WO2003038368A1

WO2003038368A1 - Munitions

Info

Publication number: WO2003038368A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/001503
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Robert Burns
Original assignee: Marine Research Wa Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-11-02
Filing date: 2002-11-04
Publication date: 2003-05-08
Also published as: AUPR867101A0

Abstract

A munitions system and method of use thereof for delivery of successive bombs to the same target position to increase the explosive effect at the designated target. The munitions system (10) comprises a string of projectile vehicles at least some of which are configured as bombs. The string of projectile vehicles are tethered one to another and include a leading vehicle (11) adapted to guide the string to the required target position and also a plurality of trailing projectile vehicles (21). The projectile vehicles (21) are tethered one to another by way of a cord (13) which is stretchable. A drag device such as a ballute (29) is attached to the rearmost trailing projectile vehicle (21z). The presence of the drag device (29) ensures that the tethers between successive projectile vehicles remain in tension.

Description

Munitions

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to munitions systems, and methods for use thereof. In particular this invention provides a new bombing system capable of delivering a more accurate and destructive strike to an intended target.

Background Art

Aggressive air strikes during periods of war can have little impact on targets and may lead to high civilian casualty, as a result of incorrect intelligence and inaccurate bombing techniques. Carpet bombing is a prime example of clearing a certain area, that may contain enemy forces as well as a civilian population. Carpet bombing is employed as it is cheap and easy to implement, whereas specific targeting can be expensive.

Some current defensive war techniques include the use of natural and manmade tunnels and underground compartments to store important equipment and manpower to prevent their location and destruction during air attacks. Most current bombs cannot penetrate such compartments, leading to extended conflicts that may last years and cost millions of lives, either as a result of inaccurate targeting or insufficient explosive power.

It has long been the desire of civilised nations to be able to deliver targeted massive conventional underground explosions of nuclear weapons size to remote and hostile locations without the use of nuclear weapons. The lack of ability to do so hitherto is a frustration with defence planners in the western world and has allowed rogue nations and organizations to utilise natural caves or create hardened underground facilities for refuge, storage, nuclear weapons production, ballistic missile production, biological and chemical warfare and experimentation and materials production. It is an object of this invention to provide a weapon and methods of use thereof to overcome the problem of penetrating enemy compartments that are situated underground, as well as above ground.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure of the Invention

The principle behind the invention resides in delivering successive bombs to the same target position to increase the explosive effect at the designated target. This is achieved by connecting the bombs through a tether, preferably a stretchable nylon rope capable of withstanding forces during payload delivery.

A system of deployment has also been devised that has the capability of providing severe damage to aboveground and underground facilities through the concentration of "shock" or "pulse" waves that are generated during underground detonation of explosive devices.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a munitions system comprising a munitions train having a front and a rear, said munitions train having at least two vehicles tethered one to another by a tether between successive vehicles thereby providing a leading penetrating vehicle at the front to penetrate a target and at least one trailing vehicle to follow said leading penetrating vehicle, said munitions train having a greater drag coefficient toward the rear.

The effect of this described arrangement is that when the munitions train is dropped from a desired height, the vehicles align to impact a target area at substantially the same point. Where the vehicles are armed with explosives, detonation occurs at substantially the same point of impact. The effect of a greater drag coefficient toward the rear assists in maintaining tension in the tether (s).

Preferably successive vehicles are tethered tail to nose.

Preferably said greater drag coefficient toward the rear is implemented by a deployable mechanism.

Preferably said greater drag coefficient toward the rear is implemented by a drag device forming the rear of the munitions train, and secured to the tail of the rearward said at least one trailing vehicle.

Preferably said greater drag coefficient toward the rear is implemented by a drag device forming the rear of the munitions train, and tethered to the tail of the rearward said at least one trailing vehicle.

Preferably said drag device comprises a parachute device. The parachute device is preferably in the form of a ballute. A ballute is an inflatable device used to increase drag of the vehicle to which it is attached. As such, the ballute combines features from the two devices that give it its name; the two devices being an inflatable balloon and a parachute

Preferably the drag device is selectively deployable, so that it can be deployed after a predetermined time, at a predetermined height, at a predetermined location, or in an alternative, under remote control.

Preferably the drag device is also selectively deployable so that it can be undeployed or otherwise rendered less effective or inoperative upon achieving target positioning and correct alignment, in order to increase the velocity of said munitions train for a larger destructive force on impact. Such selective deployment may be achieved by a release mechanism for the parachute device. The release mechanism may be activated remotely, or by on-board device sensors such as an altitude sensor or accelerometer. The tether may include a cord of a length of up to 500 m. Preferably said cord has a length of from 50 m up to 500 m. More preferably, the cord has a length of from 100 m up to 500 m. Typically, the cord has a length of about 150 m.

In a munitions train with several vehicles, the cord length may be longer between successive trailing vehicles to allow for increasing impact crater depth as the munitions train impacts the target. This minimises interference of incoming vehicles with the ejecta from preceding explosions.

Preferably said cord is a stretchable cord for cushioning shock and impulses while being capable of withstanding forces imposed upon it by the bombs, resistance of the air and wind loading. The stretchable cord may comprise a nylon line.

Preferably said tether includes a dispenser to dispense said cord, said dispenser being mounted on the rear of each said vehicles.

Preferably the dispenser is adapted for orderly storage of said cord, to allow said cord to be dispensed without becoming tangled. This adaptation may be provided by a cylindrical structure against which the cord is laid.

Preferably the dispenser includes guide means for guiding the cord as it is dispensed to thereby further obviate the risk of tangling.

Preferably the dispenser incorporates cord length adjustment means to set the length of the cord to a desired predetermined length. This allows the length of the cord to be adjusted before the munitions train is loaded on an aircraft or deployed. This can be useful where different terrain might yield different impact crater depth, allowing the distance between successive vehicles to be adjusted accordingly.

Preferably the leading penetrating vehicle has a lower drag coefficient than the drag coefficient of said at least one trailing vehicle, to present the least wind resistance. This will assist in tension being maintained in the tether.

Preferably said leading penetrating vehicle is a guided bomb. Preferably said leading penetrating vehicle is an armed guided bomb.

The leading penetrating vehicle may be guided in the sense that it is capable of being steered onto a target either through the use of guide vanes or through propulsion means.

In other arrangements, the leading penetrating vehicle may comprise a self- propelled missile.

Preferably said at least one trailing vehicle is selected from one or more of a bomb, and a vessel containing a substance or a mixture of substances.

In one arrangement there is a plurality of trailing vehicles at least some of which are releasably secured together as a package for separation during deployment of the munitions system.

In another arrangement, the munitions system is in combination with a carrier therefor, the combination being releasable as a unit from an aircraft and the munitions system being subsequently deployable from the carrier.

In accordance with the invention there is also provided a combination of a munitions system as described above and a carrier therefor, the combination being releasable as a unit from an aircraft and the munitions system being subsequently deployable from the carrier.

In accordance with the invention there is also provided a method of generating underground damage comprising delivering a munitions system as hereinbefore described onto a target.

in accordance with the invention there is further provided a method of generating underground damage comprising an initial step of delivering a first munitions system as hereinbefore described comprising said vehicles in the form of bombs to generate a subterranean shaft; an intermediate step comprising dropping into said subterranean shaft at least one second munitions system involving a second munitions train comprising a non explosive guided leading penetration vehicle optionally containing an explosive substance, and said trailing vehicles containing an explosive substance, and a final step of detonating said explosive substance.

By the term "explosive substance", the substance contained in any one vehicle need not be explosive, but may form an explosive when admixed with another substance. In one arrangement this may be embodied in said second munitions train comprising said vehicles alternately containing ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (such as diesel) to create "anfo" in-situ.

Alternatively said second munitions train comprises said vehicles containing TNT.

The step of detonating said explosive substance may be carried out with a conventional guided bomb or missile delivered into or onto said subterranean shaft filled with said explosive. Preferably, in this step, the detonation is initiated on top of the explosive, so that the force of the resultant blast is maximised in the ground, rather than dissipated in the air.

Preferably said method includes a further subsequent step of delivering a heavier than air gaseous fuel into said subterranean shaft (or fractured rock standing in its place), allowing said fuel to settle and seep into air spaces surrounding rock and fracture therein, and detonating said gaseous fuel after a predetermined period of time.

In accordance with the invention there is further provided a method of destroying an underground structure comprising steps of: locating said underground structure, and generating underground damage in the vicinity of said underground structure according to the above described method.

Preferably said subterranean shaft is formed and utilised in more than one position around said underground structure to create superposition of pulse waves from explosions to concentrate energy upon the underground structure. Generating underground damage from more than one position around the underground structure would be expected to create a plurality of pulse waves that wiif interact and cause amplification and intensification of the energy upon the underground structure.

Preferably said subterranean shafts are formed and utilised in three positions surrounding said underground structure.

It may be desirable for the formation and utilisation of subterranean shafts to be conducted at a certain distance from the target, to avoid enemy interference with the steps of the methods outlined above.

The location of the underground structure can, if necessary, be determined by remote geophysical "mapping" of hidden underground tunnels, caves and rooms prior to bombing.

Preferably the determination of the existence and position of the underground structure is achieved through the use of a plurality of geophones. The geophones may be a disposable item.

Preferably the geophones are placed at known positions around a suspected underground structure and then used to receive signals and data from an initial surface blast, of which the position is also known. The geophones may be deployed for this purpose from the air, or alternatively may be placed and retrieved through an army operation to prevent enemy intelligence gaining access to the technology.

Preferably the geophones are programmed to be sensitive to linear structures.

Preferably the geophones are camouflaged to prevent enemy intervention.

As an alternative, microphones may be used in addition or instead of geophones for determining the location of underground compartments.

Preferably the geophones include a means of communication and have location ability so that data may be acquired and transmitted as required to a source for processing. Preferably the data gained by the remote mapping is then transferred to a central computer that determines the underground structure of the surrounding area.

Remote imaging, such as satellite imaging, may be used to provide information on target positioning.

Calculation on the positioning and number of munitions required for an attack may be determined, so that an efficient and focussed strike can be taken upon the primary target. This can also be carried out by the central computer.

Specifically, the geophysical underground 3-D mapping process may involve: emplacing geophones on the ground dropped from a great height which telemetrically report their exact location and elevation; using conventional bombs as the seismic energy source also reporting their accurate detonation time and exact 3 dimension location back to a satellite (reporting of detonation time and location can either be from the bomb up to the point of detonation, from the delivery means such as the aircraft, or from independent means such as satellite); having geophones report the reflection data telemetrically to satellite and then to data processing centres as is presently done in marine seismic operations; and processing the seismic reflection data to create accurate 3-D underground images.

This process could be repeated after attack to measure the extent of damage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Several preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an munitions train according to the first embodiment of the invention in the form of a string of bombs;

Figure 2 is an elevational view of a dumb bomb forming part of the string of bombs of figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of the dumb bomb of figure 2 with the dispenser of the dumb bomb being partly cut-away;

Figure 4 is a perspective view from the front of the dumb bomb of figure 2;

Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating a method of generating underground damage according to a second embodiment of the invention, involving deployment of the string of bombs shown in figures 1 to 4;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the beginning of deployment of a string of bombs in the method according to the second embodiment;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an intermediate stage of deployment of the string of bombs in the method according to the second embodiment;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating deployment of a further string of vehicles containing explosive in the method according to the second embodiment;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating completion of the method according to the second embodiment;

Figure 10 is a sectional elevational view illustrating a method of destroying an underground facility according to a third embodiment, involving deployment of several munitions trains according to the first embodiment;

Figure 11 is a schematic elevational view illustrating deployment of a string of bombs according to a fourth embodiment;

Figure 12 is a sectional elevational view illustrating deployment of a string of bombs and a method according to a fifth embodiment;

Figure 13 is a sectional elevational view illustrating a method of destroying an underground facility according to a sixth embodiment; Figure 14 is a sectional elevational view illustrating a method of destroying an underground facility according to a seventh embodiment;

Figure 15 is a sectional elevational view illustrating deployment of a string of bombs and a method of destroying an underground facility according to an eighth embodiment;

Figure 16 is a view of the ballute, showing part of the release mechanism, for use with any of the embodiments;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary partly cut-away elevational view of one arrangement for a dispenser for use with any of the embodiments; and

Figure 18 is a schematic elevational view illustrating deployment of a munitions train according to a ninth embodiment.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

The munitions systems and methods of deployment thereof described in the following embodiments each utilise existing technology and military components to incorporate a unique and potentially destructive, yet accurate bomb. The embodiments are aimed at delivering a devastating blow to a target with high accuracy.

Referring to figures 1 to 4, the munitions system according to a first embodiment comprises a munitions train 10 in the form of a string of projectiles involving a number of components. The first component is a leading penetration vehicle in the form of an armed guided bomb 11 that directs the device to its required target position. The armed guided bomb 11 may be a GBU-15 which can contain television guidance or infrared imaging relayed back to a weapon systems operator to control the bomb 11 to its target. In alternative embodiments, the leading penetration vehicle may be another type of bomb; for example, a guided missile or rocket (armed or unarmed), a guided unarmed bomb, missile or rocket, or an unguided (i.e. dumb) bomb, missile or rocket. The leading penetration vehicle 11 has a tether comprising a cord in the form of a stretchable nylon rope 13, which is initially contained wound in a dispenser in the form of a deployment canister 15 attached to the rear of the bomb 11. The rear of the bomb 11 also has attached thereto a snap-lock connector 17 to act as a towing hitch, to which one end of the stretchable nylon rope 13 is attached. The other end of the stretchable nylon rope 13 is attached to a snap-lock connector 19 which is mounted on the nose of the first of at least one trailing vehicle in the form of a dumb bomb 21. In this embodiment, there is a multitude of trailing dumb bombs 21a to say 21 z. Each dumb bomb 21 is an MK-82 bomb in this embodiment.

The dumb bomb 21a also has a tether comprising a cord in the form of a stretchable nylon rope 13a, which is initially contained wound in a dispenser in the form of a deployment canister 15a attached to the rear of the dumb bomb 21a. The rear of the dumb bomb 21 a also has attached thereto a snap-lock connector 17a to act as a towing hitch, to which one end of the stretchable nylon rope 13a is attached. The other end of the stretchable nylon rope 13a is attached to a snap- lock connector 19b which is mounted on the nose of the second of said at least one trailing vehicle in the form of a second dumb bomb 21 b, also an MK-82 bomb.

Subsequent dumb bombs 21c to say 21 z are connected in like fashion. The final dumb bomb 21 z also has at its rear, a snap-lock connector 17z to act as a towing hitch, to which one end of a stretchable nylon rope 13z is attached. The other end of the stretchable nylon rope 13z is attached to a drag device in the form of a ballute 29 which is deployed from the dispenser attached to the rear of the final dumb bomb 27z.

One method of deployment of the munitions train 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figures 5 to 9, as a second embodiment of the invention.

The string of bombs 10 is delivered via an aircraft 30 such as a B52

Stratofortress. The method comprises joining up of the entire payload of "dumb bombs" in the bomb bay of the aircraft 30, in a manner described in the first embodiment. In this regard, the bombs 21a to 21 z are connected by the stretchable nylon rope 13 deployed from the canisters 15 attached to the bomb tailfins. The leading dumb bomb 21 is also connected by nylon rope 13 to the guided smart bomb 11 (either a JDAM or GBU-15). The last dumb bomb 21 z is connected by stretchable nylon rope 13z to the ballute 29. After release from the aircraft 30 (see figure 5 which is not to vertical scale), the connected bombs curve in a downward arc until hanging vertical, slowed somewhat by a "ballute" parachute 29 on the last bomb 27z to hang the "chain" of bombs vertically but still descending at a speed in excess of 300 kmh (normal descent 360 kmh at 3 minutes falling time from 15000 m) and led by a guided smart bomb 11 as first in the string. The separation between the bombs is progressively increased up the "string" to allow for deeper and deeper excavation and avoidance of the previous bombs' explosion ejecta from the path of approaching fresh bombs.

The cord 13 connecting the standard munitions starting with the smart bomb 11 and ending with the high drag "ballute" dumb bomb 21 z will uncoil from the respective canisters 15. On deployment the lead smart bomb 11 would descend at a faster rate than the dumb bombs 21 , each of which would in turn be faster than the tail dumb tail bomb as the latter is slowed by the ballute 29. The string of bombs would stretch out from both ends at no time exceeding 500lb strain on any connecting cord 13 due to nearly matching velocities. By the time each bomb hits the target the subsequent bomb is stretched at least 150 metres behind it and the momentum of 500lb travelling at in excess of 300 kmh is sufficient to avoid deflection of direction from the previous blast. If needed there is enough falling time to have increasingly longer cords up to 500 m to increase separation.

The operator within the departing bomber guides the string of bombs to the exact position over the site sought. The first bomb 11 in the "string" has a television camera relaying a signal back to the operator in the aircraft 30. Assuming an achievable sideways movement of 20kmh by vane adjustment, the string of bombs could be remotely released a horizontal distance from the target drop point to be precisely located over it at the time of impact. Using a JDAM or GBU-15 glide bomb as the first bomb 11 this distance could be extended to 10 km or further. Alternatively the first bomb could be a JSOW weapon allowing a longer standoff distance.

As shown in figure 6, the first explosion of the guided bomb 11 will clear the surface and create the beginning of the hole to be "drilled" by subsequent bombs. The force of momentum will deliver each successive bomb 21a, 21b, ... to within centimetres of the excavated impact point axis of the preceding bomb. By this method, as illustrated in figure 7, a deep hole 41 is excavated with successfully greater shock waves and destruction with each successive blast as it explodes in a more and more confined space. The progressive detonation of the bombs in the same position creates an excavated hole 41 or shaft that may be 100m deep. As the bombs detonate in a more confined area, the intensity of the explosion is increased and can lead to the creation of a Shockwave which can be concentrated onto specific targets for further destructive means.

Once the initial deep "golf tee" shaped hole 41 or shaft has been created to, say, +100 metres, the hole 41 would be filled up, as shown in figure 8, by a string of vessels 43 having light-weight soft casings, connected as described above, and slowed by a ballute 45. The string of vessels 43 would be led by an unarmed guided bomb similar to that utilised in the first embodiment, but unarmed so as not to detonate the vessels 43. The vessels can be filled with TNT, and by subsequent or contemporaneous missions by a number of aircraft the shaft is filled to finally contain more than 1000 tons of TNT explosive delivered in light weight soft casings.

This TNT explosive is to be detonated by a subsequent mission creating the explosive equivalent of a kiloton underground nuclear explosion. The shock wave of the consequent explosion, as illustrated in figure 9 would destroy nearby underground structures 47, whether man- made or natural. Not all explosives are equal. In an attempt to produce a standard, a nuclear blast is assessed by comparing the amount of conventional TNT explosive to equate to explosive power of a nuclear weapon. Thus a 1 "kiloton" nuclear weapon is the equivalent of the detonation of 1000 tons of TNT. The first "A" bomb dropped in Hiroshima in WWII was 15 kilotons. TNT itself only contains about a quarter of the potential explosive power of hydrocarbon fuel, therefore a propane/butane explosion of the same weight would create a blast four times the strength. A nuclear weapon also "wastes" about 1/3 of its energy in the form of harmful radiation.

Bomb blast ferocity is dictated somewhat by the strength of the casing, the stronger and thicker the steel, the higher the explosive pressure and the greater the explosion. In the above described methods, the hole 41 itself becomes the casing to restrain the initial detonation compression. Finally, with the hole 41 filled with TNT, the top layer, if detonated first, would, in milliseconds, proceed to the bottom. The vertically descending shock wave in the shaft becomes a split second barrier to upward explosion and the force then becomes immensely concentrated in the bottom levels of the shaft, accentuating the final shock, which would radiate through rock, still delivering a lethal shock up to 1 km underground from the explosion. In quarrying and mining the fractured rock-to-explosive ratio is about 6000 to 1 , therefore detonation of 1000 tons of explosive results in 6 million tons of fractured rock plus a shock wave. Due to the confined space at the shaft bottoms all the energy that cannot go into the rock fractioning becomes shock wave energy.

The third embodiment is a method involving deployment of several strings of bombs 10 according to the first embodiment acting in concert. Specifically in this embodiment three bomb strings 10 are utilised to generate three holes 41 disposed in a triangular array, as shown in figure 10. In this embodiment the holes are spaced 3 km apart, although of course the spacing can be varied as necessary. The bomb strings 10 are detonated synchronously, with the expectation that the resulting Shockwaves cause massive underground devastation as they race toward each other and cause moving rupturing pressure nodes. This can have an effect similar to severe earthquakes which often kill people by throwing them against walls and ceilings. It is therefore not necessary to collapse the structure to kill inhabitants.

In order to destroy weapons of mass destruction and biological and chemical weapons subsequent "cooking" by an ignited gas or gaseous mixture (such as propane) is necessary. This can be achieved by the craters later being filled with propane cylinders opened to bleed or timed to open, also delivered by air and guided to site by unarmed guided bombs. Propane is heavier than air and will seep kilometres through fractures and explode when in contact with flame or could be deliberately ignited from afar. This process could be repeated in the same excavation with more and more devastating results. If the exterminating force contains ground troops who gain control of the area explosive gases such as propane, butane or methane could be piped into the fracture complex to progressively exterminate all threats.

Further, the craters Once in place, remain as a remote military "asset" to continuously fill up and explode to provide progressively greater destruction.

Referring to figure 11 , a further embodiment of the munitions system comprising a string of bombs 50 is shown being deployed from an aircraft such as a B52 bomber 52. The string of bombs 50 comprises a leading guided bomb 11 (a JDAM), a trailing dumb bomb 21 z, and a plurality of intervening dumb bombs 21 connected as hereinbefore described with respect to the first embodiment. In this embodiment there are 10 intervening dumb bombs 21 between the leading guided bomb 11 and the tail trailing dumb bomb 21 z, although the number can be varied as necessary. The last trailing dumb bomb 21 z has a deployable ballute 29 contained near its tail section 57. The ten dumb bombs 21 are initially bound by breakable strapping 59, which will sever when the ballute 29 is deployed from the tail section 57 of the last trailing dumb bomb 21 z. The ballute 29 can be deployed, initiated by a timer, at a predetermined period after deployment from the aircraft 52 . In an alternative arrangement, the last trailing dumb bomb 21 z can incorporate air-brakes which act to impart drag on the trailing dumb bomb 21 z obviating the need to have a separate ballute. In either case, the last trailing dumb bomb 21 z and the leading guided bomb 11 can be placed loose on top of the bound dumb bombs 21 , and dropped as a package from the bomb bay of the aircraft 52. The force imposed on the strapping 59 when the ballute is deployed (or drag from the air brakes in the alternative last trailing dumb bomb 21 z with air brakes), is sufficient to break the strapping 59, after which the payload of the leading guided bomb 11 , and all of the dumb bombs 21 (including the last trailing dumb bomb 21 z) would then disperse into alignment and can be steered to the target by controlling the leading guided bomb 11. The superior aerodynamics of the guided bomb 11 will assist in it taking the lead.

Figure 12 shows a munitions system 60 according to a fifth embodiment being deployed. The munitions system 60 comprises a string of vehicles 61 including dumb bombs 63 interspersed alternately with frangible containers 65, led by a guided bomb (not shown) and slowed by ballute 29. The frangible containers 65 each carry liquid fuel. In this embodiment, the containers 65 each carry 200 litres of diesel, diesel being used due to its high calorific value. The impact of the frangible container 65 at the bottom of the hole 41 kinetically forces the diesel into the fractures 67 formed at the bottom of the hole 41 by previous explosions of preceding bombs. This diesel is ignited by the explosion of the following bomb.

Figures 13 and 14 each illustrate a bombing method which involves filling the hole/shaft 41 formed by a string of bombs such as that described in the first embodiment, with different explosives for subsequent detonation. In figure 13, the hole 41 is filled with 10 tonne spheres 69 of cast TNT, led by an unarmed JDAM guided bomb 71. In figure 14, the hole 41 is filled with cast TNT rods 73 (to form one tonne solid bomb bodies), each fitted with a guidance system on the nose (not shown), and steering tail fins 75. These explosives are steered down to the hole 41 (or otherwise delivered to the hole 41 in controlled fashion) under control from the delivering aircraft in the same manner as a guided bomb as herein before described. In either case, once the hole 41 is filled with TNT, the explosive can subsequently be detonated by a guided bomb as herein before described.

Referring to figure 15, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment for forming a shaft 41 and causing destruction to underground structures. This comprises in addition to the leading guided bomb 11 (not shown) and ballute or trailing drag device (not shown), in repeating sequences, a standard dumb bomb 77 to blast and create a crater at the bottom of the hole 41 , a smaller dumb bomb 79 arranged to explode at the mouth of the shaft 41 and blast the ejecta from the standard dumb bomb 77 sideways, a 44 gallon drum of diesel 81 to burst on impact at the bottom of the shaft 41 , a cast TNT rod 83 (to form one tonne solid bomb body), fitted with an impact fuse on the nose (not shown) and tail fins 85, and a smaller dumb bomb 79 arranged to explode at the mouth of the shaft and blast the ejecta sideways. The smaller dumb bombs 79 may be detonated by timed control from the time of explosion of the preceding device 77 or 83, or by impact of ejecta from the explosion of the preceding device 77 or 83.

Referring to figure 16, the ballute 29 for use with any of the embodiments described is shown in greater detail, and comprises an inflatable bladder portion 87, and a parachute portion 89. A cord connector 91 connects the cord 13z to the ballute 29. The ballute 29 includes a release mechanism 93 associated with the annular cord connector 91 which enables the ballute 29 to be detached during deployment, from the final vehicle 21 z. The release mechanism 93 includes a spring actuator 95 that opens the cord connector 91 , and detaches the ballute 29 from the rest of the assembly. This release mechanism is controlled by a switch, which can be activated either remotely or through sensors within the device upon attaining certain desired conditions. With this arrangement, the operator may also choose to activate the ballute release mechanism upon attaining correct target alignment to increase free fall velocity and impart greater momentum during impact.

Figure 17 illustrates simplified particulars of an arrangement for a deployment canister 15 for use with any of the embodiments described. The canister 15 has a central tubular member 97 about which cord 13 is wound, and concentrically with the central tubular member 97 is a larger diameter tubular member 99 about which cord 13 is wound. The canister 15 has an external tubular casing 101 which includes a guide for the cord 13 formed by a conical portion 103 having an, aperture 105 through which the cord 13 passes. Pins 107 are located in the casing 101 , and may be selected to extend down to the tubular member 99 to interfere with the amount of cord that may be dispensed from the canister 15, thus operating as means to set the length of the cord between the vehicle/bomb, and the next vehicle/bomb in the string. The cord 13 is connected to the bomb at snaplock connector 17, from whence it is coiled around the tubular member, until it reaches the end thereof at which it traverses 109 to the central tubular member

97, and is coiled therearound until it reaches the end thereof and traverses through the aperture 105 to the next vehicle in the string. On deployment the drag from the ballute causes the cord 13 to run off the central tubular member 97, and then the larger diameter tubular member 99, until restrained by one of the pins 107 or the cord reaching its full length to the snaplock connector 17.

Apart from the embodiment disclosed in Figure 11 , the embodiments described previously relate to munitions systems involving a plurality of components (typically guided and dumb bombs, as well as containers) tethered one to another and adapted to be released sequentially from an aircraft bay, causing the tether cord interconnecting the components to unfurl until the tail component is released from the aircraft. At the point of release, the munitions system has a velocity with a significant horizontal component and a small but progressively increasing vertical component.

It may be advantageous in certain applications to separate the initial deployment phase of the munitions system where the velocity is substantially in the horizontal component from later phases of the deployment where the velocity is substantially in the vertical component. This may be achieved by deploying the munitions system in combination with a carrier, with the combination being released from an aircraft as a single unit and the munitions system being subsequently released from the carrier. The embodiment shown in Figure 18 of the drawings is directed to such an arrangement.

Figure 18 illustrates a munitions system 110 according to the embodiment at various stages of its deployment. The munitions system 110 operates in association with a carrier 111. The carrier 111 comprises a pallet 113 and a deployable retardation device 115 which in this embodiment is in the form of a parachute (although a ballute may be more appropriate in certain applications). The munitions system 110 is supported on the pallet 113, and the carrier 111 is released from an aircraft 117 with the parachute in the uήderployed condition. At the point of release, the velocity of the carrier 111 has a substantially horizontal component, and the pallet 113 has a substantially horizontal attitude. Shortly thereafter, the parachute 115 is deployed, causing the pallet 113 to nose upwardly momentarily and experience the full horizontal air velocity. Within a short period of time thereafter, the pallet 113 resumes a horizontal attitude and is substantially slowed in the horizontal direction. Meanwhile, the vertical rate of the descent of the pallet 113 is also constrained by the parachute 115. The motion of the pallet 113 is thus stablised, thereby allowing the sequential deployment of the munitions system 110, in a manner similar to previous embodiments.

This arrangement has several advantages, one of which is primarily related to safety. Because the munitions system 110 is not deployed until it has departed the aircraft, there is no possibility of the tether cords in the munitions string fouling and remaining attached to the aircraft. A further advantage is that the vertical drop before the munitions system 110 is deployed is minimal and so there is no significant loss in height. Additionally, the dynamic tensions in the tether cords are reduced, as unfurling of the tether cords occurs at a stage where the horizontal velocity component of the munitions system has reduced significantly.

It is believed that the munition system according to the embodiment can be delivered by way of the carrier without a reduction in its performance. By way of example, the total unfurled length of a munitions string in the embodiment may be around 3,000 m, based on an average separation of 150 m between 20 munitions. This may be less than the operating ceilings of aircraft that may be used for deploying such a system, typically 11 ,900 m in the case of a B52.

The separation between the munitions in the munitions string may be varied along the length of the string according to the depth of underground penetration required and the nature of the material to be removed by the munitions. The underlying principle is to ensure that each munitions enters the crater after the ejected debris from the previous explosion has dissipated sufficiently so as to not to cause deflection of the munitions or premature detonation. This means that the separation of munitions towards the front of the munition string may be smaller than those towards the rear. Preferably, the separation distances may gradually transition from as little as 50 m for front end munitions up to 150 m for rear end munitions. ln relation to any of the embodiments described, where it is desired to penetrate hard solid rock such as granite, it may be advantageous to employ a leading munition with a special piercing capability to initiate cratering. Such a munition may possess a plasma generating charge that in effect melts the rock on contact.

It will be appreciated that changes may be made in different embodiments. For example, once the subterranean shaft has been formed using the munitions train, the explosives introduced there may be placed so as to cause a directional explosion, for greater impact and devastation.

A further modification could be to utilise a powerful aircraft as a "tug" to progressively launch a string of bombs from the ground and tow them to a target site for release at high altitude allowing a longer standoff position. The method of launching would entail the aircraft taking off with a long towline (say 2 km) to the lead bomb. The elasticity of the nylon towline would create a staged momentum transfer to the lead bomb, which after becoming airborne would transfer successively to each bomb as it launched. The towline in this instance would require a high breaking strain (say 5 tonne or higher).

It is intended that ultimately all the bombs would be delivered in a high flying string with clip-on stealth configuration wings on to the bombs towed to within 100 km of the target and then re-hitched to a stealth B2 bomber in mid flight to deliver to the target or, preferably, by a specially manufactured lead bomb with a small rocket motor or ramjet that could be deployed 100 km from the target, leading to near robotic bomb delivery.

The method described herein provides un-survivable underground shock waves both devastating to human life and structures containing cavities alike.

In summary, the methods can provide for, in preferred embodiments, an extermination bombing system comprising the following steps: 1. Locate and three-dimensionally map underground caves, tunnels and structures utilizing modified oil exploration techniques operating from military aircraft;

2. Excavate a 100+ metre "shaft" by repeated bombings of exactly the same spot by using a linked "chain" of conventional bombs led by a standard guided bomb;

3. Pre-load shaft with 1000 tons of TNT (1 kiloton) from progressive aircraft over a 2-hour period;

4. Detonate the TNT filled shaft by guided bomb liberating a 1 kiloton underground blast causing shock wave damage and radial fractures to intersect remote shafts, tunnels and caves;

5. Pre-load fractured shaft and ground with air dropped opened cylinders of propane (barbecue gas) led by unarmed guided bomb; and

6. Remotely detonate propane after appropriate seepage time to allow it to penetrate shafts, caves and tunnels.

Operations 3 through to 6 can be repeated as required to complete extermination. In addition, operations 2 through to 6 can be conducted simultaneously at three locations 3km apart each at the corner of a triangle to create a coalescing Shockwave within the contained area.

The locations of underground voids caverns, tunnels and structures can be mapped from afar by utilising geophysical underground 3-D mapping technology. This can be achieved by :

1. Emplacing geophones on the ground dropped from a great height which telemetrically report their exact location and elevation;

2. Using conventional bombs as the seismic energy source also reporting their accurate detonation time and exact 3 dimension location back to the satellite (reporting of detonation time and location can either be from the bomb up to the point of detonation, from the delivery means such as the aircraft, or from independent means such as satellite);

3. Having geophones report the reflection data telemetrically to satellite and then to data processing centres as is presently done in marine seismic operations; and

4. Process the seismic reflection data to create accurate 3-D underground images.

This process could be repeated after attack to measure the extent of damage.

The extermination system has the advantage that it can only be deployed by and defended against by advanced nations, therefore is a natural weapon against terrorism and rogue nations. The method can be simply installed on existing weapons.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows

1. A munitions system comprising a munitions train having a front and a rear, said munitions train having at least two vehicles tethered one to another by a tether between successive vehicles thereby providing a leading penetrating vehicle at the front to penetrate a target and at least one trailing vehicle to follow said leading penetrating vehicle, said munitions train having a greater drag coefficient toward the rear.

2. A munitions system according to claim 1 wherein the successive vehicles are tethered tail to nose.

3. A munitions system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said greater drag coefficient toward the rear is implemented by a deployable mechanism.

4. A munitions system according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein said greater drag coefficient toward the rear is implemented by a drag device forming the rear of the munitions train, and secured to the tail of the rearward said at least one trailing vehicle.

5. A munitions system according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein said greater drag coefficient toward the rear is implemented by a drag device forming the rear of the munitions train, and tethered to the tail of the rearward said at least one trailing vehicle.

6. A munitions system according to claim 4 or 5 wherein said drag device comprises a parachute device.

7. A munitions system according to claim 6 wherein the parachute device is in the form of a ballute.

8. A munitions system according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the drag device is selectively deployable.

9. A munitions system according to claim 8 wherein the selectively deployable drag device can be undeployed or rendered less effective or inoperative.

10. A munitions system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cord length is longer between successive trailing vehicles.

11. A munitions system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said cord is a stretchable cord for shock cushioning while being capable of withstanding forces imposed upon it.

12. A munitions system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicles are tethered one to another by a tether including a dispenser to dispense said cord, said dispenser being mounted on the rear of each said vehicle.

13. A munitions system according to claim 12 wherein the dispenser is adapted for orderly storage of said cord.

14. A munitions system according to claim 13 wherein the dispenser incorporates cord length adjustment means to set the length of the cord to a desired predetermined length.

15. A munitions system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the leading penetrating vehicle has a lower drag coefficient than the drag coefficient of said at least one trailing vehicle.

16. A munitions system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said leading penetrating vehicle is a guided bomb.

17. A munitions system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the leading penetrating vehicle comprises a self-propelled missile.

18. A munitions system according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said at least one trailing vehicle is selected from one or more of a bomb, and a vessel containing a substance or a mixture of substances.

19. A munitions system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there are a plurality of trailing vehicles at least some of which are releasably secured together as a package for separation during deployment of the munitions system.

20. A munitions system according to any one of claims 1 to 18 in combination with a carrier therefor, the combination being releasable as a unit from an aircraft and the munitions system being subsequently deployable from the carrier.

21. A munitions system according to claim 20 wherein the carrier includes a deployable drag device.

22. A munitions system according to claim 21 wherein the carrier further includes a pallet for carrying the munitions system.

23. A combination of a munitions system according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and a carrier therefor, the combination being releasable as a unit from an aircraft and the munitions system being subsequently deployable from the carrier.

24. A method of generating underground damage comprising delivering a munitions system according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

25. A method of generating underground damage comprising an initial step of delivering a first munitions system according to any one of claims 1 to 22 comprising said vehicles in the form of bombs to generate a subterranean shaft; an intermediate step comprising dropping into said subterranean shaft at least one second munitions system involving a second munitions train comprising a non explosive guided leading penetration vehicle optionally containing an explosive substance, and a trailing vehicles containing an explosive substance, and a final step of detonating said explosive substance.

26. A method according to claim 25 wherein the step of detonating said explosive substance is performed with a conventional guided bomb or missile delivered into or onto said subterranean shaft filled with said explosive.

27. A method according to claim 25 or 26 further including the step of delivering a heavier than air gaseous fuel into said subterranean shaft (or fractured rock standing in its place), allowing said fuel to settle and seep into air spaces surrounding rock and fracture therein, and detonating said gaseous fuel after a predetermined period of time.

28. A method of destroying an underground structure comprising steps of: locating said underground structure, and generating underground damage in the vicinity of said underground structure according to the method of any one of claims 24 to 27.

29. A method according to claim 28 wherein a respective subterranean shaft is formed at serval positions around said underground structure to facilitate creation of superposition of pulse waves from explosions to concentrate energy upon the underground structure.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein said subterranean shafts are formed and utilised in three positions surrounding said underground structure.

31. A method according to claim 28, 29 or 30 wherein the underground structure is located by remote geophysical "mapping".

32. A method according to claim 31 wherein the remote geophysical "mapping" is performed using air-deployed mapping geophones.

33. A method according to claim 32 wherein the geophones incorporate provision of a telemetric communication.

34. A munitions system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

5. A method of deployment of a munitions system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.