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CPC Subclass Not Allocatable
F42B

EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION (explosive compositions C06B; fuzes F42C; blasting F42D)

Description

F42B covers explosive charges and their applications across multiple domains: industrial blasting operations, fireworks and pyrotechnic devices, and ammunition for weapons systems. This subclass includes the design, composition, and construction of explosive devices, detonation mechanisms, and related safety features. The classification encompasses both conventional explosives and specialized charges for specific industrial or military purposes, excluding the weapons platforms themselves and general ammunition propellants covered in adjacent classes.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass F42B recorded 24,690 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 1,636 in 2013 to 1,882 in 2023 (+15%), peaking at 2,895 applications in 2018. The most active applicants in class F42 are DETNET SOUTH AFRICA (478 applications), RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION (462 applications) and BAE SYSTEMS (439 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings

24 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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  • F42B 17/00 Rocket torpedoes, i.e. missiles provided with separate propulsion means for movement through air and through water (F42B12/00 takes precedence)
  • F42B 21/00 Depth charges (F42B12/00 takes precedence; for practice or training F42B8/28; laying aspects B63G)
  • F42B 25/00 Fall bombs (F42B10/00, F42B12/00 take precedence; for practice or training F42B8/12 )
  • F42B 29/00 Noiseless, smokeless, or flashless missiles launched by their own explosive propellant

Top Applicants

Top 10 applicants by patent filingsfor class F42, 2013–2023, worldwide · Source: EPO PATSTAT

  1. DETNET SOUTH AFRICA ZA 478
  2. RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION DE 462
  3. BAE SYSTEMS GB 439
  4. RAYTHEON COMPANY US 404
  5. HANWHA CORPORATION KR 388
  6. AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT KR 352
  7. BEIJING INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 294
  8. TRUE VELOCITY IP HOLDINGS US 269
  9. NANJING UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 226
  10. BAE SYSTEMS BOFORS SE 222