Propellant cage of reduced length for sub-calibre shell - results in reduced weight and therefore increased barrel acceleration

摘要

A propellant cage is for sub-calibre shells, especially impact shells, having a shortened rear part(16). The rear part (16) is arched outwards and extends rearwards from a pressure flange (6) and its accompanying groove(10) in which is seated a guide bond(not shown). The length (22) of the cord carrying length of the propellant cage is defined as being aft of the guide band. The total length (56) includes this length and the length of the shell enclosing zone just aft of the lending flange (7). The ratio of the band carry length (LL) to the total length(SL) is less than 0.5 and preferably less than 0.4. USE/ADVANTAGE - The propellant cage is for use with sub-calibre shells and is intended to be jettisonal once the shell leaves the barrel. Because of the shorte-end rear part of this propellant cage and its outwardly arched shape the shear streases in the drive cage is minimnsed. Therefore material with a lower elasticity modulus can be used, such as plastic. This reduces the combined propellant cage and shell weght, there increasing acceleration within the barrel and hence shell range.