By adopting novel shaped-charge techniques, Delta-K EES Limited, in conjunction with Leafield Engineering Limited, has been developing the charge, safe arming and fuzing system for a plastic moulded projectile capable of being launched from an 83mm calibre nitrogen gas gun over ranges out to 1.5km.
Kevin Powell, Managing Director of Delta-K said that “the project was particularly demanding in that although early research had shown that a correctly designed shaped charge was capable of delivering a 5 times the yield of a similar 1kg “conventional” blast charge, the effect had to be delivered safely and accurately into the avalanche start zone with a fuze capable of producing a surface burst against fresh soft snow”. He added, “although the “DeltaLancer” projectile was primarily designed to support gas gun operations, its modular configuration also facilitated incorporation of a range of explosive loading options enabling the system to support hand charge operations, helibombing operations and local area rock management operations during the summer period”.
In addition to his own personal funds for the work, Kevin has received a UK DTI Innovation Grant Award for the project together with additional funding and support from a number of companies throughout the world. He has also established a fully funded technology demonstration programme in support of the annual avalanche control programmes of a number of US Departments of Transportation. Negotiations are now underway for a US company to load 1000 prototype projectiles for demonstration this coming season. Broader introduction of up to 5000 evaluation rounds is planned for February 2004.
In addition to the avalanche control work, Kevin has been applying his extensive knowledge in the field of explosive engineering and terminal effects to a number of other areas including: specialist rescue and recovery equipment, mine neutralisation devices, iceberg management, the oil & gas industry, civil demolition and rock fall management.
For further information contact:
Leafield Engineering Limited
Leafield Way,
Corsham,
Wiltshire SN13 9SS,
UK
Leafield Way, Leafield, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9SS UK.. Telephone +44 (0) 1225 810771. Fax +44 (0) 1225 810614
Leafield Engineering Limited is registered in England & Wales, company registration number 634776 and has its registered office at Chemring House 1500 Parkway. Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7AF.