Abstract: Shell feeding apparatus for a rapid fire, gun, such as a medium caliber cannon, comprises an elongate, linear shell rammer having a relatively small diameter, surrounded by a carousel-type shell magazine configured for holding several, for example, about six, shells. The shell rammer includes a pressurized fluid actuation cylinder having two transversely separated bores and two pistons mounted in the bores. Protruding ends of the pistons are interconnected by a motion multiplier which comprises a T-shaped member, to opposite sides of which are mounted two pairs of sprockets. A shell ramming member is fixed to two drive chains entrained over the two pairs of sprockets. The drive chains are fixed to the actuator cylinder so that when pressurized fluid moves the pistons, relative to the cylinder, a distance, "d", at a velocity, "v," the shell ramming member, and hence a shell engaged thereby, is moved a substantially greater distance, "D," at a substantially greater velocity, "V.

Abstract: Cradle apparatus for mounting an automatic cannon to an elevationally rotatable plate positioned at an exterior region of a weapons system turret or cupola includes an elongate, rigid, box-like cradle and first, second and third universal ball connections, arranged in a generally triangular configuration, for mounting the cradle to the rotatable plate. Each of the connections includes cradle portions fixed to the cradle and plate portions fixed to the plate. The first, uppermost connection includes means for releasably latching together the cradle and plate portions thereof; whereas, the second and third, lower connections define a cradle hinge line about which the cradle is pivotable between open and closed conditions relative to the plate when the first connection cradle and plate portions are unlatched. Means are provided in the cradle for mounting an automatic cannon in a manner enabling ready access to receiver portions thereof when the cradle is in the open condition.