Flechettes

Flechettes are small, slender darts used as a form of ammunition in certain weapons. They are typically made of metal, pointed to maximize penetration, and released from a container that disperses them over a wide area. Without an explosive payload, their effect relies on the kinetic energy of the individual darts as they strike targets.

Design and deployment concepts vary by system, but common features include a canister or shell that opens in flight to scatter hundreds or thousands of darts. Some flechettes are stabilized by fins or a tail section to help them maintain a stable flight path after release. Once deployed, the darts travel at high velocity and can penetrate clothing and soft tissue, producing puncture wounds, lacerations, and severe trauma.

Historical context and usage have centered on anti-personnel applications. Flechette submunitions have been employed in certain cluster bomb designs and other aerial munitions, particularly during the late 20th century. Their wide-area spread and high lethality to personnel have made them controversial, with significant concern over civilian harm and indiscriminate effects in combat zones. Due to humanitarian concerns and evolving arms-control norms, many operators have restricted or retired flechette-based munitions, and they are a frequent point of discussion in debates over cluster munitions and related weaponry.

See also: cluster munitions, anti-personnel weapons, munitions design.