Sub-caliber projectile and method of neutralizing a target using such a projectile

Abstract

A sub-caliber projectile of the kinetic energy type comprising a perforating rod surrounded by a sabot made of light material and allowing the projectile to be fired from a weapon, the rod being extended by a stabilizing tail. The tail is connected to the rod by a connection means that can be broken, the breaking being initiated by a control means integral with the projectile. The control means comprises a timing module which is connected to a programming interface and which is programmed before firing or during firing so as to ensure the breaking of the connection means at a reference distance relative to a target which is to be neutralized. The invention also relates to a method of neutralizing a target using such a sub-caliber projectile.

1 . A sub-caliber projectile of the kinetic energy type, comprising a perforating rod surrounded by a sabot made of light material and allowing the sub-caliber projectile to be fired from a weapon, the rod being extended by a stabilizing tail, the stabilizing tail being connected to the rod by a connection means which can be broken, breaking of the connection means being initiated by a control means integral with the sub-caliber projectile, wherein the control means comprises a timing module which is connected to a programming interface and which is programmed before firing or during firing so as to ensure breaking of the connection means at a reference distance relative to a target which is to be neutralized. 
     
     
         2 . The sub-caliber projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the reference distance is less than 200 meters. 
     
     
         3 . The sub-caliber projectile according to  claim 2 , wherein the reference distance is less than 100 meters. 
     
     
         4 . The sub-caliber projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the programming interface is an interface for programming by wire. 
     
     
         5 . The sub-caliber projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the programming interface is an interface for programming by induction. 
     
     
         6 . The sub-caliber projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the programming interface is an interface for programming by radio frequency. 
     
     
         7 . The sub-caliber projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the sub-caliber projectile comprises an explosive charge, wherein triggering of the explosive charge ensures breaking of the connection means, and wherein the sub-caliber projectile comprises a safety and arming device interposed between the explosive charge and the control means. 
     
     
         8 . A method of neutralizing a target using a sub-caliber projectile according to  claim 1  as well as a weapon system capable of firing the sub-caliber projectile and equipped with a fire control system, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
 a range finding of the target is carried out from the weapon system equipped with a range finding means; 
 a triggering instant for breaking of the connection means is calculated such that breaking occurs at a reference distance from the target; 
 the timing module of the projectile control means is programmed with the triggering instant before firing or during firing. 
 
     
     
         9 . A method of neutralizing a target according to  claim 8 , wherein the reference distance is modifiable.