Improved Bullet, Weapon Provided with Such Bullets, Kit for Assembling the Same, and Corresponding Methods of Manufacturing, Operating and Use Associated Thereto

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a bullet (1) configured to be propelled by a blast of a cartridge, the bullet comprising a main body (3) provided with an internal body cavity (7) and having a frontward section and a rearward section provided with an opening in fluid communication with the internal body cavity, the internal body cavity by means of the opening being capable of recovering a portion of gun gas resulting from the blast of the cartridge. The present disclosure further comprises a weapon having such a bullet, and a method for reducing drag from a bullet propelled out of a barrel of a weapon.

Claims

1. A bullet (1) configured to be propelled by a blast of a cartridge, the bullet comprising a main body (3) provided with an internal body cavity (7) and having: a frontward section; and a rearward section provided with an opening in fluid communication with the internal body cavity, the internal body cavity by means of the opening being capable of recovering a portion of gun gas resulting from the blast of the cartridge.

2. The bullet of claim 1, wherein the main body (3) has a length (I), the internal body cavity (7) extending at least partially along the length of the main body (3).

3. The bullet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bullet has a base (22), said opening being formed in the base of the bullet.

4. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said opening is further configured for a fluid to exit from the internal body cavity.

5. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said opening has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the internal body cavity.

6. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the bullet having a longitudinal axis, wherein said internal body cavity has a cross-sectional profile being substantially variable along a given segment of the longitudinal axis of the bullet.

7. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the bullet having a longitudinal axis, wherein said internal body cavity has a cross-sectional profile being substantially constant along a given segment of the longitudinal axis of the bullet.

8. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the internal body cavity includes a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.

9. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the internal body cavity is substantially cylindrical.

10. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an axial cavity (15a) is formed in the main body that extends substantially along a longitudinal axis (17) of the bullet.

11. The bullet of claim 10, further comprising a membrane (20) delimiting the axial cavity (15a) in said internal body cavity (7).

12. The bullet of claim 11, wherein the membrane comprises at least one channel configured to allow a fluid communication between the axial cavity and said internal body cavity.

13. The bullet according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the membrane is configured to degrade during exposure to gun gas.

14. The bullet of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the axial cavity (15a) extends in the frontward section (3a) of the main body (3).

15. The bullet of claim 14, further comprising an ogive-shaped portion (21), an outlet being formed in the ogive-shaped portion, the axial cavity being in fluid communication with the outlet.

16. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a nozzle component (11) mounted at least partially in the opening.

17. The bullet of claim 16, wherein the nozzle component is made integral to the main body of the bullet.

18. The bullet of claim 16, wherein the nozzle component is a component made separate from the main body and is configured for being mountable onto the main body.

19. The bullet of claim 18, wherein the nozzle component is mountable onto the rearward section (3b) of the main body.

20. The bullet of claim 19, wherein the nozzle component is configured to be threadedly engaged into the rearward section of the main body.

21. The bullet of claim 20, wherein the nozzle component is configured to be threadedly engaged into the rearward section of the main body in a direction of rotation contrary to a direction of rotation of the bullet during flight.

22. The bullet according to claim 20 or 21, wherein a portion of the nozzle component is provided with threading, and wherein a portion of the rearward section is provided with a complementary threading.

23. The bullet according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the nozzle component is configured to be mechanically-locked into the rearward section.

24. The bullet according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the nozzle component is tapered.

25. The bullet according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the nozzle component has a through opening having a cross-sectional profile being substantially variable along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

26. The bullet according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the nozzle component has a through opening having a cross-sectional profile being substantially constant along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

27. The bullet according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the through opening of the nozzle component includes a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.

28. The bullet according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the through opening of the nozzle component includes at least one substantially cylindrical passage.

29. The bullet according to any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the nozzle component includes an outer surface that is substantially cylindrical.

30. The bullet according to any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the nozzle component comprises a choking annulus.

31. The bullet according to any one of claims 16 to 30, wherein the nozzle component is made at least partially via additive manufacturing.

32. The bullet according to any one of claims 16 to 31, wherein the internal body cavity has a diameter being greater than a diameter of the nozzle component.

33. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein said internal body cavity contains a propellant configured for igniting upon receiving a portion of gun gas from the blast of the cartridge.

34. The bullet of claim 33, further comprising a retaining device mounted in the opening and configured to retain the propellant in the internal body cavity.

35. The bullet according to claim 33 or 34, wherein ignited propellant is configured for exiting the bullet via a fluid outlet.

36. The bullet of claim 35, wherein the fluid outlet is distinct from the opening.

37. The bullet of claim 36, further comprising an ogive-shaped portion (21), the fluid outlet being formed in the ogive-shaped portion.

38. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the main body is substantially symmetrical about at least one axis of the bullet.

39. The bullet of claim 38, wherein the main body is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

40. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the main body of the bullet is substantially elongated.

41. The bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the main body of the bullet includes an ogive-shaped portion (21).

42. A kit with corresponding components for assembling the bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 41.

43. A weapon being configured for operating with the bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 41.

44. A weapon system comprising a weapon and the bullet according to any one of claims 1 to 41, the weapon being configured for operating with the bullet.

45. The weapon system according to claim 44, the weapon comprising a barrel (30), at least a portion of an inside of the barrel being treated with cold spray.

46. The weapon system according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the weapon is selected from the group consisting of a riffle, a gun, a handgun, a machine gun, a revolver, an automatic weapon or a semi-automatic weapon.

47. A kit with corresponding components for assembling the weapon system according to any one of claims 44 to 46.

48. A method of reducing drag from a bullet propelled by a blast of a cartridge, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bullet having a main body provided with an internal body cavity and comprising a frontward section, a rearward section and an opening being formed in the rearward portion and in fluid communication with the internal body cavity; recovering a portion of gun gas resulting from the blast of the cartridge in said internal body cavity via said opening; and allowing gun gas present inside said internal body cavity to exit via said opening as the bullet is propelled.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the method further comprises the step of providing additional propellant inside said internal body cavity, and triggering an ignition of said additional propellant via the blast of the cartridge.

50. A method for manufacturing a nozzle component for a bullet, the method comprising the step of manufacturing the nozzle component (11) with an inlet face (16), an outlet face (18), and a through opening extending between the inlet and outlet faces.

51. A bullet (1) configured to be propelled by a blast of a cartridge, the bullet comprising a main body (3) acting as a projectile and having: a frontward section; a rearward section having an opening; and an internal body cavity in fluid communication with the opening for the internal body cavity to recover a portion of gun gas resulting from the blast of the cartridge.

52. The bullet of claim 51, wherein the drag-reducing assembly (5) comprises at least one internal body cavity (7) disposed about a portion of the main body (3), and configured for receiving a portion of gun gas from the cartridge blast.

53. The bullet of claim 52, wherein the main body (3) has a length (I), the at least one internal body cavity (7) extending at least partially along the length of the main body (3).

54. The bullet according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the at least one internal body cavity (7) is formed inside the main body (3).

55. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 54, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes at least one cavity external to the main body of the bullet.

56. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes at least one cavity internal to the main body of the bullet.

57. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 56, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes at least one cavity being both external and internal to the main body of the bullet.

58. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 57, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes at least one cavity disposed about a rearward section (3b) of the main body (3) of the bullet.

59. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 58, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes at least one cavity disposed about a central section (3c) of the main body (3) of the bullet.

60. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 59, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes at least one cavity disposed about a frontward section (3a) of the main body (3) of the bullet.

61. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 60, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes a single cavity disposed about at least two of rearward, central and frontward sections of the main body of the bullet.

62. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 61, further comprising an orifice provided about a portion of a periphery of the bullet, wherein the at least one internal body cavity is configured to be in fluid communication with said orifice.

63. The bullet according to claim 62, wherein the bullet has a base (22), said orifice being formed in the base of the bullet.

64. The bullet according to claim 62, wherein the bullet has a side surface, said orifice being disposed in the side surface of the bullet.

65. The bullet according to claim 62, wherein the bullet has an ogive-shaped portion (21), said orifice being formed in the ogive-shaped portion of the bullet.

66. The bullet according to any one of claims 62 to 65, wherein said orifice is configured for allowing a passage of fluid to said at least one internal body cavity.

67. The bullet according to claim 66, wherein said orifice is further configured for allowing a passage of fluid from said at least one internal body cavity.

68. The bullet according to any one of claims 62 to 67, wherein said orifice is dimensioned for receiving a portion of gun gas from the cartridge blast intended to be introduced into said at least one internal body cavity upon firing of the weapon.

69. The bullet according to any one of claims 62 to 68, said orifice has a cross-sectional area different from a cross-sectional area of the at least one internal body cavity.

70. The bullet of claim 69, wherein the cross-sectional arear of said orifice is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the at least one internal body cavity.

71. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 70, the bullet having a longitudinal axis, wherein said at least one internal body cavity includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially variable along a given segment of the longitudinal axis of the bullet.

72. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 70, the bullet having a longitudinal axis, wherein said at least one internal body cavity includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially constant along a given segment of the longitudinal axis of the bullet.

73. The bullet according to claim 71 or 72, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.

74. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 73, wherein the at least one internal body cavity includes at least one substantially cylindrical cavity.

75. The bullet according to claim 74, the main body defining an outer diameter (d2), wherein the at least one internal cavity has an outer diameter (d1) being smaller than the diameter (d2) of the main body of the bullet.

76. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 75, wherein the drag-reducing assembly (5) further comprises an axial cavity (15a) extending substantially along a longitudinal axis (17) of the bullet.

77. The bullet of claim 76, wherein the axial cavity (15a) extends at least partially in said at least one internal body cavity (7).

78. The bullet of claim 77, wherein the axial cavity (15a) further extends in a frontward section (3a) of the main body (3).

79. The bullet of any one of claims 76 to 78, further comprising a membrane (20) configured to delimit the axial cavity (15a) in said at least one internal body cavity (7).

80. The bullet of claim 79, wherein the membrane comprises at least one channel configured to allow a fluid communication between the axial cavity and said at least one internal body cavity.

81. The bullet according to claim 79 or 80, wherein the membrane is configured to degrade during exposure to gun gas.

82. The bullet according to any one of claims 51 to 81, further comprising an orifice provided about a portion of a periphery of the bullet, wherein said drag-reducing assembly (5) comprises a nozzle component (11), said orifice being provided on said nozzle component.

83. The bullet of claim 82, wherein the nozzle component is made integral to the main body of the bullet.

84. The bullet of claim 82, wherein the nozzle component is a component made separate from the main body of the bullet, and is configured for being mountable onto the main body of the bullet.

85. The bullet of claim 84, wherein the nozzle component is mountable onto a rearward section (3b) of the main body of the bullet.

86. The bullet of claim 85, the rearward section having a bore section, the nozzle component being mountable onto said bore section of the rearward section of the main body of the bullet.

87. The bullet of claim 85 or 86, wherein the nozzle component is configured to be threadedly engaged into the rearward section of the main body of the bullet.

88. The bullet of claim 87, wherein the nozzle component is configured to be threadedly engaged into the rearward section of the main body in a direction of rotation contrary to a direction of rotation of the bullet during flight.

89. The bullet according to claim 87 or 88, wherein a portion of the nozzle component is provided with threading, and wherein a portion of the rearward section of the main body of the bullet is provided with a complementary threading.

90. The bullet according to any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein the nozzle component is configured to be mechanically-locked into the rearward section of the main body of the bullet.

91. The bullet according to any one of claims 82 to 90, wherein the nozzle component has a given length spanning inwardly within the main body of the bullet, and comprises a fluid passage extending from one end to another end of the nozzle component.

92. The bullet of claim 91, wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially variable along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of bullet.

93. The bullet of claim 92, wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component is tapered.

94. The bullet of any one of claims 91 to 93, wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially constant along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

95. The bullet of any one of claims 92 to 94, wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.

96. The bullet according to any one of claims 91 to 95, wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes at least one substantially cylindrical passage.

97. The bullet according to any one of claims 91 to 96, wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component is part of a main fluid passage extending from one end of the bullet to another end of the bullet.

98. The bullet according to any one of claims 82 to 97, wherein the nozzle component includes an outer surface that is substantially cylindrical.

99. The bullet according to any one claims 82 to 98, wherein the nozzle component comprises a choking annulus.

100. The bullet according to any one of claims 82 to 99, wherein the nozzle component is made at least partially via additive manufacturing.

101. The bullet according to any one of claims 52 to 81 and to any one of claims 32 to 50, wherein the nozzle component is in fluid communication with said at least one internal body cavity.

102. The bullet according to claim 101, wherein the at least one internal body cavity has a diameter being greater than a diameter of the nozzle component.

103. The bullet according to claim 101 or 102, wherein said at least one internal body cavity is positioned, shaped and sized for containing propellant configured for igniting upon receiving a portion of gun gas from the cartridge blast via the nozzle component.

104. The bullet according to claim 103, wherein ignited propellant is in turn configured for exiting the bullet via an exit fluid passage in order to further propel the bullet during flight trajectory.

105. The bullet according to claim 104, wherein the exit fluid passage is distinct from the nozzle component.

106. The bullet according to claim 105, further comprising an ogive-shaped portion (21), the exit fluid passage being formed in the ogive-shaped portion.

107. The bullet according to claim 104, wherein the exit fluid passage is formed in the nozzle component (11).

108. The bullet according to any one of claims 51 to 107, wherein the main body is substantially symmetrical about at least one axis of the bullet.

109. The bullet of claim 108, wherein the main body is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

110. The bullet according to claim 108 or 109, wherein the main body is substantially symmetrical about a transversal axis of the bullet.

111. The bullet according to any one of claims 51 to 110, wherein the main body of the bullet is substantially elongated.

112. The bullet according to any one of claims 51 to 111, wherein the main body of the bullet includes an ogive-shaped portion (21).

113. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a bullet according to any one of claims 51 to 112.

114. A weapon being configured for operating with at least one bullet according to any one of claims 51 to 112.

115. A weapon system comprising a weapon and at least one bullet according to any one of claims 51 to 112, the weapon being configured for operating with said at least one bullet.

116. A weapon system according to claim 115, the weapon comprising a barrel (30), at least a portion of an inside of the barrel being treated with cold spray.

117. A weapon system according to claim 115 or 116, wherein the weapon is selected from the group consisting of a riffle, a gun, a handgun, a machine gun, a revolver, an automatic weapon or a semi-automatic weapon.

118. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a weapon system according to any one of claims 115 to 117.

119. A method of reducing drag from a bullet propelled out of a barrel of a weapon via a cartridge, the bullet having a main body, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one internal body cavity about the main body of the bullet; recovering a portion of gun gas resulting from a blast of the cartridge during firing of the weapon, and conveying said portion of gun gas into said at least one internal body cavity of the bullet via a corresponding fluid passage; and allowing gun gas present inside said at least one internal body cavity of the bullet to exit as the bullet exits the barrel of the weapon, thereby fluidly filling a void behind the bullet during flight trajectory, in order to reduce a resulting drag of the bullet, for an improved overall ballistic performance of the bullet.

120. The method of claim 119, wherein the method further comprises the step of providing additional propellant inside said at least one internal body cavity of the bullet, and triggering an ignition of said additional propellant via a blast of the cartridge.

121. The method of claim 119 or 120, wherein the method further comprises the step of releasing a fluid from said at least one internal body cavity of the bullet about a peripheral orifice thereof for reducing skin friction during flight of the bullet.

122. A method for manufacturing a drag-reducing assembly configured to be assembled with a main body of a bullet and to reduce a resulting drag of the bullet during flight trajectory, the method comprising the steps of: manufacturing a nozzle component (11) having an inlet face (16) and an outlet face (18), and a through opening extending between the inlet and outlet faces; manufacturing a body portion having at least one internal body cavity, said at least one internal body cavity being in fluid communication with the through opening of the nozzle component; at least one of the nozzle component and the body portion being manufactured by additive manufacturing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a bullet according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, referred to herein also as passive boost bullet or generation 1.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a bullet according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, referred to herein also as active boost bullet or generation 2.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a bullet according to yet another possible embodiment of the present invention, referred to herein also as phase change boost bullet or generation 3.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a bullet according to yet another possible embodiment of the present invention, referred to herein also as additive manufactured bullet nozzle or generation 4.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a bullet according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the bullet being in a barrel.

[0043] FIGS. 6A and 6B are respectively a rear view and a schematic cross-sectional representation of a drag-reducing assembly according to a possible embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions (expressed in inches, for example) shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.

[0045] Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed as a bullet for use with various types of weapons, such as riffles and the like, it may be used with other types of objects, and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as bullet, weapon, riffle, etc., used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of objects or fields with which the present invention could be used and may be useful, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0046] Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions bullet, projectile, device, product, system, method, kit and assembly, as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) bullet, Nemesis, system, product, assembly, device, apparatus, unit, component, equipment, projectile, etc.; b) producing, manufacturing, assembling, making, processing, altering, modifying, changing, etc.; c) body, shell, chassis, support, frame, etc.; d) removing, reducing, diminishing, etc. e) drag, resistance, friction, etc.; f) hollow, cavity, hole, recess, grove, etc.; g) cartridge, propellant, fuel, explosive, etc.; h) blast, explosion, ignition, propulsion, etc.; i) gun gas, combustion gas, etc.; j) cutting, detaching, separating, etc.; as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0047] Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit longitudinal axis or centerline, such as the longitudinal axis of an elongated bullet, or the centerline of a hole, for example (and as a result, there is a transversal axis being substantially perpendicular for each longitudinal axis, etc.), and that expressions such as connected and connectable, or mounted and mountable, may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully assembled and operational bullet, for use with various types of weapons, such as riffles and the like (and/or the present invention also relates to a weapon provided with at least one of such bullet(s), to a kit for assembling the same (ex. bullet, weapon, associated accessory, etc.), and to corresponding methods of manufacturing, operating and/or use associated thereto, etc.).

[0048] Moreover, components of the bullet(s), weapon(s), associated accessory(ies) and/or steps of the method(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and/or interchanged, without departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the particular applications which the present invention is intended for, and the desired end results, as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0049] In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings may comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiments of the bullet, weapon, accessory and/or associated method(s) (ex. of manufacturing, assembling, operating, use, etc.) may consist of certain preferred steps and components as explained herein, not all of these steps and components are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable steps, components and cooperation thereinbetween, may be used for the present drag-reducing method of a bullet and corresponding bullet (as well as corresponding components thereof) according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0050] Broadly described, the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, relates to a new and improved bullet, typically for use with a cartridge for propulsion out of a barrel of a weapon, such as riffles and the like, the bullet comprising a) a main body acting as a projectile, and b) a drag-reducing assembly provided about the main body, and configured for being triggered upon a blast from the cartridge, in order to reduce a resulting drag of the projectile during flight trajectory, thereby improving resulting ballistic performance of the bullet.

[0051] According to a first possible embodiment of the present invention (referred to as passive boost bullet or generation 1, for example, in the context of the present description), and as can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 1, the bullet 1 contains features that help to increase ballistic performance.

[0052] The bullet 1 has a longitudinal axis 17, and opposed forward 2 and rearward 4 ends. The bullet 1 further comprises a main body 3 acting as a projectile, the main body 3 being substantially ogive-shaped towards the forward end 2. The main body 3 comprises a length l, a frontward section 3a at the forward end 2 of the bullet 1, a rearward section 3b at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1, and a central section 3c arranged between the frontward and rearward sections 3a, 3b. The bullet 1 further comprises a drag-reducing assembly 5.

[0053] The drag-reducing assembly 5 comprises an internal body cavity 7 provided in the shown embodiment in the rearward section 3b of the main body 3; the internal body cavity 7 has an open face 8 at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. In other words, the internal body cavity 7 opens outwardly at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. In the shown embodiment, the internal body cavity 7 is substantially cylindrical and has an outer diameter d1 and a length 11. The main body 3 has an outer diameter d2, the outer diameter d1 of the internal body cavity 7 being smaller than the outer diameter d2 of the main body 3. The drag-reducing assembly 5 further comprises a choking annulus 11 (or nozzle component) comprising an inner diameter d3, an outer diameter d4 and a length 12. In the shown embodiment, the inner diameter d3 of the choking annulus 11 is smaller than the outer diameter diameter d1 of the internal body cavity 7, and the choking annulus 11 is at least partially arranged in the internal body cavity 7. The choking annulus 11 comprises an inner volume that is in fluid communication with the internal body cavity 7. The choking annulus 11 is mounted to the rearward section 3b of the main body 3, for instance in the internal body cavity 7 at least partially formed in the rearward section 3b of the main body 3. For instance, the choking annulus 11 and the internal body cavity 7 cooperate together using a screw thread. For instance, a threading 13 is formed on an outer surface of the choking annulus 11 and is configured to cooperate with a threading formed on an inner surface of the internal body cavity 7. For instance, the threading is formed in a direction opposite of rotational direction of the bullet 1 during its flight. In other embodiments, the choking annulus 11 is press-fitted into the internal body cavity 7 or the choking annulus 11 is bonded to the inner surface of the internal body cavity 7. In these embodiments, for instance, the outer diameter d4 of the choking annulus 11 is greater than the outer diameter d1 of the internal body cavity 7, for the choking annulus 11 to be snugly fitted in the internal body cavity 7.

[0054] As represented on FIG. 1, the internal body cavity 7 opens at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. It is understood that the open face 8 of the internal body cavity 7 defines an orifice or opening 9 at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1 that is configured, as detailed below, for a fluid to pass. In other words, the open face 8 of the internal body cavity 7 defines a fluid passage 15 in the bullet 1. In other words, as represented for instance on FIG. 1, the bullet 1 has a base 22 opposed to the ogive-shaped portion 21, a cavity being formed in the bullet 1 that opens in its base 22. The choking annulus 11 is mounted in the internal body cavity 7 and partially defines the base of the bullet 1.

[0055] It is clear from the present description that the drag-reducing assembly 5 is not necessarily distinct from the main body 3 of the bullet 1. In other words, the drag-reducing assembly 5 can comprise elements from the main body 3. For instance, it is understood that the internal body cavity 7 is provided in the main body 3. In the shown embodiment, the internal body cavity 7 is formed in the rearward section 3b of the main body 3, and is in fluid communication with the orifice or opening 9 that is also provided in the rearward section 3b. The choking annulus 11 (or nozzle component) is mounted at least partially in the opening 9, and has a through opening in fluid communication with the internal body cavity 7 provided in the main body 3.

[0056] It is understood that the bullet 1 as represented in FIG. 1 is configured so that: a) during firing, combustion gas fills the internal body cavity 7 of the bullet 1; b) as the bullet travels, the gas will continue to expand and the bullet accelerates; and c) the gas can eject through the choke annulus 11, for example, and provide a pressure relief behind the rearward end 4 of the bullet.

[0057] Indeed, the present invention relates to performance enhancements of a bullet. As previously explained, conventional bullets are affected by a pressure difference that occurs on the rearward face. This drop in pressure causes drag and can generate flight instability. These factors will reduce the precision and accuracy of a bullet grouping. The present first embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it does not use secondary combustion methods to mitigate the pressure difference, and the rearward face can still maintain perpendicularity of a conventional bullet geometry.

[0058] As can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 1, for example, this particular first embodiment of the present invention is directed to using an internal body cavity to capture gun gas during combustion. To reduce the base drag of a projectile, gun gases are leaked that had been accumulated in the rear of the projectile. The gun gases can be leaked through a choke annulus, for example, from the internal body cavity to the outside of the projectile. This can improve a bullet's structural integrity, gyroscopic stability and/or cargo carrying capabilities by usage of multitude of materials in design of the bullet.

[0059] According to this particular first embodiment of the present system, during a firing of the bullet, the following events and/or associated advantages can occur: [0060] 1) propellant is ignited in the chamber of the gungun gas generated thus acts on the base of the projectile; [0061] 2) the gun gas pushes the projectile forward in the barrel and at the same time enters the internal body cavity 7 located at the rearward end 4 of the projectile 1; [0062] 3) at the emergence of the projectile out of the barrel gun, gases momentarily bypass the projectile and at the same time still act on the base of the projectile; [0063] 4) the pressure inside of the internal body cavity 7 of the projectile is higher than the pressure outside of the projectile and gun gas accumulated in the rear (or internal body) cavity is discharged to the outside; and [0064] 5) the gun gas thereby released from the cavity fills a partial vacuum behind the projectile and thus reduces the base drag (i.e. reduces the drag that would normally be generated behind the base of a conventional bullet, etc.).

[0065] As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the present bullet system may come in the form of a bullet including one and/or several of the following optional components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof): [0066] a) option 1: a passive boost bullet comprising: a bullet having a forward 2 and rearward 4 end; an internal body cavity 7 towards the rearward end of the bullet; and a choke annulus (or nozzle component); wherein said choke annulus is attached within the rearward end; [0067] b) option 2: the internal body cavity of option 1 has an open face 8 at the rearward end of the bulletthe outer diameter of said internal body cavity is smaller than the outer diameter of a main body 3 of the bullet; [0068] c) option 3: a choke annulus 11 comprising of an outer diameter and inner diameter and length; [0069] d) option 4: the choke annulus is attached to said rearward end of the bullet using a screw thread, press-fit or otherwise bonded; [0070] e) option 5: the orientation of said threading in option 4 is opposite of rotational direction of bullet during flightthe threading is present on the outer diameter of the choke annulus in option 3 and mating threading is present on the inner diameter of said internal body cavity in option 2; and [0071] f) option 6: the choke annulus can be press-fitted into said internal body cavity 7 using an interference fitthe outer diameter of said choke annulus in option 4 is larger than the inner diameter of said internal body cavity in option 2.

[0072] As represented in particular in FIG. 5, the drag-reducing assembly 5 of the bullet 1 is also configured to improve the obturation of gun gas between a barrel 30 of a weapon in which the bullet 1 is arranged, and the bullet 1. Indeed, when gas is captured in the internal body cavity 7, as schematically represented on FIG. 5 by the vertical arrows, a pressure is exerted from the inner volume of the internal body cavity 7 that provides a radialy expansion of the bullet 1 and thus improves the peripheral cooperation between the bullet 1 and an inner surface of the barrel 30. In other words, a cooperation surface 32 is formed between the bullet 1 and the inner surface of the barrel. The obturation of gas in the barrel 30 is thus further improved. Moreover, the drag-reducing assembly 5 also provides structural support for the bullet 1 to withstand the maximum translational and rotational acceleration while the bullet 1 is in the barrel 30. The drag-reducing assembly 5 also ensures structural integrity of the bullet 1 upon its exit out of the barrel 30 while the bullet 1 is subjected to negative acceleration and maximum rotational velocity.

[0073] As mentioned above, the open face 8 of the internal body cavity 7 forms an orifice or opening 9 at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. In the embodiment represented in FIG. 1, the rim of the orifice 9 is defined by the choking annulus 11. Thus, in this embodiment, the bullet 1 has a single fluid passage 15 defined by the orifice 9 and delimited by the choking annulus 11. As represented on FIGS. 6A and 6B, other shapes and dimensions of the orifice 9 could be conceived without going beyond the ambit of the present disclosure. In the shown embodiment in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the drag-reducing assembly 5 of the bullet 1 further comprises a perforated cap 14, the cap 14 being, for instance, mounted to an inner surface of the choking annulus 11. The perforated cap 14 comprises, for instance, a central opening 12 and a series of peripheral holes 10 forming together a plurality of orifices 9 defining a plurality of fluid passages 15.

[0074] According to a second possible embodiment of the present invention (referred to as active boost bullet or generation 2, for example, in the context of the present description), and as can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 2, the bullet 1 also contains similar features that help to increase ballistic performance.

[0075] The bullet 1 comprises a main body 3 and a drag-reducing assembly 5. The drag-reducing assembly 5 comprises a substantially cylindrical internal body cavity 7 and a nozzle component 11. The same structural, arrangement and dimensional considerations as the ones detailed above with reference to FIG. 1 and to the choking annulus 11 also apply to the nozzle component 11 of this further embodiment of a bullet 1 according to the present disclosure. The nozzle component 11 is arranged at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1, and is mounted to an end of the internal body cavity 7. For instance, a threading 13 is formed on an outer surface of the nozzle component 11, that is configured to cooperate with another threading formed on an inner surface of the internal body cavity 7. The nozzle component 11 has an inner diameter d3, an outer diameter d4, and opposed inlet 16 and outlet 18 faces. It is understood that the inlet face 16 is arranged closer to the forward end 2 of the bullet 1 than the outlet face 18. The inlet face 16 is configured to cooperate to an end of the internal body cavity 7. A through opening is formed in the nozzle component 11 that extends between the inlet and outlet faces 16, 18. The through opening of the nozzle component 11 is in fluid communication with the internal body cavity 7. The inlet and outlet faces 16, 18 both have an aperture, for instance circular, the dimensions of the aperture that is formed in the inlet face 16 being smaller than the dimensions of the aperture that is formed in the outlet face 18. In other words, the dimensions of the section of the through opening that is formed in the nozzle component 11 increase from the outlet face 18 towards the inlet face 16. As represented in FIG. 2, the nozzle component 11 defines a divergence angle a1 towards the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. In an embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is comprised between 10 degrees and 70 degrees. In another embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is comprised between 15 degrees and 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is about 30 degrees. As represented on FIG. 2, the internal body cavity 7 opens at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. It is understood that the open face 8 of the internal body cavity 7 forms an orifice 9 (or opening) at the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1 that is configured, as detailed below, for a fluid to pass. In other words, the open face 8 defines a fluid passage 15.

[0076] As for the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1, the bullet 1 of FIG. 2 could also comprise a perforated cap 14. In other words, as represented for instance on FIG. 2, the bullet 1 has a base 22 opposed to the ogive-shaped portion 21, a cavity being formed in the bullet 1 that opens in its base 22. The nozzle component 11 is mounted in the internal body cavity 7 and partially defines the base of the bullet 1.

[0077] It is clear from the present description that the drag-reducing assembly 5 can comprise elements from the main body 3. For instance, it is understood that the internal body cavity 7 is provided in the main body 3. In the shown embodiment in FIG. 2, the internal body cavity 7 is formed in the rearward section 3b of the main body 3, and is in fluid communication with the orifice or opening 9 that is also provided in the rearward section 3b. The nozzle component 11 is mounted at least partially in the opening 9, and has a through opening in fluid communication with the internal body cavity 7 provided in the main body 3.

[0078] It is understood that the bullet 1 as represented in FIG. 2 is configured so that: a) the bullet 1 contains an internal body cavity 7 that can contain propellant; b) during firing, combustion gas pushes the bullet as well as triggers ignition of internal propellant; c) as the bullet travels, the gas will continue to expand due to the burning of propellant internal to the bullet and the bullet accelerates; and d) the gas will eject through the nozzle component 11and more particularly through the outlet face 18 of the nozzle component 11and provide a pressure relief behind the rearward face of the bullet.

[0079] Indeed, the present invention relates to performance enhancements of a bullet. As previously explained, conventional bullets are affected by a pressure difference that occurs on the rearward face. This drop in pressure causes drag and can generate flight instability. These factors will reduce the precision and accuracy of a bullet grouping. This present second embodiment of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it does not use secondary combustion methods to mitigate the pressure difference. Also, there are at least three main advantages resulting from the features detailed in regards this particular second embodiment of the present invention. Firstly, to increase the muzzle velocity of the projectile by burning propellant located in the internal body cavity of the projectile, in addition to the propellant that is in the cartridge case of the round. The burning of the propellant in the projectile will extend the pressure in the barrel resulting in higher muzzle velocity of the projectile. Secondly, the base drag reduction will be more effective as the differential of pressure between internal body cavity and outside of the projectile will be higher than in case of absence of propellant in the cavity. Thirdly, thrust upon exit from the muzzle will result in higher velocity of the projectile. Furthermore, the rearward face of this particular embodiment can still maintain perpendicularity of a conventional bullet geometry.

[0080] As can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 2, for example, this particular second embodiment of the present invention is directed to using an internal body cavity 7 to store additional propellant. The extra stored propellant can result in the following advantages: a higher muzzle velocity for the same weight of projectile without an increase in breech pressure, a base aerodynamic reduction during flight and/or a shorter time of flight to target.

[0081] According to this particular second embodiment of the present system, during a firing of the bullet, the following events and/or associated advantages can occur: [0082] 1) propellant in the cartridge is ignited and generates gun gas that exerts pressure on the base of the projectile; [0083] 2) the gun gas pushes the projectile forward in the barrel and gun gas enters into the internal body cavity 7 igniting the additional propellant (ex. gun powder, etc.)the ignition of the propellant in the cavity while the projectile is in motion creates effect of travelling chargethe effect of travelling charge is that the pressure on projectile base during projectile motion in the barrel is higher than that of a fixed charge; [0084] 3) the higher pressure on the base of the projectile while the projectile is in the barrel results in turn in a higher muzzle velocity of the projectile; [0085] 4) at the emergence of the projectile out of the barrel, the burning gun gas escapes out from the cavity of the projectile resulting in a thrust; and [0086] 5) as the pressure in the cavity diminishes, the gas discharge diminishes but the effect of the base drag reduction is still in effect.

[0087] The second embodiment of the present bullet system may come in the form of a bullet including one and/or several of the following optional components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof): [0088] a) option 1: an active boost bullet comprising: a bullet having a forward and rearward end; an internal body cavity towards the rearward end of the bullet; and a nozzle component 11; wherein said nozzle component 11 is attached within the rearward end or is integrated to the rearward end of the bullet; [0089] b) option 2: a nozzle component composed of an inner diameter and divergence angle a1 up to 30 degreesthe nozzle has an inlet face 16 and an outlet face 18the inlet face of the nozzle has an aperture smaller than the aperture on the outlet face; [0090] c) option 3: the nozzle component described in option 2 may be a separate component that is threaded, press-fitted or otherwise bonded to the main body of the bullet; [0091] d) option 4: the nozzle component in option 2 may be an integral feature to the bullet and not constitute a separate componentthe nozzle and the main body of the bullet would be joined between their outer diameter and inner diameter respectively; [0092] e) option 5: the internal body cavity 7 of option 1 has an open face at the rearward end of the bullet and terminates at the inlet face of the nozzle component as described in option 2the outer diameter of said internal body cavity is smaller than the outer diameter of the bulletthe cavity will contain propellant; [0093] f) option 6: the orientation of said threading 13 in option 3 is opposite of rotational direction of bullet during flightthe threading is present on the outer diameter of the nozzle component in option 2 and mating threading is present on the inner diameter of said internal body cavity 7 in option 5; and [0094] g) option 7: the nozzle component 11 can be press-fitted into said internal body cavity 7 using an interference fitthe outer diameter of said nozzle component 11 in option 2 is larger than the inner diameter of said internal body cavity in option 5.

[0095] According to a third possible embodiment of the present invention (referred to as phase change boost bullet or generation 3, for example, in the context of the present description), and as can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 3, the bullet also contains similar features that help to increase ballistic performance.

[0096] The drag-reducing assembly 5 of the bullet 1 comprises an internal body cavity 7 formed in the main body 3. For instance, the internal body cavity 7 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is formed between the forward and rearward ends 2, 4 of the bullet 1. The drag-reducing assembly 5 further comprises an axial cavity 15a extending substantially along the longitudinal axis 17 of the bullet 1. As represented in FIG. 3, the axial cavity 15a extends in the internal body cavity 7 and further extends in the frontward section 3a of the main body 3. The axial cavity 15a opens outwardly at the forward end 2 of the bullet 1. A membrane 20 delimits the axial cavity 15a in the internal body cavity 7. In other words, the membrane 20 forms a barrier between the axial cavity 15a and the internal body cavity 7. The drag-reducing assembly 5 also comprises a nozzle component 11 arranged between the internal body cavity 7 and the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. As described with regard to FIG. 2, the nozzle component 11 has an inlet face 16, an outlet face 18, the inlet face 16 having an aperture smaller than the one formed in the outlet face 18. A through opening is formed in the nozzle component 11 that extends between the outlet and inlet faces 18, 16. The through opening of the nozzle component 11 is in fluid communication with the axial cavity 15a. In the shown embodiment, it is thus understood that a fluid passage is formed between the forward end 2 and the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1, the fluid passage being defined successively by the nozzle component and the axial cavity. As represented in FIG. 3, the nozzle component 11 defines a divergence angle a1 towards the rearward end 4 of the bullet 1. In an embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is comprised between 10 degrees and 70 degrees. In another embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is comprised between 15 degrees and 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is about 30 degrees.

[0097] It is understood that the bullet 1 as represented in FIG. 3 is configured so that: a) the bullet contains an internal body cavity 7 that contains propellant; b) during firing, combustion gas pushes the bullet as well as triggers an ignition of internal propellant; c) as the bullet travels, the gas will continue to expand due to the burning of the propellant internal to the bullet and the bullet accelerates; and d) the gas will eject through the nozzle component 11 and provide a pressure relief behind the rearward face of the bullet.

[0098] Indeed, the present invention relates to performance enhancements of a bullet. As previously explained, conventional bullets are affected by a pressure difference that occurs on the rearward face. This drop in pressure causes drag and can generate flight instability. These factors will reduce the precision and accuracy of a bullet grouping. The present third embodiment of the present invention, namely the phase change boost bullet, uses the gun gases of the burning propellant as a catalyst to change the state of a substance from liquid to vapour (for example, although solid to vapour could also be contemplated, etc.). The change of state of a substance will substantially increase the volume of the substance and the pressure in which the substance is contained. The vapour generated by change of state is then released outside of the projectileas the vapour has a lesser density and viscosity than the surrounding air, the aerodynamic drag will decrease as compared to a drag generated by a projectile flying through the air.

[0099] As can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 3, for example, for this particular third embodiment of the present invention, during a bullet firing sequence, ignition of the propellant in the gun chamber generates gun gas. The gas pushes on the base 22 of the projectilesome of the gas enters into the nozzle component 11, pushes the air in front of the projectile and exits through the tip 21 of the nose of the projectile. The projectile moves forward in the barrel 30 with small air resistance in front. As the hot gun gas passes through the tube (or axial cavity 15a) joining the nozzle component 11 with the tip of the ogive, it heats up the container defined by the internal body cavity 7 with the liquid. The liquid evaporates and vapour is discharged into the axial cavity 15a, for example, right after projectile exits the barrel. Upon the emergence of the projectile from the muzzle, the gun gas and the vapour push the air in front of the projectile. The vapour continuous discharge from the nose of the projectile engulfs the body of the projectile reducing frontal, skin and/or base drag of the projectile.

[0100] It is clear from the present description that the drag-reducing assembly 5 is not necessarily distinct from the main body 3 of the bullet 1. In other words, the drag-reducing assembly 5 can comprise elements from the main body 3. For instance, it is understood that the internal body cavity 7 and the axial cavity 15a are provided in the main body 3. In the shown embodiment, the internal body cavity 7 is formed in the rearward and central sections 3b, 3c of the main body 3, and is in fluid communication with the orifice or opening 9 that is provided in the rearward section 3b. The axial cavity 15a is formed in the main body 3 and extends in the rearward, central and forward sections 3b, 3c, 3a. The nozzle component 11 is mounted at least partially in the opening 9 that is in fluid communication with the axial cavity 15a and the internal body cavity 3. The nozzle component 11 has a through opening in fluid communication with the internal body cavity 7 and with the axial cavity 15a.

[0101] According to this particular third embodiment, during a firing of the bullet, the following events and/or associated advantages can occur: [0102] 1) gun gas is used as a catalyst in change of state of a substance from liquid to vapour; [0103] 2) the vapour reduces the base drag and/or skin friction of a projectile; [0104] 3) the vapour of a substance ejected outside of a projectile reduces frontal drag of a projectile;

[0105] 4) the substance ejected outside of a projectile is used to reduce the Magnus forces on a projectile; and [0106] 5) reduction of the aerodynamic drag and Magnus effect results in shorter time of flight, better accuracy and dispersion.

[0107] The third embodiment of the present bullet system may come in the form of a bullet including one and/or several of the following optional components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof): [0108] a) option 1: a phase change boost bullet comprising: a bullet having a forward and rearward end; an internal body cavity 7; a nozzle component 11; a membrane 20 between the internal body cavity 7 and an axial cavity 15a that runs from the forward to rearward ends of the bullet; [0109] b) option 2: a nozzle component composed of an inner diameter and divergence angle up to 30 degreesthe nozzle component has an inlet face 16 and an outlet face 18the inlet face of the nozzle component has an aperture smaller than the aperture on the outlet face; [0110] c) option 3: the nozzle component described in option 2 may be a separate component that is threaded, press-fitted or otherwise bonded to the bullet; [0111] d) option 4: an axial cavity 15a runs from the forward end to rearward end of the bulletthis axial cavity has an outer diameter that is not smaller than the dimensions of the aperture formed in the inlet face 16 of said nozzle component detailed in option 2; [0112] e) option 5: the nozzle component 11 in option 2 may be an integral feature to the bullet and not constitute a separate componentthe nozzle and the main body 3 of the bullet 1 would be joined between their outer diameter and inner diameter respectively; [0113] f) option 6: a membrane 20 functions as a barrier between the axial cavity 15a and the internal body cavity 7this membrane has channels that allow gun gas to excite the fluid inside the internal body cavity to the point of phase changethe gas will exit the bullet through the nozzle and axial cavity; [0114] g) option 7: said membrane 20 detailed in option 6 can also be ablative and degrade during exposure to gun gaswithout the membrane the effects of the phase change will exit through the nozzle and axial cavity; [0115] h) option 8: the internal body cavity 7 of option 1 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the main body of the bulletthe internal body cavity is filled with a fluid; and [0116] i) option 9: the orientation of said threading in option 3 is opposite of rotational direction of bullet during flight.

[0117] According to a fourth possible embodiment of the present invention (referred to as additive manufactured bullet nozzle or generation 4, for example, in the context of the present description), and as can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 4, the bullet also contains similar features that help to increase ballistic performance.

[0118] As represented in FIG. 4, the drag-reducing assembly 5 has a longitudinal axis 23 and comprises a nozzle component 11 and a body portion 28 in which is formed an internal body cavity 7. The nozzle component 11 and the body portion 28 in which the internal body cavity 7 is formed form together one single element that is manufactured, for instance, by using an additive manufacturing process. As in the embodiments represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the nozzle component 11 has an inlet face 16 and an outlet face 18, the inlet face 16 having an aperture that is smaller than an aperture that is formed in the outlet face 16. A through opening is formed in the nozzle component 11 that extends between the inlet and outlet faces 16, 18. The through opening of the nozzle component 11 is in fluid communication with the internal body cavity 7 that is formed in the body portion 28. Moreover, the nozzle component 11 defines a divergence angle a1 towards the inlet face 16. In an embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is comprised between 10 degrees and 70 degrees. In another embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is comprised between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. In another embodiment, the divergence angle a1 is about 45 degrees. The body portion 28 in which the internal body cavity 7 is formed comprises a rearward end 26 that mates the inlet face 16 of the nozzle component 11, and an opposed forward end 24.

[0119] It is understood that the drag-reducing assembly 5 as represented in FIG. 4 is configured so that: a) the bullet in which the drag-reducing assembly 5 is mounted can be further modified to increase its ballistic performance; b) the inclusion of a cavity to provide suspended gas escape and/or as a storage for additional propellant can be used to increase muzzle velocity of a bullet without increasing the breech pressure; c) in order to benefit from an internal bullet cavity, a reduction of cross-sectional area in flow should be present; d) this feature is commonly referred to as a choke or nozzle; e) the nozzle component will provide means to regulate gas flow and assist in the ballistic performance of a bullet; f) due to the feature placement, the nozzle component should be ideally fabricated through means of additive manufacture, in that, it is very difficult or even impossible to use conventional subtractive machining to fabricate the components and/or features detailed in the present description and/or accompanying drawings.

[0120] Indeed, the present invention relates to performance enhancements of a bullet.

[0121] As previously explained, conventional bullets are affected by a pressure difference that occurs on the rearward face. This drop in pressure causes drag and can generate flight instability. These factors will reduce the precision and accuracy of a bullet grouping. The present fourth embodiment of the present invention relates to a structure that can increase ballistic performancenamely, by integrating an enclosed cavity and nozzle component as a single structure, a reduction of drag can be achieved. It is not possible to fabricate the additive manufactured bullet nozzle using subtractive methods as there are features in the component that tooling cannot reach. Through the process of additive manufacture, the entire drag-reducing assembly can be fabricated without the use of secondary joining processes such as brazing or welding, for example.

[0122] As can be easily understood when referring to FIG. 4, for example, this particular fourth embodiment of the present invention is directed to using an internal body cavity to store additional propellant. The extra stored propellant will result in the following advantages: a higher muzzle velocity for the same weight of projectile without an increase in breech pressure, a base aerodynamic reduction during flight and/or a shorter time of flight to target.

[0123] According to this particular fourth embodiment, during a firing of the bullet (and/or prior thereto), the following events and/or associated advantages can occur: [0124] 1) the cavity section of the additive manufactured bullet nozzle can remain empty to facilitate gas expansion or can be packed with additional propellant; [0125] 2) if the enclosed cavity contains propellant, this additional propellant will ignite and function as a rocket motorexpanding gas will thus be forced through the nozzle orifice; and [0126] 3) if the enclosed cavity does not contain propellant, the cavity will be filled with expanding gun gasescaping gun gas will reduce drag effects of the bullet in flight.

[0127] The fourth embodiment of the present bullet system may come in the form of a bullet including one and/or several of the following possible components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof): [0128] a) option 1: an additive manufactured bullet drag-reducing assembly 5 comprising: a nozzle component and a body portion having an enclosed internal body cavity as a single component; [0129] b) option 2: a nozzle component composed of an inner diameter and divergence angle up to 45 degreesthe nozzle component has an inlet face and an outlet facethe inlet face of the nozzle component has an aperture smaller than the aperture on the outlet face; [0130] c) option 3: an enclosed cavity formed in the body portion that has two endsthe rearward end mates to the inlet face of the nozzle described in option 2the enclosed cavity has an outer diameter, inner diameter and a length; [0131] d) option 4: said additive manufactured bullet drag-reducing assembly is detailed in option 1 is fabricated through the use of additive manufactureadditive manufacture includes material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, sheet lamination and all forms of manufacturing that does not involve material subtractive operations; and [0132] e) option 5: said additive manufactured bullet drag-reducing assembly detailed in option 1 can be inserted into the bullet through means of screw-threading, press-fitting, bonded or by other meansif the additive manufactured bullet nozzle is screw threaded to the inner diameter of a compliant cavity in the bullet, the threading direction is opposite to the direction of rotation of flight.

[0133] As this is apparent from the above description, the bullet 1 according to the different embodiments of the present disclosure consists of more than one component. For instance, all or part of the bullet 1 is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing affords in particular design and fabrication methods which can hardly be achieved via traditional subtractive operations. The accuracy of the shapes and dimensions of the different components of the bullet 1 can be improved via additive manufacturing. Moreover, the mass distribution of the structure of the bullet according to the present disclosure can be improved: it is known that the bullet 1 is subjected to maximum g loading and therefore should have material with a high yield point in a strategically engineering location. Optimization can lead to a weight reduction as to minimize the traverse moment of inertia resulting in an increase of the gyroscopic stability. Furthermore, the internal body cavity 7 should be capable of withstanding high internal pressures and centripetal forces to contain hot gases during the flight of the bullet 1. The outer surface of the bullet 1 also has to engrave into the barrel rifling and have high malleable properties and high density to maximize the axial moment of inertia and weight of the bullet 1. To maximize the penetration upon impact high hardness and toughness of material are also required. The additive manufacturing process is particularly well suited for production of bullets with complex geometries without incurring assembly costs. Moreover, additive manufacting makes it possible to use different material, each material having properties that are adapted to the function of the component it forms. In other words, additive manufacturing is particularly well adapted to the manufacturing of the bullet according to the present disclosure. The complexity for assembling the different small components of the bullet is eliminated by using additive manufacturing technology.

LIST OF MAIN NUMERICAL REFERENCES FOR SOME OF THE CORRESPONDING POSSIBLE COMPONENTS ILLUSTRATED IN THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0134] 1. bullet (or Nemesis Bullet or simply Nemesis) [0135] 2. forward end [0136] 3. main body (of bullet) [0137] 3a. frontward section (of main body) [0138] 3b. rearward section (of main body) [0139] 3c. central section (of main body) [0140] 4. rearward end [0141] 5. drag-reducing assembly [0142] 7. internal body cavity [0143] 8. open face [0144] 9. orifice [0145] 11. nozzle component (ex. choking annulus) [0146] 13. threading [0147] 14. cap [0148] 15. fluid passage [0149] 15a. axial cavity [0150] 16. inlet face [0151] 17. longitudinal axis (of bullet) [0152] 18. outlet face [0153] 19. propellant (ex. additional propellant inside cavity) [0154] 20. membrane [0155] 21. ogive-shaped portion (of bullet) [0156] 22. base [0157] 23. longitudinal axis (of nozzle component) [0158] 28. body portion

[0159] Indeed, the present bullet is particularly advantageous in that, by virtue of its design, components and features, as better described and illustrated herein, it enables to fire a projectile (ex. a bullet, etc.) in a more efficient, more precise, more accurate, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more impactful, more strategic, more powerful, more lethal and/or more desirable manner (ex. depending on the circumstances, and the intended results, etc.). As previously explained, and depending on the different possible embodiments, the present system also advantageously enables to: a) improve a bullet's structural integrity; b) improve gyroscopic stability; c) improve cargo carrying capabilities; d) a higher muzzle velocity for the same weight of projectile without an increase in breech pressure; e) a base aerodynamic reduction during flight; f) a shorter time of flight to target; and/or etc.

[0160] The present bullet 1 may come in the form of a bullet including one and/or several of the following possible components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof):

[0161] 1. A bullet for use with a cartridge for propulsion out of a barrel of a weapon, the bullet comprising:

[0162] a main body acting as a projectile; and

[0163] a drag-reducing assembly provided about the main body, and configured for being triggered upon a blast from the cartridge, in order to reduce a resulting drag of the projectile during flight trajectory, thereby improving resulting ballistic performance of the bullet.

[0164] 2. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the bullet comprises at least one cavity disposed about (ex. on, in, inside, through, along and/or any other suitable disposition) about a portion of the main body, and being configured for receiving a portion of gun gas from the cartridge (and/or cartridge blast).

[0165] 3. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes at least one cavity external to the main body of the bullet.

[0166] 4. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes at least one cavity internal to the main body of the bullet.

[0167] 5. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes at least one cavity being both external and internal to the main body of the bullet.

[0168] 6. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes at least one cavity disposed about a rearward section of the bullet.

[0169] 7. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes at least one cavity disposed about a central section of the bullet.

[0170] 8. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes at least one cavity disposed about a frontward section of the bullet.

[0171] 9. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes a plurality of cavities each being disposed about a corresponding section of the bullet (ex. rearward section, central section and/or forward section, and/or other type of section).

[0172] 10. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes a single cavity disposed about a plurality of different sections of the bullet (ex. rearward section, central section and/or forward section, and/or any combination thereof).

[0173] 11. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity (whether external, internal and/or a combination of both, or whether rearward cavity, central cavity, forward cavity and/or any combination thereof) is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one peripheral orifice provided about a portion of the bullet (whether the at least one peripheral orifice be provided directly on the main body of the bullet and/or on another component thereof).

[0174] 12. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral orifice includes at least one peripheral orifice (ex. a rearward orifice) disposed about a rearward surface of the bullet.

[0175] 13. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral surface includes at least one peripheral orifice (ex. a side orifice) disposed about a side surface of the bullet.

[0176] 14. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral orifice includes at least one peripheral orifice (ex. a frontward orifice) disposed about a frontward surface of the bullet.

[0177] 15. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral orifice (ex. rearward orifice, side orifice and/or frontward orifice) is configured for allowing a passage of fluid (ex. liquid, gas, vapour, etc.) to and/or from the at least one cavity.

[0178] 16. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral orifice is positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a portion of gun gas from the cartridge (and/or cartridge blast) intended to be introduced into the at least one cavity upon firing of the weapon (ex. riffle, etc.).

[0179] 17. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially variable along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

[0180] 18. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially constant along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

[0181] 19. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.

[0182] 20. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity includes at least one substantially cylindrical cavity.

[0183] 21. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity has a diameter being smaller than a diameter of the main body of the bullet.

[0184] 22. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral orifice has a cross-sectional area being different from a cross-sectional area of the at least one cavity.

[0185] 23. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the cross-sectional of the at least one peripheral orifice is smaller than a cross-sectional area (ex. a constant cross-sectional area and/or an average cross-sectional area) of the at least one cavity.

[0186] 24. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral orifice is provided on a nozzle component defined within the main body of the bullet.

[0187] 25. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component is made integral (ex. made essentially of the same piece and of the same material) to the main body of the bullet.

[0188] 26. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component is a component made separate to (ex. distinct from, etc.) the main body of the bullet, and is configured for being mountable (ex. inserted, affixed, attached connected, press-fitted, threaded, bonded, welded, and/or etc.) onto the main body of the bullet.

[0189] 27. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component is mountable (ex. inserted, affixed, attached, connected, threaded, bonded, welded, and/or etc.) onto a rearward section of the main body of the bullet.

[0190] 28. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component is mountable (ex. inserted, affixed, attached, connected, threaded, bonded, welded, and/or etc.) onto a rearward bore section of the main body of the bullet.

[0191] 29. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combinations(s), wherein the nozzle component is configured to be threadedly engaged into the rearward section (and/or corresponding rearward bore section) of the main body of the bullet in a direction of rotation contrary to a direction of rotation of the bullet during flight.

[0192] 30. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein a portion (ex. outer portion) of the nozzle component is provided with threading, and wherein a portion (ex. inner portion) of the rearward section (and/or corresponding rearward bore section) of the main body of the bullet is provided with a complementary (ex. mating, etc.) threading.

[0193] 31. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component is configured to be mechanically-locked (ex. press-fitted, etc.) into the rearward section (and/or corresponding rearward bore section) of the main body of the bullet.

[0194] 32. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity has a diameter being smaller than a diameter of the nozzle component (ex. choke annulus).

[0195] 33. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component has a given length spanning inwardly within the main body of the body, and comprises a fluid passage extending from one end (ex. inner end) to another end (ex. outer end) of the nozzle component.

[0196] 34. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially variable (ex. tapered, slanted, angled, etc.) along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of bullet.

[0197] 35. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes a cross-sectional profile being substantially constant along a given segment of a longitudinal axis of the bullet.

[0198] 36. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.

[0199] 37. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component includes at least one substantially cylindrical passage.

[0200] 38. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the fluid passage of the nozzle component is part of a main fluid passage extending from one end (ex. a front end) of the bullet to another end (ex. a rear end) of the bullet.

[0201] 39. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component includes an outer surface that is cylindrical.

[0202] 40. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component is a choke annulus.

[0203] 41. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the nozzle component (and/or corresponding features and/or components thereof) is made via additive manufacturing.

[0204] 42. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one cavity is positioned, shaped and sized for containing propellant configured for igniting upon receiving a portion of gun gas from the cartridge (and/or cartridge blast) via the fluid passage (of the nozzle component, for example).

[0205] 43. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein ignited propellant is in turn configured for exiting the bullet via the fluid passage (whether same passage and/or another one) of the nozzle component in order to further propel the bullet during flight trajectory.

[0206] 44. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the main body of the bullet is substantially symmetrical about first and second axes of the bullet (ex. a longitudinal axis and a transversal axis of the bulletin which case, the bullet would be a spherical bullet).

[0207] 45. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the main body of the bullet is substantially symmetrical about a single axis of the bullet (ex. a longitudinal axis of the bullet).

[0208] 46. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the main body of the bullet is substantially elongated.

[0209] 47. A bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the main body of the bullet includes an ogive-shaped portion.

[0210] 48. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a bullet according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

[0211] 49. A weapon being configured for operating with at least one bullet (and preferably, a plurality of bullets) according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

[0212] 50. A weapon being provided (ex. loaded, etc.) with at least one bullet (and preferably, a plurality of bullets) according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

[0213] 51. A weapon according to any one of the preceding combinations(s), wherein the inside of the barrel of the weapon is treated with cold spray.

[0214] 52. A weapon according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the weapon is selected from the group consisting of riffle, gun, handgun, machine gun, revolver, automatic weapon, semi-automatic weapon, etc.

[0215] 53. A kit with corresponding components for assembling a weapon according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

[0216] 54. A method of reducing drag from a bullet propelled out of a barrel of a weapon via a cartridge, the method comprising the step of: [0217] a) providing at least one cavity (ex. at least one internal cavity) about the bullet; [0218] b) recovering a portion of gun gas resulting from a blast of the cartridge during firing of the weapon, and conveying said portion of gun gas into the at least one cavity of the bullet via a corresponding fluid passage; and [0219] c) allowing gun gas present inside the at least one cavity of the bullet to exit as the bullet exits the barrel of the weapon, thereby fluidly filling a void behind the bullet during flight trajectory, in order to reduce a resulting drag of the bullet, for an improved overall ballistic performance of the bullet.

[0220] 55. A method according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the method further comprises the step of providing additional propellant inside the at least one cavity of the bullet, and triggering an ignition of said additional propellant via a blast of the cartridge.

[0221] 56. A method according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the method further comprises the step of releasing a fluid from an internal portion of the bullet about a peripheral orifice thereof (ex. a tip of the bullet) for reducing skin friction during flight of the bullet.

[0222] As may now better be appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the known prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, as explained herein, and the particular configuration of the bullet and/or components/accessories thereof according to the present system enable to fire a projectile (ex. a bullet, etc.) in a more efficient, more precise, more accurate, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, more impactful, more strategic, more powerful, more lethal and/or more desirable manner (ex. depending on the circumstances, and the intended results, etc.) compared to what is possible with respect to other known conventional bullets and/or methods. Indeed, as previously explained, and depending on the different possible embodiments, the present system also advantageously enables to: a) improve a bullet's structural integrity; b) improve gyroscopic stability; c) improve cargo carrying capabilities; d) a higher muzzle velocity for the same weight of projectile without an increase in breech pressure; e) a base aerodynamic reduction during flight; f) a shorter time of flight to target; and/or etc.

[0223] Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0224] Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications could be made without departing form the scope and spirit of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.