Sub-munition unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a sub-munition unit ( 1 ) having a warhead ( 2 ) that comprises an antenna ( 3 ) on the bow side, as seen in the direction of flight, for target acquisition, and is connected on the aft side to a releasably attached parachute cartridge ( 4 ). In order to protect the antenna ( 3 ) sufficiently against both mechanical loads and aerodynamic stresses using a simple protective device, and without thereby negatively affecting the function of the antenna ( 3 ), an antenna protection cover ( 5 ) is releasably disposed on the warhead in front of the antenna ( 3 ) so as to protect the antenna ( 3 ), and the warhead ( 2 ) comprises an operating mechanism causing the antenna protection cover ( 5 ) to be ejected when the parachute cartridge ( 4 ) is released from the warhead ( 2 ).

1 . Sub-munition unit with a warhead ( 2 ) that, seen in the direction of flight, comprises an antenna ( 3 ) on the bow side for target acquisition, and is connected on the aft side to a releasably attached parachute cartridge ( 4 ), characterized in that in order to protect the antenna ( 3 ), an antenna protection cover ( 5 ) is releasably disposed on the warhead ( 2 ) in front of the antenna, and that the warhead ( 2 ) includes an operating mechanism that causes the antenna protection cover ( 5 ) to be ejected when the parachute cartridge ( 4 ) is released from the warhead ( 2 ). 
   
   
       2 . Sub-munition unit according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the antenna protection cover ( 5 ) is connected releasably to the parachute cartridge ( 4 ) or the warhead ( 2 ) via at least two pre-tensioned elastic retaining straps ( 7 ) arranged uniformly distributed over the circumference of the antenna protection cover ( 5 ), in such a way that when the parachute cartridge ( 4 ) is released from the warhead ( 2 ), the ends ( 8 ) of the retaining straps ( 7 ) on the parachute cartridge side are freed and the antenna protection cover ( 5 ) is ejected through the pre-tensioning of the elastic retaining straps ( 7 ). 
   
   
       3 . Sub-munition unit according to  claim 2 , characterized in that the ends ( 8 ) of the elastic retaining straps ( 7 ) on the parachute cartridge side are embodied as spring straps that engage behind tab-shaped projections ( 9 ) embedded in the outer wall of the antenna protection cover ( 5 ) [sic]. 
   
   
       4 . Sub-munition unit according to  claim 2  or  3 , characterized in that the retaining straps ( 7 ) extend along the outside ( 6 ) of the warhead ( 2 ) between the antenna protection cover ( 5 ) and the parachute cartridge ( 4 ). 
   
   
       5 . Sub-munition unit according to one of  claims 1  to  4 , characterized in that three retaining straps ( 7 ) arranged uniformly distributed over the circumference of the antenna protection cover ( 5 ) are provided.