Abstract: A sabot bullet having a bullet body with an improved configuration in the area at which the two conical parts of the bullet body are joined. A connecting part is provided between the parts which extend longitudinally of the bullet body and is integral with the adjacent ends of the conical parts. In a first embodiment, the connecting part is a cylindrical connecting member integral at its ends with the conical parts. In a second embodiment, the connecting part is an annular, solid extension having a traversely concave outer surface; thus, the extension represents a gradual change in the outer surface of the bullet body from one conical part to the other conical part. An improved sabot segment has ribs on the outer surface thereof. These ribs allow the sabot segment to be compressed or to yield when the sabot bullet is fired from a gun. The ribs extend longitudinally of the sabot segments and are preferably transversely semi-circular. End bands can also be provided with the ribs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supersonically accelerating a projectile in a thermally choked subsonic combustion mode. A projectile (50) is initially preaccelerated using either a tank (24) of compressed helium or a chemical propellant charge preaccelerator (152). The projectile enters a portion of a tube (22) filled with a combustible mixture (54) of a gaseous fuel and an oxidizer and is propelled by a ram acceleration process as the mixture burns. In several different embodiments, various devices are used to control the velocity of a shock wave generated as the projectile enters the combustible mixture and the dynamic impulse pressure immediately behind the projectile, so that the shock wave attaches to the projectile along an aft portion, thereby establishing a stable subsonic combustion zone along the aft end (64) of the projectile, in which combustion of the gaseous fuel accelerates the projectile down the bore of the tube.

Abstract: A subcaliber, spin stabilized, discarding sabot projectile of the type including a projectile body, with a conically tapered tip, and a discardable sabot which completely encloses said projectile body and includes a base portion and a plastic hood portion connected to the base portion, and with the hood portion having an inner conical surface which contacts at least a portion of the conically tapered tip of the projectile body and being provided, on its circumferential surface, with a plurality of symmetrically disposed grooves which extend in the longitudinal direction of said projectile and form desired break locations along which the hood portion tears open into a plurality of segments after firing from a weapon and after the projectile has left the weapon muzzle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fin-stabilized discarding sabot projectile for employment from a rifled barrel and is particularly suitable for automatic cannons having calibers from 12.7 to 70 millimeters. The full rate of spin commensurate with the rifling twist of a specific barrel and the muzzle velocity is imparted to the projectile during launch using a rotating band which is fixed and an integral component of the discarding sabot. The discarding sabot design involves the in-place injection molding of the sabot body, including a seal with obturator, onto the fin-stabilized projectile. The absence of slipping rotating band provides for a rugged sabot configuration which is particularly important for ammunition employed from automatic cannons. Launching at full rate of spin results in large centrifugal forces acting on the components of the sabot which provides for instantaneous and precise sabot separation upon projectile exit from the muzzle.

Abstract: A tubular projectile suitable for use in training ammunition comprises a hollow tube having formed in the rear end of the tubular wall thereof a recess in which is embedded a tracer material.The projectile may be sabot launched.Constructions are described for igniting the tracer material directly or indirectly from the gases produced by burning of the main propellant charge when the projectile is fired from a gun, e.g. the RARDEN Gun of the Applicants.Example of suitable tracter materials and techniques for filling the said recess with them are also described.

Abstract: A sabot projectile with a propulsion mechanism for utilization in a liner for a barreled firing apparatus. In the projectile, the propellent cage for a projectile with a propulsion mechanism includes hinge-like segments articulated forwardly in the firing direction, which encompass the projectile about the circumference thereof and are rotatable therewith, inasmuch as the segments are held together through the intermediary of a retainer ring.

Abstract: Increasingly greater requirements as concerns mechanical strength and gas tightness are placed upon the connection between the sabot tail or rear portion and the sabot jacket of a sabot projectile. To improve such connection the invention contemplates subdividing the prior conventional circumferential groove at the sabot tail or rear portion into a rear sealing groove and a front holding groove. In corresponding fashion the sabot jacket possesses a rear sealing lip or flange which protrudes into the rear sealing groove of the sabot tail or rear portion and a holder rib which protrudes into the front holding groove of the sabot tail or rear portion. According to a particular construction the rear sealing groove possesses mutually parallel side walls which are forwardly inclined with respect to the lengthwise axis of the projectile at an angle of about 75.degree..

Abstract: This invention relates to a saboted, light armour penetrating small caliber ammunition round.

Abstract: A discarding sabot projectile comprises:a subcaliber projectile;a discarding sabot means for providing a full caliber carrier for the projectile;a discarding sabot base abutting a rearwardly facing surface of the aft end of the projectile, which base is free of direct positive coupling to the projectile;sabot/projectile coupling means for direct connection of the discarding sabot means to the projectile to prevent axially forward displacement of the projectile relative the sabot; andsabot/base coupling means for direct and positive connection of the discarding sabot means to the sabot base, locking the projectile into position within the cavity defined by the discarding sabot means and sabot base.

Abstract: A method of forming a gas seal without molds is provided by the use of a chemically modified silicon rubber that is rapidly polymerized upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The aft end of the sabot is coated with the rubber compound using spraying or flow coating technologies. The coating layer is deposited to a desired thickness. Then the coating layer is exposed to ultraviolet radiation which causes the polymerization of the silicone rubber compound. A hard, cured gas seal is produced by the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A low dispersion delay discarding sabot projectile comprising a full caliber cylindrical pusher having a forward facing cylindrical recess, a cylindrical subcaliber penetrator positioned in the recess with a significant annular gap defined therebetween, and a discarding sabot of light weight material disposed in said annular gap.

Abstract: In a sabot projectile the sabot must immediately detach from the projectile body upon exit of the projectile from the barrel muzzle of the firing weapon without the flight stability of the projectile body being impaired. For this purpose the sabot rear portion must fracture or break along the provided reference fracture locations. According to the invention the reference fracture locations are constructed such that the sabot positively fractures or breaks along the reference fracture locations. Hence, the heretofore conventional reference fracture locations are structured more reliably by the provision of one or more additional bores.

Abstract: Increasingly greater requirements as concerns mechanical strength and gas tightness are placed upon the connection between the sabot tail or rear portion and the sabot jacket of a sabot projectile. To improve such connection the invention provides a circumferential groove at the sabot tail or rear portion, this circumferential groove having side walls extending essentially parallel to one another and inclined forwardly with respect to the lengthwise axis of the projectile at an angle of about 75.degree.. The rear end of the sabot jacket protrudes into such circumferential groove.

Abstract: An improved cartridge ammunition which includes an at least partially combustible shell casing and a projectile with a fin-stabilizing tail section mounted in a neck portion of the shell casing which thereby forms a first connection between the projectile and shell casing. A second connection between the projectile and shell casing is formed by means of a support element which is form-lockingly connected to both. The shell casing has a support region axially extending forwardly inside the shell casing from its bottom. The support element being mounted on said support region and being instrumental in assuring, due to its form-locking connections, that a predetermined axial force occurs in said support of element prior to disintegration thereof, between the tail section and the support region due to gas pressure build-up in the shell casing at firing of the ammunition.

Abstract: It is important with a sabot projectile to reliably fasten the projectile core or body in the sabot tail. This should be achieved without the need for circumferential grooves in the projectile core or body for fastening such projectile core or body in the sabot tail. Furthermore, the projectile core or body should be fastened in the sabot tail without the aid of the sabot jacket. This is achieved in that an attachment or fastening sleeve of the sabot tail extends to the substantially conical-shaped tip of the projectile core or body and bears against this substantially conical-shaped tip in order to prevent the projectile core or body from falling out of the sabot tail.

Abstract: Ever greater demands in terms of mechanical strength and gas tightness are being made on the connection between the rear part and the casing of a sabot for a projectile. To improve this connection a circumferential groove is provided in the rear part of the sabot into which protrudes a rotating band of the sabot casing which band contacts the barrel rifling to spin or rotate the projectile. The circumferential groove and the rotating band anchored therein exhibit a dovetailed cross-section which prevents the rotating band from slipping out of the circumferential groove. The rotating band is linked to the casing via a predetermined break point.

Abstract: A munitions round for a subcaliber projectile to be fired from a barrel-type weapon has a casing, of a uniform outer cross section substantially over its entire length, receiving the projectile which is at least partially surrounded by the gas-generating propellant charge. A drive body is mounted at the forward end of the projectile and has a rearward pressure-receiving surface which droops inwardly toward the projectile from an outer edge of the body which is engaged by the casing. The body is formed from a plurality of segments which form-fittingly hug the projectile and have confronting angularly spaced separating surfaces bridged by a sealing member. The forward end of the body, formed by the segments, is concave forwardly and has a leading edge which is disposed outwardly and axially ahead of the rearward inner edge of this surface which forms a pocket engaging the air upon propulsion of the projectile from the barrel to effect separation of the segments and dislodgment of the body.

Abstract: A subcaliber projectile assembly especially for attack against active armor has an enabling projectile disposed axially ahead of a main projectile and in line and in end-to-end relationship therewith in a common sabot. The fin structures of the two projectiles are designed to increase the resistance of the main projectile so that it is retarded relative to the enabling projectile and strikes the target only after the enabling projectile has depleted at least one level of defense along the line of attack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive element (1) for a sub-calibre spinning projectile (2). The drive element (1) comprises an annular sabot member (17) applied on the rear part of the projectile (2) and a guiding sleeve (7) of full-calibre substantially embracing the projectile (2) as well as the sabot member (17). The guiding sleeve (7) is provided with an external driving band (9) made directly in the sleeve material and internal threads coacting with corresponding threads (18) of the sabot member (17). The front part of the sabot member is provided with a central, axial hollow (20) for the rear part of the projectile comprising a plurality of axially extending locking pins (22) arranged to engage corresponding recesses (6) made in the outer cylindrical surface of the projectile close to its rear end surface (5) to secure the projectile (2) to the sabot member (17). The guiding sleeve is made of a high-strength material of low density, preferably a glass-fibre reinforced polyamide.

Abstract: Cartridge ammunition is provided comprising a subcaliber shall, a sabot attached to the shell, and a propellant case including a cartridge cover connected with a catch to the sabot. The cartridge cover is bulge-like bent and comprises spring parts protruding toward the axis and is formed conjugated to the positive adapted surfaces of the sabot concentrically surrounding the shell. Preferably slots are disposed at the spring parts protruding toward the axis of the bulge-like bent cartridge cover and the slots are preferably distributed uniformly over the circumference of the center end of the cartridge cover.

Abstract: The invention is an improved means for the efficient discard of multi-segt sabots. The invention consists of a ring-like mechanism that holds the aft end of the sabot segments in place around the projectile. The ring-like mechanism also serves to seal the interface between the sabot and the projectile. In operation, after the projectile and sabot exit from the muzzle of the launch device, the ring-like mechanism acts as a hinge device which causes the individual sabot segments to pivot about their aft extremity and finally discard as the pivot ring releases.

Abstract: A munitions round for a subcaliber projectile to be fired from a barrel-type weapon has a casing receiving the projectile which is at least partially surrounded by the gas-generating propellant charge. A drive body is mounted at the forward end of the projectile and has a rearward pressure-receiving surface which droops inwardly toward the projectile from an outer edge of the body which is engaged by the casing. The body is formed from a plurality of segments which form-fittingly hug the projectile and have confronting angularly spaced separating surfaces bridged by a sealing member. The forward end of the body, formed by the segments, is concave forwardly and has a leading edge which is disposed outwardly and axially ahead of the rearward inner edge of this surface which forms a pocket engaging the air upon propulsion of the projectile from the barrel to effect separation of the segments and dislodgment of the body.

Abstract: A cartridge-type munition comprising a casing and a projectile in which the casing at least in part is constituted of combustible and destructible material. According to the invention, a first connection between the projectile and the casing is formed by a neck engaging the periphery of the projectile which is also formed with a boss or projection at its rear end engaged by radial elements forming a second connection with the casing axially spaced from the first connection.

Abstract: A sabot projectile is disclosed which does not require any complicated fuze and which, during combating targets, especially targets having overlying or tandemly arranged armored plating or other reinforcements, neither explodes upon hitting the first plate nor penetrates all of the plates, without fragmenting. For this purpose, the sabot projectile has a projectile body possessing an axial channel which is closed by a ballistic hood and which is filled with an incendiary charge.

Abstract: A disc-like segmented elastomer seal utilizing tongue and groove construcn for use with discarding sabot ammunition. Said seal may be used as the primary seal or in conjunction with a conventional base seal to prevent entry of propellant gases between the sabot and the subprojectile body particularly when firing in worn gun tubes. A second embodiment utilizes radially projecting spider arms to assure sealing of the gaps between the sabot segments.

Abstract: Apparatus for centering the aft end of a missile in a telescoping launch e including equally spaced bore rider members bonded in the detent groove of a missile at the aft end of the missile. Each bore rider member includes upper and lower portions having a notch therebetween. The bore rider shears at the notch as the rider impacts the inner launch tube ramp. The remaining base is retained in the detent groove and centers the missile in the smaller launch tube as the missile moves along the smaller tube.

Abstract: A self aligning expansible sabot for projection from worm gun tubes without alloting of the sabot pedals due to misalignment and vibration. The sabot consists of three segments pinned together so they move radially in an expanding manner in the worm gun tube without loss of axial alignment. The connection pins allow normal discard of the sabot segments without excessive binding and without independent rotation.

Abstract: A discarding sabot munition utilizes a plurality of gusset strengthened st segments to structurally support and spacially position fore and aft bore-riding sabot members to reduce connecting mid-section mass. Radially disposed gusset plates permit a fin-stabilized projectile to be safely launched by a reduced mass sabot with increased velocity and kinetic energy.

Abstract: Spin is imparted to a projectile within a smooth-bore barrel through the of a projectile-sabot system. The sabot, which substantially encloses the projectile, has a forward flange section which includes a plurality of nozzles which cause the sabot to operate as a centrifugal turbine. The sabot has grooves or slots on interior and/or exterior surfaces which fracture under the centrifugal forces which exist when the projectile-sabot system exits the smooth-bore barrel, thereby permitting the sabot to separate from the projectile after the desired spin has been imparted to the projectile.

Abstract: An armor-piercing projectile comprises a penetrator core carried within a scarding segmented sabot equipped with a plastic spinner band. While the core-sabot assembly is traveling through a rifled gun barrel the plastic band interengages with the rifling to impart spin to the assembly. The rifling severs the spinner band so that when the assembly exits from the barrel the sabot segments are centrifugally slung off of the penetrator core. The core continues its flight toward the target. Improved separation of the segments from the core is achieved because the sabot is constructed so that the severable band is the initial mechanism for retaining the sabot segments on the core during feeding and chambering. The separation lines between the core and sabot segments are pre-established by molding alternate segments in two sequential steps. Also, the segments are mechanically locked together, providing a predictable separation mechanism.