Systems with bore-launched projectiles

Abstract

Systems for launching one or more projectiles from a bore are provided. An exemplary system incorporates a shell, a projectile, an explosive charge and a wad. The shell includes a base and a casing, with the casing defining an interior. The projectile is located within the interior and is configured to be expelled from the shell casing. The explosive charge is located within the interior and is configured to expel the projectile from the casing. The wad is located within the interior and is configured to expel the projectile from the casing in response to detonation of the explosive charge. The wad includes petals and a petal stop, with the petals being movable between a closed position, in which free ends of the petals are arranged proximate to each other such that the petals at least partially surround the projectile, and an open position, in which the free ends of the petals are displaced from each other, the petal stop being configured to limit movement of the petals beyond the open position. Responsive to being expelled from a bore by detonation of the explosive charge, the petals move from the closed position to the open position, thereby retarding the wad and releasing the projectile.