Gun-hard accelerometers for advanced munitions
Introduction
Some new technologies such as Extended Area Protection & Survivability (EAPS) are being developed to counter incoming enemy attacks. These programs require increasing utilization of long-range artillery and can represent an unacceptably high risk of civilian causalities. Therefore, more precise artillery systems, smart munitions and smart missiles are increasingly required and accuracy of ammunitions must be enhanced to meet "Smart Artillery" performances independently of any GPS control.
Such projectiles also integrate independent, reliable and redundant self-destruct mechanism that can also be based on sensors such as accelerometers that have to perform not only after the initial shock but also after impact. If a target is not detected or not attained, the weapon either self-destructs, eliminating the threat to civilian from explosive remnant or render itself inert. Note that increased accuracy means also that fewer rounds are needed, resulting in a big reduction in the logistics tail of artillery units..
