Abstract: Friction in a traction drive assembly having counter-rotating races interconnected by drive balls captured by a stationary retainer is substantially reduced, and the life of the assembly is substantially extended, by interposing rolling interface elements between the drive balls and the retainer. The interface elements may take the form of balls, pins or wheels, and separate lubricating means for them may be provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a formable homogeneous propellant composition and to a process employing same for production of a self-supporting formed propellant charge. The propellant composition comprises a mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules in proportions suitable for consolidation under pressure to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge. The solvent-filled microcapsules comprise solvent suitable for partially solvating the propellant grains. The mixture of propellant grains and solvent-filled microcapsules are placed in a forming mold under sufficient pressure to rupture at least a substantial portion of the microcapsules. Pressure is maintained for a time sufficient to form the self-supporting formed propellant charge, after which the propellant charge can be removed from the forming mold and cured by exposure to drying heat.

Abstract: A telescoped ammunition round comprises:a propellant charge having an axial cavity for supplying firing power to the ammunition round;a control tube means housed within the aft end of the axial cavity;a booster charge within the axial bore of the control tube, fireable in response to a primer means of the ammunition round in communication therewith; anda sabot/projectile assembly mounted within the axial cavity, its aft end extending into the control tube, wherein the sabot comprises an integral piston at its aft end to receive propulsive forces upon firing of the booster charge of the ammunition round.

Abstract: A telescoped ammunition round has a propellant charge with an axial cavity. A projectile is housed within the cavity for being fired from the ammunition round. A wear additive is coupled to the forward portion of the propellant charge adjacent the axial cavity.

Abstract: A telescoped ammunition round has a projectile positioned in the axial cavity of a propellant charge. A generally tubular casing surrounding the propellant charge has two longitudinal splits dividing the casing into two substantially identical halves which can separate during firing and sustain the pressure created by the propellant charge without deforming. An end cap assembly couples adjacent ends of the halves of the tubular casing to each other.