Abstract: An apparatus for coating the inside of a metal tube with an electrically conducting material, including first and second electrode assemblies supported within the tube. The axially spaced electrode assemblies each include a main electrode. The main electrode of the first electrode assembly is supported on the inner tube face via an insulating member. The second electrode assembly has an auxiliary electrode connected to the main electrode of the second electrode assembly and to the tube. A wire is secured to and extending between the main electrodes. A current source is connected to the main electrode of the first electrode assembly and the main electrode of the second electrode assembly through the tube and the auxiliary electrode for passing an electric current pulse through the wire for causing an explosive vaporization thereof, whereby particles of the vaporized material form a layer on the inner tube face.

Abstract: A method of coating an inner face of a metal tube with an electrically conducting coating material includes the steps of positioning a wire, made of the coating material, generally axially in an interior of the tube, along the inner face thereof; and passing an electric current pulse of sufficient intensity through the wire to cause an explosive vaporization thereof, whereby particles of the vaporized material impinge on the inner face of the metal tube and form a layer thereon.

Abstract: A carrier vehicle (1) for a tube weapon (2) having a resiliently arranged undercarriage (3) and a support arrangement (5) which in the combat-ready position is arranged between the vehicle (1) and the ground (4), with the support arrangement comprising at least one support (6). To avoid manual readjustment of the support arrangements (5), even when firing from a position with a soft underground, the supports (6), which are disposed at the tail of the vehicle (1), are arranged so as to be slidable in the direction of their longitudinal axes (7) via a positioning motor (15). The positioning motor (15) is connected to an electronic control device (16) which actuates the positioning motor (15) in a manner such that the support (6) is pressed against the ground (4) with a definable force before a shot is fired and compensation is provided for the gap (18) which occurs between the support (6) and the ground (4) after a shot has been fired because of the resilient yielding and rebounding of the undercarriage (3).

Abstract: A subcaliber kinetic energy projectile includes a cylindrical penetrator core of tungsten heavy metal; a solid conical projectile tip of light metal adjoining a front end of the penetrator core in a butt joint; and a friction weld bonding the penetrator core to the projectile tip at the butt joint.

Abstract: A weapon includes a barrel for firing ammunition therefrom; and an apparatus for monitoring firing stresses of the barrel. The apparatus includes a body sound sensor mounted on the weapon and emitting a first signal representing body oscillations of the weapon upon firing; and an electronic evaluating device connected to an output of the sensor. The electronic evaluating device includes a comparator for comparing measuring signals, representing the first signals, with reference signals representing different charges and for emitting second signals representing results of the comparison; and a non-volatile memory operatively connected to the comparator for additively receiving the second signals and for releasing, on demand, the number of firings and information on an accumulated firing stress of the barrel.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a subcaliber projectile as well as a projectile (1) which is formed according to the method and which comprises a penetrator (2), a propelling cage (3) surrounding the central or mid-portion of the penetrator, and a plastic cap (5) that is arranged on the front of the propelling cage (3) and is conically tapered toward the penetrator point (4). For an easy and cost-effective way of manufacturing the connection between the plastic cap (5) and the propelling cage (3), according to the invention a thermoplastic synthetic material is used as the material for the cap (5), and the plastic cap (5) is attached by ultrasonic welding to the propelling cage (3).

Abstract: A propellant charge igniter for cartridge ammunition, includes an ignition tube; and a transfer charge disposed within the ignition tube, wherein the ignition tube is composed of a jacket tube having defined therein a plurality of ignition openings; and a protective tube which is positioned within the jacket tube so that the outside wall of the protective tube rests flush against the inside wall of the jacket tube and covers the plurality of ignition openings, which is thin-walled and has a wall thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, which is arranged to effectively protect the transfer charge against adverse external environmental influences including humidity, and which is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, oxide ceramic material, glass ceramic material, metal or metal alloy, and plastic. This arrangement provides a reliable sealing of the transfer charge against external environmental influences over a long time period, e.g., at least 10 years, even if handled roughly.

Abstract: A weapon assembly for an armored vehicle includes a turret; a turret cage attached to and being disposed underneath the turret; a weapon supported in the turret and having a barrel; and a belt magazine received in part in the turret and in part in the turret cage. The belt magazine has a loading belt and a plurality of horizontally disposed, ammunition-accommodating container tubes attached to the loading belt. The belt magazine further has a frontal receiving position above the turret cage and laterally of the turret. A loading tube is swingably supported behind the weapon for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position the loading tube is in alignment with the container tube when the latter is in the frontal receiving position. In the second position the loading tube is in alignment with the weapon barrel in a rearward receiving position.

Abstract: An unmanned armored minesweeping vehicle includes a vehicle body having a heavily armored vehicle part; a power plant accommodated in the vehicle part for propelling the vehicle; a vehicle steering control accommodated in the vehicle part; and a simulating arrangement for disguising the vehicle as a target for triggering the mines to be cleared.

Abstract: A breechblock system for a gun includes a breechblock; a firing pin slidably received in the breechblock and having two diametrically oppositely located catch recesses; and two locking levers pivotally supported by the breechblock on opposite sides thereof and each having first and second arms. The two locking levers have a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position the first arm of the respective locking levers projects into the respective catch recesses for preventing the firing pin from moving from its locked position into its firing position. Further, two bolts are provided which are movably supported on opposite sides of the breechblock and which cooperate with the breechblock and with respective locking levers. The bolts have a withdrawn position and an advanced position. In the withdrawn position the bolts are out of a depressing engagement with the respective locking levers, whereby the locking levers are maintained in the locking position by a force-exerting arrangement.