Apr 14, 2026

US12601575 - Range extension device

The present invention relates to a range extension device, particularly to a reversible range extension device, especially reversible base bleed device. There is provided a reversible range extension device, capable in use, of being reversibly engaged to a body of an artillery shell, said range extension device comprising at least one energetic material, and an igniter, wherein the range extension device comprises a first end with an aperture, and second closed end, wherein the range extension device, in use, is selectively arranged to be in an active orientation or inert orientation, wherein in the active orientation the range extension device is arranged such that the aperture faces rearwardly away from the shell to allow the range extension device to function, and in the inert orientation the range extension device is arranged such that the aperture faces inwardly towards the shell.

Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLC
Inventors: Andrew David Williams, Benjamin Daniel Worrall, Thomas William Tyrell
Filing date: 2023-09-11

artilleryrange_extensionmilitary

The invention is a reversible range extension device designed for artillery shells, featuring an igniter and energetic material that can be oriented for active or inert use. In its active orientation, the device allows for propulsion by directing exhaust away from the shell, while in the inert orientation, it prevents activation by facing the aperture inward.

Claim 1

1 . A reversible range extension device, capable in use, of being reversibly engaged to a body of an artillery shell, said range extension device comprising: at least one energetic material; an igniter; a first end with an aperture; and a second end that is closed; wherein the range extension device, in use, is selectively arranged to be in an active orientation or inert orientation, and wherein in the active orientation the range extension device is arranged such that the aperture faces rearwardly away from the shell to allow the range extension device to function, and in the inert orientation the range extension device is arranged such that the aperture faces inwardly towards the shell. at least one energetic material; an igniter; a first end with an aperture; and a second end that is closed; wherein the range extension device, in use, is selectively arranged to be in an active orientation or inert orientation, and wherein in the active orientation the range extension device is arranged such that the aperture faces rearwardly away from the shell to allow the range extension device to function, and in the inert orientation the range extension device is arranged such that the aperture faces inwardly towards the shell.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12601575

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12601575