Anti-missile missiles

Abstract

An anti-missile missile ( 10 ) includes a missile configured to track and intercept an incoming missile travelling along path ( 12 ). Missile ( 10 ) includes at least one barrel assembly ( 13 ) having a multiplicity of projectiles stacked axially within barrel assembly ( 13 ), together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the multiplicity of projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of barrel assembly ( 13 ). The multiplicity of projectiles produce a fragment column ( 20 ) along path ( 12 ) to destroy the incoming missile. Alternatively, anti-missile missile ( 10 ) can be guided to produce a direct hit at point ( 18 ) on the incoming missile. Barrel assembly ( 13 ) can include an aiming mechanism so that barrel assembly ( 13 ) can be rotated through sector ( 15, 16 ) to target path ( 12 ).

1 . An anti-missile missile including a missile configured to intercept an incoming missile wherein said anti-missile missile further includes at least one barrel assembly having a multiplicity of projectiles stacked axially within the at least one barrel assembly together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the multiplicity of projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the at least one barrel assembly.  
   
   
       2 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein the anti-missile missile includes a guidance system for tracking the path of the incoming missile and maintaining the anti-missile missile on a path to intercept the incoming missile.  
   
   
       3 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 2  wherein the guidance system incorporates a path sensing means that is associated with an aiming mechanism for the at least one barrel assembly.  
   
   
       4 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one barrel assembly includs a barrel; a multiplicity of projectiles axially disposed within the barrel for operative sealing engagement with the bore of the barrel, and discrete propellant charges for propelling respective projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel.  
   
   
       5 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein the projectile is selected from the group consisting of projectiles that are round, conventionally shaped or dart-like, optionally with fins off-set to generate a stabilising spin as the dart is propelled from a barrel.  
   
   
       6 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein the projectiles are propelled from the at least one barrel assembly by a propellant that is sequentially ignited by an electronic charge.  
   
   
       7 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one barrel assembly is arranged to deploy projectiles into the path of the incoming missile both before and after the predicted impact of the anti-missile missile and the incoming missile.  
   
   
       8 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein a single barrel assembly is arranged to deploy projectiles into path of the incoming missile both before and after the predicted impact of the anti-missile missile and the incoming missile.  
   
   
       9 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein the barrel assembly simultaneously fires projectiles in opposite directions so as to minimise any change of flight path of the anti-missile missile.  
   
   
       10 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein the projectile is a grenade-like projectile that is capable of detonating in the path of the incoming missile so as to create a column of fragments through which the incoming missile must pass.  
   
   
       11 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 10  wherein the projectile uses spin count for gauging the distance/timing to the position at which it crosses the path of the incoming missile and detonates at that position.  
   
   
       12 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 11  wherein multiple projectiles fired from the at least one barrel assembly have the spin count preset for each projectile and the time delay in the firing sequence provides the desired separation or intermingling of deployed fragments along the flight path of the incoming missile.  
   
   
       13 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 10  wherein the timing mechanism may be adjustable in flight with input provided by incoming missile path sensor.  
   
   
       14 . An anti-missile missile according to  claim 1  wherein aiming corrections to the at least one barrel assembly may be effected by a rotation on mountings on the anti-missile missile about its axis and/or rotation of the missile axis.  
   
   
       15 . A method of destroying or incapacitating an incoming missile comprising the steps of launching an anti-missile missile wherein said anti-missile missile includes a missile configured to intercept said incoming missile and wherein said anti-missile missile further includes at least one barrel assembly having a multiplicity of projectiles stacked axially within the at least one barrel assembly together with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges for propelling the multiplicity of projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the at least one barrel and sequentially firing said multiplicity of projectiles at said incoming missile.