Improvements in or relating to Projectiles.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Aug., 1899
Complete Specification Left, 13th June, 1900-Accepted, 14th Aug., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Projectiles.
We, JOHN ANTHONY ROWE of 79, Mark Lane, London, E.C., Engineer, and
FRANCIS JAMES TREWENT, of 43, Billiter Buildings, Billiter Street, in the City
of London, Naval Architect, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
With the view of increasing the range of a shot fired from any description of
ordnance, or rifle, with a given energy of explosive; or of maintaining the same
range with a reduced energy of explosive, we make a compound-shot, whose ex-
ternal dimensions are similar to those of an ordinary solid shot such as is now in
general use, but whose weight is greatly reduced below that of the solid shot.
The compounding carried out in the following manner: A solid metal
cylindrical projectile is fitted into a hollow cylindrical case of about twice its own
diameter, and somewhat less than its own length. The walls of the cylindrical
case are made as thin as possible, consistent with strength. The longitudinal
axes of the case and the projectile coincide with each other, and the centre of
gravity of the system is in the centre of the circle, and lies a little before the
centre of the length of the case.
To furnish the necessary concentricity of the projectile and the case, the latter
is furnished with ends having central apertures after the manner of the apertures
made in steam cylinder covers for the piston rods.
The aperture in the front end of the case, is circular, and of the diameter of
the projectile.
The aperture in the back end of the case is preferably square to receive the
square rear-part of the projectile. This arrangement is to ensure a simultaneous
rotary motion of case and projectile. Or, the back end of the case may have a
circular aperture to receive a circular rear-part of the projectile, in which case
simultaneous rotary motion is obtained by fitting keys or feathers to that part.
To ensure the safe handling of the compound-shot (that is to prevent the
projectile and its case separating from each other and falling on mens' toes &c.)
the end of the square or circular rear-part of the projectile is lightly riveted over
the outside of the back end of the case. Or a nut may be screwed on to a thread
cut into the circular rear-part of the projectile.
The fore part of the projectile extends beyond the fore-end of the case and to
give the usual curved or cone-like form to the front end of the compound-shot
a suitably-shaped washer is fitted to it.

page_text: of London, Naval Architect, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement: -
This invention relates to projectiles. (specially referred to in this specification
as compound-projectiles) for use with fire-arms.
With the view of increasing the penetrating power or the range of a projectile
fired from any description of ordnance or rifle with a given energy of explosive,
or of maintaining the same penetrating power or range with a reduced energy
of explosive, we form it as a compound-projectile of the following description:
The external dimensions of the compound-projectile are approximately similar
te those of an ordinary cylindrical ogival-pointed shot or shell now in general
use, but the diameter of the part of the compound-projectile which is intended
to penetrate an obstruction (and which said part is hereinafter called the inner
projectile) is less than the diameter of the compound-projectile, the diameter of
the latter being practically the same as that of the bore of the gun from which
the compound projectile is to be fired.
A metal cylindrical projectile (which may be either a solid shot or a shell)
is fitted into a hollow metal cylindrical case, having a closed rear-end which is
preferably conical or conoidal in outline. This inner projectile extends some dis-
tance in front of the case. The longitudinal axes of the inner projectile and the
case coincide with each other.
The case is secured to the inner projectile in a temporary manner (preferably
by a good driving fit) so that the rotary motion imparted to the case shall be
communicated to the inner projectile.
"
The object in making the fastening between the case and the inner projectile
femporary" as above described, or by any other simple means, that when impact
takes place between the inner-projectile and any hard substance, such as an
armour-plate, the inner projectile only shall penetrate the object. The outer case
will remain behind, its chief work having been done by giving up most of its
kinetic energy to the inner projectile during penetration.
In order to reduce the resistance of the air to the flight of the projectile we
may give the usual curved outline to the front of the compound-projectile by
fitting a curved washer or ferrule before the case; this ferrule may be fixed either
on the inner projectile or on the case or on both, and is preferably driven on.
The invention may be carried out in various ways.
In the accompanying drawings Figures 1 and 2 are respectively a central longi-
tudinal section and a rear-end view of one form of compound-projectile made in
accordance with this invention.
Figures 3 and 4 are respectively a central longitudinal section and a cross section
on the line 4-4 of Figure 3 of the rear portion of a compound-projectile illus-
trating some modifications of details.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, A is the metal cylindrical inner projectile (pre-
ferably somewhat reduced in diameter towards the rear end as shown at C) fitted
into a hollow cylindrical metal case B. By preference the weight of metal
obtained by hollowing the case is added to the length of the inner projectile.
D (Figure 1) is the washer or ferrule, fixed to the inner projectile A.
In order, if desired, to carry a relatively large quantity of explosive in the
hollow space between the inner projectile A and its containing case B the walls
of the latter may be made thin consistent with strength.
The inner projectile A. may be a solid shot or it may be a shell.
When dealing with large compound-projectiles, one or more diaphragms E
may be employed to stiffen the walls of the case B, as indicated in Figures 3
and 4. These diaphragms E may fit the inner projectile A, or they may stop short
thereof so as to leave an annular passage to facilitate the charging of explosive
in the spaces between the diaphragms. Or the same result may be obtained by
having holes in the diaphragms, or by making them as shown at El, where part
of the inner circumference of the diaphragms is in contact with the inner-pro-

page_text: jectile, and part is cut away in order to permit a free longitudinal passage to
contained liquids or gases.
To diminish the retarding effect of the air to the progress of the compound-
projectile after it leaves the gun, we preferably make the rear-part of the case
of conical, conoidal, or other suitably curved form, as at F (Figure 3).
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is:
1. A compound projectile comprising an outer case (closed at its rear end) to
fit the bore of the fire-arm, in combination with an inner projectile of smaller
diameter extending some distance in front of the case, with or without a ferrule,
substantially as described.
2. A compound projectile comprising an outer case (closed at its rear end) to
fit the bore of the fire-arm, in combination with an inner projectile of smaller
diameter extending some distance in front of the case, and bearing with its rear
end against the inside of the closed rear end of the case, substantially as de-
scribed.
3. A compound projectile comprising an outer case (closed at its rear end) to
fit the bore of the fire-arm, in combination with an inner projectile of smaller
diameter extending some distance in front of the case, and means whereby rotary
motion imparted to the case is communicated to the projectile, substantially as
described.
4. A compound projectile comprising the combination of an inner projectile
and an outer hollow case having a rear end of conical, conoidal, or other curved
form, substantially as described.
5. Compound projectiles substantially as described and shown.
J. C. MEWBURN & ELLIS,
55 and 56, Chancery Lane, London, Chartered Patent Agents.