Abstract: To reduce the mass of a sabot having a pull and a push function, it is proposed that the sabot comprise mutually separate sabot parts, wherein at least one sabot part is configured such that it performs the pull function and at least one sabot part is configured such that it performs the push function. The sabot parts are nested. This can be implemented in the form of cylindrical nesting or in the form of tangential nesting. In the case of the cylindrical nesting, the outer sabot part encloses the inner sabot part along an interface. In the case of the tangential nesting, the sabot parts are divided into sabot subsegments. The latter are nested in alternating fashion in the tangential direction such that a pull-sabot subsegment and a push-sabot subsegment are nested in alternating fashion in the circumferential direction. To provide sufficient sealing, the sabot subsegments overlap one another.

Abstract: A baffled ram accelerator system includes a ram accelerator tube with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of baffles disposed on the inner surface. The plurality of baffles forms a sequential series of propellant chambers along the longitudinal axis of the ram accelerator tube. An accelerator gun is also disposed on an input end of the ram accelerator tube, and the accelerator gun is positioned to fire a projectile into the ram accelerator tube.

Abstract: A projectile system has a projectile with a metal body having a first outside diameter, a forward end and a rearward end, a plastic base wad engaged at the rearward end, the plastic base wad of solid plastic having a first length and a second outside diameter, greater than the first outside diameter, and a rifled barrel having a third inside diameter at the tips of the rifling, the third inside diameter greater than the first outside diameter but less than the second outside diameter, and a fourth diameter at the root of the rifling greater than the second outside diameter. With the projectile translating along the rifled barrel, the metal body passes inside the rifling, avoiding metal to metal friction, while the plastic base wad fully engages the rifling, imparting rotation to the metal projectile.

Abstract: An ammunition assembly is provided, which includes a projectile and a fixture, where the projectile includes a penetrating, a sabot and a sabot holder, the sabot is sleeved on an outside of the penetrating, the sabot is of a split structure, the sabot holder is sleeved on an outside of the sabot, the sabot holder is located at one end of the sabot far away from the penetrating; the projectile is slidably provided in the chamber; the fixture includes clamping blocks, the clamping blocks are movably provided in the gun barrel, and the clamping blocks are capable of extending into the chamber and blocking the sabot holder.

Abstract: A baffled ram accelerator system includes a ram accelerator tube with an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of baffles disposed on the inner surface. The plurality of baffles forms a sequential series of propellant chambers along the longitudinal axis of the ram accelerator tube. An accelerator gun is also disposed on an input end of the ram accelerator tube, and the accelerator gun is positioned to fire a projectile into the ram accelerator tube.

Abstract: A high pressure obturator for a breech loaded, tube-launched projectile includes a generally annular ring having a central longitudinal axis and a radially inward portion. A flange portion is disposed radially outward of and partially contiguous with the radially inward portion. The flange portion extends axially forward and aft beyond the radially inward portion. The outer diameter of the flange portion decreases linearly from an aft most outer diameter to a forward most outer diameter. The obturator may be formed of a plastic material and include circumferential wraps of a high-strength fiber completely embedded in grooves in the obturator.

Abstract: This method determines the amount of extracellular fluid surrounding a surface disposed inside a plant, the ion population in that fluid and the identity of the dominant ion in that fluid. The method has four parts: 1) Providing an electrochemical circuit between the surface and external electronics 2) Executing two electrochemical procedures which result in a sequence of measured charge transfer values, 3) Processing the measured charge transfer values into a value proportional to the of extracellular fluid surrounding the surface, a value proportional to the total ion population in the fluid and a value that identifies the dominant ion in the fluid, 4) Generating a set of time/quiescent potential pairs of values which are used to identify the dominant ion type in the extracellular fluid during different time ranges.

Abstract: A sabot assembly includes a projectile and a housing dimensioned and configured for receiving the projectile. An air pressure cavity having a cavity diameter is disposed between a front end and a rear end of the housing. Air intake nozzles are in fluid communication with the air pressure cavity and each has a nozzle diameter less than the cavity diameter. In operation, air flows through the plurality of air intake nozzles and into the air pressure cavity upon firing of the projectile from a gun barrel to pressurize the air pressure cavity for assisting in separation of the housing from the projectile upon the sabot assembly exiting the gun barrel.

Abstract: Sabots for projectiles are provided. One sabot includes a body formed from at least one section, wherein the body is configured to surround a portion of a projectile. The sabot also includes one or more engagement portions configured to interface the body with another sabot such that the body is supported at an intermediate position of the projectile, and one or more surfaces configured to interface with an outer mold line of the projectile. The sabot further includes one or more surfaces configured to interface with an inner surface of a launch platform.

Abstract: A bullet system including a bullet body with a tail portion engaged with a polymer cup that provides enhanced engagement of the barrel upon firing. The bullet system may have a radial retracted state that corresponds to an elongated axial state of the bullet system that allows the cupped bullet to be fed down the barrel at a reduced diameter with reduced engagement with the barrel. The radial expansion of the bullet system occurs upon axial length reduction of the bullet system by axial compression. The axial compression can occur upon firing of the propellant or when loading with the ramrod. The bullet system can provide a tactile seat force indicator tip insert within the tip of the bullet body that provides a tactile sensation when the bullet is properly seated against the propellant charge. A cutting edge may be provided for scraping the barrel upon insertion of the bullet.

Abstract: A kinetic energy training cartridge simulates the performance, weight, length, and external geometry of a tactical cartridge. The training cartridge includes a cartridge case and a projectile that is secured to cartridge case by means of a sabot. The sabot includes a rearward extension that encapsulates part of the projectile, to add weight and to increase a length to diameter ratio of the projectile, so as to decrease an intrusion volume of the projectile within the cartridge case. In a preferred embodiment, the length to diameter ratio of the projectile is at least 15.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile (1) having a sub-caliber projectile core (2) and a guide cage or sabot (3) that comprises a driving element (4), which acts on the projectile core (2) at the rear thereof and is in the form of a plate composed of metal. In order to produce such a projectile (1) at low cost, the projectile core (2) and the driving element (4), which is in the form of a plate, are inserted as inserts into an injection-molding tool, and are extrusion-coated so that the injection-mold shape is chosen so that the contour of the guide cage or sabot (3) of the projectile (1) is produced after the injection-molding process.

Abstract: Clips for use with projectiles and projectile stacking systems in which individual projectiles are clipped together to form a stack are disclosed. The projectiles may be joined individually by a user before loading in a barrel, or during a loading process assisted by features on the breech of the barrel. The tail of each projectile includes a set of clips which engage the nose of a trailing projectile in the stack. Projectiles may be withdrawn from barrel and unclipped as required by the user.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) is provided comprising a cartridge case (2) and a projectile arrangement (3; 3?) with an arrow projectile (5; 5?) with a sub-caliber control unit (7), wherein the projectile arrangement (3; 3?) is connected to the cartridge case (2) via a case cover (4), wherein, after firing of the projectile arrangement (3; 3?), a precise guiding of the arrow projectile (5; 5?) in the corresponding weapon barrel is ensured due to a receptacle device (28; 28?) that centers the control unit (7) of the arrow projectile (5; 5?), and that can be separated from the control unit (7) when the projectile arrangement (3; 3?) is fired. The receptacle device is connected to the case cover (4) on the projectile side, wherein the receptacle device grasps a ring-shaped rear flange (29; 29?) whose outer diameter corresponds to the projectile caliber of the respective cartridge (1).

Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.

Abstract: A projectile (10) is for use with barrel assemblies of the type having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel having a bore and a muzzle and which projectiles are associated with discrete propellant charges for propelling said projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel. Projectile (10) comprises expandable sleeve (11) encircling at least part of core (12). Sleeve (11) and core (12) have wedging surfaces (14) operable to deform trailing part (21) of sleeve (11) into sealing engagement with the bore in response to pressure exerted on the projectile (10). When projectiles (10) are axially disposed in the bore, rear face (24) of the leading projectile cooperates with leading face (20) of the trailing projectile to define a discrete space about spine (23) for receipt of the propellant charge. Sleeve (11) is retained about the core (12) during travel to the target.

Abstract: A sabot with exactly two complimentary halves, wherein each half portion comprises teeth configured to interlock with teeth of the other half portion. The sabot may further comprise a semi-circular groove configured in the teeth of each half portion. Also, each half portion may comprise at least one indented conical end. Preferably, on each half portion, the teeth are spaced apart from the at least one indented conical end. Moreover, each half portion may comprise translucent polycarbonate material. Furthermore, each half portion may be adapted to flush mount together to form a substantially cylindrical configuration when the teeth are interlocked. Additionally, the sabot may further comprise a semi-circular groove configured in the teeth of each half portion, wherein the semi-circular groove extends to the at least one indented conical end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile (1) having a sub-caliber projectile core (2) and a guide cage or sabot (3) that comprises a driving element (4), which acts on the projectile core (2) at the rear thereof and is in the form of a plate composed of metal. In order to produce such a projectile (1) at low cost, the projectile core (2) and the driving element (4), which is in the form of a plate, are inserted as inserts into an injection-molding tool, and are extrusion-coated so that the injection-mold shape is chosen so that the contour of the guide cage or sabot (3) of the projectile (1) is produced after the injection-molding process.

Abstract: A projectile (10) is for use with barrel assemblies of the type having a plurality of projectiles axially disposed within a barrel having a bore and a muzzle and which projectiles are associated with discrete propellant charges for propelling said projectiles sequentially through the muzzle of the barrel. Projectile (10) comprises expandable sleeve (11) encircling at least part of core (12). Sleeve (11) and core (12) have wedging surfaces (14) operable to deform trailing part (21) of sleeve (11) into sealing engagement with the bore in response to pressure exerted on the projectile (10). When projectiles (10) are axially disposed in the bore, rear face (24) of the leading projectile cooperates with leading face (20) of the trailing projectile to define a discrete space about spine (23) for receipt of the propellant charge. Sleeve (11) is retained about the core (12) during travel to the target.

Abstract: A shell with a subcaliber penetrator, which has a conical tailpiece, and with a basically disk-shaped propulsion element, wherein the conical tailpiece has a frustum-shaped recess that is open towards the rear end. The propulsion element is joined with the penetrator, preferably by a screw connection (projectile fastening bolt. To this end, a bolt element joins the propulsion element and the penetrator in the area of the tailpiece and has a borehole that is open at the rear end, into which propellant charge gases flow when the shell is fired and cause rending of the bolt element and thus separation of the propulsion element from the penetrator.

Abstract: A sabot 7 having a rearward end and a central longitudinal channel 1 which is engageable with projectile 33 has an anisotropic compressive strength distribution such that on individual radial planes the compressive strength in a first principal material direction P1 radiates from the central channel 1 towards the rearward end of the sabot. This permits a more even distribution of force at the interface between the sabot and the penetrator. The sabot may be constructed from a fibre reinforced plastic composite, containing a single or a double array of fibres.

Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.

Abstract: Projectile (10) is for use with barrel assemblies of the type having a plurality of axially disposed projectiles within a bore and wherein discrete propellant charges are provided for propelling respective projectiles sequentially from the bore. Projectile (10) comprises expandable sleeve (11) encircling at least part of core (12). Sleeve (11) and core (12) have wedging surfaces (14) operable to deform trailing part (21) of sleeve (11) into sealing engagement with the bore in response to pressures exerted on projectile (10). When projectiles (10) are axially disposed in the bore, rear face (24) of the leading projectile cooperates with leading face (20) of the trailing projectile to define a discrete space about spine (23) for receipt of the propellant charge. Sleeve (11) is retained about core (12) during travel to the target.

Abstract: A projectile (1) for a small arms weapon having a muzzle, the projectile having a casing (2) and fins (3), pivotally mounted upon said casing and urged outwardly of the casing, for automatic deployment after leaving the muzzle; wherein the casing is disposed within a cartridge having a sleeve surrounding the casing and fins; the cartridge also containing a propellant charge intended, when detonated, to propel the projectile out of the muzzle; and wherein shielding means (6) is provided to shield said fins and/or their pivotal mountings, at least in part, from the detonation of said propellant.

Abstract: An energetic sabot allows part of the sabot to burn away at a controlled rate, adding propellant energy to the gun while at the same time completely support the projectile rod. The energetic sabot is thicker or larger at shot start to support the projectile without breaking. As the energetic sabot travels up the gun tube, the energetic sabot then thins out or otherwise decreases in mass as the force on the energetic sabot decreases. The weight of the projectile consequently decreases as it travels up the gun tube, allowing the gun gases to push a lighter projectile, giving the projectile a higher velocity. Due to its continually decreasing weight in the gun tube, the projectile experiences greater acceleration and exits the gun with a higher muzzle velocity. A secondary effect comes from increased pressure in the gun tube from the gases relinquished in the burning of the sabot, further increasing the velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sabot for fin-stabilized ammunition composed of segments assembled around a sub-calibrated penetrator. The sabot is characterized in that it includes at least three longitudinal bars of a substantially constant width, each having indentations co-operating with an external profile of the penetrator to allow it to be driven, as well as a calibrated thrust plate integral with the bars. Application to projectile firings.

Abstract: A plastic, cup-shaped, multi-petal sabot housing a sub-caliber projectile for use such as in shotgun cartridges. The sabot engages the rifling of the shotgun barrel and transfers the spin to the projectile. A reinforcement disk is advantageously at least partially embedded in a sabot base and has a central aperture and a plurality of additional apertures. Sabot base material extends through the additional apertures. Advantageously, in its relaxed condition, each sabot petal includes a protrusion from its inboard surface for engaging a projectile ogive. The protrusion and its contact area with the projectile are fractions of the local petal width.

Abstract: A self-contained round of ammunition has a cartridge casing including a tubular body defining a cylindrical rifled bore and a base threadably attached to the casing body and forming a closure for a breech end of the rifled bore. A sabot which carries a ring airfoil projectile is constrained for limited axial movement within and relative to the bore from a loaded position adjacent the base to a fired position wherein an annular arresting lip integrally formed at the muzzle end of the cartridge body engages an annular abutment surface on the sabot. The lip defines a cylindrical muzzle opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the bore and larger than the major diameter of the projectile which may pass freely there through. The sabot in its loaded position cooperates with the base to form a pressure chamber therebetween for receiving gasses of explosion generated by a powder charge contained within the base and in communication with a primer mounted in the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sabot for fin-stabilized ammunition composed of segments assembled around a sub-calibrated penetrator. The sabot is characterized in that it comprises at least three longitudinal bars of a substantially constant width, each having indentations cooperating with an external profile of the penetrator to allow it to be driven, as well as a calibrated thrust plate integral with the bars.

Abstract: A sabot projectile (10), comprising a sabot (12) and a shattering penetrator (14) arranged in the sabot (12). The shattering penetrator (14) has a penetrator casing (20), which can be broken into at least two casing portions (22*, 24*) upon impact of the shattering penetrator (14), to which end a predetermined casing breaking area (23*) is respectively arranged between two adjoining casing portions (22*, 24*). A central conduit (30) is arranged in the penetrator casing (20), in which a penetrator core (26) is received, whose core tip element (26.4) projects out of the penetrator casing (20) and constitutes a penetrator tip. The plastic material forming the penetrator core (26) is introduced into the conduit in a flowable state. The penetrator casing (20) is secured against break-up into the casing portions (22*, 24*) by the penetrator core (26).

Abstract: Projectile (10) is for use with barrel assemblies of the type having a plurality of axially disposed projectiles within a bore and wherein discrete propellant charges are provided for propelling respective projectiles sequentially from the bore. Projectile (10) comprises expandable sleeve (11) encircling at least part of core (12). Sleeve (11) and core (12) have wedging surfaces (14) operable to deform trailing part (21) of sleeve (11) into sealing engagement with the bore in response to pressures exerted on projectile (10). When projectiles (10) are axially disposed in the bore, rear face (24) of the leading projectile cooperates with leading face (20) of the trailing projectile to define a discrete space about spine (23) for receipt of the propellant charge. Sleeve (11) is retained about core (12) during travel to the target.

Abstract: A cartridge with a propellant case (4) that contains a propellant charge (3) and an electrothermal ignition device, wherein several ignition channels (9) are provided in the charge (3), and extend axial-symmetrical in the direction of longitudinal axis (8) of cartridge (1), with each channel comprising a propellant tube (10) and an electrically conducting layer (11). To achieve a uniform and symmetrical ignition of the cartridge (1) in the chamber of the respective weapon, electric arcs (21) that form during the ignition operation in the ignition channels (9), are decoupled in that the electrically conducting layer (11) is composed of successively connected rhombi or other shapes (circles, ovals, etc.)that electrically function as decoupling resistances. When current flows through such a structure, the current bridges (20) arranged in the current-flow direction between the individual rhombi (15) etc. initially break apart explosively.

Abstract: A cartridge ammunition includes a cartridge case having a front and a rear; a projectile inserted into the cartridge case at its front and extending into the cartridge case; an igniter provided in the rear of the cartridge case; and a propellant charge accommodated in the cartridge case. The propellant charge is formed of a compacted bulk propellant powder having a density of between 0.9 and 1.2 g/cm3.

Abstract: A simplified tailored composite architecture for use in fabricating a composite sabot where the composite sabots are fabricated from a number of wedge kits. The resultant composite sabot includes a front scoop having a scoop angle. The simplified tailored composite architecture includes a panel adapted to be formed into a wedge kit. The panel has a number of plies of prepreg materials oriented in a number of different directions, where one of the number of different directions includes the direction of dominant homogeneous fiber orientation. A pattern within the panel includes selected prepreg segments rotated so that the direction of dominant homogeneous fiber orientation in the selected prepreg segments is aligned to be substantially parallel to the at least one dominant scoop fiber orientation when the panel is subsequently formed into a wedge kit.

Abstract: A sabot bullet having a jacket bullet body and a nonrotable sabot segments. The jacketed bullet has forward end portion, torso, and rear end portion. The forward end portion is constructed of multi-metals, having a tapered nose, hollow point with grooves to aid in the expansion. The torso is of solid single metal with outward tabs, which relates the slug when the sabot's external surface comes in contact with the rifling in the gun barrel. The rear portion a single metal with a rear cavity to reduce the over all weight and increase the ratio to the forward portion of bullet. A bullet embodiment with external rifling and an armor piecing sabot round is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to weapon systems that accelerate projectiles using gases generated by the rapid combustion of a solid propellant, in particular, such a weapon system is able to vary the barrel exiting velocity of the projectile through a barrel venting means. In one embodiment, a front venting means exhausts gas generated by combusting propellant from behind the accelerating projectile and redirects a portion of the exhausted gas either to at least one fixed volume, to the front of the projectile, or to a combination of at least one fixed volume and to the front of the projectile. Redirecting some of the exhausted gas to the front of the projectile restrains the projectile, thereby slowing the projectile, and thus further decreasing the muzzle velocity of the projectile. In another embodiment, gas from behind the projectile is exhausted into a fixed volume, thereby decreasing projectile acceleration, and thus, the muzzle velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A 12-gauge emergency radar rescue signal cartridge comprises bundles of high density chaff tuned to I-Band frequencies of 8-10 GH.sub.z and packaged in a projectile housed within a 12-gauge 3.0-3.5 inch magnum shot shell. The projectile is deployed to a desired altitude by a propellant charge contained within the base of the shell. The base propellant ignites a pyrotechnic delay train carried by the projectile which allows the projectile to reach apogee geometry before the chaff material is expelled to form a radar reflecting cloud. The cartridge may also be employed to facilitate radar observation of low altitude wind conditions.

Abstract: A projectile includes a mechanism which allows the fin position to be reved after the projectile leaves the launch tube thus allowing the fins to have reversed leading edges, which avoids the costly weight of the one-piece design in the prior art, which is a parasitic weight that will result in a lower velocity, and consequently lower kinetic energy, from the same propellant charge. This mechanism also avoids having extra pieces falling from the muzzle and near the firing team or troops near the gun, and has the advantage of a simple, low-weight deployment mechanism which results in the least aerodynamic resistance after full deployment. The mechanism has at least one small winglet on each reversible fin which generates an aerodynamic lifting force to provide reversal of the fin after the projectile leaves the launch tube. These winglets are positioned and designed to cause the least increase in aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: A projectile includes a mechanism which allows the fin position to be reved after the projectile leaves the launch tube thus allowing the fins to have reversed leading edges, which avoids the costly weight of the one-piece design in the prior art, which is a parasitic weight that will result in a lower velocity, and consequently lower kinetic energy, from the same propellant charge. This mechanism also avoids having extra pieces falling from the muzzle and near the firing team or troops near the gun, and has the advantage of a simple, low-weight deployment mechanism which results in the least aerodynamic resistance after full deployment. The mechanism has at least one small winglet on each reversible fin which generates an aerodynamic lifting force to provide reversal of the fin after the projectile leaves the launch tube. These winglets are positioned and designed to cause the least increase in aerodynamic drag.

Abstract: A sabot for a subcaliber projectile, preferably an arrow projectile, having an essentially cylindrical guide gage (8) of a lightweight material and a tail-side drive element (14) detachably connected thereto for tail-side support of the projectile body (1). The guide cage (8) has a radially inwardly-extending support wall (12) for supporting a projectile body (1) disposed therein in its forward to central region, and the drive element is a propelling disk (14) that is received by a circumferential or annular groove (13) in the tail region of the guide cage (8), which is segmented in the axial direction of the projectile body (1). As a result, a further reduction in weight can be accomplished with simpler fragmenting of the sabot that practically does not impair the projectile at all.

Abstract: A releasable sabot for a subcaliber projectile. A relatively large danger zone exists for troops in which they can be injured by sabot splinters during the firing of subcaliber projectiles, with the releasable sabots, from a helically grooved weapon barrel, and in order to minimize this danger zone, the sabot of this invention is of a one piece plastic material construction and includes longitudinal slots and cooperative fracture point locations, wherein the longitudinal slots extend continuously from the sabot front end to the gastight region of the driving band, with the longitudinal slots, in cross section, having enlargements in the slot base regions.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for propelling a subcaliber penetrator through a gun tube which has a portion of the propellant charge contained in an annular cavity surrounding the sabot is disclosed. The annular cavity is defined by the scoop shaped front bourrelet, the aft bourrelet which has three radially extending support posts and bore riding shoes, and a combustible tubular case extension over the aft bourrelet extending forward to the front bourrelet. The assembly includes cartridge case having a multistrand ignition system having a plurality of flexible combustible ignition strand. The strands extend through the propellant charge in the case and extend between the posts of the aft bourrelet into the annular cavity to simultaneously ignite the propellant charge contained therein with the portion of the charge in the cartridge case.

Abstract: A non-transitioning armature/projectile for launching from a single or multi-turn rail gun including: a nose; a tail; and a current carrying section between the nose and the tail including current channeling means for reducing the current concentration in the tail end of the armature/projectile and distributing the current toward the nose for generally balancing the electrically induced driving force with the inertial force and substantially reducing internal stress in the section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-lethal projectile of small mass for military or police use adapted to be fired from a standard launcher which projectile either increases in size during flight or at impact to spread the force over a large area to provide a knock-down-effect without body penetration.

Abstract: A saboted projectile comprises a sub-caliber, spin-stabilized warhead (usually an armor-piercing penetrator) and a full caliber spin-stabilized non-disintegrating sabot capable of being fired by airplanes. The sabot releasably receives the armor-piercing penetrator and is adapted to be mounted on a conventional ammunition cartridge. The sabot includes a novel method of holding the penetrator until firing, tightening a reverse threaded end cap against the aft end of the penetrator during firing and utilizing interior end cap geometry to utilize firing gas pressure to accelerate the penetrator forward in relation to the sabot after leaving the gun barrel. Accuracy is increased by maintaining axial symmetry and releasing the penetrator in substantially the same way each time. There are other novel features.

Abstract: To improve the combustion behavior of a two-part large-caliber ammunition round (10) composed of a primary charge (20) and a projectile charge (30), an annular transfer charge (29) is provided in the primary charge (20) underneath a charge casing cover (28) which terminated the primary charge toward the top. The projectile charge (30) is also provided with an annular transfer charge (39) above its propelling charge casing bottom (38). The transfer charge (29) disposed in the primary charge (20) results in rapid destruction of the charge casing cover (28) and of the casing bottom (38). The annular transfer charge (39) disposed in the projectile charge (30) improves the ignition of the tubular propellant (32) disposed in the projectile charge (30) and of the loose powder charge (36) without noticeable time delays relative to the primary charge (20).

Abstract: An electromagnetic rail accelerator in which a plurality of plasma arc cushions are generated between a plurality of pairs of rails in order to accelerate projectiles. To prevent currents of different intensities from flowing through the individual plasma armatures and, thus subjecting the rails to relatively great wear, the number of rail pairs is made equal to the number of zones in which plasma arc cushions are formed. Preferably, the rail accelerator is composed of a rail arrangement in multiples of three, with the rails being disposed in or on the inner surface of a cylindrical tube of insulating material and with the current flowing in opposite directions in adjacent rails.

Abstract: A sabot is provided which is composed of a plurality of sabot segments which engage and form a shell surrounding a bullet of improved configuration. The inner surface of each sabot segment matches and is complimentary to the adjacent outer surface portions of the bullet body. The bullet body has a pair of axially aligned conical parts adjacent to and spaced apart from each other, each conical part increasing in diameter as the conical part extends away from the other conical part. Between the conical parts, the bullet has an extended central portion serving to separate and interconnect the conical parts.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of spin-stabilized subcaliber rojectiles including a core integral with a sabot, and a sleeve.The sleeve includes a rear annular area lodged in a corresponding groove in the sabot and providing gastightness, wherein:the sabot includes, toward the front of the projectile, a cylindrical crown having an edge bordering the band groove;the crown includes at least three notches, separated by castellations, and extending axially at least to the band groove;the sleeve follows a profile complementary to that of the sabot, so that it enters into the notches;and the projectile possesses means for separating the sleeve into several sectors under the effect of the centrifugal force, at the time the projectile leaves the gun muzzle.Application to medium-caliber ammunition.

Abstract: A sabot for use with a spin stabilized projectile comprises a closed front end portion having lines or strips of weakness running along sides of the sabot which meet at a front end surface of the sabot, thereby providing a continuously extending line or region of weakness across the front end surface.Preferably, the sabot front end portion has at least three, desirably four or more, lines or strips of weakness running along the length of the front end portion. These lines or strips may meet at an intersection of lines or strips at the front end surface, but they preferably meet at a front end membrane region.Discarding sabots according to the present invention are especially suitable for use with tubular projectiles. These projectiles may for example be used in training ammunition rounds which are suitable for firing from the UK 30 mm RARDEN (UK Registered Trade Mark) Gun.