CONVERSION KIT WITH RECOIL DELAY ACTION AND METHOD FOR TRANSFORMATION OF C1 HOWITZER IN A MORE PERFORMENT C-3 MODEL

Abstract

A device for delaying a recoil action of a recoil system of a weapon intended to fire projectiles out from a barrel. The device includes a housing removably mountable onto the recoil system, a rod being movable along opposite first and second directions in response to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system, and a damping assembly contained in the housing and cooperating with a distal extremity of the rod. When in use, the damping assembly provides a damping effect to the distal extremity when the rod is moved along the first direction, the damping effect being configured so that the recoil action of the recoil system is delayed by a time corresponding substantially to a time of travel of a projectile inside the barrel of the weapon before being fired out of said barrel, for improving firing accuracy and other parameters of the weapon.

Description

This application claims benefit of US Provisional Ser. No. 61/317,759, filed 26 Mar. 2010, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,660,559, filed 27 Mar. 2009 in Canada and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a conversion kit, as well as to a resulting device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a conversion kit including a device for enhancing the performance characteristics of firing devices, such as howitzers, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firing devices, and various other weapons, such as howitzers, are very well known in the art.

Also very well known in the art are the various drawbacks associated with such conventional firing devices, namely C1 howitzers, and as a result thereof, it is also known that it would be very useful to provide some sort of conversion kit or an “upgrade” to a conventional howitzer in order to improve the performance thereof, namely but not limitedly, in order to enable a longer firing range, and the like. A good conversion/upgrade should provide a longer range, and in addition, should offer at least equal or better flexibility of employment, and superior external ballistics.

It is also known in the art that most modern howitzers use a firing platform in a firing mode, and wheels in a manhandling mode. In the past, many howitzers were able to fire directly from wheels thus eliminating the need for a firing platform. Operational requirements for better precision and dispersion swung the balance towards incorporation of the firing platforms on most of the modern howitzers. Therefore, it would be useful to provide a solution that resolves the issue regarding the fact that deployment of a firing platform requires additional time, labour and adds complexity and weight to the howitzer.

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a device, which by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a device, which by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related devices and/or methods known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a device such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings. Preferably, the device is an “add-on”, in the form of a recoil delay device, and preferably also, this device is part of a conversion kit or set.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for delaying a recoil action of a recoil system of a weapon intended to fire projectiles out from a barrel, the device comprising:

a housing removably mountable onto a mounting plate of the recoil system;

a rod having first and second extremities, the first extremity being removably connectable onto a piston end of the recoil system, and the second extremity being displaceable along the housing, the rod being movable along opposite first and second directions in response to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system; and

a damping assembly contained in the housing and cooperating with the second extremity of the rod for providing a damping effect to said second extremity when the rod is moved along the first direction, the damping effect being configured so that the recoil action of the recoil system is delayed by a time corresponding substantially to a time of travel of a projectile inside the barrel of the weapon before being fired out of said barrel.

Preferably, the device comprises a biasing assembly cooperating between the housing and the rod for biasing the rod back to a starting position after having moved due to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system.

Preferably also, the biasing assembly comprises a spring mounted coaxially about the rod, the spring having a first extremity for abutting against a fixed front inner wall of the housing and a second extremity operatively connectable against the movable rod for forcing the rod away from the fixed front inner wall of the housing and back to its starting position after the projectile has been fired.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the damping assembly comprises:

a valve being mountable about the rod and cooperable with the housing so as to delimit first and second chambers within said housing, at least one first hydraulic path being defined between the first and second chambers through the valve, the valve being displaceable within the housing along the rod;

a piston being mountable adjacent the second extremity of the rod and cooperable with the housing so as to delimit a third chamber within the housing, at least one second hydraulic path being defined between the second and third chambers through the piston, the piston being securely mountable onto the rod for movement along the housing; and

a damping fluid inside the housing so that a displacement of the second extremity of the rod in response to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system forces fluid from a given chamber to be displaced to an adjacent chamber via a least one fluid path in order to provide a damping effect and corresponding time delay to the recoil action of the recoil system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned device.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a conversion kit including the above-mentioned device and/or components.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of above-mentioned device and/or kit.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of using the above-mentioned device, kit, set and/or components thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a corresponding weapon having been assembled with the above-mentioned device, conversion kit, set and/or method(s).

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned device, corresponding kit and/or conversion set.

The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a new howitzer based on some C1 existing components and based as well on different components of a conversion kit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an existing C1 model howitzer.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of right and left trail assemblies, as shown in FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of elevating arcs assemblies, as shown in FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an equilibrator assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cradle assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a recoil mechanism assembly, as shown in FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an assembled recoil delay device according to a preferred embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially cut-off perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 8, better illustrating different interior components of the recoil delay device according to a preferred embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 8, better illustrating different components of the recoil delay device according to a preferred embodiment of present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a recoil delay device cooperating with a portion of a firing weapon according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the recoil delay device being shown in a stand-by mode.

FIG. 12 is another sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 11, the recoil delay device being now shown in a configuration approximately 8 milliseconds after a firing of the firing weapon.

FIG. 13 is another sectional view of what is shown in FIG. 12, the recoil delay device being now shown in a normal recoil system configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use with firing weapons such as howitzers for example, it may be used with other types of cylinders and/or objects, and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as “firing”, “weapon”, “howitzer”, “firearm” “cannon”, “barrel”, “cylinder”, “bore”, etc. used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of weapons, cylinders and/or items with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.

Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions “device”, “kit”, “unit”, “apparatus”, “mechanism”, “assembly”, “system”, “set” and any other equivalent expression and/or compound word thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as “howitzer”, “cylinder”, “cannon”, “gun”, “weapon”, “arm” and “resulting device”, as well as “C1” and “C-1” for example, and “mode”, “status”, “configuration” and “action”, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. The same can be said about other similar expressions such as “lodged”, “positioned” and “contained”, or even “displaceable”, “movable” or “configured for travelling”, as well as “piston”, “valve” and “plate”, and even “delimit” and “define”, or “starting”, “original”, “stand-by” or “default”, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the preferred embodiment of the device (101) as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the device (101) and corresponding parts according to the present invention, as well as corresponding conversion kit or set, and/or resulting firing weapon, as briefly explained and inferred herein, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Indeed, an objective of the present invention is to ensure that the end product satisfies or exceeds the definition of a good conversion/upgrade.

The original M101 or C-1 howitzer is a very dependable weapon, in that, it is very easy to use, and demonstrates excellent manhandling characteristics. It is designed for major conflicts and as a result can be used with minimum training and requires very little maintenance support. There are significant safety margins built into most of the original components, thus making it an ideal candidate for a conversion/upgrade according to the present invention.

The first element of the conversion is to increase the range from about 10.4 km to about 18.5 km using NATO approved projectiles. This increased range is achieved by replacing the original tube by a preferred 33 cal type tube. This longer tube and the associated modification of the existing parts combined with some other improved parts, which will be described in greater details hereinbelow, enable to achieve the desired end result, and corresponding characteristics.

Indeed, when using the present invention, the flexibility characteristics remain similar to that of the C-1. Both the C-1 and the C-3 howitzers fire directly from the wheels and neither of the howitzers have a firing platform. Firing from the wheels is often associated with loss of accuracy and higher dispersion due to a number of factors, not the least of which is the bounce factor when pneumatic tires are compressed by firing stresses and reassert themselves, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

In order to provide a good conversion set according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is also preferably provided an “add on”, namely a recoil delay device, that is attached to the recoil, which improves the accuracy and diminishes dispersion. The operating principle and functioning of this “add on” recoil delay device will be described in greater details hereinbelow.

Broadly described, the device according to the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, is a device, preferably part of a kit of components and a method of conversion of C-1 howitzer into a new improved C-3 howitzer model.

More particularly, and according to its preferred intended use, the present invention relates to a kit of at least one device intended for enhancement of range, flexibility of employment, sustained functioning at temperatures below −40° C. and external ballistics of C1/C3 variant(s) of the 10 5mm howitzers which is a derivative of the basic US designed M101, and to a method of operating associated thereto, as well as to a kit for assembling the same.

LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES FOR SOME OF THE CORRESPONDING PREFERRED COMPONENTS ILLUSTRATED IN THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

• 1. barrel
• 2. breech ring
• 3. muzzle brake
• 4. recoil mechanism (i.e. recoil system)
• 5. cradle
• 6. elevating arc
• 7. damping assembly
• 8. trail
• 9. equilibrator
• 10. recoil piston
• 11. mounting plate
• 12. housing
• 13. rod
• 14. valve
• 15. piston
• 16. compression spring
• 17. weapon
• 18. biasing assembly
• 19. air exhaust valve
• 20. bolt
• 21a. first hydraulic path (of valve 14)
• 21b. second hydraulic path (of piston 15)
• 22. second or “distal” extremity (of rod 13)
• 23. first seal
• 24. second seal
• 25. cone (of valve 14)
• 26. recess (of piston 15)
• 27. bore (or socket, as an alternative)
• 28. fastener
• 29. support leg
• 30. cover plate
• 31. length (of support leg)
• 32. moving component (of damping assembly 7)
• 33. washer
• 34. locking nut
• 35. oil supply valve
• 36. conical orifice
• 37. conical orifice
• 38. large passage
• 39. small orifice
• 40. third chamber
• 41. second chamber
• 42. first chamber
• 43. movement of recoil system
• 44. first direction (of rod 13)
• 45. second direction (of rod 13)
• 46. damping fluid (ex. oil)
• 101. recoil delay device

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are provided new design parts to be used with the present conversion set or kit. For example, when referring to the barrel (1), as better shown in FIG. 1, an important element in the conversion is the barrel. The new barrel is longer than the original to satisfy the requirement of higher muzzle velocity and thus the maximum range. The new barrel length is about 33 cal. and about 105 mm diameter. Preferably, the twist of the rifling is determined by the requirement(s) to fire all NATO ammunition. Preferably also, the barrel is auto frettaged to withstand the requirement to deal with higher pressures. The barrel locking ring is locked by means of a newly designed bracket attached to the front of the recoil mechanism, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

When referring to the breech ring (2), as better shown in FIG. 1, the breech ring has been redesigned and replaced in order to withstand higher pressures generated by the longer range maximum charges. The stresses in the slot through which breech block slides were of particular concern and were found to be too high for a conventional breech ring.

When referring to the muzzle brake (3), as better shown in FIG. 1, in order to reduce the recoil loads, generated by extended range ammunition, to a point where they could easily be dissipated by the recoil assembly, it was decided to design and incorporate a muzzle brake. The muzzle brake is of medium efficiency allowing for acceptable blast overpressure in the gun crew area.

Also according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are also preferably provided modified design parts, in that, for example, when referring to the cradle (5), as better shown in FIG. 6, the cradle has been modified by making it longer to facilitate an attachment point for the newly designed equilibrator. The equilibrator design is modified to make it stronger. In middle of the cradle is a reinforced circular opening to provide an access to the respirator.

When referring to the elevating arcs (6), as better shown in FIG. 4, the sector gear is extended to allow for higher angle of firing and thus ensure sufficient charge overlap, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

When referring to the recoil mechanism (4), as better shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, to accept higher recoil loads, the diameter of the recuperator cylinder has been enlarged. The enlargement results in the modification and/or provision of a number of parts, like a “floating piston”, and other parts.

An additional device is placed in front and attached to the recoil rod. This device ensures that accuracy and dispersion of the weapon is not compromised by the modifications.

Also, the recoil mechanism has been significantly modified and most parts are not interchangeable with that of C1 recoil mechanism. The main, but not all, changes inherent in the new C3 recoil mechanism are: new seals(recoil/counter recoil), inner diameter of recoil cylinder increased, inner diameter of counter-recoil cylinder increased, newly designed control rod, newly designed floating piston, newly designed recoil piston, newly designed control piston, newly designed recoil gland and new buffer ring, nylon with nut.

When referring to the trails (8), as better shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the trails are reinforced to accept higher recoil loads generated by the extended range charges through the support axle. The higher axial loads as well as moments at connection between the trail and the support axle result in reinforcements being placed on the trail. These reinforcements are strategically placed for maximum effect and minimum weight. There is a special reinforcement and a counterweight added on the left trail placed near spade to counteract angular momentum imported by the projectile leaving the tube. The right trail is modified at the spade to facilitate towing operation.

When referring to the equilibrator (9), as better shown in FIG. 5, a new equilibrator has been designed as illustrated in order to balance the gun due to the increased weight brought about by the longer barrel. By changing the barrel and adding the muzzle brake, the unbalanced mass of the ordenance became significantly higher in the new (C-3) howitzer than in C-1. To elevate this larger mass the springs of the equilibrator had to be modified. This is done together with an modification/elongation of the cradle, which is required for the attachment of the new equilibrator to the cradle and provision of a hole in the bottom of the cradle in order to facilitate the respirator adjustment. This was necessitated by the increased length of the cradle as it was no longer possible to reach the respirator from the rear of the howitzer which was the case with the C1.

The completion of the conversion from C1 to C3 is preferably not finalized without a review of effects of firing a significantly higher muzzle velocity projectile on intermediate ballistics. The higher the muzzle velocity, the higher the recoiling force is. This statement has been verified by the results of the actual firings of the C3 howitzer.

The analysis of the internal ballistics and the recoil loads indicates that the recoil loads impart moment on the ordinance while the projectile is still in the bore. The “delayrecoil device” according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention enables to limit the magnitude of this moment to a minimum while the projectile is still in the bore, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Indeed, this recoil delay device will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, in reference to FIGS. 8-13.

More particularly, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art in view of the following description, the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it provides a delay time for recoil action of approximately 8 milliseconds. This delay allows to the barrel free travel backwards along its longitudinal axe and by same allowing projectile to leave barrel before the retardation of the recoil forces by the recoil assembly causes a modification of the trajectory. The device according to the present invention comprises several preferred components and interrelations thereinbetween, as better exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

Indeed, as previously explained, most modern howitzers use firing platform in a firing mode, and wheels in a manhandling mode. In the past, many howitzers were able to fire directly from wheels thus eliminating the need for firing platform. Operational requirements for better precision and dispersion swung the balance towards incorporation of the firing platforms on most of the modern howitzers, and as substantial drawback associated with the deployment of firing platform is that it requires additional time, labor and adds complexity and weight to the howitzer.

The present invention eliminates the need for a firing platform, the precision and small dispersion being assumed by recoil delay device (FIG. 5), which is an important part of the invention.

FIGS. 8-13 illustrate preferred embodiments of a recoil delay device according to the present invention, and also illustrate a preferred method of operation associated thereto.

As can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art when referring to FIG. 8, the new recoil delay device housing (12) is attached to front mounting plate (11) by at least one fastener, and preferably four bolts (20). The rod (13) is preferably connected to the recoil piston treated end (10) of recoil piston housing (9).

The cylindrical housing (12) of recoil delay device is enclosed with the cover plate (30), any oil leakage from device being preferably avoided by having appropriate seals (23) and (24).

The cover plate (30) is mounted on an outside surface, and is preferably provided with valves, namely a bottom oil supply valve (35) and a top air exhaust valve (19).

A number of components of recoil delay device are preferably mounted on the rod (13). In sequence from attachment plate and support legs (29) inside of housing are filled on the rod (13): compression spring (16), valve (14), compression spring (16), and piston (15), washer (33) (or spacer) and locking nut (34).

The cylindrical housing (12) of recoil delay device (101) when closed is filled-up with an appropriate hydraulic oil, or any other suitable damping fluid, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, for providing a suitable damping effect and corresponding delay of the recoil system.

Following is a preferred description of a preferred sequence of operating the howitzer, and how the invention improves overall performances, particularly longer range and superior external ballistics.

As better shown in FIG. 11, when the recoil delay device is in a stand-by configuration, the piston (15) on the rod (13) is in extreme extension. The piston negative conical orifices (37) are pushed away from valve (14) by compression spring (16). The chambers (40), (41) and (42) are completely filled with hydraulic oil. The large passages (38) in a piston (15) are unobstructed and will present no resistance for oil to displace from chamber (41) to chamber (40).

When an explosion in a barrel acts, all barrel assembly and recoil assembly starts to move backwards and recoil piston (10) pulls the rod (13) and piston freely till position shown in FIG. 12. The time expected for this action is preferably approximately 8 milliseconds, and preferred traveling distance is about 15 mm to about 20 mm. It corresponds to the amount of time needed by projectile to leave the barrel. It is worth mentioning however that the time delay, and corresponding distance travel, according to the present invention, may be adjusted accordingly, depending on the different perimeters and the desired end results required for the firing weapon (e.g. howitzer, etc.), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

When referring to the recoil assembly concerning backwards travel, it worth mentioning that, at the moment when moving piston (15) comes in contact with floating valve (14), the hydraulic oil in chamber (42) compresses and slowly starts to escape through small diameter orifices (39) in valve (14).

As result of this action, amortization and slow down occurs in previously free rod (13) displacement, avoiding hammering effect on the housing (12) mounting plate and insuring soft contact.

Normal action of recoil system follows and is better exemplified in FIG. 13.

Indeed, when recoil piston reaches its backward travel limit, it preferably stops and immediately starts its forward displacement. Arriving at final stage pushes freely the rod (13) and piston (15) to the position shown in FIG. 11. The valve (14) returns to an initial position by action of compression spring (16).

As many hydraulic systems, the invented recoil delay device is equipped with hydraulic oil supply valve (35) and air exhaust valve (19), or any other suitable complementary components and/or monitoring systems, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Finally, and according to the present invention, the device (101) and corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials (stainless steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials, and/or the like, whereas other components thereof according to the present invention, in order to achieve the resulting advantages briefly discussed herein, may preferably be made of a suitably malleable and resilient material, such as a polymeric material (plastic, rubber, etc.), and/or the like, depending on the particular applications for which the device (101) and resulting fire weapon are intended for and the different parameters in cause, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, the device (101) is simple and easy to use, as well as is simple and easy to manufacture and/or assemble, without compromising the reliability of its functions.

Of course, numerous modifications cold are made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for delaying a recoil action of a recoil system of a weapon intended to fire projectiles out from a barrel, the device comprising:

a housing removably mountable onto a mounting plate of the recoil system;

a rod having first and second extremities, the first extremity being removably connectable onto a piston end of the recoil system, and the second extremity being displaceable along the housing, the rod being movable along opposite first and second directions in response to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system; and

a damping assembly contained in the housing and cooperating with the second extremity of the rod for providing a damping effect to said second extremity when the rod is moved along the first direction, the damping effect being configured so that the recoil action of the recoil system is delayed by a time corresponding substantially to a time of travel of a projectile inside the barrel of the weapon before being fired out of said barrel.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a biasing assembly cooperating between the housing and the rod for biasing the rod back to a starting position after having moved due to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the biasing assembly comprises a spring mounted coaxially about the rod, the spring having a first extremity for abutting against a fixed front inner wall of the housing and a second extremity operatively connectable against the movable rod for forcing the rod away from the fixed front inner wall of the housing and back to its starting position after the projectile has been fired.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the damping assembly comprises:

a valve being mountable about the rod and cooperable with the housing so as to delimit first and second chambers within said housing, at least one first hydraulic path being defined between the first and second chambers through the valve, the valve being displaceable within the housing along the rod;

a piston being mountable adjacent the second extremity of the rod and cooperable with the housing so as to delimit a third chamber within the housing, at least one second hydraulic path being defined between the second and third chambers through the piston, the piston being securely mountable onto the rod for movement along the housing; and

a damping fluid inside the housing so that a displacement of the second extremity of the rod in response to a corresponding movement of the piston end of the recoil system forces fluid from a given chamber to be displaced to an adjacent chamber via a least one fluid path in order to provide a damping effect and corresponding time delay to the recoil action of the recoil system.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein a flow rate of damping fluid through the at least one first fluid path of the valve is smaller than a flow rate of damping fluid through the at least one second fluid path of the piston so that a damping effect on the second extremity when traveling along the second direction is smaller than the damping effect on the second extremity of the rod when traveling in the first direction, in order to facilitate a return of the rod to an original configuration via the biasing assembly after the projectile has been fired.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the valve is provided with at least one protruding cone for meshing against a complementary recess provided on the piston when the valve and the piston are urged against one another during operation of the device.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the valve and the piston are further configured so that each hydraulic path of the valve is connectable to a corresponding hydraulic path of the piston when the valve and piston are urged against one another, so as to each form a single hydraulic path between the first and third chambers.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the piston is configured for positioning adjacent to the second extremity of the rod, and for abutting against a locking nut being removably mountable onto said second extremity.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the device comprises a washer or a spacer provided between the piston and the locking nut.

10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the device comprises a first spring having a first extremity for abutting against a fixed front inner wall of the housing and a second extremity for abutting against the displaceable valve in order to urge the valve away from the fixed front inner wall of the housing.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the device comprises a second spring having a first extremity for abutting against the valve and a second extremity for abutting against the piston in order to urge the piston away from the valve.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the device comprises at least one support leg projecting out from a front end of the housing, for mounting against the mounting plate of the recoil system.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein each support leg has a socket for receiving a corresponding fastener.

14. A device according to claim 12, wherein each support leg has a bore for receiving a corresponding fastener extending through said bore and through a corresponding hole on a rear plate of the housing.

15. A device according to claim 12, wherein each support leg is fixed and has a length protruding away from the housing which corresponds substantially to a sum of each distance traveled axially along the housing by each moving component of the damping assembly inside the housing.

16. A device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a through-hole through the rod is extendable, and wherein the inside of the housing is accessible via a rear end of the housing by means of a cover plate being removably mountable onto said rear end.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the cover plate is removably securable onto the rear end of the housing by means of a least one fastener.

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the cover plate comprises a valve for supplying the housing with damping fluid.

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the cover plate comprises a valve for exhausting air out from the housing.

20. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first extremity of the rod comprises a female component being threadedly engageable onto a corresponding male component protruding out from the piston end of the recoil system.

21. A device according to claim 1, wherein each spring of the device is a compression spring.

22. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is provided with at least one seal for minimizing loss of damping fluid from the housing.

23. A device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured for use with a howitzer, and wherein the recoil action of the recoil system is delayed by a time of about 8 milliseconds.

24. A weapon for firing projectiles from a barrel, the weapon having a recoil system being provided with a recoil delay device according to claim 1.

25. A weapon according to claim 24, wherein the weapon is a howitzer.