Research advances in circumferential multiple linear explosively-formed projectile technology

The traditional fragmental warhead used in air defense and antimissile can’t effectively destroy the incoming insensitive ammunition due to the weak fragmentations, which limits its development. After explosion of the circumferential multiple linear explosively formed projectile (MLEFP) warhead, a number of folded linear explosively formed projectiles (LEFP) are produced in the circumferential direction with high speed, large mass and large length to diameter ratio. These projectiles can penetrate thick cases and ignite insensitive ammunitions, so the MLEFP warhead has a great application prospect in the medium-short range air defense and anti-missile system. Based on the development of linear projectile and the forming method of new LEFPs, the influences of charge and liner are focused on. Theories, merits and demerits of three initial velocity models are compared. The results of penetration tests using folded LEFPs in recent years are summarized. Finally, the future development direction of circumferential MLEFP warhead and linear projectile is analyzed.