Abstract: A temperature compensator for a recoil system and methods of use therein are disclosed. The temperature compensator can be used to regulate compressible fluid flow in a recoil system for an artillery weapon, including limiting a total volume of compressible fluid used to drive recoiling components of the system. This allows the recoil parts be to driven with consistency, notwithstanding the volumetric expansion of the compressible fluid due to temperature changes. In certain embodiments, the temperature compensator can include a tube having opposing first and second ends, and an elongated through portion extending therebetween. A flange can extend radially from the first end of the tube and be configured for sliding engagement within a recuperator cylinder of the soft recoil system. A one-way valve can be coupled to the flange at the first end and configured to restrict fluid entry to the elongated through portion via the first end.

Abstract: An elevating assembly that includes an elevating strut that is manipulated mechanically between a first retracted configuration and a second extended configuration for moving the gun. An internal chamber can be defined within the elevating strut for compressible fluid. A pressure of the compressible fluid within the elevating strut can be tuned and maintained in order to reduce the weight of the gun overcome by the elevating strut during the manipulation.

Abstract: An elevating assembly that includes an elevating strut that is manipulated mechanically between a first retracted configuration and a second extended configuration for moving the gun. An internal chamber can be defined within the elevating strut for compressible fluid. A pressure of the compressible fluid within the elevating strut can be tuned and maintained in order to reduce the weight of the gun overcome by the elevating strut during the manipulation.

Abstract: A temperature compensator for a recoil system and methods of use therein are disclosed. The temperature compensator can be used to regulate compressible fluid flow in a recoil system for an artillery weapon, including limiting a total volume of compressible fluid used to drive recoiling components of the system. This allows the recoil parts be to driven with consistency, notwithstanding the volumetric expansion of the compressible fluid due to temperature changes. In certain embodiments, the temperature compensator can include a tube having opposing first and second ends, and an elongated through portion extending therebetween. A flange can extend radially from the first end of the tube and be configured for sliding engagement within a recuperator cylinder of the soft recoil system. A one-way valve can be coupled to the flange at the first end and configured to restrict fluid entry to the elongated through portion via the first end.

Abstract: One embodiment of a gun configured with soft recoil system comprises a plurality of recoiling parts that initially moves in the direction of the projectile being fired before moving in a direction opposite to that of a projectile during the firing of the round. The soft recoil system throttles the movement of the recoiling parts such that the energy expended during the firing of the round is spread over a longer time period and a longer distance than would normally occur. The soft recoil system stores at least a portion of the energy transferred to the recoiling parts and the user may selectively release at least a part of that portion of energy to offset the energy imparted to the gun during the firing of the next round.

Abstract: One embodiment of a gun configured with the soft recoil system comprises a plurality of recoiling parts that initially moves in the direction of the projectile being fired before moving in a direction opposite to that of a projectile during the firing of the round. The soft recoil system throttles the movement of the recoiling parts such that the energy expended during the firing of the round is spread over a longer time period and a longer distance than would normally occur. The soft recoil system stores at least a portion of the energy transferred to the recoiling parts and the user may selectively release at least a part of that portion of energy to offset the energy imparted to the gun during the firing of the next round.