Combustible push rod for launching tubular projectiles

摘要

A push rod for use in launching tubular projectiles employs a pyrophoric sintered mesh cloth machined to mate with the aft end of the tubular projectile within the gun barrel. The mesh cloth is configured to be entirely consumed during the initial portion of the external ballistic cycle and to push the projectile during the internal ballistic cycle. A preselected thickness of cellulose impregnated paper sheet, adhesively bonded to the aft end of the mesh cloth, delays combustion of the push rod until after the projectile and push rod have left the gun barrel.