Kinetic energy projectile with impact-ejected fins

摘要

A kinetic energy projectile intended to be launched toward a selected tar has a projectile body and a plurality of fins attached to the projectile body to provide stablity thereto in flight. Means are provided for causing the fins to be ejected from the projectile body upon impact with the target and for retaining the fins on the body in flight. The latter includes a fin support structure fastened to the body and including a locking mechanism for releasably securing the fins thereto, the fins including fasteners arranged and adapted to cooperate with the locking mechanism in releasably securing the fins to the fin support structure. In the preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a plurality of channels each having a closed end, and the fasteners are a plurality of pins fastened to the fins for insertion into the channels up to said closed ends thereof. Premature ejection of the fins from the projectile body is prevented, for example, by the application of a special putty material to partially fill the channels.