Abstract: Stepped sabots for projectiles are provided. One sabot includes a cylindrical tubular body and at least one stepped surface within the cylindrical tubular body. The stepped surface is configured for engaging at least one complementary surface on a projectile and the stepped surface forms a progressively narrower inner diameter of the cylindrical tubular body.

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 projectile control system includes a plurality of fins, a drive mechanism coupled to each of the plurality of fins to enable the plurality of fins to be independently retracted or deployed, and a control mechanism in communication with the drive mechanisms to independently control the deployment or retraction of the plurality of fins. A projectile having the projectile control system and a method of operating a projectile are also described herein.