Abstract: The present invention is a multi-piece barrel shroud which provides IR signature and radar backscatter reduction over the entire length of the barrel by utilization of special radar absorbing materials and shaped in accordance with commonly known radar signature reduction techniques. The interior of the shroud includes cooling passages for the circulation of ambient air by way of a forced air circulation system which provides IR reduction. To facilitate barrel movement while minimizing weight, the majority of the shroud is stationary and is independent of the gun barrel. At least one other piece of the shroud is attached to the barrel near the muzzle end and designed to move in unison with the muzzle during recoil. The recoiling portion of the shroud is sized to mate with an annular recess within the distal end of the stationary portion so as to provide continuous shielding of the barrel throughout the entire range of recoil displacement.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-piece barrel shroud which provides IR signature and radar backscatter reduction over the entire length of the barrel by utilization of special radar absorbing materials and shaped in accordance with commonly known radar signature reduction techniques. The interior of the shroud includes cooling passages for the circulation of ambient air by way of a forced air circulation system which provides IR reduction. To facilitate barrel movement while minimizing weight, the majority of the shroud is stationary and is independent of the gun barrel. At least one other piece of the shroud is attached to the barrel near the muzzle end and designed to move in unison with the muzzle during recoil. The recoiling portion of the shroud is sized to mate with an annular recess within the distal end of the stationary portion so as to provide continuous shielding of the barrel throughout the entire range of recoil displacement.

Abstract: A multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. The system generally includes a cradle having a rotor with a plurality of cells formed therein. The cradle may be disposed in a charging position and a loading position. When in the charging position, each of the cells is controllably, selectively alignable with an ammunition hoist to receive an ammunition component in each cell. When the cradle is pivoted into the loading position, the rotor may be positioned so that each of the cells is alignable with the barrel of the weapon so that the ammunition component may be loaded into the weapon and fired.

Abstract: A multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. In a preferred embodiment, the system generally includes a cradle having a rotor with a plurality of cells formed therein. The cradle may be disposed in a charging position and a loading position. When in the charging position, each of the cells is controllably, selectively alignable, by means of the rotor, with an ammunition hoist to receive an ammunition component in each cell. When the cradle is pivoted into the loading position, the rotor may be positioned so that each of the cells is alignable with the barrel of the weapon so that the ammunition component may be loaded into the weapon and fired.