Abstract: An opto-thermal laser detonator uses resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material associated with secondary explosives for optical absorption and initiation by an integral laser diode. The opto-thermal laser detonator includes main explosive material; resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material; secondary explosive material, wherein the resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material and the secondary explosive material are associated to form associated material made of the resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material and the secondary explosive material; and a laser diode operatively connected to the associated material, wherein the laser diode initiates the associated material which in turn initiates the main explosive material.

Abstract: An opto-thermal laser detonator uses resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material associated with secondary explosives for optical absorption and initiation by an integral laser diode. The opto-thermal laser detonator includes main explosive material; resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material; secondary explosive material, wherein the resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material and the secondary explosive material are associated to form associated material made of the resonantly absorptive tuned nano-material and the secondary explosive material; and a laser diode operatively connected to the associated material, wherein the laser diode initiates the associated material which in turn initiates the main explosive material.

Abstract: A radar-absorbing material projectile system including a projectile with an outer layer of radar-absorbing material (RAM). A carrier or armature is disposed around the projectile, protecting the layer of RAM during the firing sequence. In some embodiments the carrier is a discarding carrier which falls away after firing, rendering the projectile low-observable with regard to radar detection due to the layer of RAM.

Abstract: An ammunition round for simultaneously launching multiple penetrators enclosed with a single composite sabot, without any nesting or physical contact between the penetrators. The composite sabot has petals which are engraved by the tube's rifling during launch to rotate the petals, without presence of a separate rotating band element. The petals are separated from the penetrator elements upon exit from the gun tube solely by centrifugal forces acting on the petals.

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: The invention relates to a sabot (4) for a sub-caliber projectile (1) having a projectile core (2). When the projectile exits a weapon barrel, the sabot detaches from the projectile core (2) without transferring momentum by means of a separating aid (4) incorporated between the projectile core (2) and the sabot. The separating aid (4) has a plurality of fingers (5) having at least one predetermined breaking point (8a, 8b), which is connected to the projectile core (2) by a type of snap-connection bead (6) on the fingers/braces (5).

Abstract: Ammunition casings that have optimal external cartridge dimensions for polymeric cases are provided. Polymeric ammunition cartridges and casings are presented having a neck portion of the polymeric case dimensioned for optimal fit within a firearm chamber. The polymeric ammunition casing may include one or both of an extended neck region and an internal cannelure engaging portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spin-stabilized projectile including a body enclosing a payload formed by a group of sub-projectiles that can be dispersed over a trajectory under the action of a pyrotechnic charge. The projectile is characterized in that the pyrotechnic charge is formed by a detonation relay that is separated from the payload by a piston slidably mounted in the body, said piston comprising a recess covering the detonation relay.

Abstract: An improved shotshell of the type having a hull, a head at the proximal end, propellant disposed in the hull, a wad disposed in the hull distal to the propellant, and a load disposed in the hull in distal to the wad. The improvement comprises the load including a plurality of individual shot, at least a portion of which are at least partially surrounded by a friable material that breaks up upon the firing of the shell to release to the shot and results in a reduced rate of dispersion of the plurality of individual shot compared to cartridges without the friable material.

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.

Abstract: A projectile assembly comprises a base portion for receiving projectiles such as slugs and has an associated pusher plate at a rear end thereof for minimizing or controlling deformation of the rear end of the base portion during firing. The pusher plate has a disc with one or more axially extending projections that extend axially into the rearward end of the base portion thereby reinforcing the base portion and upon firing providing uniform axial deformation and/or obturation of the base portion with respect to a firearm barrel. The projectile assembly may be, for example, part of a shotgun shell slug cartridge, and provides enhanced accuracy over the prior art.

Abstract: A shell with a subcaliber penetrator, which has a conical tailpiece, and with a basically disk-shaped propulsion element, wherein the conical tailpiece has a frustum-shaped recess that is open towards the rear end. The propulsion element is joined with the penetrator, preferably by a screw connection (projectile fastening bolt). To this end, a bolt element joins the propulsion element and the penetrator in the area of the tailpiece and has a borehole that is open at the rear end, into which propellant charge gases flow when the shell is fired and cause rending of the bolt element and thus separation of the propulsion element from the penetrator.

Abstract: A projectile assembly comprises a base portion for receiving projectiles such as slugs and has an associated pusher plate at a rear end thereof for minimizing or controlling deformation of the rear end of the base portion during firing. The pusher plate has a disc with one or more axially extending projections that extend axially into the rearward end of the base portion thereby reinforcing the base portion and upon firing providing uniform axial deformation and/or obturation of the base portion with respect to a firearm barrel. The projectile assembly may be, for example, part of a shotgun shell slug cartridge, and provides enhanced accuracy over the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sabot (4) for a sub-caliber projectile (1) having a projectile core (2). When the projectile exits a weapon barrel, the sabot detaches from the projectile core (2) without transferring momentum by means of a separating aid (4) incorporated between the projectile core (2) and the sabot. The separating aid (4) has a plurality of fingers (5) having at least one predetermined breaking point (8a, 8b), which is connected to the projectile core (2) by a type of snap-connection bead (6) on the fingers/braces (5).

Abstract: A projectile for launch from an apparatus is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the projectile includes a body; a boom having a first end extendable from the body; and an armature coupled to the first end of the boom, wherein the armature is configured to be moveable along and launchable from the apparatus and the armature is configured to be separable from the first end of the extended boom after launch from the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is ammunition capable of increasing the movement velocity and shooting range of a bullet and enhancing the target hitting rate. The ammunition includes a case having a propellant chamber and a front mouth, a propellant charged into the propellant chamber of the case, a primer installed in the case for exploding the propellant when a physical or electrical impact is applied thereto, a bullet arranged in the front mouth of the case, the bullet having a streamlined tail portion for reduction of air resistance when the bullet is shot, and a wad fitted to the front mouth of the case for removably holding the bullet and closing the front mouth, the wad being separable from the bullet during explosion of the propellant.

Abstract: A sabot projectile with a subcaliber projectile body and a sabot, which includes a propulsion element that acts on the rear end of the projectile body and a segmented, essentially cylindrical metal guide cage, which is located at the front end of the propulsion element. The guide cage has a central opening that extends in the axial direction, through which the projectile body is passed. So that the sabot projectile is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, has a low weight, and ensures good detachment of the sabot from the projectile body after discharge, the guide cage is a hollow cylinder, on whose inside wall preferably several radial transverse ribs are arranged, which are spaced some distance apart and extend both in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sabot and in the direction of the projectile body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a launching device for a sub-caliber artillery projectile employing a base with sliding band, the base being linked to sabot sectors by means of hinges that can be detached during flight, the opening of the sabot being activated thanks to the dynamic air pressure on the flared shapes to the fore of the sectors, said hinge is flanged radially so as to prevent its becoming separated from the sabot sectors 5 outside of the flight phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subcaliber projectile, particularly for a dart projectile, having a resistance-stabilizing, conically designed guide mechanism having a frustum-shaped recess, wherein a guide cage has a substantially hollow cylindrical design in which a propulsion element is integrated therein on a rear side. To allow the propulsion element to be produced in a simple fashion and the guide cage to be lighter weight than comparable known drive cages, the propulsion element is designed substantially only as a disk-shaped metal plate extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the guide cage, wherein the drive element is mounted on an edge in an annular groove-shaped recess of the inner wall of the guide cage, wherein the disk-shaped metal plate comprises a central through hole, the diameter of which is as large as possible, but smaller than the maximum diameter of the frustum-shaped recess of the guide mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a penetrating projectile, particularly an anti-infrastructure penetration bomb. The invention also relates to a penetration method applied to the above mentioned projectile. The penetrating projectile includes an inner tube inside which a perforating projectile is placed comprising at least one body provided with a pyrotechnic charge and a propulsion body, the body of the perforating projectile being ejected outside the tube by firing the propulsion body; and a system for controlling firing of the propulsion body before the impact of the penetrating projectile on a target. The invention is particularly applicable for passing through very thick walls made of a non-metallic material for example such as concrete.

Abstract: A sabot system is defined by a tubular arrangement of curvilinear segments with the tubular arrangement being closed on a first end thereof and open on a second end thereof. The tubular arrangement defines a first outer diameter at its first end and a second and larger outer diameter at its second end. Each segment is made from an elastic material such that when the tubular arrangement is compressed radially at its second end, each of the segments stores a spring force.

Abstract: A cartridge is described having a cartridge casing (1) and having a propellant cup (4), which is inserted in the cartridge casing (1), receives a sub-caliber projectile (5) in a formfitting manner, and is manufactured from plastic, and which separates the projectile (5) from the propellant charge in the cartridge casing (1) and has axial separation points (15) along its jacket (10). To ensure an advantageous length for the projectile, it is suggested that the propellant cup (5) have at least one pocket (9), extending in a cavity between the projectile (5) and the cartridge casing (1) and/or in a cavity of the projectile (5) and open toward the base (2) of the cartridge casing (1), for receiving a part of the propellant charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subcaliber projectile, particularly for a dart projectile, having a resistance-stabilizing, conically designed guide mechanism having a frustum-shaped recess, wherein a guide cage has a substantially hollow cylindrical design in which a propulsion element is integrated therein on a rear side. To allow the propulsion element to be produced in a simple fashion and the guide cage to be lighter weight than comparable known drive cages, the propulsion element is designed substantially only as a disk-shaped metal plate extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the guide cage, wherein the drive element is mounted on an edge in an annular groove-shaped recess of the inner wall of the guide cage, wherein the disk-shaped metal plate comprises a central through hole, the diameter of which is as large as possible, but smaller than the maximum diameter of the frustum-shaped recess of the guide mechanism.

Abstract: A sabot projectile with a subcaliber penetrator and a sabot, which has a propulsion element that acts on the rear end of the penetrator, a segmented, essentially cylindrical guide cage, which is connected to the front end of the propulsion element, and a segmented, disk-shaped metal guide element that extends radially inward in the front area of the guide cage and holds the penetrator. The disk-shaped guide element has a slightly convex contour in the direction of flight of the projectile and the material and the wall thickness of the guide element are chosen in such a way that convex area of the guide element is pushed back slightly when the sabot projectile is fired, so that the outer marginal area of the guide element rests against the inside wall of the gun barrel from which the sabot projectile is fired, and/or the inner marginal area of the guide element, which faces the penetrator, rests against the outer surface of the penetrator.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for guiding a hypersonic kinetic penetrator projectile (300) generally includes a kinetic penetrator body (110, 230) and a slip-over electronic guidance unit (120, 220), where the kinetic penetrator body slidably mounts through the slip-over electronic guidance unit. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve accuracy and control of a hypersonic projectile. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide multi-use slip-over electronic guidance units for hypersonic kinetic penetrator projectiles in 105 mm and 120 mm munition rounds, surface-to-surface missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.

Abstract: A disk-shaped sabot is provided for accelerating a projectile body fired from a smoothbore barrel, the projectile body having the same caliber as the barrel. The sabot is configured so that it is supported only in sections on the rear zone of the projectile body to transmit gas pressure forces impacting the projectile body, at least one cavity remaining between the sabot and the rear of the projectile body. At least one pressure-relieving bore extends through the bottom of the sabot, through which bore propelling gases penetrate the cavity when the projectile unit is fired and produces a defined excess pressure in relation to the outer ambient pressure, which causes the sabot to separate from the projectile body as soon as the projectile unit, consisting of the projectile body and the sabot, passes the muzzle of the barrel and without impairing the further trajectory of the projectile body.

Abstract: A sabot includes a base and a plurality of elongated petals extending therefrom. Each petal includes an elongated sidewall portion having an arched interior surface and an arched exterior surface each extending between a first end and an opposing second end. A floor portion inwardly projects from the interior surface of the sidewall portion at the second end thereof so as to form an inside angle between the interior surface of the sidewall portion and an interior surface of the floor portion, each floor portion being pivotally connected to the base so that the plurality of petals can selectively move between a collapsed position wherein the sidewall portions combine to formal a substantially cylindrical sidewall that bounds a chamber and an expanded position wherein the sidewall portions radially outwardly project from the base.

Abstract: The launching of an unmanned projectile includes pre-packaging a barrel with a projectile, a pusher cup, and a gas generator. The gas generator generates gas to propel the projectile out of the barrel. A pressure chamber increases a pressure of the gas in the barrel. The pressure chamber comprises a front body portion connected to the gas generator; an aft body portion connected to the front body portion and the gas generator; and a vent sleeve positioned around the front body portion and adapted to provide an aperture through which the gas exits the barrel in order to control a level of gas pressure in the barrel. A triggering of the gas generator causes the pusher cup to push the projectile out of the barrel at a predetermined launch velocity in order to attain a predetermined self-propelled flight trajectory, wherein the triggering causes the pusher cup to exit the barrel.

Abstract: A sabot 7 having a rearward end and a central longitudinal channel 1 which is engageable with projectile 33 has an anisotropic compressive strength distribution such that on individual radial planes the compressive strength in a first principal material direction P1 radiates from the central channel 1 towards the rearward end of the sabot. This permits a more even distribution of force at the interface between the sabot and the penetrator. The sabot may be constructed from a fibre reinforced plastic composite, containing a single or a double array of fibres.

Abstract: A non-lethal projectile carrier includes a base having a plurality of hinges, each hinge including a tab; and a payload case attached to the base, the payload case comprising a plurality of petaloid members, each petaloid member including an opening in a rear surface for insertion of a corresponding tab; wherein upon exiting a gun tube the petaloid members open and fold toward the base. Each petaloid member includes a lip on one edge and an undercut on another edge so that adjacent petaloid members form lap joints. The hinges are defined by zones of small cross-sectional area in the base.

Abstract: A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core.

Abstract: A sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge and firing assembly including a barrel or barrel insert for firing the sabot-retaining shotshell cartridge. The shotshell cartridge includes a cylindrical hull, a sub-caliber projectile, a propellant charge, and a sabot. A central pathway or thin membrane is defined within the base of the sabot between the sub-caliber projectile and propellant charge. The barrel or barrel insert for firing the cartridge includes a transitional area between chamber and sub-caliber rifled bore to retain sabot in the cartridge. Upon cartridge firing, propellant gases flow through central portion of sabot base propelling projectile out of the sabot and into sub-caliber rifled bore.

Abstract: The present invention is a saboted projectile with external ridges and/or an internal locking edge for muzzleloading firearms. Also, the present invention is a sabot with the ridges and/or locking edge for receiving a muzzleloading projectile. The sabot has a forward part and a rearward part. The forward part has a plurality of axial panel sections separated by narrow, axial slots. The panels have radial ridges on their outside, or external surfaces. Also, the panels have a radial ridge on their inside, or internal surfaces. The external radial ridges assist in convenient loading of the muzzleloading projectile, while still providing enough contact with the inside of rifle barrel to capture exploding gases and prevent blow-by. The internal radial ridge assists in securing the sabot to the bullet, especially when the bullet has been provided with a cooperating radial indent, cannelure or retaining ring.

Abstract: A projectile firing apparatus having a barrel (40) with a forwardly located exitaperture and an inwardly extending circumferential ledge (50), and two projectiles (41a, b), each having a penetrator (42a, b) and a sabot assembly having at least two sabot parts shaped so as to surround at least a portion of a respective penetrator (42a, b), the sabot assembly having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel (40); and propellant (48a) located in the barrel between the projectiles (41a, b) and propellant (48b) located in the barrel (40) rearward of the rearward projectile (41b); and a pusher-plug (44b) located rearwardly of rearward projectile (41b) and forward of most rearward propellant (48b), the pusher-plug (44b) located against the circumferential ledge (50) wherein as a result of the expansion of gases resulting from ignition of the forwardly propellant (48a), the pusher-plug (44b) is forced against the ledge (50) to form a seal to the rearward movement of gases past the pusher-plug (4

Abstract: An apparatus and process for providing exceptionally high velocity projectiles and safer, more accurate munitions. Inefficiencies in explosive oxidation rates and initial resistance to velocity acquisition are overcome.

Abstract: A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core.

Abstract: A sabot and shotshell combination includes a bullet, a shotshell hull, propellant, a shotshell primer, wadding, and a sabot comprising a molded member having a base portion and a plurality of petal portions each extending from a proximal base root to a distal tip, the base and petals defining a volume for accommodating a bullet. A reinforcement is at least partially embedded in the base, the reinforcement being more rigid than the molded member and having a plurality of apertures with the base portion extending through at least one of the apertures to retain the reinforcement within the molded member upon firing.

Abstract: A muzzle load assembly includes a flexible sleeve that has a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. The first end is open. A bullet is positioned within the sleeve. A plurality of powder charges is attached to the second end of the sleeve and extends away from the second end of the sleeve in an aligned orientation with respect to each other. Each of the power charges comprises a fibrous casing having gunpowder therein. The sleeve, bullet and attached powder charges are extendable into a muzzle of a muzzle-loading rifle.

Abstract: A length of a rod of an axial kinetic energy projectile is increased as the projectile flies to the target. The projectile includes a nose, a rear, and a base rod. The base rod has a forward member, a rearward member, and a connection between the forward member and the rearward member which allows the forward member to move axially relative to the rearward member from a contracted position where the rod has a reduced length to an extended position where the rod has an increased length greater than the contracted length. Further, the base rod includes a locking mechanism which axially locks the forward member and the rearward member together when the forward member is moved from the contracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: An energetic sabot allows part of the sabot to burn away at a controlled rate, adding propellant energy to the gun while at the same time completely support the projectile rod. The energetic sabot is thicker or larger at shot start to support the projectile without breaking. As the energetic sabot travels up the gun tube, the energetic sabot then thins out or otherwise decreases in mass as the force on the energetic sabot decreases. The weight of the projectile consequently decreases as it travels up the gun tube, allowing the gun gases to push a lighter projectile, giving the projectile a higher velocity. Due to its continually decreasing weight in the gun tube, the projectile experiences greater acceleration and exits the gun with a higher muzzle velocity. A secondary effect comes from increased pressure in the gun tube from the gases relinquished in the burning of the sabot, further increasing the velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A plastic, cup-shaped, multi-petal sabot housing a sub-caliber projectile for use such as in shotgun cartridges. The sabot engages the rifling of the shotgun barrel and transfers the spin to the projectile. A reinforcement disk is advantageously at least partially embedded in a sabot base and has a central aperture and a plurality of additional apertures. Sabot base material extends through the additional apertures. Advantageously, in its relaxed condition, each sabot petal includes a protrusion from its inboard surface for engaging a projectile ogive. The protrusion and its contact area with the projectile are fractions of the local petal width.

Abstract: An improved sabot for small arms is discussed. Incorporating the biomechanical internal skeletal features of vertebrates allows improved sabot support, combined with improved sabot flexibility, to improve projectile launching performance. The present invention is comprised of a nearly full caliber plastic sabot with a tapered aluminum disc base, combined with caliber-reducing aluminum petals that form a forward internal skeleton in a plastic sabot; the aluminum ring of petals is inside the cavity of the sabot's ring of plastic petals and encloses a substantially smaller caliber bullet. Upon firing, both front and rear elements upset the sabot into the bore's rifling. In the muzzle loading application, loading is easier and fouling is reduced. An alternate embodiment's skeleton is comprised of a nearly full caliber tapered metal disc base, attached to two or more nearly full caliber metal longitudinal fins, which enclose a substantially smaller caliber bullet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composed projectile for subcalibre projectile comprising a sabot, a projectile and a driving speculum, whereby said composed projectile comprises a projectile made of a metal material, preferably having a high density, and that the length of the composed projectile is not substantially longer than the projectile, as well as a cartridge comprising such a composed projectile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sabot for fin-stabilized ammunition composed of segments assembled around a sub-calibrated penetrator. The sabot is characterized in that it includes at least three longitudinal bars of a substantially constant width, each having indentations co-operating with an external profile of the penetrator to allow it to be driven, as well as a calibrated thrust plate integral with the bars. Application to projectile firings.

Abstract: A plastic, cup-shaped, multi-petal sabot housing a sub-caliber projectile for use such as in shotgun cartridges. The sabot engages the rifling of the shotgun barrel and transfers the spin to the projectile. A reinforcement disk is advantageously at least partially embedded in a sabot base and has a central aperture and a plurality of additional apertures. Sabot base material extends through the additional apertures. Advantageously, in its relaxed condition, each sabot petal includes a protrusion from its inboard surface for engaging a projectile ogive. The protrusion and its contact area with the projectile are fractions of the local petal width.

Abstract: A gas check member for use in muzzle-loading firearms is provided. The invented gas check is designed to conveniently, frictionally attach rearward of a sub-caliber bullet to maximize the efficiency of such firearms. The diameter of the gas check preferably exceeds that of the bore slightly to prevent scoring and deformation of the bullet during loading, to hold the projectile in place within the barrel and to prevent moisture from contacting the powder when in place. Upon firing, the gas check minimizes the escape of propellant gases around the projectile and imparts a large, uniformly distributed forward thrust to the bullet to maximize the ballistic qualities of the shot. The design incorporates an unstable connection between inner and outer members that, upon firing, fractures to facilitate quick and reliable detachment of the outer member from the bullet. Detachment occurs to prevent interference with the trajectory of the bullet upon exit from the barrel.

Abstract: An anti-personnel canister includes a generally cylindrical container having side walls, the side walls defining an enclosure with a generally concave surface at one end and an opening at another end; the side walls having an outer surface, the outer surface including a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed therein and, below the plurality of longitudinal grooves, a circumferential obturator groove; a plurality of submunitions disposed in the enclosure; a spacer disposed in the enclosure between the plurality of submunitions and the opening; and a cap disposed on the opening of the container, the cap having a top surface and including a pair of orthogonal grooves formed on the top surface.

Abstract: A self-contained round of ammunition has a cartridge casing including a tubular body defining a cylindrical rifled bore and a base threadably attached to the casing body and forming a closure for a breech end of the rifled bore. A sabot which carries a ring airfoil projectile is constrained for limited axial movement within and relative to the bore from a loaded position adjacent the base to a fired position wherein an annular arresting lip integrally formed at the muzzle end of the cartridge body engages an annular abutment surface on the sabot. The lip defines a cylindrical muzzle opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the bore and larger than the major diameter of the projectile which may pass freely there through. The sabot in its loaded position cooperates with the base to form a pressure chamber therebetween for receiving gasses of explosion generated by a powder charge contained within the base and in communication with a primer mounted in the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composed projectile for subcalibre projectile comprising a sabot, a projectile and a driving speculum, whereby said composed projectile comprises a projectile made of a metal material, preferably having a high density, and that the length of the composed projectile is not substantially longer than the projectile, as well as a cartridge comprising such a composed projectile.

Abstract: A plastic, cup-shaped, multi-petal sabot housing a sub-caliber projectile for use such as in shotgun cartridges. The sabot engages the rifling of the shotgun barrel and transfers the spin to the projectile. A reinforcement disk is advantageously at least partially embedded in a sabot base and has a central aperture and a plurality of additional apertures. Sabot base material extends through the additional apertures. Advantageously, in its relaxed condition, each sabot petal includes a protrusion from its inboard surface for engaging a projectile ogive. The protrusion and its contact area with the projectile are fractions of the local petal width.