Multiple-component projectile

摘要

The present invention comprises a multiple-component projectile which remains intact after leaving the barrel of a gun. The projectile (10) comprises a core (12) which includes a leading tip (16) and a cylindrical shaft section (20) which extends aft of the tip. A sabot sleeve (14) surrounds the cylindrical shaft section (20) and has a sufficient diameter to engage the rifling on the interior of a gun barrel (6). A rear cap (18) connects to the aft end of the shaft section (20) and secures the sabot sleeve (14) to the shaft and tip. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise an annular lip (24) and slot (26) on the leading tip (16) configured to receive the leading edge of the sabot sleeve (14) and prevent it from separating from the core (12) while traveling through the gun barrel (6) and thereafter. The rear cap (18) may also comprise an annular lip (34) and slot (36) configured to receive the trailing edge of the sabot sleeve (14) and further lock the sleeve to the core (12) thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the sleeve relative to the core. Longitudinal protruding fins (72) on the interior of the sabot sleeve (14) and complementary flutes (74) on the exterior surface of the cylindrical shaft section (20) also prevent independent rotation of the sleeve and core such that both will rotate in unison while traveling through a gun barrel (6) and thereafter through the trajectory of the projectile (10). <IMAGE>