Fuze
The device used for detonation the warhead at the desired time and place. They contain high initiating explosives and according to their function are divided into three types:
Impact firing
Point detonating (PD) - Installed in the nose of the warhead. These fuzes detonate instantaneously on impact.
Base detonation (BD) - These fuzes are located in the base of the warhead and are installed by the manufacturer. They detonate on impact after a short delay, which permits the warhead to penetrate the target, before detonation.
Mechanical time. These fuzes are initiated by means of a mechanical timer, providing a controlled airburst. Currently, only the 5.00 inch flare warhead has this fuze.
Proximity (VT-variable time). These fuzes have a self-contained RF transmitter because of the close distance of rockets when fired in ripple, the sensitivity has been kept low; too low in fact to be effective against other aircraft; thus restricting VT fuzes to air-to-ground role.
Arming
All mechanical fuzes used in airborne rockets have arming initiated by acceleration. Arming is accomplished in two ways.
Acceleration-setback - Acceleration causes a weight within the fuze to move aft. This is called "setback". After setback, the timing gear starts aligning the fuzes firing train. The arming will continue as long as acceleration is maintained, keeping the weight in the "setback" position
Motor burnout (creep) - On non-impact fuzes (time and VT) the detonator does not align with the fuze firing train until rocket motor thrust ceases.
Fuzes used with:
2.75 inch warheads
5.00 inch warheads
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