Sabot

Abstract

To reduce the mass of the sabot (20, 30) with pull and push functions, it is proposed that the sabot (20, 30) comprises mutually separated sabot parts (5, 6, 14, 15'), with at least one sabot part (5, 14') configured to perform the pull function and at least one sabot part (6, 15') configured to perform the push function. For this purpose, the sabot parts (5, 6, 14', 15') are nested. This can be done by forming a cylindrical nest or by forming a tangential nest. In the case of a cylindrical nest, the outer sabot part (6) surrounds the inner sabot part (5) along the interface (24). In the case of a tangential nest, the sabot parts (14', 15') are divided into sabot subsegments (14, 15). The latter are alternately nested in the tangential direction, so that the pull sabot sub-segments (14) and the push sabot sub-segments (15) are always alternately nested in the circumferential direction. To provide a sufficient seal, the sabot sub-segments (14, 15) overlap each other.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sabot for sub-throw ammunition or projectiles, such as kinetic energy projectiles, and in particular to the separation of the push and pull functions of the sabot in order to reduce the mass of the sabot. [Background technology]

[0002] The sabot serves to seal the gap, usually in the shape of a ring, that remains between the projectile and the inner wall of the weapon tube, so that the propellant gases of the weapon can be effectively used to drive the projectile. In addition, the sabot performs the function of a projectile guide in the weapon tube, so that the projectile follows the axis of the bore of the weapon tube precisely without lateral deflection. For highly subcaliber projectiles, the sabot must support the projectile during acceleration in the weapon tube, where the force introduced into the projectile through the sabot is distributed over a larger area of ​​the projectile's length. Otherwise, such a projectile would collapse under the influence of the moment of inertia at the punctiform introduction of forces.

[0003] The forward removal of the nozzle is often made possible by the fact that the sabot separates into several segments, starting from the tip, and as soon as these segments are no longer held together radially by the inner wall of the barrel, they detach radially from the projectile. Such a division does not have a negative effect on the axial force transmission, since it runs parallel to the force flow.

[0004] Sabots are known to be kinetic energy penetrators, in which a pressure flange is located quite in the middle of an elongated, arrow-shaped projectile. The part of the sabot in front of this pressure flange accelerates the projectile in the form of pressure, while the part of the sabot behind it lies in the form of tension. The propelling gas pressure also acts in tension. The pressure part, i.e. the part in front of the pressure flange, is free from external load. In practice, such sabots are also called push-pull sabots.

[0005] Furthermore, there are also pure push sabots and pure pull sabots. In this case, the pressure flange of the sabot is either behind or in front of the actual sabot. Both push and / or pull sabots are shape-optimized to obtain the lowest possible sabot mass. Furthermore, high-strength materials are used. As a result, the material is highly stressed as evenly as possible.

[0006] Thus, DE 3843566 C1 describes a segmented sabot, which is formed as a normal pull-type sabot and has only one front guide part and, optionally, a rear guide strut.

[0007] DE3920254C2 specifies a two-flange sabot (push-pull type sabot) having a guide flange of a front bore size and a pressure flange of a rear bore size belonging to the state of the art.

[0008] DE 3930255 C2 relates to a kinetic energy resilient device having a two-flange sabot (push-pull type sabot) or a pull type sabot.

[0009] A split two-flange sabot is disclosed in DE102005055503A1. The sabot comprises a positive, shell-shaped central sabot part in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the projectile. In order to achieve in a simple manner that the sabot has a lower mass than a comparable sabot with the same bending strength, it was proposed to connect the two flanges of the sabot with a transverse strut in addition to the central sabot part. Each sabot segment is assigned at least one strut.

[0010] A segmented sabot with a predetermined break point is described in DE 102005055504 A1. The sabot has a front guide flange and a rear pressure flange. The predetermined break point results in a drilled thread area. After the penetrator is screwed into the sabot, these axial predetermined break points or separation joints are closed by vulcanization with a vulcanizate. The peeling behavior of the sabot segments is mainly determined by the properties of the vulcanizate in case of baking.

[0011] A sabot projectile is also disclosed in DE 10 2008 029 394 A1. The guide cage is made of plastic. To ensure a rigid radial guidance of the projectile body, the guide cage consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic and a metal support wall, preferably an aluminum alloy. Both parts are connected to each other positively or non-positively.

[0012] From DE 10 2013006498 A1 a sabot projectile is known, which is characterized in that narrow segmented steel disks are used as guide elements, the side facing the guide cage being connected positively or negatively to a segmented hollow cylindrical covering part made of plastic.

[0013] The space under the pressure flange of the push-pull sabot is difficult to optimize in shape, since this area is difficult to reach in a recess due to manufacturing techniques. A casting solution is not possible, since the relevant mechanical properties are worse than those of the corresponding wrought alloys. The push part of the sabot itself is not very efficient. Since this sabot is made of a material that is much more flexible than the projectile for mass reasons, it must have a large cross section as a compensation in order to be able to effectively support the projectile. This solution runs counter to the mass optimization of the sabot. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] An object of the present invention is therefore to demonstrate the possibility of minimizing the mass of a sabot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be derived from the dependent claims.

[0016] The invention is based on the idea of ​​designing a sabot such that it has, on the one hand, a push function and, on the other hand, a pull function, which act or occur independently of one another. This design results in a separation of the push and pull functions on the sabot. To separate the functions into sabot parts, the sabot is mechanically divided or separated such that at least one sabot part performs a pull function and at least one other sabot part performs a push function. The sabot parts are in turn connected to the projectile by means of a positive connection. In contrast, there is no positive connection between the sabot parts.

[0017] For this purpose, the first version of the sabot consists of two nested sabot parts, namely an inner sabot part and an outer sabot part. The outer sabot part surrounds the inner sabot part. The sabot parts thus form an interface. The interface of the two sabot parts is preferably chosen to be cylindrical, so that it can be manufactured relatively easily. This results in the sabot parts being cylindrically nested.

[0018] The sabot parts can then be segmented, the tangential division of the sabot parts for separation of the sabot segments from the projectile or penetrator remaining unaffected by this preferably cylindrical nesting.

[0019] The advantage is that no axial forces are transmitted through the interface, and therefore no high demands are placed on the axial positioning of the sabot parts. The radial gap between the inner and outer sabot parts is preferably selected to be small, thus avoiding leakage. Alternatively, an additional seal against high propelling gas pressures can be provided.

[0020] The inner sabot part performs the pulling function and the outer sabot part performs the pushing function of the sabot. The sabot parts have independent surfaces on which the propelling gases act. The surfaces of the pushing sabot parts should be kept small. Preferably, they form a seamless common surface of the sabot on which the propelling gases can act. This surface should be designed based on a (central) cut-off (single shell) hyperboloid. Alternative configurations are possible.

[0021] There is no exchange of forces between the two sabot parts, except for slight frictional forces. As a result, the load-bearing capacity of both sabot parts can be fully utilized independently of each other. The choice of pitch diameter determines the load distribution between the two sabot parts. This pitch diameter corresponds to the outside diameter of the inner sabot part or the inside diameter of the outer sabot part.

[0022] In further embodiments, tangential nesting of the sabot parts is preferred. A combinable push-pull sabot can typically be subdivided into three segments of 120° each, which allow for separation from the projectile after it has passed through the muzzle.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the push and pull sabot subsegments are nested alternately in a tangential direction. A meaningful number or amount is, for example, three sabot subsegments. However, other numbers of sabot subsegments are possible.

[0024] Each sabot part or sabot sub-segment has its own surface against which the propellant gases act, so that the thrust is transmitted to the projectile. In push sabots or push sabot sub-segments, these surfaces are preferably straight and smooth. The surface of a pull-part sabot or pull sabot sub-segment can be compared to a (central) cut-off (single shell) hyperboloid. However, alternative forms are possible.

[0025] Except for the low friction forces, there is also no balance of forces between the sabot parts or sabot subsegments. As a result, the load-bearing capacity of each sabot part can also be fully utilized in this version. The choice of the respective segment angle determines the load distribution between the two function groups (sum of the pull sabot and sum of the push sabot subsegments). In principle, the interface does not differ from the previously required divisions. However, the number of divisions increases. Since the sabot parts or sabot subsegments only slightly overlap, the contacting surfaces become smaller. This overlap area is necessary for the seal.

[0026] The division of the sabot into a pull function and a push function facilitates manufacturing and allows shape optimization. Manufacturing is simplified, for example, by shorter components of the sabot or sabot parts or sabot sub-segments. High demands in terms of precision are imposed only on the preferably cylindrical fit or interface between the two sabot parts. The use of different materials for the sabot parts with pull function and for the sabot parts with push function is simplified. These materials can be selected in each case with regard to their mechanical properties according to the different demands (pull function, push function) imposed on the respective sabot parts.

[0027] Due to the fact that the efficiency of the push sabot part, which functions or acts independently of the pull sabot part, is increased, both versions of the (whole) sabot can be designed more easily than previous solutions. The potential for mass reduction is therefore very high. This arises in particular from the fact that only two "half" sabots are used, which are nested in each other or nested alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0028] As with known sabots, a pocket can be incorporated into the push portion of the sabot.

[0029] This produces combinable push-pull sabots that can be manufactured in a simple manner, designed according to a prioritized task or tasks, and can also be made lighter.

[0030] In order to reduce the mass of a sabot with a pulling and pushing function, it is proposed that the sabot comprises mutually separated sabot parts, at least one sabot part configured to perform a pulling function and at least one sabot part configured to perform a pushing function. For this purpose, the sabot parts are nested. This can be carried out in a cylindrical nesting formation or in a tangential nesting formation. In the case of a cylindrical nesting, the outer sabot part surrounds the inner sabot part along the boundary surface. In the case of a tangential nesting, the sabot parts are divided into sabot subsegments. The latter are nested alternately in the tangential direction, so that the pull sabot subsegments and the push sabot subsegments are always nested alternately in the circumferential direction. In order to provide a sufficient seal, the sabot parts or sabot subsegments overlap each other.

[0031] A combination of cylindrical and tangential nests is also possible.

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail on the basis of an embodiment with the aid of a drawing, in which for the sake of overview the representation of possible guide and / or sealing strips is omitted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 11 is a sectioned representation of a projectile, sabot component, and half of a weapon tube in a first exemplary embodiment; [Diagram 2] The sabot and weapon tube projectile are shown in cross section in FIG. [Diagram 3] 13 illustrates a projectile, a sabot component, and a weapon tube in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Figure 1 shows the invention axisymmetrically and sketchily. The axis of rotation is indicated at 1. The subsilver projectile 2 has a diameter much smaller than the inside diameter of the weapon tube 3 (Figure 2). The remaining space 26 between the projectile 2 and the weapon tube 3 is filled by a sabot 20.

[0035] The sabot 20 consists of at least two sabot parts 5, 6. The sabot parts 5, 6 are not one piece but are separated from each other. They are nested inside each other. The partial sabot part 5 forms the inner sabot and the partial sabot part 6 forms the outer sabot. Here, the inner sabot 5 performs the push function and the outer sabot 6 the pull function of the (whole) sabot 20. Due to this design structure, the sabot parts 5, 6 can for example be made of different materials.

[0036] The interface 24 of the two sabot parts 5, 6 is preferably cylindrical. The radial gap 25 in the region of the interface 24 between the inner 5 and outer sabot parts 6 is preferably selected to be small.

[0037] The sabot parts 5, 6 have mutually independent (separate) surfaces 21, 22 on which the propellant gases act, resulting in a driving force transmitted to the projectile 2. The surfaces 21, 22 preferably merge with one another so as to form a common, preferably smooth, surface 23 of the sabot 20. The surfaces 21, 22 of the sabot sub-segments 5, 6 form a (central) cut-off (single-shell) hyperboloid. However, alternative configurations are possible.

[0038] Except for low friction forces, there is no exchange of forces between the two sabot parts 5, 6. As a result, the load capacity of both sabot parts 5, 6 can be fully utilized independently of each other.

[0039] Between the two sabot parts 5, 6 and the projectile 2 there is in each case a positive connection 8, 9, which is possible by the formation of a screw thread, as is often applied in practice, although not shown in more detail. On the other hand, there is no positive connection between the sabot parts 5 and 6, i.e. there is no form fit between the sabot parts 5 and 6.

[0040] The propellant pressure 4 acting behind the projectile 2 accelerates it in the direction of fire in a known manner, as shown on the right side of FIG. 1. The projection plane is decisive for the axial forces acting on the projectile parts 2, 5, 6. At the selected cutting plane 7, these planes correspond to the cutting plane. The subcarrier projectile 2 (FIG. 2) is driven to a small extent by the gas pressure itself. In addition, the projectile 2 is driven from the weapon tube 3 via the inner sabot 5 as well as the outer sabot 6, on which the propellant pressure 4 also acts.

[0041] A further embodiment is shown in Figure 3. This figure shows a sub-caliber projectile 10 seen from behind in the direction of fire, with a sabot 30. This sabot 30 includes at least one sabot part 14' with a pull function and at least one sabot part 15' with a push function.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, these sabot parts 14', 15' are in turn composed of several sabot sub-segments 14, 15. The sabot sub-segments 14, 15 are located in the space between the projectile 10 and the weapon tube 11. The sabot sub-segment 14 performs the pull function and the sabot sub-segment 15 performs the push function of the sabot 30.

[0043] Preferably, the push sabot segments 14, 15 are nested in a tangentially alternating manner so that the pull sabot sub-segment 14 always follows the push sabot sub-segment 15 in a circumferentially alternating manner.

[0044] The number and segment width of the pull sabot subsegments 14 and the push sabot subsegments 15 are freely selectable. The choice of the respective segment angle determines the load distribution between the two function groups (sum of the pull sabot subsegments 14 or sum of the push sabot subsegments 15). As a result, the (overall) sabot 31 formed by the sabot subsegments 14, 15 can be individually adapted to the tasks or demands imposed on it.

[0045] In a preferred version, three sabot sub-segments 14, 15 of 120° each are provided. Thus, overall, the sabot 30 includes three pull sabot sub-segments 14 and three push sabot sub-segments 15.

[0046] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the marked line 12 (FIG. 3). Shown are the weapon tube 11, the projectile 10, and the pull sabot sub-segment 14 and the push sabot sub-segment 15 according to line 12.

[0047] There is a positive connection 18 between the two sabot sub-segments 14, 15 and the projectile 10, for example via a screw thread. In order to adequately seal the sabot sub-segments 14, 15, an overlap 17 of the sabot sub-segments 14, 15 is necessary. This overlap 17 must be large enough to ensure a seal.

[0048] Each sabot sub-segment 14, 15 has its own surface 31, 32 on which the propellant gases 16 act and, as a result, the motive force is transmitted to the projectile 10. The propellant pressure 16 acts on the left side of the respective sabot part 14', 15', thereby accelerating the projectile 2 to the right in this view. The propellant pressure 16 acts on a surface 31 of the sabot sub-segment 14 and a surface 32 of the sabot sub-segment 15.

[0049] In the push sabot sub-segment 15, these surfaces 32 are straight and preferably smooth. The surface 31 of the pull sabot sub-segment 14 can be compared to a (central) cut-off (single shell) hyperboloid. However, alternative configurations are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Rotation axis 2 Projectiles (for reduced range) 3 weapon tube 4 Propellant Pressure 5 Sabot Parts 6 Sabot Parts 7 Cut surface 8 Connections 9 Connection 10 Projectiles (for sub-range) 11 Weapon tube 12 Line 14',15' Sabot parts 14 Sabot Subsegments 15 Sabot Subsegments 16 Propellant Pressure 17 Overlap 18 Connection 19 Connection 20 Sabot 21 Surface 22 Surface 23 Surface 24 Interface 25 Gap 30 Sabot 31 Surface 32 Surface

Claims

1. A sabot (20, 30) having a push function and a pull function, The sabot (20, 30) comprises sabot parts (5, 6, 14, 14', 15, 15') separated from each other, At least one sabot part (5, 14, 14') is designed to perform a pulling function, At least another sabot part (6, 15, 15') arranged on the forward side of the sabot part (5, 14, 14') in the firing direction is designed to perform a pushing function, Sabot (20, 30).

2. 2. Sabot (20, 30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sabot parts (5, 6, 14, 14', 15, 15') are nested.

3. A sabot (20, 30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said sabot (20, 30) comprises at least two sabot parts (5, 6, 14, 14', 15, 15').

4. A sabot (20) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by a cylindrical nest.

5. A sabot (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one sabot part (5) having a pull function forms an inner sabot and at least one sabot part (6) having a push function forms an outer sabot.

6. A sabot (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sabot parts (5, 6) have mutually separated surfaces (21, 22) on which the propellant gas (4) can act.

7. A sabot (20) as described in claim 6, wherein the surfaces (21, 22) are inclined radially outward toward the forward firing direction.

8. A sabot (20) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said surfaces (21, 22) merge into one another so as to form a common surface (23) of the sabot (20).

9. A sabot (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sabot parts (14', 15') comprise sabot sub-segments (14, 15).

10. 10. A sabot (30) according to claim 9, characterized in that the push sabot sub-segments (15) and the pull sabot sub-segments (14) are nested alternately in the tangential direction, respectively.

11. A sabot (30) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it is provided with three sabot sub-segments (14) with a pull function and three sabot sub-segments (15) with a push function.

12. Sabot (30) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that each sabot sub-segment (14, 15) has its own surface (31, 32) against which the propellant gas (16) can act.

13. A sabot (30) as described in claim 12, wherein the surface (31) slopes radially outward toward the forward firing direction.

14. Sabot (20, 30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is no positive connection between said sabot parts (5, 14', 6, 15').

15. A projectile (2, 30) having a sabot (20, 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 14. １０）。

16. Ammunition comprising a projectile (2, 10) and a sabot (20, 30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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