Abstract: The invention provides for precise control of the initial trajectory of the etals of a discarding sabot from a gun-launched, sabot-driven projectile, so as to eliminate or minimize unbalanced forces on the projectile and avoid disturbance of its flight path. To achieve this precision, a separate, symmetrically oriented hinging element between the sabot petals is used. The hinging element is structurally separate from any means by which the sabot is secured to the projectile or other ammunition components, so that its shape and location, and the material from which it is made, may be oriented specifically to this function. The sabot petals are furthermore contoured with relief cuts so that as the petals rotate open about the projectile, the stress on the hinging element becomes sufficient to rupture it only after the petals have opened sufficiently to clear the projectile.