Royal Ordnance Plc

Robert D Poole

James E Baxter

A sabot for use with a spin stabilized projectile comprises a closed front end portion having lines or strips of weakness running along sides of the sabot which meet at a front end surface of the sabot, thereby providing a continuously extending line or region of weakness across the front end surface. Preferably, the sabot front end portion has at least three, desirably four or more, lines or strips of weakness running along the length of the front end portion. These lines or strips may meet at an intersection of lines or strips at the front end surface, but they preferably meet at a front end membrane region. Discarding sabots according to the present invention are especially suitable for use with tubular projectiles. These projectiles may for example be used in training ammunition rounds which are suitable for firing from the UK 30 mm RARDEN (UK Registered Trade Mark) Gun.

Discarding sabots

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.

Growing community of inventors

Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Robert D Poole