology, modified for projecting fragments. The major components of the device are an explosive charge, a liner from which fragments are produced, and a casing. The launcher concept employs recently established multi-mode warhead technology which has been demonstrated in several warhead development programs. The LSEG will be designed to sprelect fragments in a predetermined pattern, and the concept is readily adaptable for projecting fragments of varied characteristics. The LSEG will be developed for use at long standoffs, thereby greatly reducing the amount of blast energy transmitted to the pendulum target. Additionally, the device will use the absolute minimum amount of explosive necessary for launching the fragments at the required velocity, and the explosive charge will he surrounded by a casing in order to attenuate the transfer of the shock energy to the surrounding air. The combination of these three design approaches will ensure the blast loading is minimized. BENEFITS: The proposed development program relates to many research efforts currently.being conducted by the Department of befense This program will advance the understanding of controlled fragmentation, and therefore will benefit all programs concerned with optimizing fragment output. The system will have application in evaluating materials and equipment in the design of buildings where explosion effects are a consideration. The launcher would also be applicable to the design of systems for the protection of buildings and vehicles against terrorist attacks.