GB191517802A - Improvements in or relating to Explosive Shells. - Google Patents

Abstract

17,802. Davidson, S.C. Dec. 20. [Cognate Application, 8518/16.] Projectiles ; projectile fuses ; gun cartridges.- Relates to explosive shells especially adapted for short ranges, and consists mainly in attaching a shell to a cartridge by means of an annular series of prougs having gaps between them, the arrangement being such as to provide vents whereby partial escape of the cartridge-explosion gases can occur before the shell moves, the propellant effect being thus reduced. The cartridge is, in all the modifications described, of less diameter than that of the shell. Fig. 1 shows one form in which the base fuse-plug g of the shell has four prongs g<1> fitting tightly within the cartridge i. The g ps between the prongs are in line with recesses g<4> m the flange of the fuse-plug. The recesses, which form the escape vents, may be filled with hard paraffin wax or like waterproof substance, such filling being blown out when the cartridge explodes. The prongs may fit around the outer end of the cartridge, instead of within it. In further modifications, the escape vents are closed by an interior lining l of paper or similar easily burst material. Fig. 6 shows an example of such a construction, in which the connecting-prongs g<1> are integral with a sleeve g‹. The shell itself is intended to contain a bursting-charge of gunpowder or other explosive of moderate strength, and the shell body, which is made of cast iron, is ridged and grooved internally as shown in Fig. 1, so as to provide pyramidal projections b. There are two external parts a<1>, which are machined so as to fit freely the barrel of the fire-arm. The time-fuse is enclosed in a tube h, which is corrugated into the cover of the fuse itself, so as to prevent a flash from passing through. Also, to make a flash-tight joint at the cartridge end of the fuse, the end h of the tube is expanded within the passage through the plug. The Provisional Specification 17,802/15 describes a modified construction in which a disk or collar having projections for engaging the rifling of a firearm is clamped between the base of the shell and a base plug. The cartridge may be secured to the shell by a metal sheath which has its forward edge turned in and clamped between the base plug and driving-ring, while the rear end engages with the base of the cartridge.