Continuous Rod

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Symbolic function representation of a CR warhead: the expanding ring "cuts" the target object

A continuous rod warhead (CR warhead) is a special form of fragmentation warhead with directional action that was developed in the 1950s. It is only when anti-aircraft and air-to-air missiles used. The alternative term “expanding rod” is sometimes used in the literature.

construction

The warhead consists of an even number of steel rods that are placed around a core in the shape of a cylinder and welded to one another in such a way that a continuous chain results. The inside of the cylinder is filled with explosives after the core has been removed .

  • Steel bars arranged around a core

  • Rod bundle, welded alternately

  • Expanding bundle after the explosion

functionality

Test detonation of a CR warhead on the ground: the expanding bar ring spreads in a horizontal direction

When the explosive is detonated, the rods are accelerated outwards in a circle. Since these are made of ductile material and are connected to one another, they unfold and a closed “bar ring” is created, which expands at high speed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warhead. If the circumference of the rod ring is greater than the total length of the rods forming it, it is torn into individual fragments. However, due to their relatively small mass, these are quickly slowed down by air resistance and hardly develop any effect.

A continuous rod warhead is significantly more effective than conventional fragmentation warheads, especially when used against aircraft, since the relatively sensitive target object is not only damaged, but practically cut. On the other hand, there are higher demands on detonators and steering systems of the carrier system, since the effectiveness is limited to a disk-shaped area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the warhead with a maximum effective diameter. In order to minimize this, modern warheads often have several rod positions that act in different directions or have different expansion radii.

use

The warhead was or is used in the following missiles, among others:

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Craig M. Payne: Principles of Naval Weapon Systems . Naval Institute Press, December 8, 2006, ISBN 9781591146582 , p. 352.