Short-range projectile containing means for producing a short flight path

Abstract

Within the tactical operating distance, the projectile body in a short-range projectile ought to exhibit as far as possible the same performance characteristics as the corresponding normal or full-range projectile. To bring about the short flight path of the short-range projectile during travel of the projectile along its flight path, the following range shortening variants are applicable: (i) the projectile nose is formed of a suitable plastic material, the surface thereof being subject to considerable change under the action of air friction during flight such that the air resistance or drag increases and the flight path is shortened, particularly in the subsonic range; (ii) the projectile surface is covered or coated at least at preselected locations with a layer of suitable plastic material, such layer being subject to considerable change or erosion under the action of air friction, whereby the air resistance or drage increases and the flight path is shortened; and (iii) the projectile surface is roughened or provided with suitable grooves and smoothened by means of a layer of appropriate plastic material, such layer disappearing or disintegrating under the action of air friction during flight and the original roughened or grooved projectile surface bringing about a shortening of the flight path.