Abstract: A sabot projectile comprising a projectile body and a sabot formed of a metal alloy secured at the projectile body. A plastic jacket is secured to the sabot. Mutually interengaging holding means are provided at the projectile body and at the sabot, and said holding means positively interengage free of play with one another for securing the sabot at the projectile body.

Abstract: A subcaliber projectile assembly especially for attack against active armor has an enabling projectile disposed axially ahead of a main projectile and in line and in end-to-end relationship therewith in a common sabot. The fin structures of the two projectiles are designed to increase the resistance of the main projectile so that it is retarded relative to the enabling projectile and strikes the target only after the enabling projectile has depleted at least one level of defense along the line of attack.

Abstract: The invention is an improved means for the efficient discard of multi-segt sabots. The invention consists of a ring-like mechanism that holds the aft end of the sabot segments in place around the projectile. The ring-like mechanism also serves to seal the interface between the sabot and the projectile. In operation, after the projectile and sabot exit from the muzzle of the launch device, the ring-like mechanism acts as a hinge device which causes the individual sabot segments to pivot about their aft extremity and finally discard as the pivot ring releases.

Abstract: A high-pressure self-sealing obturator positioned to fit on the rear of a bot assembly in a discarding projectile assembly to prevent the obturator from backing off during initial impact of bore walls by the projectile assembly. The obturator includes an extension and a groove for snapping a case mouth into the extension. The outer surface of the obturator conforms with the bore of the gun. The extention of the obturator also includes a "V" groove which permits the separation of the extention with the case mouth during the initial low pressure which occurs early ignition. The self-sealing obturator provides efficient and improved obturation for a projectile when fired from a high pressure gun tube.

Abstract: A munitions round for a subcaliber projectile to be fired from a barrel-type weapon has a casing receiving the projectile which is at least partially surrounded by the gas-generating propellant charge. A drive body is mounted at the forward end of the projectile and has a rearward pressure-receiving surface which droops inwardly toward the projectile from an outer edge of the body which is engaged by the casing. The body is formed from a plurality of segments which form-fittingly hug the projectile and have confronting angularly spaced separating surfaces bridged by a sealing member. The forward end of the body, formed by the segments, is concave forwardly and has a leading edge which is disposed outwardly and axially ahead of the rearward inner edge of this surface which forms a pocket engaging the air upon propulsion of the projectile from the barrel to effect separation of the segments and dislodgment of the body.

Abstract: A projectile is shown which has stacked bays to receive packs of flechettes. The flechettes of each pack are bound together and supported by a frangible matrix. The matrix consists of small smooth glass spheres bound together and to the flechettes by a resin. The matrix prevents the flechettes from becoming damaged during acceleration of the projectile.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped seal for sealing against leakage of gun gases past a projele in the bore of a gun barrel includes a wedge-shaped tip having rearward angled forward and rear surfaces which is preloaded to bear the tip against the projectile body. A wedge-shaped region between the lip and the projectile body is partly collapsed by the pressure of gun gases on the rear surface of the lip to improve the seal. A similar seal may be provided with the bore of the gun barrel.

Abstract: A segmented sabot utilizes a double ramp configuration and a centrally poioned obturating band in alignment with the center of gravity of an in-bore projectile to improve the uniformity of the shear traction forces at the interface between the sabot segments and a subcaliber projectile, to reduce propellant gas blow-by and to enhance projectile in-bore and trajectory stability. The increased uniformity of shear traction forces between sabot and projectile interfaces and propellant gas self-sealing design permits a reduction in sabot weight of sufficient magnitude to increase the velocity of the projectile at the muzzle exit.