Importance

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Abstract

Upon detonating a projectile in the proximity of a target, there are produced projectile fragments which fly towards the target in a predetermined direction. To have as many fragments as possible fly towards the target, the projectile must be detonated at a suitably selected angle measured between the line of sight which extends between the projectile and the target, and the projectile flight trajectory. This detonation angle varies as a function of the encountering velocity of the projectile and the target. A predetermined reference value associated with a predetermined encountering velocity value is computed using a stationary firing control system and represented by the quotient c/(2VBg), wherein c is the velocity of light and VBg is the predetermined encountering velocity value. Such reference value is stored in a storage device aboard the projectile. The projectile also contains a device for determining a plurality of encountering velocity values and such device converts the determined encountering velocity values into actual values c/(2VB), wherein c is the velocity of light and VB the measured encountering velocity value. A comparator is connected with the determining device and storage device and compares the actual values and the reference value. Detonation of the projectile occurs once the actual value is substantially equal to or exceeds the stored reference value.

First Claim