Abstract: A howitzer suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the howitzer having an ordnance for firing a projectile. The ordnance can include a barrel defining a barrel axis and having a muzzle towards the front end of the howitzer and a breech assembly at the back end of the barrel; a cradle for holding the ordnance at a traverse and an elevation; two trunnion pins located on the cradle, which co-locate with receiving trunnion bearings on a saddle, wherein in a first position said breech is located forward of the trunnion, in a second position, at the end of the recoil stroke, the breech is retracted substantially behind the trunnion, wherein a recoil stroke is variable depending on the selection of the elevation.

Abstract: A howitzer suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the howitzer having an ordnance for firing a projectile. The ordnance can include a barrel defining a barrel axis and having a muzzle towards the front end of the howitzer and a breech assembly at the back end of the barrel; a cradle for holding the ordnance at a traverse and an elevation; two trunnion pins located on the cradle, which co-locate with receiving trunnion bearings on a saddle, wherein in a first position said breech is located forward of the trunnion, in a second position, at the end of the recoil stroke, the breech is retracted substantially behind the trunnion, wherein a recoil stroke is variable depending on the selection of the elevation.

Abstract: A multi-purpose armored vehicle is configured for a wide range of purposes by military and police units and in both defensive and offensive postures. A protective canopy covers an entrance to a cockpit capable of accommodating at least one person. The vehicle is sufficiently narrow to enable it to pass through conventional gates and also doorways to, and within buildings. A pair of armor-plated shields are pivotally engaged, and selectively positionable, with the sides of the vehicle, allowing shelter to personnel traveling alongside the vehicle. An extensible boom may be fitted with a wide range of hardware including weapons and communications equipment for dealing with situations involving criminals, terrorists, etc. The shields, boom movement and extension, and hardware are all controllable from the cockpit.

Abstract: A light weight field howitzer includes a barrel which is supported by a cradle constructed from hollow members and which is pivotally mounted about a trunnion bearing secured to a chassis. The trunnion bearing lies on the barrel axis and is positioned beyond the limit of maximum recoil of the barrel. Front stabilisers and rear trail support legs are provided to spread the load of the howitzer and spades are rigidly secured to the chassis. The howitzer includes a single hydraulic accumulator arrangement constituting a combined recoil buffer and recuperator system. A barrel elevating means is provided comprising a geared manual means assisted by a precompressed gas system.

Abstract: A towed howitzer interchangeable between a travelling mode and a firing mode, the towed howitzer being suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the towed howitzer includes: a barrel for firing a projectile, the barrel defining a barrel axis, a cradle for holding the barrel at an azimuth and an elevation, a mechanism for varying the elevation and the azimuth of the barrel and a front leg for supporting an aiming mechanism. The front leg includes a wheel intended for contacting the ground at a foremost ground contact point; a suspension mechanism for resiliently mounting the wheel and a restraining mechanism for selectively enabling the suspension. The howitzer includes a back leg for contacting the ground at a backmost ground contact point. The back leg includes a hinging for swinging the back leg out of contact with the round.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-propelled mobile system that is characterized by a lightweight space frame chassis on which is mounted a large caliber artillery piece. The weight of the system is preferably less than 8,000 kg and the artillery piece preferably has a caliber of up to a 155 mm 52 caliber gun. The artillery piece may include a lightweight elevating and traversing mass and gun chassis mounted on a space frame vehicle, such vehicle having a weight which does not exceed 3,800 kg.

Abstract: A high-mobility artillery cannon system transportable with the cargo envelop of a transport aircraft, includes a lightweight field howitzer, a medium tactical vehicle, and a bed disposable on the vehicle, the bed for receiving and supporting the howitzer such that the vehicle with the howitzer disposed on the bed is receivable within an envelop having substantially the dimensions of the cargo envelop defined within the C-130 type transport aircraft. A method of configuring a cannon system for transport the C-130 type transport aircraft is included.

Abstract: Improvements in or relating to field howitzers A light weight field howitzer includes a barrel which is supported by a cradle constructed from hollow members and which is pivotally mounted about a trunnion bearing secured to a chassis. The trunnion bearing lies on the barrel axis and is positioned beyond the limit of maximum recoil of the barrel. Front stabilisers and rear trail support legs are provided to spread the load of the howitzer and spades are rigidly secured to the chassis. The howitzer includes a single hydraulic accumulator arrangement constituting a combined recoil buffer and recuperator system. A barrel elevating means is provided comprising a geared manual means assisted by a precompressed gas system.