Flechette
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorDonald R. Cobb
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention comprehends an improved flechette structure having means for urning back split forward portions thereof upon the striking of the target thereby to increase the wound capabilities of the flechette. The flechette structure includes a one-piece member defining both the penetrating nose portion and flight stabilizing fin portion of the flechette. The nose portion is split and a wedge element is disposed therein for effecting the turning back of the nose portion as a result of the striking of the target. The wedging element may further define at least a portion of the penetrating nose of the flechette.
Claims14
A flechette comprising:
- an elongated, one-piece member having a penetrating nose end and a tail portion defining means for orienting said member in flight to present said nose end forwardly;
- and means for causing a spreading formation of said nose end as an incident of striking engagement thereof with a target comprising means dividing said nose end into a plurality of deflectable integrally joined prongs and means at the rear end of said dividing means weakening said member thereat to facilitate spreading deformation of said prongs.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.