Patent ID: 6237497
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: F42B

Abstract:
A spin-stabilized projectile adapted to be fired from a weapon barrel, comprising(a) a projectile body having a length dimension, a rear length portion, an ogive-shaped front length portion and an intermediate cylindrical length portion situated between said rear and front length portions;(b) a soft-iron guide band circumferentially mounted on said projectile body and having a front circumferential edge oriented toward said front length portion; said intermediate length portion having a length extending from said front circumferential edge of said soft-iron guide band to said front length portion; said soft-iron guide band having a rear circumferential edge opposite said front circumferential edge thereof;(c) a heat-resistant elastomer sealing ring circumferentially mounted on said projectile body and facing said rear circumferential edge of said soft-iron guide band; and(d) an undercut provided circumferentially in said intermediate length portion for defining an annular chamber with an inner surface of the weapon barrel during travel of the projectile in the weapon barrel upon firing to effect a pressure equalization of propellant gases flowing past said soft-iron guide band for centering the projectile within the weapon barrel; a length of said undercut measured parallel to the length dimension of the projectile being between 70% and 80% of the length of said intermediate length portion; a distance of said undercut from said front edge of said metal guide band being approximately 33% of the difference between the length of said intermediate length portion and the length of said undercut; a depth of said undercut being between 0.3% and 0.6% of one half of the maximum projectile diameter.