GB626923A - Improvements in or relating to apparatus for projecting rounds of ammunition - Google Patents

Abstract

626,923. Rocket launching apparatus. MOTLEY, L. Feb. 3, 1947, No. 3181. [Class 92 (ii)] Rounds of ammunition, particularly rockets, are discharged by an apparatus comprising two containers 1, 2, for the rounds 3, a breech element 6 adapted to reciprocate to and from two positions, and means whereby the element 6 as it reciprocates alternately conveys rounds from each container to a location where they can be discharged. In the construction shown, the two containers 1, 2 extend upwardly from a chamber 11 and each is provided with pushers 5, as in Specification 592,714, which urge the rounds downwards towards the element 6. This element is formed with channels 7, 8 for receiving the rounds, the channels being so arranged that when one is in a position to receive a round from a container the other is positioned in line with a launching tube 4 extending from the front wall of the chamber and with an exhaust gas escape tube 15 at the rear. The element 6 is made to oscillate to and from its two positions by two pneumatic units each comprising a tube 16 which passes through the element 6 and which is divided by a partition 17 into two cylinders to which air is supplied by pipes 21 through hollow fixed piston-rods 19 and pistons 18. The control of compressed air is so arranged that it tends, after driving the element in one direction, to cushion it and return it, such return motion being initially prevented by catches 39. When a round is launched it engages with and moves a pivoted shoe which, by a pawl-and-ratchet device, moves a cam for controlling an electric switch arranged under a cover 73. This switch is in circuit with a pair of solenoids which move a valve controlling the supply of pressure fluid to pistons which through cam slides serve to unlock the catches 39, thus permitting the element 6 to move to its new position. The downward motion of the rounds in the two containers is controlled by arms 101 on spring- driven shafts 100, which arms project into the containers to hold the lowermost round. Rotation of each shaft 100 is normally prevented by a pawl 104, but is momentarily deflected by a pivoted arm 105 on the element 6 to release a round into the channel which is moving into a position to receive it. Thus in Fig. 2, a surface 113 on the right-hand arm 105 will, when the element 6 moves to the right, engage a flange 109 on the adjacent pawl 104, thus releasing a round in the container 2, while at the same time the left-hand arm 105, by reason of the shapes of the parts 113 and 109 will be depressed against spring action by the left-hand pawl 104, thus causing no release of a round in the container 1. Specification 589,177 is referred to. The Provisional Specification describes also a modification in which the element 6 oscillates about an axis parallel to the launching tube, and refers to Specification 588,920.