Jul 22, 2025

US12365458 - Munitions payload delivery system with bump fire and radio command triggers

A Munitions Payload Delivery System (MPDS) is provided. One embodiment of the MPDS comprises a multi-rotor drone configured to carry a munition in the form of a HEDP linear-shaped charge or Armor Piercing munition or other-shaped munition. The drone, in one embodiment, includes a camera that provides a remote operator with a real-time video feed so the operator can pilot the drone to a specific target on a battlefield. Once a target is selected, the operator ignites the munition by flying the drone into the target, landing the drone on the target, or activating a radio fire button. In one embodiment, each of these mechanisms closes a switch on board the drone connecting a voltage to a blasting cap inside the payload.

Inventors: Larson Isely, Mark Schmidt, Neill Whiteley, Phillip Richard Tucker, Paul Nurkkala, Aaron Goodman, Alan Woltemath
Filing date: 2023-07-07

The patent describes a Munitions Payload Delivery System (MPDS) utilizing a multi-rotor drone capable of carrying various types of munitions and providing real-time video feedback to an operator. The system includes a bump-rod mechanism that ignites the payload upon contact with a target, enhancing precision in delivering explosives.

Claim 1

A munitions payload delivery system comprising: a drone; a payload container attached to the drone and configured to hold weapons-grade explosives; and a bump-rod configured to extend outward from the drone to engage a target and to ignite a blasting cap in the payload container after the bump-rod makes contact with the target. a drone; a payload container attached to the drone and configured to hold weapons-grade explosives; and a bump-rod configured to extend outward from the drone to engage a target and to ignite a blasting cap in the payload container after the bump-rod makes contact with the target.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12365458

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12365458