Low impulse telescoping cartridge

Abstract

A low impulse telescoping cartridge includes a case, a piston, a projectile, and a link. The projectile is seated into the forward portion of the piston. Gas passages permit propellant gases to bleed into the cavity behind the projectile and to accelerate the projectile upon firing. An alternative to using bleed gases is to use a separate propelling charge behind the projectile. The case and piston are assembled and telescopically secured by means of a crimp or other similar feature, to allow relative movement therebetween during chambering and firing. The link may be allowed to move for some portion of the required relative travel between the link and the base of the case. A shoulder on the piston provide a stop through which reaction loads are transmitted to the rear of the barrel during chambering and firing. The piston telescopes over the case during chambering to provide the relative movement between the link and the case base required for weapon function. Upon firing, the expanding propellant gases force the case and piston to telescope open. Reaction loads are applied to the rear of the barrel through the shoulder, and at the same time are applied to a bolt, driving it rearwardly to cycle the weapon. The cartridge can be used in use in automatic weapon systems including but not limited to 40 mm MK19 Grenade Machineguns.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.