Projectile

Abstract

A projectile ( 1 ) for a small arms weapon, the projectile ( 1 ) comprising a projectile body ( 3 ), a plurality of peripheral fins ( 2 ) each pivotably coupled to the projectile body ( 3 ) at a pivot ( 5 ) for movement from a un-deployed position to a deployed position. Each of the fins ( 2 ) comprises a straight section ( 14 ) and a connecting section ( 13 ) connecting the straight section ( 14 ) to the pivot ( 5 ) and being configured so that the plane of the straight ( 14 ) section is offset from the pivot ( 5 ) axis.

1 . A projectile for a small arms weapon, the projectile comprising:
 a projectile body;   a plurality of peripheral fins each pivotably coupled to the projectile body at a pivot for movement from a un-deployed position to a deployed position;   wherein each of the fins comprises a straight section and a connecting section connecting the straight section to the pivot and being configured so that the plane of the straight section is offset from the pivot axis.   
     
     
         2 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the plane of the straight section of each fin lies substantially at a tangent plane to the circumferential surface of the projectile body when in the un-deployed position. 
     
     
         3 . A projectile according to  claims 1 , wherein the straight section of each fin extends straight out from the projectile's body when in the deployed position. 
     
     
         4 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the projectile further comprises a channel formed around the circumference of the projectile body for receiving the plurality of fins when in the un-deployed position. 
     
     
         5 . A projectile according to  claim 4 , wherein the bottom surface of the channel further comprises a flat section adjacent to the pivot of each fin. 
     
     
         6 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein, when in a deployed position, the plane of the straight section of each fin projects substantially radially outward. 
     
     
         7 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein each fin is integrally formed. 
     
     
         8 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the length of the straight section of each fin is longer than the length of the connecting section. 
     
     
         9 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the straight section of each fin comprises at least one flat surface parallel to the plane of the straight section. 
     
     
         10 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the connecting section of each fin comprises a coupling connected to the respective pivot and a linking region between the coupling and the fin's straight section, the linking region being angled relative to the straight section. 
     
     
         11 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the projectile further comprises biassing means for biassing each fin toward its radially deployed position. 
     
     
         12 . A projectile according to  claim 11 , wherein the biassing means comprises a spring located at each pivot. 
     
     
         13 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of each fin comprises a tapered edge. 
     
     
         14 . A projectile according to  claim 1 , wherein each fin is configured to overlie the pivot of an adjacent fin. 
     
     
         15 . A projectile for a small arms weapon, the projectile comprising:
 a projectile body;   a plurality of peripheral fins each coupled to the projectile body at a pivot for rotation from a folded position to a deployed position, where each of the fins comprises a straight section and a connecting section connecting the straight section to the pivot, the straight and connecting sections being angled relative to one another so that, when in the folded position, each fin extends around a portion of the projectile body and, when in the deployed position, the straight section of each fin extends straight out from the projectile's body.   
     
     
         16 . A projectile for a small arms weapon, the projectile comprising:
 a projectile body;   a plurality of peripheral fins each pivotably coupled to the projectile body at a pivot for movement from a radially un-deployed position to a radially deployed position;   a channel formed around the circumference of the projectile body for receiving the plurality of fins when in the un-deployed position   wherein the pivot for each fin is positioned sufficiently towards the longitudinal axis of the projectile body to enable the distal end of each fin to overlie the pivot of the adjacent fin when the fins are in the un-deployed position.   
     
     
         17 . A projectile according to  claim 16 , wherein each fin has a generally L shaped form to define a major portion distal from the pivot and a minor portion proximal to said pivot. 
     
     
         18 . A projectile according to  claim 17 , wherein the major portion provides a substantially flat surface. 
     
     
         19 . A projectile according to  claim 17  wherein the minor portion of each said fin includes opposing lugs and each pivot comprises a pin located through said lugs. 
     
     
         20 . A projectile according to  claim 19  wherein the distal end of the major portion is shaped to enable it to fit between the lugs of an adjacent fin in the un-deployed position.