Abstract: A method of securing a tracer cup 26 and fin segments 32, 33 to armor piercing penetrator 21. The penetrator 21 is fabricated of tungsten, or steel, with fin segments 32, 33 and tracer cup 26 being fabricated of steel. The tracer cup 26 contains a pyrotechnic tracer mix 27. The mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 is placed over a second boss 24 projecting rearwardly from a first boss 23 at the aft end of the cylindrical body of penetrator 21. A cylindrical sleeve 30 is press fit over the tracer cup 26 and first boss 23, and pre-fabricated fin segments 32, 33 are positioned on the sleeve 30. The fin segments 32, 33, cylindrical sleeve 30, and mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 are laser welded to each other and to the first boss 23 of penetrator 20 in one step.

Abstract: An armor-penetrating ammunition assembly is provided with a multiple segment aluminum protective cap 26. The cap 26 is provided with a plurality of stiffening ribs 34, 34', 35, 35', and torque resisting tabs 40, 40' which rest in one of the grooves 37, 37' defined by the ribs 34, 34'. Additional stiffening is provided by rolled stiffening portions 36, 36' at the trailing end 32 of cap 28 and by longitudinal ribs 38, 38' at the longitudinal edges of each segment 28, 28' of the cap 26. Attachment structure is provided for forming a fixed interconnection between each segment 28, 28' of the cap 26 and a corresponding portion 19, 19' of the sabot 18. Thus, each segment 28, 28' of the cap 26 remains attached to a corresponding sabot portion 19, 19' as each portion 19, 19' of the sabot 18 separates from the penetrator 12 at muzzle exit without disturbing the flight of the penetrator 12.

Abstract: A method of securing a tracer cup 26 and fin segments 32, 33 to armor piercing penetrator 21. The penetrator 21 is fabricated of tungsten, or steel, with fin segments 32, 33 and tracer cup 26 being fabricated of steel. The tracer cup 26 contains a pyrotechnic tracer mix 27. The mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 is placed over a second boss 24 projecting rearwardly from a first boss 23 at the aft end of the cylindrical body of penetrator 21. A cylindrical sleeve 30 is press fit over the tracer cup 26 and first boss 23, and pre-fabricated fin segments 32, 33 are positioned on the sleeve 30. The fin segments 32, 33, cylindrical sleeve 30, and mounting flange 28 of tracer cup 26 are laser welded to each other and to the first boss 23 of penetrator 20 in one step.

Abstract: An armor-penetrating projectile assembly 10 is provided with a molded protective cap 28. The cap 28, which is preferably molded from Nylon 6/6, is provided with a plurality of longitudinal stress grooves 34 formed in the interior surface of the cap 28 for aiding cap break-up as the projectile assembly 10 exits the muzzle of a cannon, and with an integral centering band 32 for ensuring a desired fit of the projectile assembly 10 inbore and, to control the angular velocity of the cap 28 about its axis of symmetry 46 for better separation after being fired. The cap 28 is fastened to the sabot 18 of the projectile assembly 10 by means of a grooved extension 36 on the sabot 18 within which a plurality of ramped projections 38 of cap 28 are received. The ramped projections 38 are molded into the inner surface of the cap 28 aft of each window 40.

Abstract: A method of making a long rod penetrator having a rearward vane section which comprises forming the vane section by stamping a plurality of vanes from sheet metal and welding them to the rear portion of the penetrator.