Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of ammunition rounds for training or tactical purposes. In one or more embodiments, the projectile is equipped to transmit an improved visual signature upon impact, including one or both of flash and smoke signatures. In one example, a projectile includes a projectile body, an ogive coupled to the projectile body, and a boat tail having a degree of transparency coupled to the projectile body. The boat tail having a degree of transparency and the projectile body define a cavity within the boat tail having a degree of transparency and the projectile body. A flash producing material is disposed within the cavity.

Tracer ammunition is disclosed and includes a projectile having a body; a chamber in the body having a front end and a rear end, the rear end of the chamber being open; an aperture at a rear end of the body providing an opening to the open end of the chamber; and a tracer material disposed within the chamber, wherein the tracer material is configured to combust when ignited and emit optical energy through the aperture as a result of the combustion process. The tracer material may be configured to include a rear-facing surface having a concave contour to aid in directivity of light output from the tracer material.

In one aspect, an example system includes an arrow nock configured to couple to an arrow, a transmitter coupled to the arrow nock, and a controller. The controller is configured to (i) determine that the arrow has been shot from a bow and (ii) responsive to determining that the arrow has been shot from the bow, cause the transmitter to transmit a beacon signal at a variable rate that varies based on an amount of time elapsed since determining that the arrow has been shot from the bow.

System and methods for simultaneous characterization of tracer light output and velocity by arranging a plurality of photodetectors along the flight path of the tracer and transmitting the detected light output over large distances using an array of analog/digital converter units arranged to correspond to each photodetector. The system can be scaled and configured to operate and control the photodetectors from a remote location.

The invention relates to programmable practice ammunition. For this purpose, a projectile head of a practice projectile of the practice ammunition has at least one electronic system in the form of an electronic fuze replacement system and a signal transmitter. Optionally, an explosive charge can be introduced into the projectile head. The explosive charge is preferably a pyrotechnic. A light signal, an infrared signal, a radio signal, or another suitable electronic or optical signal, even a color signal, can be output and transmitted via the signal transmitter. Optionally, the explosive charge can be triggered and deployed via the signal transmitter. The projectile is provided with radial openings for this purpose. The invention additionally relates to a training system for a realistic practice using an explosive representation at the target or in the target area.

A high impact strength lighted nock assembly for an arrow that is activated when the arrow is fired with a bowstring. The lighted nock assembly includes a nock molded from a high impact strength, transparent polymeric material containing at least 10% by weight reinforcing fibers. The nock includes a head configured to engage with the bowstring and a shank configured to couple with a rear end of the arrow. The shank includes a recess extending in a distal end of the shank toward the head. A light assembly including a light emitting device is located in the recess in the shank that is electrically coupled to a battery. A switch is electrically coupled to the light emitting device and the battery that is triggered when the arrow is tired to activate the light emitting device.

According to some examples, a non-incendiary projectile comprises a housing defining an internal cavity, and an energy harvesting structure comprising a first part and a second part, the first part provided on an inner surface of the housing, the second part provided in the internal cavity, the second part further comprising a rotation damping system configured to regulate a rate of rotation of the second part in a rotational direction about a flight axis defined by the housing.

Methods and systems for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed, including providing a lighted nock having: a nock body which has a portion for attachment to an arrow or shaft and a slotted proximate end adapted to receive a bowstring; and a detent member, a luminous assembly, and a push member all of which are at least partially disposed within the nock body, wherein the push member comprises a recess and at least a portion of the push member protrudes into the proximate end; attaching the lighted nock to the bowstring, thereby releasing the portion of the detent member from within the recess of the push member; drawing the bowstring; and releasing the bowstring, thereby withdrawing the bowstring from the slot, and illuminating the nock. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

In some examples, a non-incendiary tracer projectile structure for housing an electrically powered illumination source comprises a jacket comprising a generally pointed forward end and a generally blunt rearward end defining a rear opening, an internal retaining structure disposed towards the rearward end of the jacket to support a protective window that is transparent to a selected electromagnetic wavelength, wherein a portion of the rearward end of the jacket tapers in a radially inward direction whereby to define a circumferential narrowing of the rear opening so configured as to mechanically protect the internal retaining structure.

Methods and systems for illuminating an arrow nock or bolt end are disclosed, including providing a lighted nock having: a nock body which has a portion for attachment to an arrow or shaft and a slotted proximate end adapted to receive a bowstring; and a detent member, a luminous assembly, and a push member all of which are at least partially disposed within the nock body, wherein the push member comprises a recess and at least a portion of the push member protrudes into the proximate end; attaching the lighted nock to the bowstring, thereby releasing the portion of the detent member from within the recess of the push member; drawing the bowstring; and releasing the bowstring, thereby withdrawing the bowstring from the slot, and illuminating the nock. Other embodiments are described and claimed.