Full-bore or sub-calibre projectile with lightweight components - esp. guide blocks of rigid polystyrene foam which disintegrate after firing

摘要

Method of reducing the weight of a full bore projectile consists of using extremely light foam of density approx. 0.05 g/cm3 for filling cavities and providing a certain amt. of fixing and/or centering in conjunction with other components. The weight of projectiles which do not occupy the entire bore is reduced by using extremely light structural foam elements of density 0.05 g/cm3 as radial supporting and centering devices. Pref. for the projectiles which are sub-caliber in size, a foamed polystyrene is used. The weapon for the last-named projectiles has its safety improved by using extremely light foam elements as above for supporting, centering and guiding during firing; these automatically disintegrate as soon as they leave the mouth of the barrel and are rapidly retarded by air resistance.