GB1099651A - Improvements in or relating to gun control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1,099,651. Ordnance mounting. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE. May 2, 1961 [May 6, 1960], No. 16207/60. Heading F3C. A gun control apparatus is provided, in addition to the normal elevating and transversing gear, with a mechanism for applying to the gun barrel small elevation and traverse movements relative to its cradle. The barrel 1 is carried in a cradle 2 by a pair of cylindrical bearings 3 and 4 in which the gun can recoil. The front bearing 4 has a bore with a minimum diameter at its centre so that the gun can pivot relative to the bearing, and the rear bearing 3 is hinged to the cradle 2 at its lowest point. The mechanism for applying the small elevation and traverse movements consists of two sets of pistons whose axes are perpendicular to each other. The first set (Fig. 2, not shown) comprises four pistons arranged in two coaxial pairs carried in cylinders which form part of the cradle 2. Each piston bears on a roller carried by an axle mounted longitudinally in the bearings 3. Extension or retraction of the upper pistons of each pair and retraction or extension of the lower pistons causes the bearings to move parallel to the piston axes to elevate or depress the gun barrel 1. The second set (Fig. 3, not shown) comprises two horizontal pistons so that extension or retraction of one piston with a similar retraction or extension of the opposed piston moves the bearing 3 in traverse by rotation about the hinge. The pistons are hydraulically operated through pipes 25. To avoid undesirable movement of the bearing 3, a locking wedge 33 is provided for retaining the bearing in its central position. The pressure pad 47 maintains the gun against the upper part of the bearing during aiming, but still allows a small amount of play between the gun and the bearing to enable the gun to recoil freely in the bearing.