Sabot for simulation testing

Claim 1

A sabot for firing projectiles from smooth-bore gun barrels, comprising: four identical quadrant sections with each quadrant section including a depression adapted to form a central cavity together with the other quadrant sections wherein the central cavity is adapted for holding payloads; means on each quadrant section for aligning each quadrant section with adjacent quadrant sections; each of the quadrant sections having a portion of a conical surface, adapted to fit with corresponding conical surfaces of the other quadrant sections to form a conical recess at the forward end of the sabot; said quadrant sections including means for cooperating with the other quadrant sections to form a hole into the interior of the sabot; said quadrant sections including means, on the external surface, for preventing escape of propulsion gas past the sabot during launch; said depression in each quadrant section being shaped to form different size cavities in different portions of the sabot; a plurality of weight reducing depressions in each quadrant section; said aligning means including a plurality of projections and a plurality of grooves wherein the projections and grooves on each quadrant section are adapted to engage corresponding grooves and projections on adjacent quadrant sections.