The invention relates to a sabot (1) which comprises multiple sabot segments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3). The sabot (1) or the sabot segments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) are characterized by having a structural design at an end (10) opposite the shooting direction such that a low degree of flexural rigidity is achieved at said end (10). A sabot (1) with three sabot segments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) is preferred. The sabot (1) or the sabot segments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) have a rear part (3) as a push part and a front part (4) as a pull part. In order to optimize the shape and weight, the front part (4) and the rear part (3) have recesses (5, 6) in the sabot (1) or in the sabot segments (1.1, 1.2, 1.3). Braces (8, 9) are integrated between the recesses (5, 6), or the recesses (5, 6) are introduced between braces (8, 9).

To reduce the mass of a sabot having a pull and a push function, it is proposed that the sabot comprise mutually separate sabot parts, wherein at least one sabot part is configured such that it performs the pull function and at least one sabot part is configured such that it performs the push function. The sabot parts are nested. This can be implemented in the form of cylindrical nesting or in the form of tangential nesting. In the case of the cylindrical nesting, the outer sabot part encloses the inner sabot part along an interface. In the case of the tangential nesting, the sabot parts are divided into sabot subsegments. The latter are nested in alternating fashion in the tangential direction such that a pull-sabot subsegment and a push-sabot subsegment are nested in alternating fashion in the circumferential direction. To provide sufficient sealing, the sabot subsegments overlap one another.

Sabots and riders are described herein that have high torsional stiffness, providing for utility in high-speed projectiles. The sabots include multiple petals with a closed configuration comprising polymer or metal containing composites. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

To reduce the mass of a sabot having a pull and a push function, it is proposed that the sabot comprise mutually separate sabot parts, wherein at least one sabot part is configured such that it performs the pull function and at least one sabot part is configured such that it performs the push function. The sabot parts are nested. This can be implemented in the form of cylindrical nesting or in the form of tangential nesting. In the case of the cylindrical nesting, the outer sabot part encloses the inner sabot part along an interface. In the case of the tangential nesting, the sabot parts are divided into sabot subsegments. The latter are nested in alternating fashion in the tangential direction such that a pull-sabot subsegment and a push-sabot subsegment are nested in alternating fashion in the circumferential direction. To provide sufficient sealing, the sabot subsegments overlap one another.

Sabots and riders are described herein that have high torsional stiffness, providing for utility in high-speed projectiles. The sabots include multiple petals with a closed configuration comprising polymer or metal containing composites. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

A fin-stabilized sub-caliber projectile adapted to be fired from a rifled barrel, the projectile having a penetrator with a tail fin assembly, a sabot arranged on the penetrator and having at least two sabot segments circumferentially joined to one another that are separated from one another after leaving the barrel by centrifugal forces acting on the projectile during firing. The sabot includes a main body and a front guide flange that is adapted to be supported on an inner wall of the barrel and a rear guide flange arranged at an axial distance. A connecting section of the sabot is arranged between the front guide flange and the rear guide flange and has a smaller outer diameter than the front guide flange or the rear guide flange. The sabot and the penetrator are joined together in a positive manner in a region of the rear guide flange.

This invention relates to less-lethal munitions. More particularly, the invention relates to a wad and a less-lethal round of ammunition adapted for use with a conventional firearm, which less-lethal shell enables the firearm to propel less-lethal projectiles therefrom. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a wad operatively received within an ammunition casing, the wad comprising a substantially disc-shaped base; and a plurality of tabs extending from the base defining a receiving zone therebetween, with at least some of the tabs provided with an inwardly projecting formation for urging against a projectile operatively received within the receiving zone.

Sabots and riders are described herein that have high torsional stiffness, providing for utility in high-speed projectiles. The sabots include multiple petals with a closed configuration comprising polymer or metal containing composites. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

From a plurality of sabots, a sabot is provided for shrouding a sub-caliber projectile to form a launch package in a gun bore for acceleration by an actuator behind the projectile. The sabot includes a forecastle, an aft bulkhead and a waist. The forecastle separates the projectile from the gun bore. The aft bulkhead abuts against the actuator. The waist connects the forecastle and the bulkhead by a radial spar that supports inner and outer flanges. The inner flange mechanically engages the projectile, and in preferred embodiments is concave. The gun bore is optimized as a pair of electromagnetic rails.

Accessories may be mounted using a quick-detachable multi-purpose accessory mounting platform. The platform may include one or more clamps to receive an object, such as a firearm. The platform also may include at least one recessed mounting pad, at least one rear shelf, and other surfaces to provide different mounting points for accessories.