AU2020358276B2

AU2020358276B2 - Active element and method for igniting an active element

Info

Publication number: AU2020358276B2
Application number: AU2020358276A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Florian Huber; Vikorn Kadavanich
Original assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
Current assignee: Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH
Priority date: 2019-10-01
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2026-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-01
Also published as: IL291705B2; AU2020358276A1; IL291705A; EP4038340A1; IL291705B1; ES2969340T3; DE102019126466A1; JP7599486B2; EP4038340B9; EP4038340B1; JP2022550429A; KR20220071964A; WO2021063615A1; CA3156363A1

Description

ACTIVE ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR IGNITING AN ACTIVE ELEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an active element, in particular a decoy active element, comprising at least one active substance and at least two ignition means, each comprising a pyrotechnic composition for 2020358276

igniting the active substance.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for igniting an active element.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The following discussion of background art is included to explain the context of the present invention. A reference herein to a matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that the matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

[0004] Active elements, such as decoy active elements, are used in aviation. Since approximately 1970, such decoy active elements have been provided under a protective film or in a container and initiated from one side. This applies in particular to all conventional MTV (Magnesium Teflon-Viton) decoy active elements and spectral decoy active elements.

[0005] The ignition chain is activated from the firing side, preferably via a fail-safe system, for the active elements, which are preferably elongate in the case of aircraft, and then ignites the active element after release. These active elements often have a fast-burning coating composition in order to achieve ignition from all sides in the required time.

[0006] Decoy active elements having specific active substances and geometries are subject to ignition problems due to the design and the type of use, which can lead to delayed and reduced power delivery in the initial phase of the initiation.

[0007] The initiation usually takes place from an ignition side in the base region, which the so-called end face of the active element and runs through said element on the inside or on the outside along the surface in the direction of the ejection side, in order finally to achieve a reaction of the active element on all sides.

[0008] The ignition problems outlined above can have a direct impact on the effectiveness with respect to danger during the ignition phase.

[0009] The document DE 10 2009 030 871 A1 discloses an active element comprising a combustible active substance container based on plastics film, which can be ignited inductively, by means of a laser or by high temperature.

[0010] DE 10 2016 122 740 A1 discloses a pyrotechnic active element comprising a housing, an ignition device and at least one active composition. The ignition device is arranged, for example, in the bottom of the active element. 2020358276

[0011] Patent application DE 10 2010 030 869 A1 discloses an active element comprising a plurality of active substances, which has a plurality of individual flares which are arranged one behind the other and can be ignited inductively, by means of a laser or by high temperature.

[0012] DE 10 2009 030 872 A1 relates to an active element which is inductively ignited, consisting of individual flares which are packed in a carrier material such as a steel foil coated with red phosphorus.

[0013] An encapsulated active element which has a large number of individual components for an infrared decoy and provides a central longitudinal ignition is known from DE 10 2010 013 110 A1.

[0014] DE 10 2004 047 231 A1 discloses a generic active element which has a plurality of active substances and ignition means. How the ignition is carried out and how the ignition means are arranged is not disclosed.

[0015] Depending on the basic material and the geometry of the active element, there may be no suitable approved or reliable coating composition which can be used for implementation as a military active element. A change in the active substance composition or geometry is not possible without restrictions due to existing systems, and there is therefore a conflict of goals in this case.

[0016] Furthermore, ignition from all sides or from a plurality of sides cannot be guaranteed without a coating composition.

[0017] Proceeding from this, the problem sought to be addressed by the invention is that of providing an active element which makes quick and reliable ignition of a plurality of active substances possible.

SUMMARY

[0018] According to one form of the invention there is provided a decoy active element, comprising at least one active substance, at least two ignition means, each comprising a pyrotechnic composition for igniting the active substances, wherein the at least two ignition means are arranged on the at least one active substance and the at least two ignition means are connected to one another via channels in such a way that the at least one active substance can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0019] According to another form of the invention there is provided a method for igniting an active element 23 Oct 2025

according to the above form of the invention and its embodiments, comprising: at least one active substance, at least two ignition means, each comprising a pyrotechnic composition for igniting the active substances, wherein the at least two ignition means are arranged on the at least one active substance and the at least two ignition means are connected to one another via channels in such a way that the at least one active substance can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0020] According to the invention, an active element, in particular a decoy active element, is provided, 2020358276

comprising at least one active substance and at least two ignition means, each comprising a pyrotechnic composition for igniting the at least one active substance. The at least two ignition means are arranged on the at least one active substance and the at least two ignition means are connected to one another via channels in such a way that the at least one active substance can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the invention, a method is provided for igniting such an active element of this kind or as described below. The active element comprises at least one active substance and at least two ignition means, each comprising a pyrotechnic composition for igniting the active substances. The at least two ignition means are arranged on the at least one active substance and the at least two ignition means are connected to one another via channels in such a way that the at least one active substance can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0022] According to the invention, it is therefore proposed to design the active element in such a way that it can be initiated, i.e. ignited, on a plurality of sides, but on at least two sides, for example on the lateral surfaces and on the opposite side. It is therefore an active element having multi-point ignition.

[0023] The at least one active substance is preferably at least one pyrotechnic active substance, such as is used in flares.

[0024] The channels are preferably ignition channels, which are designed to ignite the ignition means or conduct ignition to the ignition means. The channels can be arranged symmetrically and/or asymmetrically with respect to one another.

[0025] Simultaneously on a plurality of sides means that the active element or the at least one active substance can be ignited simultaneously at a plurality of points, such as sides, top, bottom or edges. Within the meaning of the invention, simultaneously means that the at least one active substance can be ignited substantially without time delay.

[0026] Within the meaning of the invention, the ignition means are, for example, squibs, smaller ignition- sensitive pyrotechnic compositions or other known ignition means.

[0027] As a result of the multi-sided ignition according to the invention, less sensitive active substances 23 Oct 2025

over a large area can be quickly and reliably ignited by significantly smaller ignition means.

[0028] Since a plurality of ignition means is provided, there is an improvement in the reliability of the ignition as a result of this redundant provision of the ignition means.

[0029] Furthermore, such an active element has a confusion effect on all sides immediately after being ejected (for example from an airplane) and approaching missiles can be reliably averted. 2020358276

[0030] In addition, in particular due to the fact that the at least one active substance can be ignited from a plurality of sides simultaneously, a reduced scattering behavior and improved responsiveness during use are achieved by means of the active element according to the invention. In addition, the effectiveness of the active element is improved.

[0031] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that a plurality of, preferably each, of the active substances of the active element can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0032] The at least two active substances can be of the same size and/or different sizes. By means of a large number of different active substances, it is possible to set the wavelength of the spectrum emitted by the active element during the combustion of the active substances.

[0033] In an advantageous development, the active element has at least two active substances and the ignition means are arranged between the active substances of the active element in such a way that the at least two active substances can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0034] This ensures that each of the active substances of the active element is ignited reliably and simultaneously, and the active element produces a good confusion effect on all sides.

[0035] Furthermore, the ignition means can advantageously be arranged inside and/or outside the active element.

[0036] The pyrotechnic composition of the ignition means and the at least one active substance can furthermore be separated from one another by an inert material.

[0037] As a result, a defined separation of the at least one active substance from the pyrotechnic composition of the ignition means is achieved. This prevents the active substance and the pyrotechnic composition from chemically influencing one another during storage of the active element. Furthermore, this prevents unwanted ignition. In addition, this means that a defined ignition energy is required in order to ignite the body.

[0038] In an embodiment, the at least one active substance and/or the ignition means can also be separated 23 Oct 2025

from one another by a film, a housing or an air gap. The individual active substances can preferably be separated from one another in this way.

[0039] Such a physical separation can be achieved, for example, by a film or a housing made of paper, plastics material or metal.

[0040] In addition, it can be provided that the active element has grooves, slots and/or bores. The channels extend in the grooves, slots and/or bores. The individual active substances are preferably separated by these 2020358276

grooves and/or slots. However, it is also possible for the grooves, slots and/or bores to extend inside an active substance.

[0041] The provision of grooves, slots and/or bores predetermines the positioning of the channels and also ensures that the channels do not or only slightly protrude beyond the contour of the active element.

[0042] In a further development it can be provided that the grooves and/or slots extend in such a way that they intersect at a plurality of intersection points and the ignition means are formed at the intersection points.

[0043] The provision of such intersection points means that a plurality of active substances, for example four or eight, are provided at a distance from one another at an intersection point, and a plurality of active substances can thus be ignited at one point by an ignition means.

[0044] Furthermore, the grooves, slots and/or bores can be arranged inside and/or outside the active element.

[0045] In addition, the active element can be protected from environmental influences by a film or a housing. This ensures that the active element can be reliably ignited even at high wind speeds and/or ejection speeds, i.e., for example, when fired from a fast-flying flying device or aircraft.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is possible for the active element to have no pyrotechnic coating composition coating the entire active element. Such a coating composition is a fast-burning composition which coats the active element and allows ignition from all sides. This has the advantage that the active element can be approved even if there is no suitable approved coating composition.

[0047] The ignition means can be arranged in such a way and the length of the channels can be formed in such a way that the ignition means can be ignited simultaneously.

[0048] The ignition means can also be connected to an ignition initiator via the channels.

[0049] In an embodiment of the method, a plurality of active substances of the active element can also be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0050] In an advantageous development, the active element can also be substantially cuboid and have 23 Oct 2025

substantially cuboid active substances. In this case, the active element can in particular be an active element for ammunition in the 2x1x8" or 1x1x8" NATO standard caliber.

[0051] However, the active element can also be a cylindrical active element, preferably having a diameter of 36 mm or 55 mm.

[0052] It is also possible for the active element to be spherical or triangular. 2020358276

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The invention will be explained below on the basis of an embodiment with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0054] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an active element according to the invention having channels according to a first embodiment;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the active element according to the invention according to the first embodiment of Fig. 1, the channels being hidden;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an active element according to the invention according to a second embodiment, the active element having internal channels;

[0057] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an active element according to the invention according to a third embodiment, the active element having internal symmetrical and asymmetrical channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an active element according to the invention 1. The active element 1 comprises a plurality of active substances 101...n and a plurality of ignition means 201...n. The ignition means 201...n each comprise a pyrotechnic composition for igniting the active substances 101...n.

[0059] Fig. 2 is also a schematic perspective view of the active element according to the invention according to Fig. 1, the channels 301...n being hidden.

[0060] The ignition means 201...n are arranged between the individual active substances 101...n and the 23 Oct 2025

ignition means 201...n are connected to one another via channels 301...n in such a way that the active element 1 can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0061] The ignition means 201...n are connected to an ignition initiator (not shown) via the channels 301...n, the ignition means 201...n being arranged and the length of the channels 301...n being formed in such a way that the ignition means 201...n can be ignited simultaneously.

[0062] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the active element 1 has grooves and/or slots 221...n, by means of which 2020358276

the individual active substances 101...n are separated from one another. According to the first embodiment of Fig. 1 and 2, the grooves and/or slots 251...n are arranged inside the active element 1 and/or outside, i.e. externally.

[0063] The grooves and/or slots 221...n extend in such a way that they intersect at a plurality of intersection points 251...n and the ignition means 201...n are arranged at the intersection points 251...n.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 1, the grooves and/or slots 221...n accommodate the channels 301...n, i.e. the channels 301...n are arranged in the grooves and/or slots.

[0065] The individual channels 301...n are formed in a bead-like manner.

[0066] The individual active substances 101...n of the active element 1 can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

[0067] According to the embodiment, the ignition means 201...n are arranged inside/outside the active element 1. For this purpose, said ignition means are provided in the slots/grooves of the active element 1.

[0068] The pyrotechnic composition of the ignition means 201...n and the active substances 101...n are separated from one another by an inert material. This can be designed, for example, as a film, a housing or an air gap.

[0069] According to Fig. 3, a schematic perspective view of an active element 1 according to the invention is shown according to a second embodiment which is based on the embodiment according to Fig. 1, and the differences are additionally shown below. The active element 1 has internal slots, grooves and/or bores 231...n, in which channels 311...n are formed. The channels 311...n are formed inside the individual active substances 101...n and have a symmetrical pattern.

[0070] According to Fig. 4, a schematic perspective view of an active element 1 according to the invention is shown according to a third embodiment, which is based on the embodiment according to Fig. 3. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 3, the internal channels 311...n are formed as symmetrical and/or asymmetrical channels 311...n inside the individual active substances 101...n.

[0071] The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 to 4 is an active element 1 which comprises eight active 23 Oct 2025

substances 101...8 and six ignition means 201...6. The active element 1 is substantially cuboid and comprises substantially cuboid active substances 101...8. In this case, the active element can in particular be an active element for ammunition in the 2x1x8" or 1x1x8" NATO standard caliber. However, this design of the above embodiment is merely an exemplary embodiment. A number other than eight active substances and six ignition means are also possible. However, the active element can also be a cylindrical active element, preferably having a diameter of 36 mm or 55 mm. It is also possible for the active element to be spherical 2020358276

or triangular.

[0072] Unless the context requires otherwise, where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or “comprising” are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group thereof.

[0073] List of reference signs

1 active element

101...n active substances

201...n ignition means 2020358276

221...n slots, grooves and/or bores (internal)

231...n slots, grooves and/or bores (external)

251...n intersection points (internal)

261...n intersection points (external)

301...n channels (internal)

311...n channels (external)

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS 16 Jan 2026

1. A decoy active element, comprising at least one active substance, at least two ignition means, each comprising a pyrotechnic composition for igniting the active substances, wherein the at least two ignition means are arranged on the at least one active substance and the at least two 2020358276

ignition means are connected to one another via channels in such a way that the at least one active substance can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

2. The decoy active element according to claim 1, wherein the active element comprises at least two active substances and the ignition means are arranged between the active substances of the active element in such a way that the at least two active substances are ignitable simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

3. The decoy active element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two ignition means are arranged inside and/or outside the active element.

4. The decoy active element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pyrotechnic composition of each ignition means and the at least one active substance are separated from one another by an inert material.

5. The decoy active element according to claim 4, wherein the at least one active substance and/or the ignition means are separated from one another by a film, a housing and/or an air gap.

6. The decoy active element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active element has grooves, slots and/or bores by means of which the individual active substances are separated and in which the channels extend.

7. The decoy active element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one active substance has grooves, slots and/or bores in which the channels extend.

8. The decoy active element according to claim 7, wherein the grooves, slots and/or bores extend 16 Jan 2026

in such a way that they intersect at a plurality of intersection points and the ignition means are formed at the intersection points.

9. The decoy active element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grooves, slots and/or bores are arranged inside and/or outside the active element. 2020358276

10. The decoy active element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active element is protected from environmental influences by an inert film or a housing.

11. The decoy active element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the active element does not have a pyrotechnic coating composition which coats the entire active element.

12. The decoy active element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the channels is formed in such a way that the ignition means are ignitable simultaneously.

13. A method for igniting a decoy active element according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one active substance, at least two ignition means, each comprising a pyrotechnic composition for igniting the active substances, wherein the at least two ignition means are arranged on the at least one active substance and the at least two ignition means are connected to one another via channels in such a way that the at least one active substance can be ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.

14. The method for igniting a decoy active element according to claim 13, wherein a plurality of active substances of the active element are ignited simultaneously from a plurality of sides.