Cased telescoped ammunition having features augmenting cartridge case dimensional recovery by center sleeve

Abstract

A cased telescoped ammunition round includes a propellant charge disposed in a tubular case and having an axial bore containing a center sleeve attached at its opposite ends to the opposite ends of the case. A projectile is housed within a forward portion of the center sleeve and a primer within an aft portion thereof. The primer is actuatable for igniting the propellant charge to cause firing of the projectile. Features are provided to ensure dimensional recovery of the tubular case after firing of the projectile. One feature relates to the center tube being composed of a material which provides sufficient elasticity to stretch and contract uniformly from and to dimensions allowing ejection of the tubular case from the gun chamber. Another feature relates to longitudinal structural members provided to extend between and fasten to opposite ends of the case, and spaced circumferentially about and between the center sleeve and the case. Still another feature relates to a spring element formed integral with the center sleeve. A further feature relates to other spring elements provided as a separate component for coupling forward and aft portions of the center sleeve together.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.