GB125126A - - Google Patents

Abstract

125,126. Armstrong, Whitworth, & Co., Sir W. G., Hadcock, A. G., and Forster, G. June 2, 1916. Ordnance design; chambers. - Relates to non- recoiling guns used on aircraft, from which simultaneously with a projectile., a compensating- mass is discharged rearwardly. According to the invention, two barrels are arranged co-axially, breech to breech, and mounted upon a connecting- frame, and between the barrels is provided a chamber of sufficient length to contain two projectiles and a propelling-charge. The chamber is co-axial with the barrels in the firing-position, but is moved out of alinement for loading. In the construction illustrated in Figs. '1 and 2, two barrels A, B are connected by a piece C which is open at the top and bottom to allow the chamber D to swing on pivots E. The joint F at each end of the chamber is covered by a hollow gas-check ring G, which may have a lining H as shown in Fig. 3, or may be formed in two parts as shown in Fig. 4. In either case, gas which escapes from the joints F forces the lips K on to the gun and chamber to prevent escape. The two rings G are free to slide, and are joined by bars L which are fixed to the left-hand ring, but slide on and off the other ring as the chamber moves out of alinement. The rings G are drawn off the joints F, and the chamber is swung out of alinement, by means of a hand-lever M or a foot-lever N pivoted at O. A toe P on the lever M or N engages a groove in one of the bars L to withdraw the rings during the first part of the stroke of the lever, and a roller Q on an arm attached to the lever engages a groove in the chamber D so that the continued movement of the lever M or N swings the chamber out of alinement with the barrels. The gun may be fired mechanically, electrically, or by friction. As shown, electric firing is adopted, safety contacts S being arranged on the actuating-lever and a bracket T on the gun. Several modifications are described and illustrated. In one, the chamber D is fast with one of the barrels, and this barrel swings on a pivot in the connecting-member C. In a second modification, the chambers, three in number, are arranged to rotate about a pivot above the line of the barrels, the chambers being brought successively into position for firing. In a third modification, two chambers are moved laterally in guides into and out of position for firing. In a fourth modification, five chambers are arranged after the manner of a revolver, and are brought successively into the firing position, the chambers being moved longitudinally away from one barrel before rotation, and the second barrel being simultaneously moved away from the chamber. The reverse movement brings the barrels and one chamber into close contact again.