Abstract: An electric winch provides motive force, allowing the cannon to be pulled out of battery and returned to battery in a safe and controlled manner. After the system is attached to the large caliber weapon system, the operator can stand a safe distance away and control the complete operation with a remote. The recoil exerciser can be quickly attached to any large caliber weapon system via hooks and a wear-resistant sling.

Abstract: The present invention involves techniques for rapid, flexible, partial and supplemental reloading of firearms using specialized actions, intermediate storage devices/feeds and multiple magazines, which may, in some embodiments, be simultaneously engaged with a firearm. The techniques disclosed include a feeding system, which may be a multiple-magazine feeding system, that allows a firearm to remain loaded and firing-ready with multiple loaded cartridges at all times, even during reloading operations. The invention also includes other techniques for flexible, non-wasteful, partially-empty reloading, to eliminate reloading paralysis, and allow the soldier or other user, not the size of a magazine, to determine when firing should continue and when and if it should pause.

Abstract: An armed vehicle (10) with improved structure includes a hull (11), which, in use, is suited to house one or more men, devices for the movement on the ground, and an armed turret (30), which is positioned on top of an upper part of the hull (11). The armed vehicle (10) includes an interface structural element (11s), which is cold-added; the interface structural element (11s) constitutes an interface element between the hull (11) and the armed turret (30).

Abstract: An artillery ammunition loading system (100), configured to load ammunitions includes at least one projectile in a cannon or a howitzer (11). The ammunition loading system includes a first mobile loader (102a) for loading projectiles and a second mobile loader (102b) for loading propelling charges, which alternatively and at least partially automatically feed the cannon or howitzer (11) for each firing cycle.

Abstract: A drive for a weapon is provided, wherein rotational motion of a motor is converted to a forward or reverse motion of the breech in a simple manner using the Scotch yoke principle. In order to allow rest periods of the breech in the end positions, the crank radius is defined by a control cam, which changes when the crank is rotated. The hinge pin of the crank may be externally driven via a pinion shaft. A yoke pin is arranged in a groove of the crank so as to be radially displaceable and carries the breech carrier or the breech in a groove extending transversely to the direction of fire via a sliding block. Two rollers are arranged on the crank pin and run in control cams in the weapon or crank housing. The control cam is subdivided into different sectors/sections, thereby achieving the desired motion of the breech.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic charge magazine (1) for storage and handling of propellent powder charges of the modular charges and/or powder bag charges type, also termed increment charges (4), for projectiles, for example shells, which are arranged in a fireable manner, together with the increment charges (4), in an artillery gun, preferably of the vehicle-mounted artillery gun type, wherein the charge magazine (1) comprises a plurality of charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) arranged in a drivable revolving track, which charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) are arranged to assume feed-in and feed-out positions (2, 11) for the feed-in and feed-out of at least one increment charge (4) to and from the charge containers (5, 5?, 5?).

Abstract: A storage system (10) for artillery ammunition, capable of containing artillery ammunition (100) of various types and comprising a plurality of drums (11) rotating about a central axis (Y) of their own and having a plurality of cells (11a), each adapted to contain one of the ammunition (100). The storage system (10) includes a rotatable support (12), which can turn about an axis of rotation (Z) of its own, parallel to the central axis (Y), on which the plurality of rotary drums (11) are rotatably pivoted. The system further includes at least one data processing unit for the automated selection of a drum (11?) from among the plurality of rotary drums (11).

Abstract: An ammunition elevator device is provided for raising and lowering ammunition. The device includes a housing, a crank assembly, a pawl mechanism, and a transfer linkage. The housing has a chamber flanked by first and second flanges. The assembly includes a crank axle, first and second sprockets mounted to the axle for elevating the ammunition, and a ratchet gear mounted to the axle adjacent to the first flange. The pawl mechanism includes a pawl, a toggle and a pin spreader. The transfer linkage has a rotatable bar pivotably connected to the second flange, a rod that radially shifts relative to the crank axle in response to the sprockets, and a pair of rotatable joints. The ratchet gear connects to the axle adjacent the first flange, wherein the gear cyclically pivots the pawl for raising the toggle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a munition handling apparatus where the conventional ram is replaced with a high pressure fluid actuation. For this the apparatus is provided with a container that incorporates a piston which slides along the container to urge the munition out as the fluid pressure is applied.

Abstract: An automatically-reloadable, remotely-operated weapon system may include an operator station located distant from a weapon station. The weapon station may include an externally-powered firearm, a firearm mover for adjusting an azimuth and an angle of inclination of the firearm, and an ammunition storage and transport system for automatically moving ammunition to and from the firearm. From the operator station, a user may remotely control all aspects of firearm operation and ammunition reloading.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic charge magazine (1) for storage and handling of propellent powder charges of the modular charges and/or powder bag charges type, also termed increment charges (4), for projectiles, for example shells, which are arranged in a fireable manner, together with the increment charges (4), in an artillery gun, preferably of the vehicle-mounted artillery gun type, wherein the charge magazine (1) comprises a plurality of charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) arranged in a drivable revolving track, which charge containers (5, 5?, 5?) are arranged to assume feed-in and feed-out positions (2, 11) for the feed-in and feed-out of at least one increment charge (4) to and from the charge containers (5, 5?, 5?).

Abstract: An armed vehicle (10) with improved structure includes a hull (11), which, in use, is suited to house one or more men, devices for the movement on the ground, and an armed turret (30), which is positioned on top of an upper part of the hull (11). The armed vehicle (10) includes an interface structural element (11s), which is cold-added; the interface structural element (11s) constitutes an interface element between the hull (11) and the armed turret (30).

Abstract: An air, land, or sea vehicle may include a gun and a rotatable turret ring. An autoloader may be disposed in a basket fixed to the turret ring. The autoloader may include a turntable that rotates independently of the turret ring. An elevator having a track may rotate with the turntable. A carriage may be linearly translatable on the track of the elevator in directions toward and away from the plane of the turntable. A transfer device may be rotatably fixed to a pivot of the carriage. The transfer device may include a rail and a gripper that is linearly translatable on the rail.

Abstract: An artillery ammunition loading system (100), configured to load ammunitions includes at least one projectile in a cannon or a howitzer (11). The ammunition loading system includes a first mobile loader (102a) for loading projectiles and a second mobile loader (102b) for loading propelling charges, which alternatively and at least partially automatically feed the cannon or howitzer (11) for each firing cycle.

Abstract: The following invention relates to a mount for holding a charge in a breech. The mount attaches, or is integral to, a charge and is provided with a dilation means which rests within a breech of a gun to prevent the charge from sliding back out of the breech when the gun is held at a high angle. The dilation means is fabricated from a material which, when the gun is fired, combusts to leave negligible debris in the breech.

Abstract: A weapon system, especially for a ship, having a rocket launcher and an ammunition compartment for storing rocket containers designed to each accommodate at least one rocket. Disposed in the ammunition compartment is a guide mechanism on which at least two ammunition carriages, designed to accommodate the rocket containers, are displaceably disposed, whereby they can be shifted out of a parked position into a loading position in which the rocket container is disposed essentially below a slide-in structure of the rocket launcher. Securing mechanisms are provided for securing the ammunition carriages in place on the guide mechanism.

Abstract: A hand operated projectile extractor to remove unspent projectiles from 155 mm howitzers, which extractor is generally cylindrical, about 18 inches in length, with a handle extending from the rear thereof and with an overall weight of at least about 30 pounds, to provide enough momentum to eject the projectile. When rammed into the muzzle of a howitzer and down the barrel thereof, the ogive of the projectile enters the open front of the extractor's cylindrical body and will be impacted by a compression ring along the extractor's front edge, which compression ring has a minimum internal diameter of 4.75 inches and is formed of particular flat and curved surfaces which will not bind to either the projectile or the barrel.

Abstract: A propellant charge feed or supply system for automatic introduction of modular propellant charges into the weapon tube of a heavy weapon having a breech assembly and a propellant charge chamber in front of the breech assembly. An oblong propellant charge feed tray is pivotable into position behind the weapon tube such that propellant charges disposed on the propellant charge feed tray are disposed coaxial relative to the axis of the bore of the weapon tube. A providing device is adapted during a feed stroke to move the propellant feed tray into the breech assembly up to the propellant charge chamber. An introduction device is adapted during an introduction stroke to move the propellant charges from the feed tray into the propellant charge feed tray.

Abstract: An ammunition loading assembly (10) is disclosed for loading a projectile (12) into a barrel (14) of a gun. The assembly includes an urging member (16) for urging the projectile (12) into the barrel (14) and a drive means (18) for driving the urging member (16) between a projectile receiving position outside the barrel (14) and a projectile delivery position inside the chamber (20) of the gun. The drive means (18) includes a drive chain assembly (22) that moves the urging member (16) between the projectile receiving position and the projectile delivery position, so that the projectile is released just before the barrel engraving and engraves on it's own momentum. The assembly further includes first and second chain-retaining devices (42, 44) for limiting curving of the chain assembly and guiding the chain when moving out of the magazine.

Abstract: A device for restraining a shell in a barrel of a disposable anti-armour weapon being stored in a compartment of a transport box. A stopper member is configured to be placed in the barrel in front of and adjacent to a shell loaded therein. The stopper member has at least three radially expandable legs, which are distributed circumferentially and configured to face and engage a tapered front surface of the shell in the barrel. The legs are provided with gripping elements on radially outermost surfaces thereof and configured to cut into the barrel wall upon a forward movement of the shell in the barrel.

Abstract: The following invention relates to a mount for holding a charge in a breech. The mount attaches, or is integral to, a charge and is provided with a dilation means which rests within a breech of a gun to prevent the charge from sliding back out of the breech when the gun is held at a high angle. The dilation means is fabricated from a material which, when the gun is fired, combusts to leave negligible debris in the breech.

Abstract: An unmanned air vehicle for military, land security and the like operations includes a fuselage provided with foldable wings having leading edge flaps and trailing edge ailerons which are operable during ascent from launch to control the flight pattern with the wings folded, the wings being deployed into an open unfolded position when appropriate. The vehicle is contained within a pod from which it is launched and a landing deck is provided to decelerate and arrest the vehicle upon its return to land.

Abstract: A tool conforms at one end to an annular nozzle end of a rocket and conforms peripherally to a tube of a launcher for the rocket so that the tool may be inserted into the tube to urge the rocket precisely into a loaded position without slipping from the nozzle and damaging elements inside the nozzle. The tool is configured to receive a blast paddle of the launcher when the paddle is pivoted across the tube to engage a detent and an igniter contact with the rocket in the loaded position. The tool is configured to urge the rocket from the loaded position for unloading from the tube and is constructed of static dissipative material.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining an object in a gun tube of a weapon system, the gun tube having a longitudinal axis, a chamber and a breech ring with an opening therein, the apparatus including a plunger that reciprocates in the opening in the breech ring and the chamber; a housing fixed in the opening in the breech ring, the housing holding the plunger; and means for reciprocating the plunger in the opening in the breech ring and the chamber. The object to be retained is propellant. The reciprocating means is automatically operated via electrical and/or mechanical connections to the weapon system.

Abstract: A gun for firing a round of caseless ammunition, a round of such ammunition having a projectile and a modular propellant, the projectile and a modular propellant being disposable for firing in a gun tube, includes an actuatable valve being selectively openable to the gun tube, the valve for drawing a negative pressure in the gun tube, the negative pressure acting to pull the round into contact with a breech face such that when a firing pin is forceably released, the firing pin reliably strikes a primer of the modular propellant, the primer igniting the modular propellant, the ignited propellant forcefully discharging the projectile from the gun tube. A firing pin and valve assembly and a method of operating a gun are further included.

Abstract: A transfer device for pushing a projectile (3) into the barrel of a weapon in the direction of the barrel (1) of the weapon along a transfer trough (2). The transfer device has two turning wheels (5, 6), a flexible power transmission element (7) forming a closed loop, and two transfer elements (8, 10) mounted to push the projectile (3) in consecutive steps towards the barrel (1) of the weapon.

Abstract: A device for feeding propellant charges to a heavy weapon, comprising a fixed propellant charge magazine having guides for receiving propellant charge modules such that their longitudinal axes extend horizontally. The guides are disposed parallel to one another and in horizontal planes above one another. A propellant charge feed mechanism for removing propellant charges from the magazine and transferring them to a propellant charge transfer arm includes an automatic feed mechanism disposed adjacent to the magazine and having a propellant charge chain driven in a vertical plane and provided with receiving elements for propellant charge modules. A portioning unit is disposed at the removal position at the upper end of the chain and axially relative to a respectively uppermost receiving element. The portioning unit has a mechanism for transferring and joining propellant charge modules. A mechanism is provided for transferring joined modules from the portioning unit to a propellant charge feed tray.

Abstract: The invention provides an ammunition carrier for retaining ammunition. The ammunition carrier includes a stationary carrier body portion disposed about a space in which to retain the ammunition; and a rotating carrier body portion disposed about the space and pivotally. attached to the stationary carrier body portion. The stationary carrier body portion and the rotating carrier body portion collectively form a cover assembly to secure the ammunition. The ammunition carrier further includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism pivotally attached to the rotating carrier body portion, the locking mechanism (1) engageable, in an engaged position, with the stationary carrier body portion so as to prevent rotation of the rotating carrier body portion relative to the stationary carrier body portion; and (2) disengageable, in a disengaged position, with the stationary carrier body portion so as to allow rotation of the rotating carrier body portion relative to the stationary carrier body portion.

Abstract: It is proposed that a loading chamber of a weapon with a breech mechanism no longer be part of a cannon tube but rather that it form, together with a breechblock, a unit, which additionally contains a device for firing ammunition and which can move relative to the bore portion of the cannon tube. This design solution can be used in all weapons with various and different breech mechanisms.

Abstract: A make-break device includes a first component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered face and a second component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered faces, where the first component first edge and the second component first edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating radial meshing engagement of the first and second components and where the first component second edge and the second component second edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating axial meshing engagement of the first and second components. A cannon employing the make-break device and a method of selectively coupling/decoupling stationary electric drive assemblies from associated shiftable driven assemblies are included.

Abstract: A guide for centering transit ammunition rounds generally includes a plate having an ammunition round passage port therethrough along with a plurality of spaced apart ammunition round contact members disposed around a circumference of the passage port. A plurality of moveable arms is provided with each arm supporting a respective member and enabling radial movement of the respective member to and from a passage port center. Each arm engages an adjacent arm preventing non-equidistance spacing of the member from the passage port center and a plurality of biasing elements may be provided and disposed in positions urging a respective arm and member toward the passage port center.

Abstract: A firing module having a fully automatic shell supply mechanism for supplying shells to a heavy weapon in a housing. A shell ram having a loading tray is disposed on a free end of a shell transfer arm that is pivotable between a raised position, in which the loading tray is aligned with the gun bore axis, parallel to a plane of elevation, and a lowered position, in which the tray is essentially vertical. A gripping mechanism on a shell transport arm grasps a vertical shell stored in at least one ammunition magazine for supplying a shell from a shell transporter, to the loading tray, in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm. The ammunition magazines and transporter are disposed in the housing ahead of a trunnion. The loading tray is pivotable about a pivot axis, which is essentially vertical in the lowered position of the shell transfer arm, by at least 180° between a receiving position opening ahead of the trunnion, and a delivery position opening behind the trunnion.

Abstract: A device to separate propellant charge modules for field weapons, each module incorporating a top and bottom, the top of one of the modules being engaged in the bottom of an adjacent module, the device incorporating a reception device for all the modules having a device to immobilize each of the modules, the immobilizing device being linked by a linking and separating device enabling a relative translation to be controlled for each of the modules with respect to its neighbors, thereby ensuring the separation of the modules.

Abstract: A turret for a military vehicle, mobile in traverse with respect to said vehicle and supporting an oscillating mass notably comprising a cannon oriented in elevation, wherein said oscillating mass is mounted in said turret using a linking interface ensuring the air-tightness of said mass with respect to the exterior of said turret, said interface ensuring the mobility in elevation of said cannon.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for artillery intended to ram a projectile (7) into the chamber of a weapon barrel, such device comprising an impulse jack (12) incorporating a mobile rod (25) driving a carriage (10) mounted able to slide with respect to a chute (11), the carriage (10) being able to drive the projectile towards the weapon chamber using drive means (9). This device comprises a loading tray (5) intended to receive the projectile, such loading tray with respect to which the carriage (10) may translate to drive the projectile (7) and wherein the impulse jack (12) is a dual-acting jack and it is the withdrawal movement of the mobile rod (25) that is used to drive the projectile.

Abstract: A multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. The system generally includes a cradle having a rotor with a plurality of cells formed therein. The cradle may be disposed in a charging position and a loading position. When in the charging position, each of the cells is controllably, selectively alignable with an ammunition hoist to receive an ammunition component in each cell. When the cradle is pivoted into the loading position, the rotor may be positioned so that each of the cells is alignable with the barrel of the weapon so that the ammunition component may be loaded into the weapon and fired.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for discharging shells from a magazine. The apparatus comprises a first ramming element (42) for initial, primary linear discharge of a shell (G) from the magazine, and a second ramming element (56) for continued, secondary feed of the shell (G) to an advanced position while the return movement of the first ramming element (42) is effected.

Abstract: An ammunition transfer system and method of loading a weapon wherein the rate of ammunition transfer and the consequent rate of fire of the weapon is independent of the azimuth angle of the weapon. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a multiple cell ammunition cradle system for a weapon having a carriage and a barrel. The system includes at least one ammunition hoist and a cradle operably coupled to the carriage. The cradle is selectively positionable in a charging position and a loading position. The cradle has a carrier, which may be a rotor with a plurality of cells, each cell adapted to receive an ammunition round. The rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis, and is controllably positionable so that each cell is selectively alignable with the ammunition hoist when the cradle is positioned in the charging position and so that each cell is selectively alignable with the barrel when the cradle is positioned in the loading position.

Abstract: Turret (12) fitted with automatic canon and intended for a combat unit, said turret (12) comprising a turret housing (14) which is intended to be mounted on the outside of the combat unit and can rotate about a substantially vertical axis, and in which turret housing (14) there is a weapon holder (16) for pivotably supporting a canon about a horizontal axis, which canon has a barrel (20) projecting from the turret housing (14) and a rear part (22) with associated loading mechanism (24) situated inside the housing (14). At least one ammunition magazine (26, 28) is arranged to the side of the rear part (22) of the canon and has an outlet (29, 31) for the ammunition belt situated in such a way that the latter can be conveyed from a rear part of the magazine and guided forwards along an underside (33) of the magazine and thereafter curved through ca. 90° about an axis substantially at right angles to the plane of the belt for feeding the projectiles to the loading mechanism (24).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for handling artillery shells (14-16) when loading artillery guns (1) that have an integral shell magazine (9) fixed in the traverse system but independent from the elevating mass, which magazine on command feeds out shells (14-16) one by one with a specific linear velocity in the longitudinal axis of each shell. Each shell is subsequently transferred to the loading position for the gun by a loading pendulum (13) and cradle (6). The basic idea behind the present invention is that the outfeed velocity of the shells (14-16) from the magazine (9) shall be braked to zero in a brake module (12) mounted on the gun while they lie in a shell carrier (17, 18) mounted on the loading pendulum (13).

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a medium or large caliber weapon supplied with rounds constituted by a projectile and modular charges. It comprises means to receive a projectile and modular charges, a vehicle incorporating at least two housings and suitable support means to allow the vehicle to move from a starting replenishing position to a final weapon loading position in which the projectile housing then the modular charge housing are successively brought into said position. The support means are constituted by a cage having two sides between which the vehicle travels. The vehicle is constituted by a slide and a drum provided with housings at its parallel edges each intended to receive a container. Application of 155 mm 52 caliber weapons.

Abstract: A dual action retention pawl for securing ammunition in a breech loading gun having a bore along a longitudinal axis of a barrel of the gun and a breech opening with a moveable breech block at a rear of the bore. The dual action retention pawl includes a base, a pawl arm, and an activation arm operably attached to the base. The pawl arm pivots to a retracted position in response to ammunition engaging the activation arm when the ammunition is loaded into the breech opening and returns to a retention position once the ammunition is loaded to retain the ammunition within the barrel of the gun. The pawl arm pivots to the retracted position in response to the breech block engaging the activation arm when the breech block is moved to close the breech opening.

Abstract: A friction restraint and latching assembly for a charge unit storage chamber defined by an elongated casing having an open end, and including a friction restraint bar of a length approximating that of the elongated casing, and supported at the periphery of the casing for axial and radial movement between a retracted position out of contact with charge units in the storage chamber and an engaged position in frictional contact with the charge units in the storage chamber and so that axial movement of the friction restraint bar toward the open end of the casing results in radial movement of the friction restraint bar to the engaged position. The friction restraint bare is biased yieldably to the engaged position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for propellant charge modules to be loaded into a weapon using conveyance means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for projectiles conveyed simultaneously with a container for modular charges using the same transfer system to load a weapon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a medium or large caliber weapon supplied with rounds constituted by a projectile and modular charges.

Abstract: The loader assist for mortars allows for the automated loading of ammunition through the muzzle. The invention assists soldiers by transporting the shell into the muzzle from a lower position near the base of the mortar tube thus reducing exposure to enfilade enemy fire and the effects of muzzle blast. The loader assist comprises a frame surrounding the mortar and attached thereto. The frame is supported on pivots mounted to a turntable such that both the invention and mortar move as a unit. A lift device is positioned at the center of the frame and parallel to the mortar axis. A carriage comprising a transfer device is positioned on top of said frame. Said elevator is comprised of two linear actuators which are positioned opposite each other, allowing the jaws on each shuttle to act in pairs with the respective jaws on the other, to grip the shell in two places.

Abstract: A loading system of artillery guns to enable modular charges that are combinable into larger units to be handled in a main magazine with a number of mutually parallel magazine tubes designed to accommodate the modular charges and a retrieval tube whose infeed/outfeed aperture can be docked with the outfeed aperture of any magazine tube. The retrieval tube is used to transfer a selected number of modular charges from the magazine tubes to a loading pendulum used for loading the gun.

Abstract: A rammer for an artillery piece with a barrel that can be elevated. The rammer has a cradle upstream of the barrel. The cradle is aligned with the powder chamber, has an accommodation for the shell, travels subject to a guide along a track that parallels the axis of the barrel, is coupled to a piston-and-cylinder mechanism that accelerates it toward the barrel, and is provided with a brake. The piston-and-cylinder mechanism is controlled by pneumatic controls that accommodate a rapid-opening valve. The valve diverts air back and forth between a source of compressed air and a vent. There is a pressure-reduction component with an electrically controlled proportional pressure-regulation valve between the source of compressed air and the rapid-opening valve. Signals from a fire direction system or position generator are forwarded to the electric controls. The pressure-regulation valve is then activated, reducing the ramming pressure in accordance with a prescribed formula as elevation decreases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for use in gun magazines first and foremost in automatic-loading artillery guns (26) for arranging and stowing modular charges, and for delivering the desired number and type of modular charge (50, 51, 53-55) for each loading occasion that may involve different charge strengths such as different lengths and diameters but which may be combined in the desired manner for each individual occasion to impart the correct performance to projectiles fired from the artillery gun.