Abstract: A fin-stabilized projectile comprises a body section and a tail section disposed along a longitudinal axis. The tail section includes an outer end portion, a fin-carrying portion, and a boom portion having a tubular wall defining an ignition propellant gas chamber with a plurality of propellant gas ejection holes therein. An ignition cartridge load package includes a main propellant charge and an end cap firing section. The main propellant charge is disposed within the tubular boom portion and includes compacted particulate propellant material. The particulate propellant material forms a rigid, elongated wall structure defining open passageways for directing propellant igniting gases from the end cap firing section through the boom portion toward the body section. The open passageways direct propellant igniting gases from the end cap firing section along surfaces along the wall structure to ignite the propellant material forming the wall structure.

Abstract: The practice projectile of this invention has a variable projectile range when fired from the barrel of a firearm. The projectile comprises a shell body portion having a front end section and a rear end section and includes an outer surface, an inner gas-conveying passage, propellant gas ingress openings and propellant gas exit openings. The outer surface includes an outer, caliber section which contacts the inside surface of the barrel out of which the projectile is fired. The outer caliber section is located intermediate the front and rear end sections. The inner gas-conveying passage extends between the front end and rear end sections. The propellant gas ingress openings are located in the rear end section and openly connect the rear end section of the inner gas-conveying passage to the outside of the shell body. The propellant gas exit openings are located in the front end section and openly connect the front end section of the inner gas-conveying passage to the outside of the shell body.

Abstract: A percussion fuse for artillery training ammunition such as mortar and howitzer projectiles. The training fuse assembly includes a body adapted for connection to a projectile body, a composition signal charge mountable within the fuse body and emitting report, smoke, and flash signals, and a striker unit for detonating the signal charge upon impact with a desired target. A combination safety system prevents premature detonation of the charge during handling, transportation, loading, and initial in-flight upward travel of the projectile. The fuse only becomes fully armed when the projectile reaches its terminal velocity and begins its downward flight toward the designated target. The armed fuse is highly sensitive and even upon impact with water will detonate in super quick fashion to discharge the entire signal before the projectile disappears below the surface of the water.