Abstract: From a plurality of sabots, a sabot is provided for shrouding a sub-caliber projectile to form a launch package in a gun bore for acceleration by an actuator behind the projectile. The sabot includes a forecastle, an aft bulkhead and a waist. The forecastle separates the projectile from the gun bore. The aft bulkhead abuts against the actuator. The waist connects the forecastle and the bulkhead by a radial spar that supports inner and outer flanges. The inner flange mechanically engages the projectile, and in preferred embodiments is concave. The gun bore is optimized as a pair of electromagnetic rails.

Abstract: An inert axisymmetric projectile is provided for launching from a shipboard gun and dispersing submunitions at a target. The projectile includes a base plug, a sabot housing, a submunitions package, and a retainer ring. The sabot housing includes a plurality of sabot petals angularly arranged and attached to the plug. The housing includes a payload portion and a nose portion, with a passage corridor between these portions. The submunitions package is contained within the payload portion and constrained radially by the housing. The retainer ring constrains the petals for joining together. Upon launch aerodynamic pressure fractures the ring and causes the petals to unfurl, thereby releasing the submunitions package for dispersal.

Abstract: An inert axisymmetric projectile is provided for launching from a shipboard gun and dispersing submunitions at a target. The projectile includes a base plug, a sabot housing, a submunitions package, and a retainer ring. The sabot housing includes a plurality of sabot petals angularly arranged and attached to the plug. The housing includes a payload portion and a nose portion, with a passage corridor between these portions. The submunitions package is contained within the payload portion and constrained radially by the housing. The retainer ring constrains the petals for joining together. Upon launch aerodynamic pressure fractures the ring and causes the petals to unfurl, thereby releasing the submunitions package for dispersal.