Abstract: A liquid propellant gun loading, propellant injection and firing mechanism haracterized by a rotating breech block having a generally spherical contour. The breech block is intermittently rotated to and locked in sequential loading, fuel injection and firing positions.

Abstract: Initiation of a cartridge in the chamber of a firearm is achieved by providing a port in the chamber through which high pressure gas from a firearm barrel strikes the primer of the cartridge and activates the primer. In one form, the gas driving a projectile through the barrel initiates a plurality of secondary cartridges.

Abstract: A two stage telescoped launcher wherein propellant compresses a gas which turn ejects a projectile from a gun launch tube. The two stages are telescoped to shorten the gun and to permit breech loading of the projectile.

Abstract: An adjustable, easily erectable field piece settable at variable elevation angles is described. A two-point support is adapted to pivotally carry an intermediate member which is affixed to a composite sleeve serving as a barrel support member. A mortar breech mechanism is affixed to a first telescopic leg of the two-point support, and is pivotally mounted in a ground plate at such first base point to removably engage the rear end of the barrel when the barrel is at an upper elevation angle suitable for mortar application. A separate cannon breech mechanism is pivotally carried by the rear end of the barrel for selective firing engagement with the rear end of the barrel when such barrel is moved by the two-point support to a relatively low elevation angle suitable for cannon applications.

Abstract: A muzzle-expellable gun cartridge comprises a case including a side wall pted to fit the gun chamber and having an open front end and a transverse rear base, a projectile releasably mounted in the front end, a main propellant charge within the case in the front of the base, an auxiliary propellant charge located behind the base for propelling the case through the barrel after propulsion of the projectile therefrom, a primary charge for initiating the two propellant charges, and means for providing spaces between the case and the chamber and for venting part of the propellant gases to these spaces between the case and the chamber to collapse the case side wall and facilitate expulsion of the case, comprising an annular series of external longitudinal flutes and intermediate ribs formed in the side wall with aperture flaps in the flutes for venting the gases through the side wall into the flutes.