Importance

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Abstract

A launcher system includes a launcher having a sealed breech and a barrel adapted to receive a projectile with a charge of propellant and a mechanism to vary the launch velocity by selectively controlling the propellant gases vented out of the projectile and into the barrel. A collar can be repositioned through rotation or sliding movement to selectively allow propellant gases to vent out of the barrel or stop propellant gases from venting out of the barrel. When the collar is in a closed or non-venting configuration, propellant gasses build-up pressure behind the projectile, resulting in a relatively high launch velocity and, when the collar is in the open or venting configuration, a relatively low launch velocity is produced. A sliding breech face and energy-absorbing plug can also be provided to further decrease launch velocity.

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First Claim