Abstract: A light weight shoulder fired projectile weapon is shown which could be used against multiple target sets. The accurate and consistent muzzle velocity needed for these multiple purposes is accomplished through accurate and consistent gun chamber pressure. A shot start feature integrated with sabot sections on the projectile consistently holds the projectile in place in its launch tube until the consistent chamber pressure is reached.

Abstract: A tail boom for a gun-launched projectile includes a boom housing and a cap fixed to a rear end of the boom housing. A piston is translatable in the housing by the force of a compression spring. A plurality of fins are rotatably fixed to the boom housing. Each fin includes a protruding portion that extends into a translation path of the piston. The cap includes a guide bore for the piston stem to maintain alignment of the piston. The piston presses on the protruding portion of the fins, causing the fins to rotate about their hinge points into a deployed position.

Abstract: A frangible tail boom for a gun-launched projectile includes a tail boom housing having a forward end configured to engage a projectile body and a through bore. The tail boom housing has forward and rear portions. The forward portion has a frusto-conical shape and an outer diameter that decreases from the forward end toward the rear portion. The forward portion includes a circumferential groove extending from the outer surface radially inward toward the small diameter segment of the through bore.

Abstract: A frangible fin ring for a low velocity, gun-launched projectile includes a circular base with a plurality of trunnions extending radially outward from the circular base. Fins are mounted to the trunnions. A line of frangibility between adjacent trunnions includes a rear notch, a circular opening and a front notch, preferably all axially aligned. Upon impact of the projectile with a target, the fin ring breaks apart at the lines of frangibility and separates from the projectile.

Abstract: A shot start ring for obtaining consistent chamber pressure in a gun tube includes an annular ring having a central longitudinal axis, an axial width and a circumferential gap defined by two opposing ends of the ring. The ring includes first and second opposing faces lying in respective planes that are perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis. One of the faces has a groove formed therein that extends around a complete circumference of the ring. A plurality of notches are formed in a radially inner surface of the ring. After the desired chamber pressure is reached, the ring fails at the circumferential groove and the notches.