Northrop Grumman has patented an explosive device designed to enhance fragment acceleration and velocity during detonation. The device features a layered structure of smaller and larger fragments, which coalesce upon explosion, increasing gas containment and kinetic energy, thereby improving overall explosive effectiveness. GlobalData’s report on Northrop Grumman gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Northrop Grumman, Superconducting quantum circuits was a key innovation area identified from patents. Northrop Grumman's grant share as of July 2024 was 65%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Explosive device with enhanced fragment acceleration and velocity
The patent US12072171B1 describes an innovative explosive device designed to enhance the acceleration and velocity of fragments upon detonation. The device features a warhead structure that includes a layer of smaller fragments positioned between a layer of larger fragments and an explosive charge. This configuration allows the smaller and larger fragments to coalesce during an explosion, resulting in improved dynamic containment of the expanding gases. The claims detail various configurations, including the use of frangible binders for the smaller fragments and the potential application of the device as a warhead for missiles or artillery rounds. Additionally, the design allows for the inclusion of multiple layers of fragments, with specific materials such as tungsten alloy suggested for the larger fragments.
The manufacturing method outlined in the patent involves several steps, including the arrangement of bound fragments around the explosive charge and the enclosure of these components within a housing. The claims also specify the potential for configuring the explosive device in various forms, such as grenades or artillery rounds, and highlight the importance of uniformity in the size and shape of the fragments. Furthermore, the patent describes the interaction between the preformed fragments of different sizes, which can restrict the flow of expanding gases during detonation, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the explosive device. The detailed claims provide a comprehensive framework for the design and production of this advanced explosive technology.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Northrop Grumman, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
