Abstract: A plurality of rounds of ammunition are fed simultaneously by the invention which includes a plurality of hoists feeding a plurality of compartments located in a magazine mounted on the elevating part of a gun. Rapid loading in synchronism with firing is thus achieved. A method of loading a compartmented magazine is taught.

Abstract: Apparatus for the loading of rounds of ammunition from a magazine into the barrel of a firearm, particularly a firearm supported on a tank. The firearm is movable in elevation about a first axis, and a pendulum-like member is provided which is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the axis about which the barrel rotates. The pendulum-like member is also movable translationally along the axis about which it rotates. Apparatus is provided for rotating the pendulum-like member about the axis of rotation between first and second angular positions, and further apparatus is provided for translationally moving the pendulum-like member along its rotational axis between predetermined spaced locations. To transfer a round of ammunition to the pendulum-like member from a magazine, the member is translationally moved along the axis and also rotated about the axis so as to be disposed adjacent the magazine, thereby making possible the transfer of an ammunition round into the member.