Automated ammunition loading/downloading system
US4074610A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1976 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41A9/01
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system which automatically: removes rounds of ammunition from their presently-existing standardized ammunition shipping/storage container; transfers the removed rounds and loads them into an aircraft system for use; separates the returning downloaded spent cases from the returning unfired rounds; and, repackages the unfired rounds back into shipping/storage containers. The system includes: an ammunition trailer on which are carried the filled shipping/storage containers of unfired rounds of ammunition; a loader assembly which is the major component of the system and onto which the containers of ammunition are loaded; flexible chuting that houses ammunition round-conveyor elements and that is attached at one and to the loader assembly; and, a loader/aircraft interface unit which is attached at one end to the other end of the flexible chuting, and is attached at the other end to the aircraft and the aircraft gun system for use of the rounds of ammunition. Unlike the prior art, this system eliminates the need for any type of "linking" of the rounds of ammunition (by clips, links, belts and the like); uses existing standardized ammunition shipping/storage containers; and, utilizes th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.