Provided is a barrel insert for use with a barrel containing a plurality of axially stacked projectiles. The barrel insert has a proximal and a distal end, the distal end adapted to engage a proximally disposed projectile disposed in the barrel. The barrel insert also defines an expansion volume for propellant gases for launching the proximally disposed projectile at a predetermined velocity.
F41F 1/00 - Launching apparatus for projecting projectiles or missiles from barrels, e.g. cannons; Harpoon guns
F41A 21/00 - Barrels or gun tubes; Muzzle attachments; Barrel mounting means
F41A 1/06 - Adjusting the range without varying elevation angle or propellant charge data, e.g. by venting a part of the propulsive charge gases, or by adjusting the capacity of the cartridge or combustion chamber
F41A 21/28 - Gas-expansion chambers; Barrels provided with gas-relieving ports
The present invention relates to stackable projectiles having a warhead and a propulsion unit. An adaptor enables the warhead to be coupled to propulsion units made of different materials. Furthermore, an adaptor couples different profiles of warheads and propulsion units and allows projectiles to be stacked without need for design modifications. The assembled projectile can be fired electrically or mechanically.
F42B 30/08 - Ordnance projectiles or missiles, e.g. shells
F42B 5/02 - Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile
F42B 30/00 - Projectiles or missiles, not otherwise provided for, characterised by the ammunition class or type, e.g. by the launching apparatus or weapon used
F42B 5/00 - Cartridge ammunition, e.g. separately-loaded propellant charges
F42B 14/00 - Projectiles or missiles characterised by arrangements for guiding or sealing them inside barrels, or for lubricating or cleaning barrels
3.
PROPELLANT SEALING SYSTEM FOR STACKABLE PROJECTILES
A projectile for use in a barrel with stacked projectiles, particularly for a weapon which can be reloaded by a user in the field. The projectile includes a chamber containing a propellant charge, with an exit from the chamber for release of propulsion gases into the barrel. A seal blocks the exit and is opened by ignition of the propellant within the chamber but is resistant to gases produced by ignition of propellant in other projectiles in the barrel. The exit and seal are provided in a range of different forms. The exit may be an aperture in a wall of the chamber with the seal as a moveable barrier, such as a valve-like structure, for example. The seal may also include a rupturable or deformable barrier across the aperture. Alternatively the seal is a thin barrier around the charge such as a wax coating and the exit involves a disintegrable character of the barrier. The seal may also be an inherent property of the geometry of the chamber.
F42B 5/03 - Cartridges, i.e. cases with propellant charge and missile containing more than one missile
F41A 21/00 - Barrels or gun tubes; Muzzle attachments; Barrel mounting means
F42B 30/00 - Projectiles or missiles, not otherwise provided for, characterised by the ammunition class or type, e.g. by the launching apparatus or weapon used
F41A 1/00 - Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
F42B 14/00 - Projectiles or missiles characterised by arrangements for guiding or sealing them inside barrels, or for lubricating or cleaning barrels
Projectile stacking systems in which individual projectiles are clipped together to form a stack. The projectiles may be joined individually by a user before loading in a barrel, or during a loading process assisted by features on the breech of the barrel. The tail of each projectile includes a set of clips which engage the nose of a trailing projectile in the stack. Projectiles may be withdrawn from barrel and undipped as required by the user.
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