GB1421088A - Weapon turret - Google Patents

Abstract

1421088 Turret FRANCE ARMED FORCES MINISTER OF 28 Feb 1974 [8 March 1973] 9215/74 Heading F3C A turret having a weapon 2, Fig. 1, coupled therewith is provided with a hatch 8 having a pivotally mounted cover 9, and means for releasably connecting the weapon and the cover so that they can be pivotally moved together. The weapon 2 may be carried by a cradle 3 which is pivotally mounted at 4 to the turret. The hatch 8 is provided in the roof 1 of the turret. The cover 9 is an armoured shield and pivots about an axis 10. The releasable connecting means comprises a spindle 11 which is rotatably mounted in the cover and has a handle 14 and a member 12 secured thereon, and a guide-track 13 supported by the cradle 3. The cover 9 is connected to the weapon 2 when the member 12 is received in the guide-track 13 and the opening of the cover 9 is limited by a stop 13a. The handle 14 may be rotated to release the member 12 from the guide-track 13 and thus allow the cover 9 to move to the position shown in Fig. 2. Further engagement of the member 12 and the guide-track 13 is prevented until the handle 14 is returned to the position shown in Fig. 1. The cover is secured in the closed position by a latch 16 which is mounted thereon and a keeper 21 which is fastened to the roof 1. The latch 16 has a bolt 17, Figs. 5 and 6, which is slidably mounted in a guide 18, is urged by a spring 19 and is provided with an inclined face 17a. The keeper 21 is recessed at 20 to receive the bolt 17 therein. The latter has a recess formed therein to receive a member 24 which is carried by a spindle 22 rotatable by a handle 23 from within the turret. In use the weapon is moved in elevation by a gear mechanism 5, 6, Fig. 1, which is operable by a hand wheel 7.