flechette

thumb|250px|Examples of various small-arms flechettes (scale in inches)

A flechette or fléchette ( ) is a pointed, fin-stabilized steel projectile. The name comes from French (from flèche), meaning "little arrow" or "dart". They have been used as ballistic weapons since World War I. Delivery systems and methods of launching flechettes vary, from a single shot to thousands in a single explosive round. The use of flechettes as antipersonnel weapons has been controversial; however, in war, it is not prohibited by the Hague Convention.