Arming sets for weapons system

A weapons system for single-barrel automatic cannons uses PRUNIT rounds consisting of a projectile and a casingless solid body of propellant affixed to the projectile. A respective arming set is provided for at least some of said weapons to form central units therewith. Each arming set comprises means defining first and second energy-flow paths with respective shafts adapted to transmit torque from input ends to output ends of the path. Both of the shafts are connected to a wedge-type breech block for shifting same between open and closed positions. One of the shafts is connected to a loader and the other to a belt feeder for the PRUNITs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a weapons system for single-barrel 
automatic weapons, especially automatic cannons, (wherein the munitions 
round has a casingless charge forming a unit therewith and is designated a 
PRUNIT. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The deeply-staggered mobile deployment of military defense forces generally 
imposes high logistics requirements even if only the ammunition supply is 
considered. Advantageously high-rate firepower usually requires a 
correspondingly high rate of munitions supply as well as a sufficient and 
timely replenishment of the latter at the firing site. 
With hand weapons there is a tendency to move to smaller caliber ammunition 
with a higher muzzle velocity and greater weapon-firing cadence to 
simplify the handling of the weapon and increase its fire power. 
Naturally, this can be accomplished only at the expense of a reduced 
firing range. 
With small-caliber ammunition, especially so-called casingless munitions, 
at least a step forward is possible toward the goal of increasing the 
resupply volume. The logistical demands can thus be relieved, the storage 
and supply problems at the firing site alleviated and, in addition, the 
quantity of ammunition which must be carried by the individual soldier may 
then be reduced so as to be less burdensome. 
However, with automatic cannons, logistic requirements relief is not 
possible to the same degree as it is with hand weapons. This is because, 
owing to the widely diverse field tasks and the different types of 
ammunition required (e.g. explosive, incendiary or armor-piercing), the 
caliber can be modified only to a limited extent. Here, practically the 
only positive effect on the logistical problems can be achieved through 
the use of projectiles of the casingless type. 
Yet, single-barrel automatic weapons currently in use by the armed forces 
are generally poorly suited to the firing of unitary projectiles without 
casings. The reason for this is, on the one hand, the diversity of the 
mechanical stresses to which the various ammunition types are subjected 
and, on the other hand, the nature of the firing cycle and of the weapon 
components functionally participating in it. 
With casingless munitions, no spent cartridges accumulate at the firing 
site. Thus, the quick-acting shell-extraction and ejection devices, which 
would be required in automatic weapons for removal of the fired-shell 
casings, are not needed. As a result, the structure of the weapon is 
simplified and its physical length can be significantly decreased. 
It should be noted, moreover, that the aforementioned casing-removal 
devices also serve for the removal of duds or misfires to eliminate the 
risk of untimely detonation of the propellant charge by the thermal action 
of the heated weapon. The need for opening the breech of the weapon to 
remove such a dud or misfire is thus a drawback since it endangers the 
personnel. 
However, with the use of casingless munitions rounds, it is also important 
to recognize that their transport from the usual magazine and their 
feeding to the weapon must be carried out with a lesser stress factor 
imparted to these rounds than is the case with cartridge-type or casing 
munitions. 
Efforts have been made to improve upon weapons systems in a general way to 
reduce their construction and operating costs, to standardize them, or 
make them more rationally fit into the logistics arrangements for military 
operations. In the case of mobile weapons, for example, the gun mount must 
be so constructed as to take into consideration not only the recoil 
components upon firing so that the reaction forces can be held as low as 
possible, but also must create the circumstances for lightweight 
construction to facilitate mobility of the weapon. 
In the supply of munitions to such weapons, furthermore, it is necessary to 
consider not only the handling of the munitions, the rate of supply and 
their advance toward the weapon, but also the different charge types, 
munitions functions and like considerations in designing the gun mount. 
Finally, it is important to create a weapons system which is as 
maintenance-free as possible so that restoration, repair and down time are 
held to a minimum while the operating times and the life of the system are 
lengthened as much as possible. 
One-piece munitions without a charge-receiving casing are often called 
"cartridges". The type of one-piece munitions to which the present 
invention is directed, however, has a propellant charge which is not 
surrounded by a cartridge or casing and which has the projectile fitted to 
a shaped charge at the leading end thereof. For the sake of clarity, in 
this description, such unitary rounds will be referred to by the acronym 
PRUNIT formed from the words projectile and unit. A prunit is thus a 
single-piece type of munitions without a charge-receiving sleeve or casing 
in which the projectile proper is bonded to a cast or pressed body formed 
from the propulsion charge. 
In the published German application (Offenlegungsschrift) DT-OS 2 102 310, 
there is described an automatic weapon which is constituted as a 
single-barrel automatic cannon using casingless munitions. In this 
instance, the propellant charge is in the form of a liquid or gaseous 
medium which must be supplied to the weapon in predetermined (metered) 
quantities. Published German application (Offenlegungsschrift) DT-OS 2 135 
001 describes an automatic weapon for projectiles that are separate from 
the solid-charge body. 
In both cases, there still remains the problem of supplying or otherwise 
coordinating the joint delivery of the projectile and the charge at high 
weapon-operating cadences and at the desired location. To this end, 
special devices and control means are required which complicate the weapon 
by comparison to weapons operating with prunit munition rounds. 
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved weapons 
system of the aforedescribed type which is free from the disadvantages of 
earlier weapons systems and is capable of operating with high fire power 
at high automatic-weapon cadences and without limitation of the munitions 
supply. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The foregoing object and others which will become apparent hereinafter are 
attained, in accordance with the present invention, in a weapons system 
which is especially intended for single-barrel automatic weapons, 
particularly automatic cannons designed to fire casingless munitions 
rounds of the PRUNIT type. According to the invention, the weapons system 
comprises a plurality of central units, each composed of a multiplicity of 
components for a predetermined number n of different base units or 
individual weapons, and respective z arming sets selective for combination 
with those base units to form a network of terminal devices. The latter 
may also include peripheral units for munitions supply and the like as 
well as a testing device for checking the functioning of predetermined 
components of the central unit. 
In other words, the respective arming sets can be combined with various 
single-barrel weapons or base units to form a network of terminal devices 
which can be monitored by the testing device and can be associated in 
combinations with one another or individually with the peripheral devices. 
The base devices or weapons can differ from one another with respect to 
their operating type, e.g. gas-pressure operated or self-actuated, 
externally powered, etc. and advantageously, each central unit can 
comprise a barrel with a charge-receiving chamber and two gas-venting 
bores traversing the barrel wall. The weapon housing can receive the other 
components of the central unit and thus can include a rigidly lockable 
breech block, a triggering device, an ignition device and a munitions 
loader as well as a munitions feeder. 
In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the munitions 
feeder can comprise two munitions inputs to the channel leading to the 
feeder and is preferably designed to advance either two prunits 
alternately or one of two types of prunits selectively, i.e. projectile 
units consisting of a projectile secured to a shaped solid charge of a 
propellant capable of ignition. The feeder, in addition, includes a 
selector for choosing between the two types of munitions advance to the 
loader. 
According to another feature of the invention, the system includes means 
for eliminating a misfire or dud, preferably by igniting the propellant 
charge thereof, as well as means for cadence control of the system, i.e. 
determining the firing rate of the weapon. A base energy unit is provided 
to transfer, preferably as a torque, a pulse of primary energy or starting 
energy while the housing also includes two energy-flow paths which are 
mechanically coupled together for actuating the various components 
described above. 
The central unit also includes a weapons cradle for the barrel and housing, 
a recoil/counterrecoil device floatingly mounting the central unit upon a 
respective gun mount. Means can be provided in this latter mechanism for 
storing a portion of the recoil secondary energy and using the same to 
initiate required operation of the weapon upon controlled release. 
The base energy unit, according to the present invention, defines the 
aforementioned energy-flow paths and preferably has an input for each of 
these paths and a pair of outputs which can be selectively connected 
together. Preferably, the outputs of each of the paths include an inner 
output and an outer output and the two outer outputs are preferably 
connected respectively to the loader and munitions feeder. 
Each arming set provides a connection between an energy source (primary 
energy source) and the two energy-flow paths mentioned previously, 
advantageously via an energy converter. Since the energy-flow paths are 
preferably provided as shafts and shaft-driven devices, the energy 
converter can advantageously be a transducer for transforming the 
impulsive energy to initiate firing operations, e.g. gas-pressure energy, 
into a torque suitable for actuation of these energy-flow paths. Depending 
upon the energy available and the nature of the energy-flow paths, 
respective energy converters will be employed. Means is provided for 
applying to one of the energy-flow paths an initial energy capable of 
initiating the first firing cycle when the energy source is gas pressure 
recovered from a prior firing, e.g. is provided by a propellant gas 
pressure. 
According to yet another feature of the invention, the breech block, the 
loader, the munitions feeder and the ignition device constitute primary 
energy consumers and form, in common with the base energy unit, a primary 
chain. The two energy-flow paths are advantageously connected at their 
input sides to a respective or common arming set while two outputs of the 
energy-flow paths may be coupled together. The output-side coupling of the 
energy-flow paths is preferably effected by a coupling shaft including cam 
means or like timing means for the successive application of energy to the 
primary energy consumers mentioned above. Most advantageously, the breech 
block is a wedge-type slidable breech member which is engageable by a pair 
of cam-and-cam-follower arrangements of the two energy-flow paths and 
shafts respectively. 
Depending upon the nature or operating type of the weapon, the gas-venting 
means thereof may be variable in cross section to complete blockage. 
According to yet a further feature of the invention, the 
recoil/counterrecoil system forms a secondary chain with a signal 
generator or transmitter for initiating a repetition of the firing cycle 
during the counterrecoil movement of the weapon, the system including 
counterrecoil or resetting means for the barrel. 
By providing a connection between the latter signal transmitter, the 
breech-control system and the ignition device, it is possible to establish 
a predetermined counterrecoil firing sequence of n-a of n controllable 
firing cycles where n is substantially greater than 1 and a represents the 
initial or starting firing cycle of the weapon. 
The triggering device, the breech block and a portion of the barrel or 
chamber in which the projectile is received, are provided with signal 
generators or transmitters for the ignition device. Most desirably, 
signals are generated to represent complete insertion of the projectile 
into the chamber, complete closure and locking of the breech, and movement 
of the projectile ahead of the expanding gases upon ignition. These 
signals are used to control the subsequent energy-distribution and 
energy-conservation or recovery steps in the actuation of the device. 
Advantageously, in the absence of a signal from a signal transmitter 
representing movement of the projectile through the barrel of the weapon, 
the system is enabled to permit a misfire to be removed, e.g. by 
supplemental ignition of its charge. 
In still another feature of the invention, the weapon cradle is integrated 
at least in part in a housing of the recoil/counterrecoil device. 
Each of the arming sets integrated in a predetermined base weapon unit 
constitutes a form-change set for the respective weapon unit. The 
peripheral units include various mounts which can be designed to receive 
each at least one base unit or single-barrel weapon, respective devices 
for retaining a munitions supply proximal to the weapons and for handling 
the munitions supply, as well as means for otherwise rendering the weapon 
a viable unit. 
The present invention has the significant advantage that it provides a 
weapons system for automatic weapons which can effectively use prunits 
with all of the advantages of cartridge-type munitions but without the 
disadvantages of having to handle spent casings or misfires which must be 
removed from the chamber of the weapon. The technological advantage of 
prunits is thus realized simultaneously with an improved fire power and 
effectiveness since the force-transmitting connection of the components of 
the central unit for operation by the respective energy paths allows an 
especially high cadence of fire and hence fire power even with low-caliber 
munitions. 
In addition, the system is more reliable than earlier arrangements and, 
especially, allows elimination of misfires in a particularly convenient 
manner with the breech completely locked so that there is little if any 
danger to operating personnel. 
Furthermore, since complex mechanisms are not required to withdraw 
cartridges or casings from the firing chamber of the weapon, the overall 
size of the weapon can be reduced. 
Since the same central unit can be used for various purposes, e.g. for 
aircraft, ground vehicles, field weapons and the like, a cost-reduction 
standardization can be effected with an improvement in logistics and 
weapons expenditure. Note also that the interchangeability of the arming 
sets and the peripheral units ensures that a wide variety of total weapons 
systems and autonomous and integrated weapons combinations can be provided 
both for permanent or field-emplaced applications and for air and sea 
craft and like carriers. Maintenance is reduced and part-replacement is 
facilitated.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION 
FIG. 1 shows the functional relationship of a terminal device system E 
which is provided with a support generally designated at Tr. (In the 
following description, for simplification, the components of the system 
designated in capital letters will omit as far as possible the use of 
these reference indicia.) 
The terminal system E includes a base unit B which comprises a weapon, 
namely, a single-barrel automatic cannon for munitions in which a 
projectile is propelled by a solid casingless charge. Such munitions have 
been described above and will be described hereinafter as prunits, i.e. 
projectile/casingless propellant units. The system E of FIG. 1 also 
includes a central unit Z, an arming set R and peripheral units U as well 
as the gun mount which has only been symbolically illustrated in FIG. 1 
and which is provided at 12 with a munitions supply device proximal to the 
weapon, B.sub.1 . . . B.sub.n weapons being associated with R.sub.1 . . . 
R.sub.k arming sets where k can be equal to or less than n. 
Further components of the terminal aggregate E will be described in 
connection with FIGS. 6-9. 
The central unit Z comprises, as its main components, a barrel 1 having a 
bore axis A.sub.0, a weapons housing or chamber 2, a breech block 3, a 
triggering or firing device 4, a loader 6, a munitions feeder 7, an energy 
source Q, an energy transfer system 8, a recoil/counter-recoil device 9, a 
weapons cradle or rocker W (FIG. 6) as well as an ignition device 5 and a 
misfire or dud remover 5' (see FIG. 5). 
The barrel 1 is provided with a barrel wall 1.1 which is formed with a 
charge or powder chamber 1.2 (FIGS. 4 and 5) and with two gas-venting 
bores 1.6 (FIG. 3). In its interior 1.7, a sensor 22 is provided (see FIG. 
5). This sensor will be described in greater detail below. 
The breech block 3 is of the wedge-type. The weapon housing or chamber 2 
serves to receive the components and devices of the central unit Z to 
unite them spatially and functionally. 
The energy-transfer device 8 comprises, as is also apparent from FIG. 1, a 
first and and a second energy-flow path F.sub.1, F.sub.2. 
These energy-flow paths are formed within energy unit 8 by respective 
shafts 8.9 and 8.10 which are journaled for rotation about respective axes 
in fixed locations or bearings of the housing. 
The energy (primary energy e.sub.1 or initial energy e.sub.i) is 
transferred via unit 8 in pulses as torques and hence the shafts 8.9 and 
8.10 each have a respective energy input 8.1 and 8.2 and a respective 
energy output 8.3 and 8.4. The energy inputs and outputs can be effected 
via clutches, gears or transmissions. 
The output 8.3 includes an inner energy take-off location 8.5 and an outer 
energy take-off location 8.6. Similarly, the output 8.4 includes an inner 
and an outer energy take-off location 8.7, 8.8, respectively. For the 
inner and outer energy take-off locations, in order to simplify the 
further description, these will be designated simply as energy pickups or 
takeoffs. 
The shaft 8.9 is formed in a region between its input 8.1 and its output 
8.3 with a coupling abutment 8.25 which cooperates with a coupling cam 
4.25 for the selective release and interruption of the energy flow in the 
primary chain. The output 8.6 is connected with the loader 6 while the 
output 8.8 is connected with the munitions feeder 7, each in a positive or 
form-locking manner. 
As further shown in FIG. 1, there is provided on each of the shafts 8.9, 
8.10, at their respective output regions, a limit or disk member 8.13, 
8.14 of a mechanical coupling chain KK (see FIG. 4). 
Each input 8.1, 8.2 forms a respective intersection S.sub.2.1, S.sub.2.2 
for the force-transmitting connection with corresponding elements of the 
arming device or set R. 
The arming device R completes the energy transfer unit 8 to actuate the 
several components and devices of the central unit Z. The connection of 
the energy source Q to one of the intersections S.sub.1 and the 
relationship to the system of the initiator I which provides the initial 
energy e.sub.i for the first firing cycle will be described subsequently. 
The mechanical coupling chain KK includes elements for the powering of the 
individual components and devices of the central unit Z and have been 
illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 4. 
As shown in that Figure, each limit member 8.13, 8.14 includes a body of 
substantially rotation-symmetrical cross section with a peripheral region 
equidistant from the respective axes A.sub.1, A.sub.2, the latter lying in 
the same plane as the bore axis A.sub.0. 
Each of these peripheral regions is provided with a control groove 8.17, 
8.18, forming slave cams for respective cam follower members. Each control 
groove 8.17, 8.18 has a stretch 8.23, 8.24 lying in a plane perpendicular 
to the axis A.sub.1, A.sub.2, respectively, in which the cam follower 
undergoes no excursion upon rotation of the respective cam disk 8.3, 8.4. 
These portions 8.23 and 8.24 of the cam grooves extend over the major part 
of the periphery of the respective disks. The ends of the stretches 8.23 
and 8.24 have been represented at 8.17.1 and 8.17.2, 8.18.1 and 8.18.2, 
respectively. 
Between these regions, the cam grooves 8.17 and 8.18 have a V-shaped 
profile with two diverging straight-line branches 8.17.3, 8.17.4 and 
8.18.3, 8.18.4, respectively, the two branches of each groove being 
bridged by a reversing region or bight 8.17.5 or 8.18.5, respectively. The 
cams operate complementarily. The branches 8.17.3-8.17.5 and 8.18.3-8.18.5 
are on the portions of the slave-cam grooves effecting excursion of the 
cam followers. 
As further shown in FIG. 4, the coupling chain KK also includes two bell 
crank levers 8.16.1 and 8.16.2, disposed mirror-symmetrically with respect 
to one another, and each having a relatively long lever arm and a 
relatively short lever arm. These levers are fulcrumed upon the chamber or 
housing 2 previously described. More specifically, at the vertex of each 
of the bell crank levers, they are pivotally secured to the housing 2 
proximal to the energy-flow paths F.sub.1, F.sub.2. 
Each of the short lever arms comprises a cam follower formation 8.16.3, 
8.16.4 perpendicular to the respective axis A.sub.1, A.sub.2 and guided in 
the respective cam groove 8.17, 8.18. 
Each of the long lever arms is provided with a linkage 3.11, 3.12, e.g. in 
the form of a pivot or rocker, with a breech body 3.1 so as to displace 
the latter in the direction of the arrow a.sub.3 between its upper and 
lower positions. The breech block 3 (FIG. 1) thus constitutes the central 
coupling member of the coupling chain KK. 
The loading device or loader 6 is provided on a rearwardly projecting 
portion of the weapon housing (FIG. 2). As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2 and 
4, the loader 6 comprises a direction-change drive 6.2 only the input side 
of which can be seen in FIG. 1. This transmission drives the front 
sprocket wheels 6.4 of an endless-chain arrangement whose rear sprocket 
wheels 6.5 are rotatably journaled. An endless loading chain 6.6 passes 
around the sprocket wheels 6.4, 6.5. 
As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the loading chain 6.6 is provided so as to be 
tensionable between the two sets of sprockets 6.4, 6.5 and is constituted 
as a rover chain having an upper stretch 6.7 and a lower stretch 6.8. The 
upper level of the upper stretch 6.7 is designated at 6.9 and the chain is 
provided with entraining fingers 6.10 and 6.11 which are adapted to 
project above this level 6.9. The lever 6.9 runs parallel to the bore axis 
A.sub.0 and extends over the length of the round-feed zone 6.12 which is 
defined between dot-dash lines in FIG. 4. The prunit P shown in FIG. 4 has 
just been placed upon the upper stretch 6.7 of the chain and is about to 
be advanced in the direction of arrow a.sub.6 into the chamber 1.2 of the 
weapon. An input 6.3 of the transmission 6.2 serves to connect the latter 
to the energy output location 8.6 previously mentioned. 
The munitions feed device 7 is enclosed in a housing 7.1 which lies in a 
recess 2.3 of the weapon housing 2.2 as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in more 
detail in FIG. 1, the housing 7.1 receives a drive shaft 7.2 which is 
rotatable from the energy output 8.8 mentioned previously. The munitions 
feeder 7 also includes, on the left and right sides thereof, respective 
feeder inputs 7.12 and 7.13 operated respectively by the advancing shafts 
7.14 and 7.15 with the respective conveyor devices. Such conveyor devices 
can be belts, pockets or the like for receiving the individual rounds of 
prunit munitions. The device can also be used to convey belted munitions, 
i.e. rounds previously inserted in respective pockets in a belt (see FIGS. 
6-9). 
A selector 7.50 (FIG. 1) is provided for controlling the feed of the 
individual rounds to the chain 6.6 from either or both of the feeder 
inputs 7.12 and 7.13. Thus, the rounds may be fed alternately from one and 
the other of these feeder inputs 7.12, 7.13 or only from one of the 
inputs. When each feeder thus contains a respective type of munition (A 
rounds or B rounds), the selector 7.50 can be used to rapidly change the 
type of munition fired. The munition feeder 7 is provided with a munitions 
path represented at 7.30 in dot-dash lines in FIG. 4 for delivering the 
rounds in succession to the conveyor 6.6. 
The device 5' for the removal of duds or misfired rounds from the chamber 
1.2 of the weapon has been illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 5. This 
device 5' includes a second ignition device which will be described in 
connection with the main firing or ignition device. 
The ignition device 5 includes an energy converter 5.1 (FIG. 5) having an 
input 5.2 for the primary or initial energy e.sub.1, e.sub.i and an output 
5.3 for the ignition energy e.sub.5. It also includes an energy storage 
unit 5.4 for the ignition energy e.sub.5 and an output 5.7 of this energy 
storage device to which is connected a control circuit 5.8 with five 
signal inputs 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12 and 5.20. The latter input is provided 
with an auxiliary signal transmitter 5.22. The output 5.7 for the ignition 
energy e.sub.5 feeds a signal transmitter 5.14. 
The signal input 5.9 is connected via line 4.11 with a signal output 4.10 
of a signal transmitter (not shown) of the triggering device 4. 
The breech block 3 is also provided with a signal transmitter 3.30 
producing an output at 3.31 when the breech is fully locked. This output 
3.31 is connected via a line 3.32 to the signal input 5.10. A region 
1.B.sub.1 of the weapon is provided with a signal transmitter 21 or sensor 
for the loading state of the barrel 1. The signal output 29 of this sensor 
is connected via a line 30 with the signal input 5.11 previously 
described. Still another transmitter, not further described herein, is 
represented at 9.X in the recoil/counter-recoil device 9 and has its 
output connected via a control line 9.50 with a signal input 5.12. 
Similarly, the device 5' for removing or eliminating misfires or duds 
includes an energy converter 5'.1 with a first and a second energy input 
5'.2 and 5'.3, an energy storage unit 5'.5 and a control circuit 5'.9 to 
which the output 5'.7 of the device responds. The control circuit 5'.9 has 
four signal inputs 5'.10, 5'.11, 5'.12, 5'.13. 
The signal input 5'.10 is connected via a line 30' to a junction 31 with 
the line 30. A region 1.B.sub.2 of the weapon is in communication with one 
of the gas-venting bores 1.6 which is provided with a signal transmitter 
32 which senses the operating condition of the weapon. The output 34 of 
the signal transmitter 32 is connected via line 35 with the signal input 
5'.11. 
The signal input 5'.12 is provided with a time-delay network 5'.18 whose 
input 5'.19 is connected via a line 5.18 with an output 5.17 of the signal 
transmitter 5.14. The second energy input 5'.3 is provided in series with 
a signal transmitter 5'.14 whose output 5'.17 is connected via the line 
5'.18 with the signal input 5'.13. 
The signal transmitter 21 in the region 1.B.sub.1 (FIG. 5) is constructed 
as follows: 
The barrel wall 1.1 is provided with a bore 1.8 of circular cross section 
to which a circularly cylindrical coaxial bore 1.9 of lesser diameter is 
connected. The latter communicates as a throughgoing passage with the 
interior 1.7 of the barrel. The bores 1.8 and 1.9 together form a 
receptacle for the piston-type sensor 22 of circular cross section. This 
receptacle is formed in the wall 1.1 and has a step 1.10. 
The sensor 22 has a lower free end 23 and an upper free end 25 with a 
shoulder 24 between these ends. 
The end 23 is formed with a ball-shaped (spheroidal or rounded) surface 23' 
while the end 25 is bounded by a contact surface 25'. 
At a distance s.sub.21 from the contact surface 25', the receptacle formed 
by the bores 1.8 and 1.9 is provided on its upper side with a 
countersurface 26 having elements 28 which seal the receptacle 
hermetically and in a pressure-tight manner. 
The sensor 22 projects with its end 23 and is biased in this direction by a 
compression spring 27 into the interor 1.7 of the barrel but can be 
depressed against the force of this spring in the direction of arrow 
a.sub.21. The extent to which the sensor can be displaced is the distance 
s.sub.21 (signal stroke). This outward displacement of the sensors 22, 23 
by the projectile end P.1 of the prunit P when the latter is inserted into 
the chamber 1.2, causes the contact surface 25' to engage the 
countersurface 26 and generate a signal which is released from an output 
29 of the element 28, this output being connected via line 30 to the 
signal input 5.11 of the control circuit 5.8 and being also applied via 
the line 30' and the signal input 5'.10 to the control circuit 5'.9. 
The operating relationship between the various components described will 
become more readily apparent from the detailed discussion of the operation 
of some of these components given below. Particular reference is made to 
FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 and the description is directed to the first and a 
subsequent firing cycle. 
In the following description, the various parts will be assumed to have the 
positions indicated prior to the operations set forth. For example, the 
catch abutment 8.25 of the shaft 8.9 is lockingly engaged with the catch 
cam 4.25 of the triggering device 4 as shown in broken lines in FIG. 1. In 
the preparatory stage, a prunit P lies in the region 6.12 rearwardly of 
the breech of the weapon. The breech block 3 is in its upper position and 
the follower 8.16.3 lies in the region 8.17.1 of the cam 8.17. The cam 
follower 8.16.4 is disposed in the reversal region 8.18.5 of the cam 
groove 8.18. The input 8.1 and the input 8.2 are connected with units of 
the arming device R, for example the energy storage units R.15 and R.16, 
and hence with the energy source Q. The energy flow path F.sub.1 of the 
initiator I is enabled or ready to be connected. Force-transmitting means, 
e.g. a clutch of the initiator I and connected to the input R.15 is 
disengaged (broken line in FIG. 1). At the inputs 8.1 and 8.2 there is no 
torque. 
To initiate a first firing cycle, the initiator I in engaged with the input 
R.15 and the energy e.sub.i is delivered to the energy storage unit R.15 
in the form of a torque. The force-transmitting relationship between the 
initiator I and the energy-storage unit R.15 is then interrupted. A torque 
is thus applied to the input 8.1 at the intersection S.sub.2.1. 
The weapon B is ready for firing. 
Upon actuation of the triggering device 4, the catcher cam 4.25 is released 
from the catcher button 8.25 (solid lines in FIG. 1) and the energy flow 
through the primary chain is released. The first firing cycle is thereby 
initiated. 
The shaft 8.9 is rotated in the clockwise sense so that, at the output 8.3, 
an energy-flow branching occurs. At the other output 8.5 (embodied by the 
cam groove 8.17 between the regions 8.17.1 and 8.17.2 in cooperation with 
the cam follower 8.15.3) an energy transfer e.sub.3 is effected. At the 
other output 8.6, an energy transfer e.sub.6 is effected. Both these 
energy transfers are in the form of incremental torques. 
Rotation of shaft 8.9 in the clockwise sense thus causes rotation of the 
cams and the groove 8.17 and 8.18 so that the respective cam followers 
8.16.3 and 8.16.4 effect the closure of the breech block 3 (arrow 
a.sub.3). 
The shaft 8.10 is rotated and at the output 8.3 thereof the energy transfer 
e.sub.7 constitutes a torque which operates the munitions feeder. 
The energy transfer e.sub.6 actuates the loader 6 as follows: 
The increment of torque is applied via the transmission 6.2 to the chain 
sprocket 6.4 to rotate the latter in the counterclockwise sense and 
advance the prunit P in the direction of arrow a.sub.6 to the chamber 1.2 
of the weapon. 
The torque e.sub.7, in turn, operates the munitions feeder 7, depending 
upon the selector 7.5 to advance one of the rounds from one of the feeders 
7.12, 7.13, via the path 7.30, to the conveyor 6. The path 7.30 is 
disposed directly above the receiving stretch of conveyor 6 and has a 
corresponding length (equal approximately to that of the prunit). 
Because of its connection with the energy-flow path F.sub.1, the input 5.2 
of the energy converter 5.1 receives a portion of the energy e.sub.i. The 
energy requirement e.sub.5 for ignition is delivered by a connection 
between the output 5.3 and the input 5.5 of the energy-storage device 5.4. 
A signal from the triggering device 4 is applied by signal output 4.10 via 
the line 4.11 to the signal input 5.9 of the control circuit 5.8. 
The breech-block member 3.1 has a round-feed portion 3.2 formed with a 
window through which the prunit P can pass, and a breech-closing portion 
3.3 whose surface 3.5, turned toward the chamber 1.2 of the weapon, seals 
this portion. The infeed surface 3.4 is effective when the feed portion 
3.2 of the breech member is aligned with the chamber as has been 
illustrated in FIG. 4. 
Both of these surfaces have an edge 3.6 which lies parallel to the bore 
axis A.sub.0 and is perpendicular to the surface 3.5 while including with 
the infeed surface an angle .alpha..sub.3. 
The feed portion 3.2 of the breech member is provided with a feed passage 
3.7 which is aligned with the chamber 1.2 in the feed position of the 
breech block. 
As soon as the prunit P traverses the feed passage 3.7 to the extent that 
its base surface P.4 leaves the ready region 6.12, the feed surface 3.4 
engages the base P.4. As the breech block closes, therefore, the prunit P 
is advanced further into the chamber by a feed distance 3.12 ahead of the 
path of the prunit on the chain 6. The finger 6.11 is meanwhile prepared 
to pick up another prunit from the guide 7.30. 
As a result of further rotation of the shafts 8.9 and 8.10, the cam 
follower 8.16.3 passes along the reversal region 8.17.5 while the cam 
follower 8.16.4 passes into the region 8.18.2 of the respective cams 8.17, 
8.18. The breech is thereupon completely closed by the surface 3.5 and the 
chamber contains the solid charge P.2 of the prunit P while the projectile 
P.1 lies in the region 1.B.sub.1 of the weapon. 
The breech block 3 thus finds itself in the locked state after consumption 
of the energy e.sub.i. 
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the signal "locked" is formed in the signal 
transmitter 3.30 and is delivered by its output 3.31 via line 3.32 to the 
signal input 5.10 of the control circuit 5.8. 
A peripheral region P.5 (FIG. 4) of the projectile P.1 has, by passage into 
the region 1.B.sub.1 of the bore 1.1 of the weapon, as further shown in 
FIG. 5, engaged the spheroidal or ball-shaped surface 23' of the sensor 22 
and urged the latter against the force of the compression spring 27 
through the control stroke s.sub.21 in the direction of the arrow a.sub.21 
until contact occurs between the contact surface 25' and the 
countersurface 26. This generates in the switch element 28 a signal 
"loaded" which is applied from the output 29 via line 30 to the signal 
input 5.11 of the control circuit 5.8. It is also applied, via the 
junction 31 and the line 30', to the signal input 5'.10 of the control 
circuit 5'.9 for eliminating a misfire. 
The result of the application of these signals to the control circuit 5.8 
is the formation of a summing signal (addition signal) which, via the 
connection between the output 5.13 with the signal input 5.6, opens the 
energy output 5.7 of the ignition-energy storage unit 5.4. 
An ignition energy increment e.sub.5 is thus applied to the chamber 1.2 by 
the signal transmitter 5.14 whose output signal represents the state 
"ignition-energy applied". This signal is applied in the aforedescribed 
manner to the input 5'.12 of the control circuit 5'.9. In the meantime, 
the energy increment e.sub.5, when applied to the charge in the chamber 
1.2 of the weapon ignites the charge P.2 of the prunit to propel the 
projectile P.1 from the barrel 1.1. 
The projectile P.1 moves as a result of the energy developed by the 
expanding gases behind the projectile in the direction of arrow a.sub.0 
and thus leaves the region 1.B.sub.1 of the barrel to free the sensor 22. 
As it passes the region 1.B.sub.2, however, the gas-venting bore 1.6 is 
exposed to the pressure of the gas behind the projectile and the 
transmitter sensors 32, 33 thereby generate a signal representing "fire 
development". This signal is applied to the control circuit 5'.9 as a 
quenching signal for the previous enablement of this control circuit. 
Naturally, the "fire development" signal represents a state of the weapon 
excluding a misfire or dud so that the system for relieving the weapon of 
a misfire is not necessary. 
In a manner to be described subsequently, at least one of the gas-venting 
bores 1.6 is connected with the energy source Q and/or a device in series 
therewith in the energy-flow direction and forming part of the central 
unit and in force-transmitting relationship with the arming device R. 
The signal "fire development" triggers the release of a primary energy 
pulse e.sub.1 from the energy source Q to the arming device R via the 
inputs 8.1 and 8.2 previously described. In this case, the energy flow 
along path F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 is not interrupted by the catcher cam 4.25. 
Referring again to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the breech block 3 is 
rigidly locked. The cam follower 8.16.3 is located at 8.17.2 while the cam 
follower 8.16.4 is disposed at the symmetrically opposite region 8.18.5. 
The flow of a portion of the applied energy e.sub.1 along the path F.sub.1 
in an unimpeded manner effects a rotation of the shaft 8.9 and generates 
an energy increment e.sub.6 which is applied to the loader 6 as long as 
the cam follower 8.16.3 is in the portion 8.23 of the cam groove 8.17. 
Only when this cam follower reaches the region 8.17.3, is there a 
branching of an increment of energy e.sub.3. The cam follower 8.16.4 
leaves the reversal region 8.18.5 which terminates the fixed locking of 
the breech block 3. The primary energy ready at the input 8.2 can thus 
pass along the energy-flow path F.sub.2 and is applied with branching 
between the inner output 8.7 and the outer output 8.8, in addition to the 
energy increment e.sub.3 from the energy-flow path F.sub.1. The munitions 
feeder 7 is thus actuated to advance another round. As soon as the cam 
follower 8.16.4 reaches the region 8.18.2, mechanically synchronously with 
the positioning of the cam follower 8.16.3 in the reversal region 8.17.5 
of its cam groove, the breech block is shifted into its open position. The 
cam follower 8.16.4 then enters the region 8.24 of the camming groove 8.18 
and the primary energy is applied via path F.sub.2 to the munitions feeder 
7 for this advance of the next round. 
The breech block 3 remains in its "open" position until the cam follower 
8.16.4 again enters the region 8.18.1 of its cam groove. Upon the re-entry 
of the cam follower 8.16.4 into the region 8.18.3 of the groove, a rigid 
blocking of energy branching between the inner output 8.7 and output 8.5 
occurs so that the breech block is then closed as has been described with 
respect to the first cycle. 
The firing of each round during a preceding firing cycle and, naturally, 
the firing of the first round during the first firing cycle, gives rise to 
secondary energy in the form of a recoil force. This recoil force causes 
the weapon to move in the direction opposite the firing direction (arrow 
a.sub.0) through a predetermined stretch (recoil stretch). A portion of 
the secondary energy is recovered and stored in the recoil-counterrecoil 
device 9 (see German patent application P 26 557 08.4) and can be used as 
a secondary chain to return the weapon to its firing position. 
The recoil/counterrecoil energy storage and use system 9 includes the 
aforementioned signal transmitter 9.X. The latter, at a predetermined 
location in the recoil movement X provides an output representing a signal 
"advance X" which is applied via line 9.50 (FIG. 5) to the signal input 
5.12 of the control circuit 5.8. 
Assuming that the aforedescribed control signals have previously been 
applied to the circuits 5.8 and 5'.9 as enabling signals, the application 
of the signal "advance X" initiates in the control circuit 5.8 the 
formation of the aforedescribed addition signal which at its output opens 
the ignition energy storage unit 5.4. An interruption of firing at a 
predetermined location X of the counter-recoil or advance stretch 
(counter-recoil firing according to German patent application P 26 55 
708). 
Assuming that the triggering device 4 permits free flow of the energy along 
paths F.sub.1 and F.sub.2 in the primary chain, the firing cycle will be 
repeated with a predetermined cadence (see German patent application P 26 
58 770.2) as long as the weapons supply lasts. This of course assumes that 
there is no misfire. 
In the event of a dud or misfire, the "fire development" signal which is 
applied as the quenching signal to the control circuit 5'.9 is not 
released and the signal input 5'.12 is rendered effective from the timing 
circuit 5'.18. 
In the latter, upon the receipt of the "ignition energy flows" signal, 
after a period sufficient to allow fire development, a signal "misfire" is 
generated and is applied to the circuit 5'.9. This results in the 
generation of an addition or summing signal to open the output 5'.7 of the 
energy storage unit 5'.5 to release an energy increment e.sub.5' to the 
chamber 1.2 and thereby trigger the misfired prunit P. 
Because of the delay in the firing of the prunit, owing to the misfire, and 
the special ignition approach described above, the weapon does not undergo 
the aforedescribed counter-recoil firing. 
I have described below the second energy input 5'.3 of the energy converter 
5'.1. Ahead of this second energy input 5'.3 (see FIG. 5) there is 
provided a signal transmitter 5'.14 whose input 5'.15 receives an energy 
increment represented at e m with an arrow. The latter represents a device 
for delivering an emergency energy increment em in the direction of the 
arrow with the same designation. While the first input 5'.2 is in a 
force-transmitting relationship with an element of the base energy unit 8 
and/or an energy source not further described, the input 5'.3 requires an 
external energy supply for the emergency energy requirement e.sub.m. This 
additional quantity of energy may be supplied by hand. 
Together with the second energy input 5'.3, the energy converter 5'.1 can 
be compared to a manually actuated pulse generator for emergency 
triggering of a weapon. The input of the emergency energy increment 
e.sub.m forms in the signal transmitter 5'.14 a signal "emergency" which 
is applied to the signal input 5'.13 of the control circuit 5'.9. 
The "emergency" signal replaces the sum or addition signal previously 
mentioned and opens the output 5'.7 of the energy storage device 5'.5. If 
the energy converter 5'.1 has its first input 5'.2 connected to an energy 
source which can continuously charge the energy storage device 5'.5, the 
connection between 5'.3 and the output 5'.16 can be omitted. 
The auxiliary signal transmitter 5.22 ahead of the input 5.20 of the 
control circuit 5.8 includes a signal transmitter to replace the signal 
"advance X" for a given first firing cycle. In other words, since prior to 
its first firing the weapon does not undergo a recoil/counter-recoil 
movement, it cannot be fired on counter-recoil (advance X) so that the 
enabling signal which causes such firing for all successive rounds must be 
replaced for the first round by a substitute signal. It is this signal 
which is delivered by the auxiliary signal transmitter 5.22. 
The formation of the auxiliary signal as the enabling signal or 
condition-preceding signal for the summing or addition signal, can be 
effected by branching the "locked" signal, for example via the line 3.32, 
so that this signal is applied to the auxiliary signal transmitter 5.22. 
In a manner which will not be described in further detail, the signal 
"advance X" applied via the line 9.50 to the circuit 5.8 can cancel the 
auxiliary signal from the transmitter 5.22. 
Aside from the differences which will be apparent from the foregoing 
description with respect to the ignition devices 5 and 5', it should be 
noted that in principle the two differ mainly by the use of different 
energy sources. 
For the same central unit Z, different base weapons B.sub.1 . . . B.sub.n 
can be used in accordance with the respective operating type. The term 
"operating type" is here used to indicate units which are activated by 
different primary energy sources Q, e.g., self-energized systems 
(gas-pressure energization with gas venting bores 1.6 of the type shown in 
FIGS. 2 and 3) and external-energy activated, the various energy 
converters R.5 required for the different types of energy used being 
designed accordingly. As a result, for a number k of different arming sets 
R.sub.1 . . . k, each arming set is of a different design for the 
respective number k-1 of the different arming sets for a base-unit weapon 
B whose arming set does not correspond to a respective one of the k-1 
collection of arming sets. 
The energy converter R.5 is preferably of a type which will allow the 
associated energy source Q to provide the primary energy e.sub.1 of the 
energy transfer 8 in the form of a torque or in such form as enables it to 
be converted readily into a torque. The types of energy converters are, of 
course, dependent upon the types of primary energy sources and, in 
general, the principle should be to convert the particular energy used 
into a torque for operation of the energy chains or paths F.sub.1, 
F.sub.2. 
With gas-pressure chargers (i.e. compressors or accumulators), the primary 
energy returned is that of the expandable propellant gases which are 
recovered from the firing of a previous projectile. The inner chamber 1.7 
of the barrel 1 thus includes the energy source Q which thus becomes an 
intrinsic component of the central unit Z. 
This can be understood in terms of the concepts of intrinsic energy and 
intrinsic drive (automatic recovery of the firing energy). The gas pistons 
81, 82 (FIG. 3) are displaced by the pressure of the propellant gases 
which are delivered to the cylinders of these pistons by nozzle bodies 85 
and 86 connected to the gas-venting bores 1.6. The gas pistons 81, 82 act 
upon respective levers 83, 84 which are common to the energy converter R.5 
(FIG. 1) in that they can drive the respective shafts 8.9 and 8.10, e.g. 
via a respective clutch and force-storing means R.15 and R.16. 
The connection of these levers 83 and 84 to the shafts 8.9 and 8.10 can be 
conventional in the art and may make use of conventional mechanical 
clutches, force-storing springs and the like. It is only important to the 
present invention at this point to emphasize that the gas of the chamber 
of the barrel serves here as the pressure source for operating the 
energy-flow paths F.sub.1, F.sub.2 previously discussed in some detail. 
If the energy source Q for the primary energy e.sub.1 is a main power 
supply common to all of the weapon stations, i.e. if the system is 
operated with an external energy source, the energy converter of the 
respective arming set R can be a motor driven by the electric power of 
this network or supply. Reference may be made to German patent application 
P 26 58 770.2 for the various types of connections at the junctions 
S.sub.1 to the energy source Q. 
This patent also describes a control of the primary energy supply for 
energy transfer (for example with the formation of a respective control 
signal from the propellant gas pressure upon fire development). When the 
control signals are to be generated by gas pressures and the system uses 
an external energy source, at least one of the gas venting bores 1.6 can 
be completely closed. The flow cross section of the other gas venting bore 
1.6 can be dimensioned to meet the revised conditions, for example by 
providing it with a corresponding nozzle body such as has been shown at 85 
or 86 in FIG. 3. The control signal for the energy feed with an external 
energy supply can, however, (see FIG. 5 and the associated description) be 
triggered by the "fire development" signal generated by the signal 
transmitter 32. This use of the signal is represented by a line 38 which 
is connected at a tie point 37 with the line 35. 
Naturally, in all of the aforedescribed systems, the various signals can be 
gas-pressure signals although liquid-pressure signals or electrical 
signals may be employed as well. 
When the system is primarily pneumatic in nature, i.e. operates with a gas 
under pressure, a control signal is preferably also generated by the 
propellant-pressure energy via the gas-venting bores 1.6 and is branched 
to the primary-energy input for the energy transfer described previously. 
A signal tansmitter 32', which corresponds to the signal transmitter 32 
for forming the "fire development" signal for the control circuit 5.9, can 
advantageously lie in one of the energy flow paths F.sub.1, F.sub.2. 
An advantageous arrangement has been shown in FIG. 5 in which a nozzle body 
85, represented only diagrammatically, includes the signal transmitter 32' 
whose output 34' is connected by a line 35' with a tie point 36 of the 
line 35 which runs to the signal input 5'.11 of the control circuit 5'.9. 
The characteristics of a form-changing set for a given terminal unit from a 
predetermined number (n+x-1) of different terminal devices also encounters 
respective compatible combinations of gun mounts and munition magazines 
(thus peripheral units L, U). Since numerous modifications of these 
relationships may be developed within the concepts of the present 
invention, only preferred details will be described in connection with, 
for example, FIGS. 2 and 3. 
For example, part of the respective bearings 9.25 for the trunnions 2.15 of 
the weapon housing 2 are integrated in the housing 9.1 of the 
recoil/counterrecoil device 9, which results in an advantageous and 
extremely light construction with a reduced cross section of the weapon 
(see especially FIG. 3) and also good control and maneuverability thereof. 
This is particularly the case because the reaction and acceleration forces 
can be taken up readily, especially when the weapon is built into a 
complex support system of the type used in compact helicopters and 
multi-purpose combat aircraft capable of being used for air-to-ground and 
air-to-air combat purposes. 
The terminal units E.sub.6 -E.sub.9 of FIGS. 6-9, respectively, are also 
composed of systems components according to the invention which allow for 
multipurpose operation of the weapons system with instantaneously 
recognizable advantages. 
The terminal unit E.sub.6 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a ground-based lower 
gun mount L.sub.u as provided in the field, i.e. for use as field 
artillery, which has a traversing axis A.sub.s about which the upper gun 
mount L.sub.0 is rotatable. The upper gun mount L.sub.0 comprises a pair 
of magazines or receptacles 14 in rocker-type arrangements for belted 
prunits P of the two types A and B mentioned previously. An axis A.sub.W 
of the two trunnions 2.15 (FIG. 3) lies in a common plane with the bore 
axis A.sub.0 (FIG. 1). 
While avoiding the detailed illustration of the gun mounts for the base 
unit of FIG. 6, it can be seen from the terminal device E.sub.7 of FIG. 7 
that each of the belts from the magazines 14 for the belted prunit rounds 
can be fed to the weapon. The belt feed can be similar to that used in the 
embodiment of FIG. 6. 
To permit viewing of the loaded munitions belt 13 in FIG. 7, an end wall of 
the right-hand receptacle 14 has been removed or broken away. As can be 
seen from the schematic diagram of this Figure, a given supply of loaded 
pockets are provided on the belt 13 in a multiplicity of vertical 
stretches within each magazine 14 while the empty belt passes around the 
magazine to the inlet side thereof, the empty pockets being fillable by 
hand. The munitions belt also may be separated, i.e. opened to allow its 
elongation by hand. This can be used to increase the munitions supply for 
high-rate firing. 
The munitions supplies proximal to the weapon allow the selective feeding 
of rounds A or B from a respective side of receptacle 14 and from 
magazines which are fixed to the gun rocker or cradle, thereby simplifying 
the gun mounts. This is especially important for self-contained ground 
units. 
FIG. 8 shows a terminal device E.sub.8 with a lower gun mount or 
undercarriage L.sub.u fixed to the ground and an upper gun mount L.sub.o 
rotatable about the axis A.sub.s and provided with two base units B and 
two receptacles or magazines 14' for prunits P secured to the upper gun 
mount and disposed so as to retain the prunits P in a direction 
perpendicular to the bore axis A.sub.o of each of the weapons. In this 
embodiment, the munitions channels form flexible feed passages as shown at 
17 for the munitions belt 12 whereby each weapon is fed with a respective 
sequence of munitions. As has been shown in FIG. 8, in addition, for the 
right-hand receptacle 14', an additional munitions belt can be fed to the 
right-hand weapon in the manner shown in FIG. 7 through still another 
guide channel. Each of the terminal devices for a respective gun mount as 
shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 includes, therefore, at least one weapons set B, 
i.e. at least one single-barrel automatic cannon, and at least one arming 
set R for operation from the central unit by the pneumatic principles 
described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3. The central unit may operate a 
multiplicity of the weapons setups of the type shown in FIGS. 6-8. 
The terminal device E.sub.9 shown in FIG. 9 includes a munitions container 
or magazine 15 proximal to the weapon and provided with a munitions belt 
13 of endless configuration with automatic refilling of the pockets of the 
belt from the container which can be of any desired configuration but 
preferably includes means for advancing the individual prunits to the 
pockets of the belt 13 on which they are mounted via the belt loader 16. 
The terminal device E.sub.9 is preferably integrated in a complex support 
system, for example, a combat helicopter or multi-purpose combat aircraft 
or tank. The associated central unit is here provided with an arming set R 
which can be operated by external energy, e.g. from the main power supply 
of the vehicle. The weapon units B, as well as the peripheral devices and 
even the entire central unit can be interchangeable upon the carrier 
system. 
From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the invention with 
its illustrated and described systems components constitutes both a 
military and a technical advance over the art. In particular, it has been 
found that the wedge-type breech block with its reduced acceleration 
forces imposes less stress upon the weapon structure itself and is 
centrally disposed between the mechanical coupling chains to ensure an 
absolutely reliable system for eliminating misfires with a locked breech. 
The arrangement for testing and checking the components and devices, 
especially with the generally interchangeable parts of the associated 
central unit, are of special significance in this case.