Abstract: A conveyor for large caliber ammunition includes upper and lower chains mounted within a magazine to run in a compact serpentine path. The lower chain includes platform links on which ammunition rounds (projectiles and propellant canisters) rest in upright orientations. Resiliently backed ball casters, affixed to the upper and lower chains, run in magazine guide tracks and roll on the track bottom surface to provide smooth and efficient conveyor operation. Retainers cradle the ammunition rounds to maintain their upright stand on the conveyor and to ensure that they are safely propelled through the turns in the serpentine conveyor path.

Abstract: A linear linkless ammunition feeding system includes a magazine in which a major portion of an endless ammunition conveyor is supported in serpentine formation on upper and lower sets of opposed rails. Screw feeder elements convey this serpentine formation linearly to an exit end of the magazine where the serpentine conveyor loops thereof are successively unwrapped from the rails by a first shuttle mechanism and accelerated to conveyor gun firing velocity. A second, identical shuttle mechanism stationed at the entrance end of the magazine decelerates the conveyor coming from the gun and wraps it into serpentine loops on the rails.