Explosively formed projectile

Fig. 7.6 Comparison between a shaped charge (a) and an explosively formed projectile (b).

Fig. 7.7 Schematic design of a charge to generate an explosively formed projectile (EFP).

Fig. 7.8 Influence of the standoff distance on the perforation depth for shaped charges (SC) and explosively formed projectiles (EFP).

A fragmenting warhead is a special type of shaped charge or device that explosively forms projectiles. In such a device many EFPs of the shape of cones or cups are combined into one multi-projectile warhead (Fig. 7.9). Such devices which send out the projectiles in a cylindrical geometry are particularly suitable for targets in the air. 

The US remains the dominant conventional military force, but experience in a succession of wars—from Vietnam to Afghanistan—have made it clear that a conventional force cannot necessarily respond effectively to non-conventional engagements. The use of Improvised Explosive Devices (lEDs) and Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFPs) provides simple examples both classes of weapons were well-knowii, but because they were widely available and inexpensive, they have caused politically significant numbers of casualties, and have required... 

Fig. 7.6 Comparison between a shaped charge (a) and an explosively formed projectile (b). (This diagram is reproduced with slight modification from the original of Prof. Dr. Manfred...

Wide angle cones and other liner shapes such as plates or dishes with apex angles greater than 100 do not jet, but instead give an explosively formed projectile or explosively formed penetrator (EFP) (Fig. 7.6). The projectile forms through dynamic plastic flow and has a velocity of 1-3 kms . Target penetration is much smaller than that of a jet, but the hole diameter is larger with more armour back-spall. 

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