Abstract: A dual and omnidirectional mortar base plate to be used in mortar carrier vehicles comprising a bottom base plate coupled to a mortar and a top base plate; wherein the dual base plate is adapted to move along a movement path from a resting position, associated with a position for movement of the vehicle, towards a work position associated with a firing position for the mortar, and vice versa. Likewise the dual base plate has elements for fast stowage in the mortar carrier vehicle. The dual base plate consists of a bottom base plate, a top base plate, and connection and repositioning elements between the two to facilitate the transfer of the forces generated by said firing to the ground, isolating the mortar carrier vehicle from the forces generated by firing the mortar. Truncated cone shaped hoppers allow the bottom plate to move in any direction in which the mortar is fired.

Abstract: A truss is provided for stiffening a gun barrel on a mount. The truss includes a collet, a plurality of retainers and complementary sets of first and second beams. The collet has corresponding pluralities of corners and faces and an annulus for receiving the gun barrel. The sets of beams correspond to the plurality of retainers. Each beam has proximal and distal ends in relation to the mount. The distal ends of the first beams connect to a corner. The distal ends of the second beams connect to a face. The proximal ends of the first and second beams connect to a respective retainer.

Abstract: Systems are provided for mounting a sensor to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a sensor mounting system includes a mounting assembly coupled to a body of the vehicle. The mounting assembly has a first mounting plate spaced apart from a second mounting plate by at least one isolation member. The second mounting plate is coupled to the body of the vehicle. The sensor mounting system also includes a turret housing coupled to the first mounting plate so as to be movable relative to the first mounting plate. The turret housing defines at least one receptacle for a first sensing device.

Abstract: A technique is directed to launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The technique involves positioning a UAV launcher over a ground location. The technique further involves installing, after the UAV launcher is positioned over the ground location and prior to launching the UAV, an anchor into the ground location to anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location. The technique further involves operating, after the UAV launcher is anchored to the ground location, the UAV launcher to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV, the anchor holding the UAV launcher substantially in place at the ground location to minimize energy loss as the UAV launcher imparts launching force onto the UAV. In some arrangements, the UAV launcher is capable of pivoting while remaining anchored between launches to accommodate changes in wind direction while maintaining substantial connection to the ground location for enhanced consistency and performance.

Abstract: A mortar mount adapter is configured to fit in a towing hitch system mounted on a land vehicle. The towing hitch system absorbs and disperses recoil force from the mortar. The adapter is disposed in one of a trailer hitch receiver, a gooseneck hitch socket, and a fifth wheel hitch. The adapter includes a socket for the ball of a mortar tube and a shank extending from the socket wherein the socket and the shank are symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the adapter.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for supporting load from weapons recoil, being mountable on a flat bed of a road vehicle disposed on ground. The flat bed can receive a weapons mount. The vehicle has longitudinal, lateral and vertical orientations. The fixture includes a box brace, a recoil platform, first and second brackets, first and second beams, first and second posts and a deck. The box brace extends in the lateral direction. The recoil platform is parallel to the brace. The first and second brackets extend from the platform in the longitudinal direction. The beams are disposable parallel to the brace. The beams are translatable in the lateral direction. The first and second posts extend in the vertical direction downward from respective the first and second beams. The deck can receive the weapons mount, and is disposable on the platform and the brackets. The posts are retractable for stowage and extendible for raising the flat bed above the ground.

Abstract: A stand mountable weapon support assembly includes a base and a bracket attached to the base. The bracket couples the base to a tree stand. A post has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally coupled to the base and the post is positionable between a deployed position extending upwardly from the base or in a stored position lying on the base. A gun holder is attached to the post adjacent to the second end. A gun is supportable by the base and the post in an upright position.

Abstract: A modular mortar baseplate may include a top plate with an outer annular substantially planar portion and a recessed central portion. A socket may be disposed in the recessed central portion. A hub may be disposed beneath the recessed central portion. A plurality of legs may be connected to an underside of the top plate and to the hub. Each leg may include a pair of vertical portions, a horizontal portion, and a pair of rounded portions that join the pair of vertical portions to the horizontal portion. Each of the pair of rounded portions may have a radius that decreases in a radially inward direction.

Abstract: A mount for use with a firearm is provided. The mount includes a base comprising an inner edge comprising a slot defined therein. A shaft comprising a first end, a second end, and a body therebetween is provided. The shaft extends through the slot, the first end being rotatably coupled to the base about a first axis. The inner edge restricts rotation of the shaft. A firearm support is provided comprising a first portion configured to couple to the second end of the shaft, and a second portion removeably coupled to the firearm.

Abstract: The technology herein relates to rotating a second structure, which can be a turret, relative to a first structure, which can be a vehicle. The system can include a motor unit having a motor with a motor gear to rotate a drive shaft and a drive gear. A manual input shaft can also be configured to transmit rotation to the drive shaft. The motor can have a central axis that forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with a plane substantially defined by an outer surface of a gear box coupled to the motor. A mounting bracket is configured to allow mechanical communication between the motor unit and an internal ring gear. The mounting bracket has a mounting frame defining at least a first slide channel. A first motor unit coupler has a slide flange that is slidably received by the mounting frame and receives a motor unit. The internal ring gear can be mounted to a vehicle and a turret can be pivotably disposed within the internal ring gear.

Abstract: A weapon mounting system for a vehicle, such as a helicopter. The weapon mounting system illustratively includes a weapon cradle supporting a machine gun for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal elevational axis. A carriage supports the weapon cradle and is supported by a pintle for rotation about a generally vertical azimuth axis. An ejection collection device is supported by the carriage and collects spent shell casings and links ejected from the machine gun for discharge through the pintle. A trigger assembly illustratively provides for manual operation by a gunner and for remote electrical operation by a pilot.

Abstract: A gun mount for mounting a weapon to a vehicle includes a weapon mount plate defining a planar surface. First and second side plates are oriented at an angle to the weapon mount plate planar surface. Front and rear plates are perpendicular to the weapon mount plate and the first and second side plates supporting the weapon mount plate and fixed to the first and second side plates. A male tab extends from both the first and second side plates. A female slot is created in individual ones of both the front and rear plates. The female slot is aligned to slidably receive the male tab with a male tab freely extending portion extending beyond the female slot. A tab weld joint created at the freely extending portion of the male tab fixes the first and second side plates to the front and rear plates.

Abstract: An assault vehicle, comprising, in combination a vehicle body and a boom. The boom comprises a plurality of telescoping tubes being coupled to the vehicle body. The vehicle boom has a passageway there in. At the upwardmost end of the boom is located the fighting pod. The fighting pod has a boom elevator aperture there through to allow passage of a soldier from the vehicle, through the boom, and into the fighting pod. An elevator within the boom moves supplies and troops.

Abstract: A light weight field howitzer includes a barrel which is supported by a cradle constructed from hollow members and which is pivotally mounted about a trunnion bearing secured to a chassis. The trunnion bearing lies on the barrel axis and is positioned beyond the limit of maximum recoil of the barrel. Front stabilisers and rear trail support legs are provided to spread the load of the howitzer and spades are rigidly secured to the chassis. The howitzer includes a single hydraulic accumulator arrangement constituting a combined recoil buffer and recuperator system. A barrel elevating means is provided comprising a geared manual means assisted by a precompressed gas system.

Abstract: A precision tactical mount (12) includes a horizontal controller (30) and a vertical controller (34) for determining azimuth angles and elevation angles for a sight line of the precision tactical mount (12). The horizontal controller (30) and the vertical controller (34) have friction blocks (102, 114, 196) which engage mating friction surfaces with selectable forces for providing specific resistance against azimuth and elevation angular movement, without requiring separate mechanisms for locking the tactical mount (12) in selected positions. The friction blocks (102, 114 and 196) are preferably formed of softer materials than the mating friction surfaces to conform to the shape of the mating friction surfaces with increased normal forces, providing varying surface areas. The vertical controller (34) includes a course threaded screw member (142) mounted at an angle to a centerline (6) of the precision tactical mount (12) to provide fine control adjustment for elevation.

Abstract: A mount for deploying a weapon system through a window in a defended position is provided. The mount including a mechanism having an attachment to the weapon system and a base having an attachment to a portion of the defended position. The mechanism further having; a first actuator for moving the weapon system from a stowed position to at least one intermediate position; and a second actuator for moving the weapon system from the at least one intermediate position to a deployed position projecting from the window. The defended position can be a ship in which case the window can be an opening in a hull of the ship.

Abstract: A rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus is portable, erectable on the ground and/or as part of a ladder or tree stand. The apparatus incorporates therewith a seat and a rifle-positioning cradle that enables the user to remain in position and simultaneously rotate and selectively and rapidly adjust the height, distance and angular orientation of the rifle barrel, depending on the shooting environment presented. Additionally, the frame structure of the apparatus is adapted to be adjusted and leveled as to sloping ground and enables a hunting blind be erected to hide the hunter while in position.

Abstract: A portable shooting bench assembly has a base chassis assembly with a wheel member that contacts a support surface upon elevating one end of the base chassis assembly. An L-shaped turret chassis member is pivotally mounted at a first end to the base chassis assembly and follows the contour thereof. The turret chassis member's second end is supported on a roller member that contacts the base chassis assembly with a seat member secured above the roller member. The first end of the turret chassis member contains a vertically telescoping section, having an offset support arm member and a linear, rifle support assembly adjustably secured thereto. A hunter seated on the seat member moves himself and his rifle positioned in the rifle support assembly by pivoting the second end of the turret chassis assembly on the roller member along the base chassis assembly.

Abstract: A lower gun mount, which can be mounted in a standardized way on a ship or a permanent ground foundation, is used so that a gun can be mounted with minimal effort quickly, reproducibly and without slip, and later dismounted. This standardized lower gun mount is mounted geometrically correctly on a foundation or ship by so-called standardized ISO corners, which can be fixed in place on supports specially provided for this purpose and a mounting frame that assists the mounting. This makes it possible for the gun to be mounted rigidly and without play.

Abstract: A weapon system incorporating a cannon mounted in a cradle and intended to be carried on a vehicle wherein the cradle is integral with a plate able to be positioned on the ground by the vehicle using a maneuvering arm, the cannon being able to fire from the plate positioned on the ground.

Abstract: A device and method for increasing the rate of the firing cycle of a semi-automatic firearm includes a base that is adapted to support any one of a variety of semi-automatic firearms. The base includes a trigger extension with a grip, a slide mount, and a slide housed within the slide mount. At least the receiver, barrel, and trigger assembly of the firearm are secured to the base so that they may move as a single unit upon the base between a rearward position upon discharge of the firearm and a forward position. A biasing means continuously biases the receiver, barrel, and trigger assembly upon the base toward the forward position to effect successive discharges of the firearm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projectile firing device used on a platform and comprising at least two tubes integral with a base. This device is characterized in that the base is mounted able to swivel on a turret around a first, substantially horizontal axis, such swiveling controlled by first drive means, the turret being able itself to pivot with respect to the platform around a second substantially vertical axis and being controlled by second drive means, the horizontal swiveling being made on either side of a median position in which the tubes are oriented with their axes substantially vertical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a defense system for a target against an attacking projectile of the type incorporating a launcher for defensive projectiles and control means for the device after the attacking projectile has been detected, wherein the launcher device comprises a cupola mobile in bearing with respect to the target and a launcher integral with the cupola and articulated in elevation in the bearing range of the cupola to ensure the compactness of the whole assembly with respect to the target.

Abstract: An elevation and traverse laying system for a weapon comprising a first traverse positioning element to position the weapon in traverse along a large angular range with respect to a first axis of rotation in traverse, having a first positioning element in elevation for the weapon along a large range with respect to the first axis of rotation in elevation offset with respect to the weapon's center of gravity, a second positioning element in elevation for the weapon along a small range with respect to a second axis of rotation in elevation, and a second traverse positioning element with respect to a second axis of rotation in traverse allowing a small lateral range for the weapon, the second axis of rotation in elevation and the second axis of rotation in traverse substantially passing through the weapon's center of gravity.

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A traverse laying system for a weapon integral with a frame articulated in traverse with respect to a support providing a large traverse range around a first axis of rotation. The system includes positioning device for the weapon integral with the frame in order to ensure a small lateral range of the weapon around a second axis of rotation passing through the centre of gravity and perpendicular respectively to the longitudinal axis of the weapon and the traverse orientation axis. The first axis of rotation is located to the rear of the weapon's centre of gravity and the lateral range around the second axis may be of around 2°.

Abstract: A gun in which the gun barrel (2) is seated to be axially displaced in a cradle barrel. To avoid a lifting effect of the gun barrel (2) upon firing, and omit the necessity of complicated guide grooves in the cradle barrel (3) and tabs on the gun barrel (2), an elastically deformable, first slide-bushing bearing (5) is provided at the muzzle end of the cradle barrel, and a second slide-bushing bearing (6) with a predetermined amount of fit play is provided at the breech-ring end of the cradle barrel 3.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-propelled mobile system that is characterized by a lightweight space frame chassis on which is mounted a large caliber artillery piece. The weight of the system is preferably less than 8,000 kg and the artillery piece preferably has a caliber of up to a 155 mm 52 caliber gun. The artillery piece may include a lightweight elevating and traversing mass and gun chassis mounted on a space frame vehicle, such vehicle having a weight which does not exceed 3,800 kg.

Abstract: A gun whose barrel (2′) is connected to a breech ring (16), and is seated to be displaced in a cradle barrel (3). To prevent a lifting effect of the barrel (2′) inside the cradle barrel (3) upon firing, a slide-bushing bearing is disposed on at least the muzzle side of the barrel (2′). The bearing encompasses a barrel bushing (7′), in which the barrel (2′) is disposed free from any lifting effect, and whose outside surface (8) slides in a form-fit (i.e., with the smallest possible amount of play) in the cradle barrel (3), so that the barrel (2′) is independently guided to slide both axially and radially. The radial sliding guidance of the barrel (2′) during firing is effected by tab-shaped protrusions (10′), which extend into corresponding, groove-shaped recesses (9′) of the barrel bushing (7′) and hold the barrel (2′) in the center of the barrel bushing (7′).

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: An aiming drive (10), in particular for rapidly lining up the forked pivotal holder (10) of a launch receptacle (12) for fragmentation grenades defending against an attacking missile is to be designed, with precise simultaneous azimuth and elevation adjustment for particularly high level of dynamics of its aiming procedure in spite of a high weight of the launch receptacle (12) which is provided with the fragmentation grenades. For that purpose the setting motors (13, 14) are disposed stationarily in a support structure (15) which is fixed with respect to the object, away from the pivotal holder (19) and protected from the effect of fragments, from which support structure they are rotatable connected to a carrier ring (18) for the pivotal holder (19). The carrier ring (18) is supported rotatably in the support structure (15).

Abstract: A recoil buffering apparatus for use with an artillery gun of the type comprising a breech assembly (15) connected to a barrel (12), the breech assembly (15) having a firing mechanism for firing a projectile through an open end of the barrel (12). The recoil buffering apparatus comprises a recoil buffering means adapted to be fixed to the barrel (12) and movable therewith during recoil action of the barrel (12) caused by firing of the projectile, and a support means associated with the recoil buffering means for supporting the recoil buffering means and thereby supporting the barrel (12) and breech assembly (15) through the recoil buffering means. An elevating apparatus and a traversing apparatus for an artillery gun are also described. The artillery gun can also be provided with a muzzle brake (11).

Abstract: A detachable mount for a telescopic sight which can be operated using only one latching mechanism. The mount uses a front base attached to the ring of a rifle receiver and a rear base attached to the bridge of a rifle receiver. The upper surfaces of both the front and rear bases open into a pair of slots. A separate scope mount is attached to a scope sight by conventional means. Two sets of lugs descend from the lower surfaces of this scope mount. These sets of descending lugs are configured to fit securely within the slots in the front and rear bases when the scope mount is placed over the bases. The forward facing surfaces of the rear set of descending lugs mate with a corresponding set of rearward facing surfaces in the slots within the rear base. These sets of mating surfaces are offset from the vertical to create a wedging effect that pulls the rear of the scope mount down when it is pushed forward relative to the rifle receiver.

Abstract: Improvements in or relating to field howitzers A light weight field howitzer includes a barrel which is supported by a cradle constructed from hollow members and which is pivotally mounted about a trunnion bearing secured to a chassis. The trunnion bearing lies on the barrel axis and is positioned beyond the limit of maximum recoil of the barrel. Front stabilisers and rear trail support legs are provided to spread the load of the howitzer and spades are rigidly secured to the chassis. The howitzer includes a single hydraulic accumulator arrangement constituting a combined recoil buffer and recuperator system. A barrel elevating means is provided comprising a geared manual means assisted by a precompressed gas system.