Abstract: The trunnion assembly according to the present invention has a pivot pin with a longitudinal axis defining the pivot axis of a weapon carrier with respect to a support member. A pair of pivot pins are located on either side of the weapon carrier with their longitudinal axes generally co-axial and are each mounted in the support member by a bearing enabling each of the pivot pins to readily rotate about their longitudinal axes with respect to the support members. The pivot pins, which may be supported in a mounting box attached to each of the support members, are biased in a first direction toward each other by a spring device interposed between the bearing and the mounting box. When in their most extreme biased position, the distance between them is inadequate to accommodate the insertion of the weapon carrier between them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight turret for use on an armored vehicle that is easily movable between stowed and deployed positions. In the stowed position, the turret is folded downwardly adjacent to the top of the armored vehicle. In the deployed position, the turret extends above the top of the vehicle to provide the necessary clearances for use of the weapon at elevational angles between -15.degree. and +45.degree. . The turret consists of a pair of mounting members, each having a generally "U" shape with their bases pivotally attached to a support plate which, in turn, is pivotally attached to the top of the vehicle. Cross members connect the mounting members and pivotally mount a weapon support. The pivot axis of the weapon support extends generally horizontally and, when the turret is deployed, is located in a plane with the generally vertical azimuth axis about which the turret rotates.

Abstract: A mechanical servosystem for connecting the pivoting weapon support to an tical aiming device such that the optical sighting axis remain in alignment with the elevation of the weapon is described. A motion input mechanism is connected to the pivoting weapons mounting. The optical device is connected to a mechanical motion output mechanism which, in turn, is connected to the motion input mechanism via a flexible motion transmission device. A linkage interconnects the weapon mounting with the motion input mechanism such that any elevational movement of the weapon is automatically transferred to the optical aiming device to maintain the alignment of the optical axis with the weapon.