Abstract: An electrical firing mechanism for hand guns and small caliber machine guns having a tension trigger which tightens a compression spring locading an impact member which when released strikes a piezo-voltage generator. The output of the generator leads to an electrical detonator. A firing mode selecting system, includes a lever which serves to engage a safety to block the trigger and to provide other firing modes such as burst and sustained fire. An additional source of electrical energy is provided in addition to the piezo-voltage generator, which can be connected with the detonator by way of the trigger, and the selecting system.

Abstract: A reaction mass for a launching tube having a centrally positioned propellant charge for propelling a missile at its forward end and a reaction mass located rearwardly of the propellant charge which is propelled at the rear end, comprises an inert, readily fragmentizing, expellable reaction mass comprising a glass material which is internally prestressed and which disintegrates at the launch. The reaction mass is advantageously in the form of a glass cylinder which is either connected to a metallic pusher member arranged rearwardly of the propellant charge which is pushed by the ignition of the charge in a rearward direction, or it may comprise a glass cylinder which includes its own pusher head formation. The pusher itself is arrested by a brake positioned at the rear exit. In addition, the rear exit is closed by a diaphragm which may shatter after ignition of the propellant charge.