Between 1942-45 Aerodynamic Research Laboratories at Peenemünde developed The Peenemünde Arrow Shells that were hyper speed projectiles made for smooth bore German artillery weapons. The project was initially visualized and designed as ultra-long-range shells using a 31 cm smooth-bored version of the famed 28 cm K5 railway gun dubbed Anzio Annie. The arrow shell was 75 inches long and 120 mm in caliber diameter. Four fins at the tail measured 31 cm across with a 31 cm sabot around the middle of the shell at the center of gravity. The sabot skirt would allow acceleration of the shell throughout the length of the barrel travel and was discarded as the shell left the muzzle at a 5,000 FPS velocity giving a range of 94 miles! A pair of these guns were produced and successfully fired at U.S. forces from 78 miles distance.
Static 14-Inch 'London Gun'
Details Of The Skirt
An AA round was produced for the FLAK 39 105 mm gun. Its purpose was to speed up flight of the projectile to altitude shortening the time needed to calculate and zero-in between rounds. The faster round would need less lead since its aim point could be closer to target regardless of its speed too. 3,500 FPS was obtained with this shell but production was not possible since industry was full up with production of war material.
Sabot rounds are used today in modern tanks.
Sources:Aeronautical Staff of Aero Publishers, Inc.
Kamikaze
Aero Publishers, Fallbrook, CA 1966
Green, William
Fighters Vol. 1
Doubleday & Co. NY, 1960
Green, William
Jets Aircraft of the World
Macdonald, London, 1955
Green, Wm.
The Complete Book of Fighters
Smithmark Publishers, NY, 1994
Myhra, David
Secret Aircraft Designs of the Third Reich
Schiffer Publishing, 1998
Nowarra, Heinz J.
The Messerschmitt 109
Harleyford Publications GB 1964
Pocock, Rowland, F.
German Guided Missiles
Arco Publishing Co., Inc, N.Y. 1967