GB1490112A - Loading device for a large-bore firearm - Google Patents

Abstract

1490112 A device for supplying ammunition to a firearm BOFORS AB 14 Jan 1975 [15 Jan 1974] 1597/75 Heading F3C A device for supplying ammunition to a firearm 1 comprises magazines 3, 4, Fig. 1, to be arranged one on each side of the firearm along with automatic loading means for transferring rounds from the magazines to the breech of the barrel, each magazine comprising a number of tubular containers 14, each having one or more rounds therein, in at least one revolver assembly 9, 10, 11 or 12 and extending substantially parallel to the axis of the bore of the barrel. Each revolver assembly is rotatably arranged so that each container 14 therein can be brought into a pre-determined feed-out position common for all the rounds in the containers. The automatic loading means comprises at least one loading car located rearwardly of the magazines and barrel and arranged to move in a direction normal to the axis by the bore of the barrel from a position behind a feed out position of one of the magazines to a ramming position in line with the axis of the bore. In an embodiment loading cars 20, 21 are provided. In operation the loading cars 20, 21 are aligned with the respective feed-out position 16, 17, 18 or 19 and the breech block 2 is open and empty. The operator then chooses the kind of ammunition desired and starts the loading cycle by actuating the control members (not shown), in which hydraulic motors 24, 40, Fig. 1 and 58, Fig. 2 and valves for the oil pressure for the longitudinal feed mechanisms are included. A container 14, Fig.1, is actuated to the feed-out position and a rammer head 43 of a ramming car 42 which is carried by the loading car 20, is then actuated so that it can grasp the flange of an outer positioned round and transfer it out of the container 14 and into the loading tube 31 of the loading car 20. An inner positioned round in the container 14 is moved to the outer position and the revolver 9 or 10 rotates so that another round is in the feed-out position. The round in the loading tube 31 is then aligned with the axis 15 and is moved longitudinally towards the breech 2. The rammer head 43 transfers the round into the breech and then returns, along with the loading tube 31. The loading car 20 then moves transversely to the feed-out position. Simultaneously a round is transferred to the loading car 21. The latter is moved to the ramming position when the round previously loaded into the firearm has been fired and its cartridge has been removed from the barrel 1. The loading continues thus, alternating until sufficient rounds have been fired, from the weapon. In a modification the containers are formed as shown in Fig. 7a so as to save space.