Aug 5, 2025

US12379193 - Tandem charge for underwater targets

A tandem charge for prosecution of underwater targets includes both a precursor charge (PC) and a follow through charge (FTC) oriented within and along an axis of a charge casing with the FTC positioned in front of the precursor charge. The precursor charge includes an explosive charge and a liner configured such that upon detonation of the explosive charge the liner forms an annular explosively formed penetrator (EFP) that is projected along the axis and passes around the FTC to cut a first hole in an outer surface of the target. The FTC is configured to be carried through the first hole in the outer surface of the target by the flow of water therethrough for detonation on the other side of the outer surface of the target, perhaps forming a second hole in an inner surface of the target.

Assignee: Raytheon Company
Inventors: Coulton T. Sadler
Filing date: 2023-10-31

The patent describes a tandem charge designed for engaging underwater targets, consisting of a precursor charge that creates an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) and a follow-through charge (FTC) that detonates after passing through a hole created by the EFP. This configuration allows the FTC to penetrate the target’s outer surface and detonate on the inner side, potentially causing additional damage.

Claim 1

A tandem charge for prosecution of an underwater target, comprising: an underwater propulsion system; a charge casing; a precursor charge including an explosive charge and a liner oriented along an axis in the charge casing; and a follow through charge (FTC) oriented along the axis in front of the precursor charge in the charge casing, wherein the precursor charge is configured such that upon detonation of its explosive charge the liner forms an annular explosively formed penetrator (EFP) that is projected along the axis and passes around the FTC to cut a first hole in an outer surface of the target; wherein the FTC is configured to pass through the first hole in the outer surface of the target for detonation on the other side of the outer surface of the target. an underwater propulsion system; a charge casing; a precursor charge including an explosive charge and a liner oriented along an axis in the charge casing; and a follow through charge (FTC) oriented along the axis in front of the precursor charge in the charge casing, wherein the precursor charge is configured such that upon detonation of its explosive charge the liner forms an annular explosively formed penetrator (EFP) that is projected along the axis and passes around the FTC to cut a first hole in an outer surface of the target; wherein the FTC is configured to pass through the first hole in the outer surface of the target for detonation on the other side of the outer surface of the target.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12379193

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12379193