Development of a new pyrotechnic composition for a delay device NEXTER Munitions

摘要

Until about the year 1929, the history of pyrotechnics delay timing can be summarized in one word : black powder. However, the modern requirements of extension of the timing range, high stability, and complete confinement have been conducted to define new needs for munitions' self destruction systems. The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a new pyrotechnics composition for a delay device, developed to be used in a self destruction device for 40 mm HV ammunition. The objective of this study is to ensure an enhanced self destruction delay which is compliant with the new requirements for this ammunition. Today, Nexter Munitions had already developed some pyrotechnics compositions with low rate of combustion. In order to fulfil the delay time of self destruction, Nexter Munitions is developing new pyrotechnics compositions. Indeed, the aim is to increase the distance of the action of the grenade, which must be efficient up to 2200 meters, by increasing the self destruction grenade time. Here we will outline the development and the characterisation of this new pyrotechnics composition in the delay device. In the first part of this paper, we detail the methodology used to find the best trade-off between oxidizer and fuel components of the pyrotechnics. Afterwards, the report focuses on the experimental part of this study, that is to say the evaluation of the delay combustion rate. In the last part of this paper, we will present the firing tests and the results.