CLUSTER BOMB SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

Each bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblets can be programmed to detonate at desired intervals over a relatively long period of time. Program signals are transmitted to a number of bomblets at the same time from a wire that runs through openings in the bomblets, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblets. The wire is attached to the bomb canister at selected points and is severed inbetween the connection points when the canister is opened, thus permitting the wire sections to be pulled away without disrupting the bomblets' dispersion pattern. Each bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code. In the preferred embodiment a series of timing program signals are transmitted to each of the bomblets, and the bomblet adresses are adjusted after each program signal so that only one bomblet (or more, if desired) responds to each different program signal.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Inventor

• 1EDWARD V. LA BUDDE