Projectile for combatting actively and passively recting armor

Abstract

A sabot-projectile arrangement adapted for being ejected from a gun barrel for the purpose of combatting actively and passively reacting armor. The arrangement comprises first and second projectiles, each having a different coefficient of air resistance (c.sub.w). A discarding sabot is comprised of segments which define a receptacle for accommodating the first and second projectiles with their longitudinal axes flush behind one another in order to follow one another in a spaced relationship on a common trajectory when the sabot-projectile arrangement is fired from a gun. Form locking means defines a form locking connection between the receptacle and each of the projectiles. The form locking connection existing between the leading first projectile disposed in the receptacle and the segments of the sabot are released earlier than when the segments are separated from the second projectile after the sabot-projectile arrangement leaves the gun barrel. Delay means cause the second projectile to be delayed with respect to the first projectile when the segments are separated for creating a desired distance between the projectiles within narrow distancing limits within which there exists axial aerodynamic coupling between the projectiles. An actuatable device is provided for varying the c.sub.w coefficient of at least one of the projectiles during flight so that the aerodynamic coupling between the projectiles is maintained within the distancing limits.