Selectable lethality, focused fragment munition and method of use

Abstract

A munition and method capable of producing real-time selectable effects ranging from unrestricted to low collateral damage. The munition is capable of a directionally focused fragment pattern and limited lethality/damage effects.

1 . A variable lethality, focused fragment munition comprising:
 a) a case at least partially containing a first and a second explosive;   b) at least one end cap partially containing said explosives; and   c) at least a first and a second detonator.   
     
     
         2 . The munition of  claim 1  wherein said second explosive forms a core inside said case and said first explosive at least partially fills any space between said case and said second explosive. 
     
     
         3 . The munition of  claim 1  further comprising at least one shock attenuating detonator housing at least partially containing at least one said detonator. 
     
     
         4 . The munition of  claim 1  wherein said end cap is a focused fragment end cap in communication with said second explosive. 
     
     
         5 . The munition of  claim 4  wherein said focused fragment end cap is comprised of a frangible material. 
     
     
         6 . The munition of  claim 4  wherein said focused fragment end cap is comprised of aggregated fragments. 
     
     
         7 . The munition of  claim 4  wherein said focused fragment end cap is comprised of aggregated metal fragments. 
     
     
         8 . The munition of  claim 7  wherein said metal fragments are selected from the group consisting of steel, tungsten, and tantalum. 
     
     
         9 . The munition of  claim 6  wherein said aggregated fragments have major dimensions ranging from 100 microns to 1 centimeter. 
     
     
         10 . The munition of  claim 1  wherein said first detonator is in communication with said first explosive, and said second detonator is in communication with said second explosive. 
     
     
         11 . The munition of  claim 1  wherein said first explosive is selected from the group consisting of C-4, H6, RDX, CL-20, and HMX. 
     
     
         12 . The munition of  claim 1  wherein said second explosive is comprised of a metal and an oxidizer. 
     
     
         13 . The munition of  claim 12  wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, boron, magnesium, silicon, tantalum, zirconium, zinc, titanium, calcium, and lithium. 
     
     
         14 . The munition of  claim 12  wherein said oxidizer is selected from the group consisting of perfluoropolyether, perfluoropolyether diol, polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, and chlorotrifluoroethylene. 
     
     
         15 . The munition of  claim 12  further comprising RDX. 
     
     
         16 . The munition of  claim 12  further comprising HMX. 
     
     
         17 . The munition of  claim 1  further comprising more than two explosives. 
     
     
         18 . A method of using a variable lethality, focused fragment munition comprising a case at least partially containing a first and a second explosive, at least one end cap partially containing said explosives, and at least a first and a second detonator, said method comprising:
 a) delivering said munition to a target;   b) acquiring data about said target during said delivery of said munition;   c) analyzing said data;   d) at least partially based on said analysis of said data, determining a desired mode of operation for said munition; and   e) sending at least one signal to said munition wherein at least one said signal configures said munition for a desired lethality prior to arrival of said munition at said target.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein at least one said signal configures said munition for ignition of a desired number of said detonators onboard said munition. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein at least one said signal configures said munition for a desired timing sequence of ignition of a desired number of said detonators onboard said munition.