Aug 11, 2026
A method and apparatus for the intact recovery of ammunition projectiles. A high pressure fluid cutting device severs the casing of the ammunition cartridge, rearward on the cartridge beyond the rearward extent of the projectile. An automated feeding apparatus collects, orients, and feeds the first halves so severed to a separation press. The separation press includes a press ram, and a brace block. The brace block has a through opening sized to pass the projectile without alteration, and an internal side wall engaging the first half by the portion of the casing. The method includes a pressing force applied to the first half by contacting a rearward extent of the projectile, until the projectile separates from the portion of the casing.
Jan 27, 2026
A ballistic projectile recovery system includes a forward opening in an ogive of the projectile, selectively opened to deploy a portion of the recovery system. A parachute is deployable through the opening, connected to the projectile by riser line(s). A rotational bearing assembly makes the riser line(s) rotationally decoupled from the projectile. A bidirectional drag inducing element extends externally of an ogive of the projectile. A spacer, between a setback plate and the rotational bearing assembly, is deformable in at least the longitudinal direction of the projectile. The setback plate is movable between a first position to a second position made available by the compression of the spacer. In the second position, the setback plate is in contact with the projectile, providing a load path that avoids the rotational bearing assembly to take up strain applied to the projectile in at least the longitudinal direction.