sabot

A sabot, in a military context, is a carrier that positions a missile or projectile in a gun barrel or launching tube. It also prevents gas from escaping ahead of the projectile.1

The development of specialized anti-tank ammunition led to innovations like the "discarding-sabot" projectile. In this design, a dense core, often made of tungsten carbide, is supported by a lighter sabot. Once the projectile leaves the muzzle, the sabot splits and falls away, allowing the core to travel at a very high velocity to penetrate armor. This technology was crucial in overcoming the limitations of solid shot projectiles, which would shatter upon impact at high speeds.2