Conceptual Design of a Rotating Breech Automated Ammunition Handling System

摘要

By utilizing the recoil energy of the cannon to rotate only a portion of the cannon, the breech can be automatically positioned to load quickly. The breech would return to the same loading position (relative to the cab) after firing, which would also be conducive to an automated loading system. The projectile and propellant charge will still be fuzed and zoned manually. The following are among the specified objectives of this project: Fire 3 rounds in 10 seconds; Fire 2 rounds per minute, sustained; Provide manual back-up; Capable of firing cannon launched guided projectiles manually; Capable of operating at -50 F through + 160 F ambient temperature; Capable of operating through 360 deg turret rotation and 0 to 70 deg cannon elevation; Capable of handling rigid consumable case propellant; Capable of handling future propellants; Breech must withstand 60,000 psi and 2,500,000 lb force; Design elements must be modular; Designed for easy incorporation of future product improvements; Provide appropriate ramming force; Compatible with present and future fire control; and Must be technically feasible.