Modification of a projectile for stacking in a barrel

摘要

An existing projectile ( 21 ) is modified by adding a tail piece ( 22 ) to enable axial stacking of multiple projectiles ( 20 ) in a common barrel. Propellant for each modified projectile ( 20 ) is contained in respective chambers located external to the barrel and connected to the bore of the barrel through associated ports. Tail piece ( 22 ) aligns with a respective port and provides a space between consecutive projectiles ( 20 ) into which the propellant gas expands after ignition. Separate claims are directed to tail assembly ( 22 ), modified projectile ( 20 ), the barrel assembly having a plurality of projectiles ( 20 ) stacked in end-to-end relation, and to an external initiation system for the barrel assembly (see FIGS. 4, 7 ).