Device for feeding ammunition into weapons

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for supplying ammunition A to a weapon 20, mounted on a lifting device 30 for lifting about a lifting axis Z1. The device comprises an ammunition supply device 40, 140 arranged between an ammunition channel 50 and the weapon 20, from which ammunition A is guided, the supply device 40, 140 being arranged rotatably about a supply axis X. The supply device 40, 140 has at least one ammunition gripping member 42, 142 arranged to rotate about the supply axis X between an ammunition collecting position in the ammunition channel 50 and an ammunition releasing position in the weapon 20. The device is configured such that the at least one ammunition gripping member 42, 142 is adapted to be rotatably adaptable about the supply axis X based on the lifting of the weapon 20, in order to facilitate the supply of ammunition A to the weapon 20 connected to the ammunition releasing position independent of the lifting of the weapon 20. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for feeding ammunition into a weapon, and also to a vehicle equipped with such a device. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic rifle requires some mechanism for feeding ammunition into the weapon.

[0003] According to one variant, a weapon system is provided in which ammunition is adapted to be fed to the weapon from a magazine via some feeding device.

[0004] A combat vehicle, such as an infantry fighting vehicle or an infantry tank, may be equipped with such a weapon system associated with a turret. The weapon system includes a weapon mounted on the turret. In such a weapon system, the weapon may be mounted on an elevation device arranged to allow elevation movement of the weapon. Ammunition is configured to be fed to the weapon through an ammunition channel. Elevation of the weapon needs to be considered when feeding ammunition to the weapon.

[0005] Particularly in weapon systems associated with turrets configured to house components of the weapon system, space for the weapon system may be an issue.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide an apparatus for facilitating the feeding of ammunition into a weapon.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for facilitating the feeding of ammunition to a weapon in a space efficient manner.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle equipped with such an apparatus which facilitates the supply of ammunition to the weapon in a space efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0009] These and other objects which will become apparent from the following description are achieved by an apparatus and a vehicle for supplying ammunition to a weapon as set out in the attached independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the apparatus and vehicle are defined in the attached dependent claims.

[0010] Specifically, the object of the present invention is achieved by an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon, the weapon being mounted on an elevation device arranged to allow elevation movement of the weapon about an elevation axis. The apparatus comprises an ammunition feeding device arranged between an ammunition channel and the weapon, ammunition being guided from the ammunition channel. The elevation movement of the weapon is relative to the ammunition channel. The feeding device is arranged to feed ammunition from the ammunition channel to the weapon. The feeding device is arranged rotatably about the feeding. The feeding device has at least one ammunition gripping member arranged to rotate together with the feeding device about the feeding axis between an ammunition collecting position at the ammunition channel and an ammunition releasing position at the weapon, the at least one ammunition gripping member connected to the ammunition collecting position being arranged to collect ammunition from the ammunition channel and the at least one ammunition gripping member connected to the ammunition releasing position being arranged to release the collected ammunition so that the collected ammunition is fed into the weapon. The at least one ammunition gripping member is arranged rotatably about the feeding axis. The device is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on elevation of the weapon to facilitate feeding of ammunition to a weapon connected to the ammunition release position independent of elevation of the weapon.

[0011] The feeding device may include any suitable number of ammunition gripping members configured to rotate together with the feeding device about the feeding axis. The feeding device may include a single ammunition gripping member configured to rotate together with the feeding device about the feeding axis. The feeding device may include two ammunition gripping members configured to rotate together with the feeding device about the feeding axis. The two ammunition gripping members are preferably arranged opposite each other, i.e. have a 180° radial extension relative to the feeding axis. The feeding device may include three ammunition gripping members configured to rotate together with the feeding device about the feeding axis. The three ammunition gripping members are preferably evenly distributed about the feeding axis, i.e. have a 120° radial extension relative to the feeding axis. The feeding device may include four ammunition gripping members configured to rotate together with the feeding device about the feeding axis. The four ammunition gripping members are preferably evenly distributed about the feeding axis, i.e. have a 90° radial extension relative to the feeding axis.

[0012] By thus providing an apparatus for feeding ammunition to a weapon including such an ammunition gripping member that is rotatably adaptable upon elevation of the weapon, efficient and reliable feeding of ammunition to the weapon can be facilitated in a space efficient manner. Further, feeding of ammunition to the weapon can be accomplished in a safe and controlled manner and at a high frequency.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the device, the device is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation angle of the weapon relative to the extension direction of the feed axis. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the weapon is arranged to be elevated within a range between a maximum elevation angle and a minimum elevation angle. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the weapon has a neutral position between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle. When the device including the elevation device is placed on a level ground, for example when the device is included in a weapon system mounted on a vehicle on a level ground, the neutral position corresponds to the horizontal extension direction of the weapon. The feed device can be placed in connection with the weapon, so that the extension direction of the feed axis has any suitable angle relative to the neutral position of the weapon, i.e., relative to the main extension direction of the weapon in the neutral position. Thus, when the neutral position of the weapon corresponds to the horizontal extension direction of the weapon, the feed device can be placed in connection with the weapon, so that the extension direction of the feed axis has any suitable angle relative to the horizontal extension direction of the weapon. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed device is configured to be placed in connection with a weapon such that an extension direction of the feed axis substantially corresponds to an extension direction of the weapon in a neutral position.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the feeding device is configured such that the feeding axis is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the lift axis, and the ammunition gripping members are rotatably disposed about an axis having an angle relative to the feeding axis corresponding to the predetermined angle, thereby facilitating efficient feeding of ammunition to the weapon. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feeding device is configured such that an axis about which the at least one ammunition gripping member rotates is configured to be substantially aligned with the lift axis in the ammunition release position, further facilitating feeding of ammunition to the weapon associated with the release of the ammunition.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis about which the gripping member is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially correspond to the extension direction of the lifting axis. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis about which the gripping member is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially align with the extension direction of the lifting axis.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the device, the at least one ammunition gripping member is adapted to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the weapon relative to the extension direction of the feed shaft, so that the at least one ammunition gripping member rotates about an axis from a neutral, non-rotated position in the ammunition collecting position to a position after rotation corresponding to the elevation angle of the weapon relative to the extension direction of the feed shaft in the ammunition releasing position, so that the ammunition released and fed into the weapon is positioned according to the elevation of the weapon, thereby providing correct positioning of the gripping members in both the ammunition collecting position and the ammunition releasing position, facilitating efficient feeding of ammunition into the weapon independent of the elevation of the weapon.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the feeding device is configured such that the feeding axis is arranged substantially perpendicular to the lifting axis, and correspondingly, the axis along which the ammunition gripping member is rotatably arranged is substantially perpendicular to the feeding axis.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the device, the at least one ammunition gripping member is arranged to be elastically rotatable about an axis, so that the at least one ammunition gripping member is maintained in a neutral, non-rotated position when it is not subjected to a rotational force and returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force applied to the at least one ammunition gripping member is released, thereby providing correct positioning of the gripping members in both the ammunition collecting position and the ammunition releasing position, facilitating efficient ammunition feeding to the weapon independent of the weapon lifting or lowering.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the feeding device includes a gripping member support arrangement configured to rotate about a feeding axis and configured to support at least one ammunition gripping member connected to and configured to protrude from the gripping member support arrangement such that the at least one ammunition gripping member is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the feeding axis. Providing such a gripping member support arrangement facilitates robust and efficient support and rotation of the at least one gripping member, thereby providing efficient feeding of ammunition to the weapon.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the gripping member support arrangement includes a rotational axis configured to provide rotation of the feeding device about the feeding axis, and a support member connected to the rotational axis and configured to support the at least one ammunition gripping member, facilitating efficient and controlled rotation of the at least one gripping member about the feeding axis.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the device, the at least one ammunition gripping member is resiliently connected to the gripping member support arrangement such that the at least one ammunition gripping member is held in a neutral, non-rotated position associated with the axis when it is not subjected to a rotational force for rotation about the axis, and the at least one gripping member returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force that rotated the at least one ammunition gripping member to a rotated position about the axis is released, thereby providing correct positioning of the gripping member in both the ammunition collecting position and the ammunition releasing position, facilitating efficient ammunition feeding to the weapon independent of weapon lifting.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the device, the at least one ammunition gripping member includes a gripping portion configured to collect and release ammunition and a connecting member configured to connect the gripping portion to the gripping member support arrangement to allow rotation about the feed axis and to facilitate a resilient connection of the at least one ammunition gripping member to the gripping member support arrangement, thereby facilitating the rotation and resilient connection of the at least one gripping member about the feed axis in an efficient and controlled manner. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the connecting member is configured as a bar or shaft and is arranged to protrude from the gripping member support arrangement in a radial direction relative to the feed axis. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the connecting member has a first end configured to be connected to the gripping member support arrangement and an opposite second end configured to be connected to the gripping portion.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member is resiliently connected to the gripping member support arrangement to allow rotation about an axis and is configured to support the gripping portion.

[0024] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the connecting member is fixedly connected to the gripping member support arrangement and resiliently connected to the gripping portion to allow rotation about the axis.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the device further comprises a gripping member rotation device configured for rotatably adapting the at least one ammunition gripping member based on elevation or lowering of the weapon, thereby allowing for an efficient control of the adaptation of the rotational position of the at least one gripping member based on elevation or lowering of the weapon.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the device, the gripping member rotating device includes a control arm arrangement fixedly attached to the weapon and / or the lifting device arranged to face the feeding device, and at least one ammunition gripping member is configured to be rotated by the control arm arrangement based on the lifting of the weapon when collecting ammunition and rotating about the feeding axis towards the ammunition release position, facilitating an easy and efficient way of providing a rotational force for rotating the at least one gripping member based on the lifting angle of the weapon.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the device, the control arm arrangement includes an armset arranged such that when at least one ammunition gripping member collects ammunition and rotates about the feed axis towards the ammunition release position, the collected ammunition comes into contact with the armset, so that the ammunition gripping member carrying the ammunition rotates based on the elevation of the weapon, facilitating an easy and efficient way of providing a rotational force for rotating the at least one gripping member based on the elevation angle of the weapon.

[0028] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the armsets of the maneuvering arm configuration are arranged such that when at least one ammunition gripping member collects ammunition and rotates about the feed axis toward the ammunition release position, the ammunition gripping member carrying the ammunition rotates based on the elevation of the weapon, as the ammunition gripping member contacts the armsets, facilitating an easy and efficient manner of providing a rotational force to rotate the at least one gripping member based on the elevation angle of the weapon.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the device, the gripping member rotating device includes a shaft arrangement configured such that when the gripping member rotates about the feed axis toward the ammunition release position, an axial movement in the axial direction of the feed axis occurs based on the elevation of the weapon. The axial movement is translated into a rotational movement of the gripping member, so that the ammunition gripping member rotates based on the elevation of the weapon. This facilitates an efficient and controlled manner of providing a rotational force to rotate at least one gripping member based on the elevation angle of the weapon.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the device, the axial arrangement includes a bar member for each of the at least one gripping member and a bar member contact portion fixedly attached or integral to the weapon and / or the lifting device, the at least one bar member having an axial extension direction parallel to the feed axis and configured to rotate with the feed device about the feed axis. When the gripping member rotates about the feed axis toward the ammunition release position, the bar member contacts and exerts a force on the bar member contact portion, so that the bar member moves in the axial direction of the feed axis based on the lifting of the weapon. Since the bar member is disposed in connection with the gripping member, the axial movement is translated into a rotational movement of the gripping member, and the ammunition gripping member rotates based on the lifting of the weapon. This facilitates an efficient and controlled manner of exerting a rotational force to rotate the at least one gripping member based on the lifting angle of the weapon.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the device, the at least one bar member has an end configured to contact the curved surface of the bar member contact portion, which facilitates providing a force to move the bar member axially along the feed shaft based on the elevation of the weapon, which facilitates an efficient and controlled manner of providing a rotational force to rotate the at least one grip member based on the elevation angle of the weapon.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the device, the at least one bar member has a bar engagement portion and the at least one grip member has a rotational engagement portion. The bar engagement portion of the bar member is configured to engage the rotational engagement portion of the grip member such that when the grip member rotates about the feed axis toward the weapon release position causing axial movement of the bar member based on elevation of the weapon, engagement of the bar engagement portion with the rotational engagement portion translates the axial movement into rotational movement of the grip member. This facilitates an efficient and controlled manner of providing a rotational force to rotate the at least one grip member based on an elevation angle of the weapon.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the device, the at least one bar member is resiliently arranged so that when a bar member associated with the at least one gripping member is not subjected to a force and therefore does not move in its axial direction, the at least one gripping member remains in a neutral, non-rotated position, and when a force is applied to the at least one bar member, causing the bar member to move in its axial direction, which force is transferred to the gripping member to rotate it to a rotated position, and then the at least one gripping member returns to the neutral, non-rotated position, thereby providing a correct position of the gripping member in both the ammunition collecting position and the ammunition releasing position, facilitating an efficient ammunition feeding to the weapon independent of the elevation of the weapon.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the device, the shaft arrangement includes a spring member for each of the at least one bar member to effect resilient positioning of the at least one bar member, thereby facilitating efficient ammunition feeding to the weapon independent of weapon lift, since the spring members promote correct positioning of the gripping member in both the ammunition collecting position and the ammunition releasing position.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the feeding device is arranged to rotate about a feeding axis such that at least one ammunition gripping member rotates about the feeding axis in a rotation plane corresponding to the extension direction of the lifting axis of the weapon.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the feeding device is arranged to rotate about a feeding axis by the drive shaft system based on the firing rate of the weapon, and at least one ammunition gripping member feeds ammunition from the ammunition channel to the weapon by collecting and releasing the ammunition in a repeated cycle.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the weapon is arranged to elevate within a range between a maximum elevation angle and a minimum elevation angle, the weapon having a neutral position therebetween, the neutral position corresponding to a horizontal extension of the weapon when the apparatus including the elevation device is placed on a level ground.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the apparatus, the feeding device includes three ammunition gripping members evenly distributed around the gripping member support arrangement.

[0039] In particular, the objects of the invention are achieved by a vehicle comprising a device as described herein for feeding ammunition from an ammunition channel to a weapon of a weapon system mounted on the vehicle.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a tracked vehicle. According to one embodiment, the vehicle is a combat vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters represent like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a tracked vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a turret with a weapon system having a weapon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating plan views of a weapon, an ammunition channel, and an apparatus for feeding ammunition from the ammunition channel to the weapon, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating a side view of the weapon, ammunition channel, and apparatus for feeding ammunition of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the weapon, ammunition channel, and device for feeding ammunition of FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating plan views of a weapon, an ammunition channel, and an apparatus for feeding ammunition from the channel to the weapon, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 7a] 7 illustrates a schematic side view of the weapon and apparatus for feeding ammunition of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7b]7b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an axle configuration of the device for feeding ammunition of FIG. 7a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams illustrating a perspective view of a feeding device of the apparatus for feeding ammunition of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 9] 9A and 9B illustrate schematic cross-sectional views of the delivery device of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B illustrate schematic side views of a feeding device of an apparatus for feeding weapons and ammunition according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating plan views of a weapon, an ammunition channel, and an apparatus for feeding ammunition from the channel to the weapon, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] 1 is a schematic side view of a tracked vehicle V according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated vehicle V is a combat vehicle. The tracked vehicle V has a vehicle body B, which in one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a chassis and a body of the vehicle V.

[0044] The tracked vehicle V includes a pair of track assemblies T1, T2 suspended and connected to a vehicle body B. The track assembly pairs include a right track assembly T1 and a left track assembly pair T2 for driving the vehicle. Each track assembly includes a track E driven by a drive means arranged to run on a set of wheels W of the track assemblies.

[0045] Although the motor vehicle V shown is a tracked vehicle, the motor vehicle V may also be constituted by a wheeled vehicle according to other embodiments of the invention.

[0046] The vehicle V is equipped with a turret 10. The turret 10 is disposed on the upper part of the vehicle V. The turret 10 is rotatable about a rotation axis Y that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the vehicle V and perpendicular to the lateral extension direction of the vehicle V.

[0047] The vehicle V is configured with a weapon system S having a weapon 20. The weapon 20 is mounted on a turret 10. The weapon 20 of the weapon system S can thus be rotated by rotation of the turret 10 about an axis Y.

[0048] The weapon 20 is configured to be connected to a lifting device, such as a so-called weapon cradle, which is connected to the turret 10. The lifting device may be any suitable lifting device 30. The weapon 20 is configured to move up and down, i.e., perform lifting movement, around a lifting axis Z1 shown in Fig. 1, by means of the lifting device. The weapon 20 includes a barrel 22. The barrel 22 of the weapon 20 is configured to move up and down, i.e., perform lifting movement, around the lifting axis Z1.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates generally a side view of turret 10 with a weapon system S having a weapon 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] As discussed above with reference to Figure 1, the weapon 20 is configured to be connected to an elevation device, such as the elevation device 30 shown in Figure 3. The weapon 20 is configured to be raised and lowered, i.e., moved up and down, about an elevation axis Z1 by the elevation device, such as a weapon cradle.

[0051] The weapon 20 is configured to be raised and lowered within a lift angle α. The weapon 20 is configured to be raised by an angle α1 from a neutral position P corresponding to the longitudinal extension direction of the vehicle V, i.e., a horizontal position P when the vehicle is in a horizontal position, and to be lowered by an angle α2 from said position. The weapon 20 is arranged to be raised and lowered within a range between a maximum lift angle α1 and a minimum lift angle α2, and the weapon 20 has a neutral non-lifted position P therebetween. The non-lifted position P corresponds to the horizontal extension direction of the vehicle. Here, the neutral non-lifted position P of the weapon 20 represents a position of the weapon corresponding to the longitudinal extension direction of the vehicle, and thus represents the main extension direction of the weapon 20. When the weapon 20 is raised and lowered about the lift axis Z1 within the range between the maximum lift angle and the minimum lift angle, it forms an imaginary plane.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view, FIG. 4 is a side view, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a weapon 20, an ammunition channel 50, and an apparatus for feeding ammunition A from the ammunition channel 50 to the weapon 20, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] 3, 4 and 5 illustrate generally an apparatus for feeding ammunition A from an ammunition channel 50 to a weapon 20, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] An apparatus for feeding ammunition A from an ammunition channel 50 to a weapon 20 includes a feeding device 40 .

[0055] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, ammunition channel 50 is included with a guider configured to guide ammunition from a magazine, not shown, within ammunition channel 50 to feeding device 40 .

[0056] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the ammunition channel 50 is a so-called unlinked ammunition channel 50 configured to feed unlinked ammunition A to the feeding device 40 .

[0057] The magazine, not shown, may have any suitable configuration for containing ammunition.

[0058] Ammunition A has a longitudinal configuration. Ammunition A has a front side and a rear side.

[0059] Ammunition channel 50, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, may have a twisted configuration to guide ammunition A from a substantially upright position in the magazine to a substantially sideways position in feeding device 40, where the sideways position refers to a substantially horizontal position when ammunition channel 50 is placed on a level ground. Ammunition A has a primary extension direction.

[0060] Ammunition channel 50, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, is configured to direct ammunition A into an angled orientation relative to a substantially sideways orientation at feeding device 40, where feeding device 40 may be positioned at a corresponding angle. See, e.g., FIG. 10.

[0061] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the charges A configured to be guided in the charge channel 50 is separate, i.e., unlinked.

[0062] The weapon may include any suitable ammunition mechanism, not shown.

[0063] The lifting device 30 may be configured to be connected to a bearing support member to facilitate lifting and lowering movement by the lifting device 30. The lifting device 30 may be configured to be connected to a bearing support member of a turret to facilitate lifting and lowering movement by the lifting device 30.

[0064] The lifting device 30 is arranged to allow for lifting and lowering movement of a weapon, such as the weapon 20 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The lifting device 30 is arranged to allow for lifting and lowering movement of the weapon about a lifting axis Z1. The lifting and lowering movement of the weapon 20 is relative to the ammunition channel 50.

[0065] The lifting device 30, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, is configured to be mounted to a turret, such as the turret 10 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and is therefore configured to rotate with the turret about axis Y shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0066] The lifting device 30 includes a support member (not shown) for supporting the weapon. The lifting axis Z1 is perpendicular to the axial extension direction of the barrel of the weapon 20.

[0067] The lifting device 30 having a support member may be configured with a journal bearing to facilitate rotation of the lifting device 30 about axis Z1 for lifting and lowering the barrel of a weapon supported by the lifting device 30.

[0068] The lifting device 30 may therefore be configured to be connected to the turret via such bearings to facilitate rotation of the lifting device 30 relative to the turret, i.e. about axis Z1.

[0069] The ammunition feeding device 40 is disposed between the ammunition channel 50 and the weapon 20 and guides ammunition A from the ammunition channel 50. The feeding device 40 is disposed to feed ammunition A from the ammunition channel 50 to the weapon 20.

[0070] The supply device 40 is arranged rotatably about a supply axis X.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the supply device 40 is arranged to be rotatable about a supply axis X that is substantially perpendicular to the lift axis Z1. Thus, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the supply axis X of the supply device 40 may have an extension direction that is substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the lift axis Z1.

[0072] According to the present disclosure, the feeding device 40 has at least one ammunition gripping member 42 configured to rotate together with the feeding device 40 about a feeding axis X. The at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is rotatably arranged relative to the feeding axis X.

[0073] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the feeding device 40 includes a gripping member support arrangement 44 configured to rotate about a feeding axis X and configured to support at least one ammunition gripping member 42. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the feeding device 40 includes three ammunition gripping members 42 evenly distributed around the gripping member support arrangement 44. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the three gripping members 42 are distributed around the gripping member support arrangement 44 at intervals of 120 degrees. In this specification, the ammunition gripping member 42 of the feeding device 40 is referred to as at least one ammunition gripping member 42, since Figures 3 to 5 only illustrate an example and the number of gripping members may alternatively be, for example, a single gripping member, two gripping members, four gripping members, or more.

[0074] In accordance with the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to rotate with the feeding device 40 about a feeding axis X between an ammunition collecting position in the ammunition channel 50 and an ammunition releasing position in the weapon 20.

[0075] In accordance with the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to collect ammunition A from the ammunition channel 50 in association with passing an ammunition collection position in the ammunition channel 50 .

[0076] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feeding axis X of the feeding device 40 is configured to have an extension direction that facilitates collection of ammunition A by the ammunition gripping member 42 at the ammunition collection position.

[0077] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed axis X of the feed device 40 is configured to have an extension direction that substantially corresponds to the extension direction of the ammunition A at the ammunition collection position to facilitate collection of the ammunition A by the ammunition gripping member 42 at the ammunition collection position.

[0078] According to the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to release collected ammunition A in connection with passing the ammunition release position such that the collected ammunition A is fed into the weapon 20.

[0079] The device for feeding ammunition A to the weapon 20 is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation of the weapon 20 to facilitate feeding of ammunition A to the weapon 20 connected to the ammunition release position independent of the elevation of the weapon 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation angle of the weapon 20 relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0080] The apparatus for supplying ammunition A to the weapon 20 is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon 20 so that ammunition connected to the ammunition release position is positioned in response to the elevation and lowering of the weapon 20.

[0081] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to be rotatably adaptable about axis Z2 based on elevation of the weapon 20 to facilitate the supply of ammunition A to a weapon 20 connected to an ammunition release position independent of elevation of the weapon 20.

[0082] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 , the apparatus is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to be rotatably adaptable about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X based on the elevation of the weapon 20 to facilitate the feeding of ammunition A to a weapon 20 connected to the ammunition release position independent of the elevation of the weapon 20.

[0083] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the weapon 20 when the weapon 20 is elevated or lowered.

[0084] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the weapon 20 when the weapon 20 is elevated or lowered relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0085] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to rotate about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X from a neutral non-rotated position in the ammunition collection position to a rotated position corresponding to the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon 20 in the ammunition release position when subjected to such a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon 20, so that the ammunition A released and fed into the weapon 20 is positioned according to the elevation of the weapon 20. See, for example, Figure 5. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member 42 is configured to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon 20 relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X, so that the ammunition A having an extension direction substantially corresponding to the extension direction of the feed axis in the collection position is rotated by the gripping member 42 about the axis Z2, so that the ammunition A has an extension direction substantially corresponding to the main extension direction of the weapon 20, corresponding to the elevation angle of the weapon relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member 42 is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis Z2 about which the gripping member 42 is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially correspond to the extension direction of the lifting axis Z1. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member 42 is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis Z2 about which the gripping member 42 is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially align with the extension direction of the lifting axis Z1.

[0087] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is arranged to be elastically rotatable about axis Z2 such that it is maintained in a neutral, non-rotated position when not subjected to a rotational force and returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force applied to the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is released.

[0088] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feeding device 40 includes a gripping member support arrangement 44. The gripping member support arrangement 44 is configured to rotate about a feeding axis X. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member support arrangement 44 is configured to support at least one ammunition gripping member 42.

[0089] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is connected to a gripping member support arrangement 44 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X.

[0090] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to protrude from the gripping member support arrangement 44 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X.

[0091] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to protrude from a gripping member support arrangement 44 in a radial direction relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0092] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to rotate about the feed axis X in a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0093] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member support arrangement 44 includes a rotation axis 44a configured to impart rotation of the feeding device 40 about a feeding axis X.

[0094] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus for feeding ammunition A to the weapon 20 includes or is operably connected to a drive member D arranged to impart rotation of the feeding device 40. The drive member D may be any suitable drive member, such as an electric drive member, e.g., an electric machine, or a hydraulic drive member. The drive member D may be configured to operate the feeding device 40 based on the operation of the ammunition channel 50, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The drive member D is configured to operate the feeding device 40 and the ammunition channel 50, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive member D is operably connected to a rotation axis 44a for imparting rotation of the feeding device 40 about a feeding axis X.

[0095] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member support arrangement 44 includes a support member 44b connected to a rotating shaft 44a and configured to support at least one ammunition gripping member 42.

[0096] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is resiliently connected to the gripping member support arrangement 44 such that the at least one ammunition gripping member is held in a neutral, non-rotated position associated with axis Z2 when it is not subjected to a rotational force for rotation about axis Z2, and returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force that rotated the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 to a rotated position about axis Z2 is released.

[0097] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 includes a gripping portion 42a configured to collect and release ammunition.

[0098] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 includes a connecting member 42b configured to connect the gripping portion 42a to the gripping member support arrangement 44, thereby enabling rotation about the feed axis X and facilitating a resilient connection of the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 to the gripping member support arrangement 44.

[0099] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 includes a spring member, not shown, configured to be operably connected to the connecting member 42b, thereby facilitating elastic connection of the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 to the gripping member support arrangement 44 via the connecting member 42b.

[0100] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member 42b is configured as a bar or shaft. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member 42b is arranged to protrude from the gripper support arrangement 44 in a radial direction relative to the feed axis X.

[0101] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, connecting member 42b has a first end configured to be connected to gripping member support arrangement 44 and an opposite second end configured to be connected to gripping portion 42a.

[0102] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member 42b is resiliently connected to the gripping member support arrangement 44 and configured to support the gripper so as to allow rotation about the axis Z2. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 includes a spring member (not shown) configured to be operably connected to the connecting member 42b connected to the gripping member support arrangement 44.

[0103] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member 42b is fixedly connected to the gripping member support arrangement 44 and is resiliently connected to the gripping portion 42a to allow rotation of the gripping portion about axis Z2 relative to the connecting member 42b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 includes a spring member, not shown, configured to be operably connected to the connecting member 42b, which is connected to the gripping portion 42a.

[0104] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a gripping member rotation device 60 configured to rotatably adapt the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 based on elevation and lowering of the weapon 20 .

[0105] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member rotation device 60 comprises a maneuvering arm arrangement 60 fixedly attached to a part of the weapon 20 and / or a part of the lifting device 30 arranged to face the supply device 40. Thus, the maneuvering arm arrangement 60 is fixedly attached to the side of the weapon 20 / lifting device 30 arranged to face the supply device 40. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, since the maneuvering arm arrangement 60 is fixedly attached to the side of the weapon 20 / lifting device 30 arranged to face the supply device 40, the at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to be rotated by the maneuvering arm arrangement 60 based on the lifting of the weapon 20 when collecting ammunition A and rotating about the supply axis X towards the ammunition release position.

[0106] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the maneuvering arm arrangement 60 includes armsets 62, 64, 66, 68. The armsets are arranged such that when at least one ammunition gripping member 42 collects ammunition A and rotates about the feed axis X towards the ammunition release position, the collected ammunition A comes into contact with the armsets 62, 64, 66, 68 such that the ammunition gripping member 42 carrying the ammunition A rotates based on the elevation of the weapon 20.

[0107] When the weapon 20 is in the unlifted position, the ammunition gripping member 42 carrying the ammunition A is not subjected to rotation because the ammunition A is properly positioned relative to the weapon 20 in the ammunition release position.

[0108] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the armsets 62, 64, 66, 68 are arranged such that when at least one ammunition gripping member 42 collects ammunition A and rotates about the feed axis X toward the ammunition release position, the collected ammunition A comes into contact with the armsets 62, 64, 66, 68, so that the ammunition gripping member 42 carrying ammunition A is guided toward the ammunition release position even when the weapon 20 is in a non-elevated position.

[0109] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the armset 62, 64, 66, 68 includes a first pair of arms 62, 64 connected and disposed on a side of the weapon 20 facing the delivery device 40. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the armset 62, 64, 66, 68 includes a second pair of arms 66, 68 connected and disposed on a side of the weapon 20 facing the delivery device 40. The second pair of arms 66, 68 is spaced from the first pair of arms and closer to the side of the weapon 20 from which the barrel 22 protrudes. When the weapon is in a horizontal position, the first pair of arms 62, 64 and the second pair of arms 66, 68 are disposed at substantially the same horizontal level.

[0110] The first arm pair 62, 64 includes a lower arm 62 and an upper arm 64, with the lower arm 62 disposed below the upper arm 64. The second arm pair 66, 68 includes a lower arm 66 and an upper arm 68, with the lower arm 66 disposed below the upper arm 68.

[0111] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the lower arm 62 and upper arm 64 of the first arm pair 62, 64 and the lower arm 66 and upper arm 68 of the second arm pair 66, 68 have first arm portions 62a, 64a, 66a, 68a arranged to connect to the weapon 20 and project toward the feed device 40 in a direction parallel to the elevation axis Z1. The first arm portions 62a, 64a and 66a, 68a of the lower and upper arms of each arm pair 62, 64 and 66, 68 are spaced apart from each other to allow ammunition A to be connected to the ammunition release position for introduction into the weapon 20.

[0112] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lower arm 62 and the upper arm 64 of the first arm pair 62, 64 and the lower arm 66 and the upper arm 68 of the second arm pair 66, 68 have second arm portions 62b, 64b, 66b, 68b protruding from the first arm portions 62a, 64a, 66a, 68a toward the delivery device. The direction of projection is such that the second arm portions 62b, 66b of the lower arms 62, 66 project downwardly at an angle relative to the extension direction of the first arm portions 62a, 66a, and the second arm portions 64b, 68b of the upper arms 64, 68 project upwardly at an angle relative to the extension direction of the first arm portions 64a, 68a to form a receiving and guiding configuration for receiving and guiding the ammunition A as it rotates towards the ammunition release position, and also such that the ammunition gripping member 42 carrying the ammunition A rotates based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon 20.

[0113] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the maneuvering arm arrangement 60 is configured to be fixedly attached to the lifting device 30. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the arm sets 62, 64, 66, 68 of the maneuvering arm arrangement 60 are configured to be fixedly attached to the lifting device 30.

[0114] Fig. 6 shows a schematic plan view of a weapon 20, an ammunition channel 50, and an apparatus for feeding ammunition A from the channel 50 to the weapon 20, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7a shows a schematic side view of the weapon 20 and an apparatus for feeding ammunition A of Fig. 6. The apparatus for feeding ammunition from the ammunition channel 50 to the weapon 20 includes a feeding device 140, shown in Figs. 6 and 7a, as well as in a perspective view in Fig. 8.

[0115] The weapon 20 and ammunition channel 50 disclosed in FIG. 6 substantially correspond to the weapon 20 and ammunition channel 50 disclosed in FIGS.

[0116] As discussed above with reference to Figure 1, the weapon 20 may be configured to connect to an elevation device, such as an elevation device 30 shown in Figure 3. The weapon 20 is configured to be raised and lowered, i.e., moved up and down, about an elevation axis Z1 by the elevation device 30, such as a weapon cradle.

[0117] The ammunition feeding device 140 is disposed between the ammunition channel 50 and the weapon 20 and guides ammunition A from the ammunition channel 50. The feeding device 140 is disposed to feed ammunition A from the ammunition channel 50 to the weapon 20. See FIG.

[0118] The supply device 140 is arranged rotatably about a supply axis X.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig. 6, the supply device 140 is arranged to be rotatable about a supply axis X perpendicular to the lift axis Z1. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Fig. 6, the supply axis X of the supply device 140 may have an extension direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the lift axis Z1.

[0120] According to the present disclosure, the feeding device 140 has at least one ammunition gripping member 142 configured to rotate with the feeding device 140 about a feeding axis X. The at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is rotatably disposed relative to the feeding axis X.

[0121] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the delivery device 140 has an elongated configuration. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the delivery device 140 has a hollow configuration including an interior space.

[0122] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the feeding device 140 includes a gripping member support arrangement 144 configured to rotate about a feeding axis X and configured to support at least one ammunition gripping member 142. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 6 and 8, the feeding device 140 includes three ammunition gripping members 142 evenly distributed around the gripping member support arrangement 144. According to one aspect of the disclosure, the three gripping members 142 are distributed around the gripping member support arrangement 144 at intervals of 120 degrees. The ammunition gripping member 142 of the feeding device 140 is referred to herein as at least one ammunition gripping member 142 because Figs. 6 and 8 are only illustrative examples and the number of gripping members may alternatively be, for example, a single gripping member, two gripping members, four gripping members, or more.

[0123] In accordance with the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to rotate with the feeding device 140 about a feeding axis X between an ammunition collecting position in the ammunition channel 50 and an ammunition releasing position in the weapon 20.

[0124] In accordance with the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to collect ammunition A from the ammunition channel 50 in association with passing an ammunition collection position in the ammunition channel 50 .

[0125] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feeding axis X of the feeding device 140 is configured to have an extension direction that facilitates collection of ammunition A by the ammunition gripping member 142 at the ammunition collection position.

[0126] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feed axis X of the feed device 140 is configured to have an extension direction that substantially corresponds to the extension direction of the ammunition A at the ammunition collection position to facilitate collection of the ammunition A by the ammunition gripping member 142 at the ammunition collection position.

[0127] According to the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to release collected ammunition A in connection with passing the ammunition release position such that the collected ammunition A is fed into the weapon 20.

[0128] The apparatus for feeding ammunition A to the weapon 20 is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation of the weapon 20 to facilitate feeding of ammunition A to the weapon 20 associated with an ammunition release position independent of the elevation of the weapon 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation angle of the weapon 20 relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0129] The device for supplying ammunition A to the weapon 20 is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon 20 so that ammunition A connected to the ammunition release position is positioned in response to the elevation and lowering of the weapon 20.

[0130] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to be rotatably adaptable about axis Z2 based on elevation of the weapon 20 to facilitate the supply of ammunition A to a weapon 20 connected to an ammunition release position independent of elevation of the weapon 20.

[0131] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6 , the apparatus is configured such that at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to be rotatably adaptable about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X based on the elevation of the weapon 20 to facilitate the feeding of ammunition A to a weapon 20 connected to the ammunition release position independent of the elevation of the weapon 20.

[0132] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the weapon 20 when the weapon 20 is elevated or lowered relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0133] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to rotate about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X from a neutral non-rotated position in the ammunition collection position to a rotated position corresponding to the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon 20 in the ammunition release position when subjected to such a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon 20, so that the ammunition A released and fed into the weapon 20 is positioned according to the elevation of the weapon 20. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member 42 is configured to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon 20 relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X, so that the ammunition A, which in the collection position has an extension direction substantially corresponding to the extension direction of the feed axis, is rotated by the gripping member 142 about the axis Z2, so that the ammunition A has an extension direction substantially corresponding to the main extension direction of the weapon 20, corresponding to the elevation angle of the weapon relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0134] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member 142 is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis Z2 about which the gripping member 142 is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially correspond to the extension direction of the lifting axis Z1. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member 142 is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis Z2 about which the gripping member 142 is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially align with the extension direction of the lifting axis Z1.

[0135] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is arranged to be elastically rotatable about axis Z2 such that it is maintained in a neutral, non-rotated position when not subjected to a rotational force and returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force applied to the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is released.

[0136] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the feeding device 140 includes a gripping member support arrangement 144. The gripping member support arrangement 144 is configured to rotate about a feeding axis X. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member support arrangement 144 is configured to support at least one ammunition gripping member 142.

[0137] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is connected to a gripping member support arrangement 144 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X.

[0138] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown, for example, in Figures 6 and 7a, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to protrude from a gripping member support arrangement 144 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z2 perpendicular to the feed axis X. See, for example, Figure 7a.

[0139] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown, for example, in Figures 6 and 7a, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to rotate about the feed axis X in a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0140] Fig. 7a shows a side view of the weapon 20 and the apparatus for feeding ammunition A. In Fig. 7a, the weapon 20 is in a neutral position P, the main extension direction of the weapon 20 substantially corresponds to the extension direction of the feed axis X of the feeding device 140. When in the neutral position P, the weapon 20 is now in a non-elevated position relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0141] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 7a, the feed device 140 is configured to be placed in connection with the weapon 20 such that the extension direction of the feed axis X substantially corresponds to the extension direction of the weapon 20 in a neutral position.

[0142] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is configured to protrude from the gripping member support arrangement 144 in a radial direction relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X. Thus, the axis z2 according to this aspect extends radially relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0143] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member support arrangement 144 includes a rotation axis 144a configured to impart rotation of the feeding device 140 about a feeding axis X.

[0144] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus for feeding ammunition A to the weapon 20 includes or is operably connected to a drive member D arranged to impart rotation of the feeding device 140. The drive member D may be any suitable drive member, such as an electric drive member, e.g., an electric machine, or a hydraulic drive member. The drive member D may be configured to operate the feeding device 140 based on the operation of the ammunition channel 50, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The drive member D is configured to operate the feeding device 140 and the ammunition channel 50, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the drive member D is operably connected to a rotation axis 144a for imparting rotation of the feeding device 140 about a feeding axis X.

[0145] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping member support arrangement 144 includes a support member 144b connected to the rotating shaft 144a and configured to support at least one ammunition gripping member 142.

[0146] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is resiliently connected to the gripping member support arrangement 144 such that the at least one ammunition gripping member is held in a neutral, non-rotated position associated with axis Z2 when not subjected to a rotational force for rotation about axis Z2, and returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force that rotated the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 to a rotated position about axis X is released.

[0147] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 142 includes a gripping portion 142a configured to collect and release ammunition.

[0148] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 includes a connecting member 142b configured to connect the gripping portion 142a to the gripping member support arrangement 144, thereby enabling rotation about the feed axis X and facilitating a resilient connection of the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 to the gripping member support arrangement 144.

[0149] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member 142b is configured as a bar or shaft. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member 142b is arranged to protrude from the gripper support arrangement 144 in a radial direction relative to the feed axis X. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the protrusion of the connecting member substantially corresponds to the extension direction of the axis Z2.

[0150] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, connecting member 142b has a first end configured to be connected to gripping member support structure 144 and an opposite second end configured to be connected to gripping portion 142a.

[0151] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the connecting member 142b is resiliently connected to the gripping member support arrangement 144 to allow rotation about axis Z2 and is configured to support the gripping portion 142a.

[0152] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the apparatus for feeding ammunition, for example as shown in FIG. 6, further includes a gripping member rotation device configured to rotatably adapt at least one ammunition gripping member 142 based on elevation and lowering of the weapon 20.

[0153] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the gripping member rotation device includes a shaft arrangement 160. See, e.g., Figures 6 and 7a. The shaft arrangement 160 is configured such that when the gripping member 142 rotates about the feed axis X toward the ammunition release position, an axial movement occurs in the axial direction of the feed axis X based on the elevation of the weapon 20. This axial movement is translated into a rotational movement of the gripping member 142, such that the ammunition gripping member 142 rotates based on the elevation of the weapon 20.

[0154] FIG. 7b illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the shaft arrangement 160 of the device for feeding ammunition of FIG. 7a, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0155] FIG. 8 illustrates generally a perspective view of a feeding device 140 of an apparatus for feeding ammunition according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 illustrates generally a cross-sectional view of the feeding device 140 of FIG.

[0156] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, shaft arrangement 160 includes a bar member 162 for each of at least one gripping member 142 and a bar member contact portion 166 fixedly attached to or integral with weapon 20 and / or elevation device 30. See, e.g., Figures 6 and 7a.

[0157] At least one bar member 162 has an axial extension direction parallel to the feed axis X. At least one bar member 162 has a longitudinal extension direction and is configured to extend in a direction parallel to the feed axis X. At least one bar member 162 is configured to rotate with the feed device 140 about the feed axis X. At least one bar member 162 is configured to be arranged not to rotate about its own axis. At least one bar member 162 is arranged in connection with the gripper support arrangement 144 to keep the same distance from the feed axis X during rotation about the feed axis X. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the at least one bar member 162 is configured to extend parallel to the feed axis X into the interior space of the feed device 140.

[0158] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when gripping member 142 rotates about feed axis X toward the ammunition release position, bar member 162 contacts and applies a force to bar member contact portion 166 such that bar member 162 is configured to move axially along feed axis X based on elevation of weapon 20.

[0159] Thus, when the gripping member 142 rotates about the feed axis X toward the ammunition release position and the weapon is in the raised position, the bar member 162 contacts the bar member contact portion 166, which contact generates a force against the bar member 162 such that the bar member 162 is configured to move axially along the feed axis X based on the raising and lowering of the weapon 20.

[0160] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the weapon is in the unraised position, no axial movement of the bar member occurs.

[0161] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bar member 162 is positioned in contact with the gripping member 142 such that axial movement is converted into rotational movement of the gripping member 142, such that the ammunition gripping member 142 rotates based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon 20.

[0162] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one bar member 162 has an end 162b configured to contact a curved surface portion 166a of a bar member contact portion 166, which facilitates applying a force to move the bar member 162 axially along the feed axis X based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon 20.

[0163] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one bar member 162 has a bar engagement portion 162c and at least one grip member 142 has a rotational engagement portion 142c.

[0164] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the bar engagement portion 162c of the bar member 162 is configured to engage with the rotational engagement portion 142c of the gripping member 142 such that when the gripping member 142 rotates about the feed axis X toward the weapon release position such that the bar member 162 moves axially about the feed axis X based on the elevation of the weapon 20, the engagement between the bar engagement portion 162c and the rotational engagement portion 142c translates the axial movement into a rotational movement of the gripping member 142. This is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, where a cut-away portion of the outer structure of the feeding device 140 is shown for illustrative purposes in the form of an opening O1 to show the rotational engagement portion 142c and the bar engagement portion 162c configured to be positioned within the space of the feeding device 140 according to one aspect.

[0165] The rotational engagement portion 142c of at least one gripping member 142 is disposed in connection with a portion of the connecting member 142b disposed on the gripping member support arrangement 144. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the rotational engagement portion 142c includes a sprocket member disposed in connection with the portion of the connecting member 142b disposed on the gripping member support arrangement 144. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sprocket member of the rotational engagement portion 142c is disposed around the portion of the connecting member 142b. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sprocket member of the rotational engagement portion 142c is disposed around an end of the bar-shaped connecting member 142b.

[0166] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bar engagement portion 162c includes engagement teeth distributed along a portion of at least one of the bar members 162. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sprocket member of the rotational engagement portion 142c includes engagement teeth configured to engage with the engagement teeth of the bar engagement portion 162c, thereby facilitating conversion of axial movement of the bar member 162 into rotational movement of the grip member 142 when the grip member 142 rotates about the feed axis X toward the weapon release position such that the bar member 162 moves axially about the feed axis X based on the elevation of the weapon 20.

[0167] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one bar member 162 is resiliently arranged such that when the bar member 162 associated with the at least one gripping member 142 is not subjected to a force and therefore does not move axially, the gripping member 142 is maintained in a neutral, non-rotated position, and when a force is received by the at least one bar member 162 causing the bar member 162 to move axially, the force is transmitted to the gripping member 142 causing the gripping member 142 to rotate to a rotated position, and then the force is released, the at least one gripping member 142 returns to the neutral, non-rotated position.

[0168] Thus, the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is elastically arranged via the bar member 142 of the at least one bar member 162 associated with this gripping member 142. Therefore, the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is elastically arranged to rotate about the axis Z2 via the bar member 162 of the at least one bar member 162 associated with this gripping member 142, so that the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is maintained in a neutral non-rotated position when it is not subjected to a rotational force, and returns to the neutral non-rotated position when the rotational force applied to the at least one ammunition gripping member 142 is released.

[0169] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the axial arrangement 160 includes a spring member 164 for each of the at least one bar member 162 to achieve resilient positioning of the at least one bar member 162 .

[0170] The spring member 164 may be any suitable spring member for achieving resilient positioning of the at least one bar member 162. The spring member 164, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, is a coil spring member.

[0171] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the spring member 164 is connected to the at least one bar member 162 such that the at least one bar member 162 is maintained in a neutral, non-rotated position when not subjected to a rotational force, allows movement in an axial direction by spring resistance when the bar member is subjected to an axial force, and returns to the neutral, non-rotated position by axial movement in the axial direction when the axial force experienced by the at least one bar member 162 is released.

[0172] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the spring member 164 is connected to the at least one bar member 162 and the gripping member support arrangement 144 so that the at least one bar member 162 is maintained in a neutral, non-rotated position when it is not subjected to a rotational force, and when the bar member 162 is subjected to an axial force, the spring resistance allows it to move in that direction, and when the axial force applied to the at least one bar member 162 is released, it returns to the neutral, non-rotated position by axial movement in the axial direction.

[0173] At least one bar member 162 has an end 162d opposite end 162b. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a spring member 164 is configured to be disposed in connection with end 162d and a portion of gripping member support arrangement 144. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a spring member 164, such as a coil spring member, is configured to be disposed around end 162d. This is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8, where a cut-away portion of the outer structure of delivery device 140 in the form of an opening O2 is shown for illustrative purposes to show spring member 164 disposed around end 162d of bar member 162 configured to be disposed within the space of delivery device 140 according to one embodiment.

[0174] 10 shows a schematic side view of a feeding device 40, 140 of an apparatus for feeding a weapon 20 and ammunition according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The feeding device 40, 140 may be any suitable feeding device. The feeding device 40, 140 may be associated with the feeding device 40 according to Figures 3 to 5. The feeding device 40, 140 may be associated with the feeding device 140 according to Figures 6, 7a, and 8.

[0175] In Fig. 10 the weapon is in neutral position P, so that the main extension direction of the weapon 20 is substantially horizontal when the weapon 20 is placed in connection with a horizontal ground. With regard to the extension direction of the feed axis X of the feed device 40, 140, Fig. 10 differs from, for example, Fig. 7a, in that the feed device is arranged such that the weapon 20 has an elevation angle α3 with respect to the extension direction of the feed axis X when the weapon 20 is in neutral position P.

[0176] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 10, the feed device 40, 140 is configured to be disposed in connection with the weapon 20 such that when the weapon is in a neutral position, the weapon 20 has an elevation angle relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X.

[0177] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, when the weapon 20 is in the neutral position P, the at least one ammunition gripping member 42, 142 is configured to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle α3 of the weapon 20 relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X, so that the at least one ammunition gripping member 42, 142 rotates about the axis Z2 from a neutral non-rotated position in the ammunition collection position to a rotated position corresponding to the elevation angle of the weapon 20 in the ammunition release position, so that the ammunition A released and fed into the weapon 20 is positioned according to the elevation of the weapon 20, i.e., here according to the neutral position P of the weapon.

[0178] As described above, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the weapon 20 is configured to be elevated about the elevation axis Z1 within a range between a maximum elevation angle and a minimum elevation angle, and the weapon 20 has a neutral position P between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle. When the apparatus including the elevation device is located on a horizontal ground, for example when the apparatus is included in a weapon system mounted on a vehicle on a horizontal ground as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the neutral position corresponds to a horizontal extension direction of the weapon 20. Since the feed device is located in connection with the weapon, the extension direction of the feed axis may have any suitable angle with respect to the neutral position of the weapon, i.e., with respect to the main extension direction of the weapon in the neutral position.

[0179] 11 shows a schematic plan view of a weapon 20, an ammunition channel 50, and an apparatus for feeding ammunition from the channel 50 to the weapon 20, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The feeding device 40 can be associated with the feeding device 40 according to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0180] FIG. 11 differs, for example, from FIG. 3 in that the feed device 40 is arranged such that the feed axis X is non-orthogonal to the lift axis Z1 and here has an angle φ that is slightly smaller than the straight angle. The axis Z2, about which the ammunition gripping member 42 is rotatably arranged, has an angle ε with respect to the feed axis X that substantially corresponds to the given angle φ, i.e. the angle ε substantially corresponds to the angle φ. For example, in FIG. 3, the angle φ is orthogonal to the lift axis Z1, i.e. a straight angle, and therefore the axis Z2, about which the ammunition gripping member 42 is rotatably arranged, has an angle ε with respect to the feed axis X, which is also orthogonal, i.e. a straight angle.

[0181] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the weapon 20 is arranged to be elevated about the elevation axis Z1 within a range between a maximum elevation angle and a minimum elevation angle, and the elevation of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis Z1 forms an imaginary plane. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, the feed axis X is non-orthogonal to the elevation axis Z1, and has a predetermined angle φ, which is slightly smaller than the flat angle, so that the feed axis X has an angle with respect to the imaginary plane corresponding to the elevation of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis X. As shown in FIG. 3, when the feed axis X is orthogonal to the elevation axis X, the extension direction of the feed axis X is parallel to the imaginary plane corresponding to the elevation of the weapon 20 about the elevation axis X.

[0182] According to one aspect of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 11, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is connected to a gripping member support arrangement 44 so as to be rotatable about an axis Z2 that is non-orthogonal to the feed axis X, here at an angle ε slightly less than the straight angle.

[0183] According to one aspect of the disclosure, at least one ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to project from the gripping member support arrangement 44 in an axial direction corresponding to axis Z2 at an angle ε relative to a radial direction relative to the extension direction of the feed axis X. As shown in Figure 10, when there is more than one ammunition gripping member 42, each ammunition gripping member 42 is configured to project at a corresponding angle ε relative to the radial direction, i.e. perpendicular to the feed axis X.

[0184] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member 42 is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis Z2 about which the gripping member 42 is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially correspond to the extension direction of the lifting axis Z1. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the gripping member 42 is positioned in the ammunition release position, the extension direction of the axis Z2 about which the gripping member 42 is rotatably arranged is configured to substantially align with the extension direction of the lifting axis Z1.

[0185] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11, for example for a feeding device similar to that of FIG. 3, is also applicable to a feeding device similar to that of FIG.

[0186] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments and various modifications suited to the particular uses envisaged.

Claims

1. A device for supplying ammunition (A) to a weapon (20), comprising: the weapon (20) is mounted on an elevation device (30) arranged to allow elevation movement of the weapon (20) about an elevation axis (Z1); The apparatus comprises an ammunition supply device (40, 140) disposed between an ammunition channel (50) and the weapon (20), ammunition (A) being guided from the ammunition channel (50); The elevation movement of the weapon is relative to the ammunition channel (50); the feeding device (40, 140) is arranged to feed ammunition (A) from the ammunition channel (50) to the weapon (20); said supply device (40, 140) being arranged rotatably about a supply axis (X); the feeding device (40, 140) having at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) configured to rotate with the feeding device (40, 140) about the feeding axis (X) between an ammunition collecting position in the ammunition channel (50) and an ammunition releasing position in the weapon (20); the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) connected to the ammunition collecting location is configured to collect ammunition (A) from the ammunition channel (50); the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) connected to the ammunition release location is configured to release the collected ammunition (A) so that the collected ammunition (A) is fed into the weapon (20); said at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) being rotatably arranged with respect to said feed axis (X); The device is configured such that the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on elevation and lowering of the weapon (20) to facilitate the supply of ammunition (A) to the weapon (20) connected to the ammunition release position independent of the elevation and lowering of the weapon (20).

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is configured to be rotatably adaptable based on the elevation angle of the weapon (20) relative to the extension direction of the feed axis (X).

3. The supply device (40, 140) is configured so that the supply axis (X) is arranged at a predetermined angle (φ) with respect to the lifting axis (Z1), 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is arranged rotatably about an axis (Z2) having an angle (ε) relative to the feed axis (X) corresponding to the predetermined angle (φ).

4. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is configured to receive a rotational force based on the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon (20) relative to the extension direction of the feed axis (X), so that the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) rotates about the axis (Z2) from a neutral, non-rotated position in the ammunition collection position to a rotated position corresponding to the elevation angle of the elevation of the weapon (20) in the ammunition release position, thereby positioning the ammunition (A) released and fed into the weapon (20) in accordance with the elevation of the weapon (20).

5. the supply device (40, 140) is configured so that the supply axis (X) is arranged perpendicular to the lift axis (Z1); 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the axis (Z2) on which the ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is rotatably arranged is perpendicular to the feed axis (X).

6. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is arranged to be resiliently rotatable about the axis (Z2), such that the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is maintained in the neutral, non-rotated position when not subjected to a rotational force, and returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force applied to the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is released.

7. the feeding device (40, 140) includes a gripping member support arrangement (44, 144) configured to rotate about the feeding axis (X) and to support the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142); the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is configured to be connected to the gripping member support structure (44, 144) and to protrude from the gripping member support structure (44, 144); 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is rotatable about an axis (Z2) perpendicular to said feed axis (X).

8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the gripping member support arrangement (44, 144) includes a rotation axis (44a, 144a) configured to impart the rotation of the feeding device (40, 140) about the feeding axis (X), and a support member (44b, 144b) connected to the rotation axis (44a, 144a) and configured to support the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142).

9. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) is resiliently connected to the gripping member support arrangement (44, 144) such that the at least one ammunition gripping member is held in a neutral, non-rotated position associated with the axis (Z2) when not subjected to a rotational force for rotation about the axis (Z2), and the at least one gripping member returns to the neutral, non-rotated position when the rotational force that rotated the at least one ammunition gripping member to the rotated position about the axis (Z2) is released.

10. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) comprises a gripping portion (42a, 142a) configured to collect and release ammunition, and a connecting member (42b, 142b) configured to connect the gripping portion (42a, 142a) to the gripping member support arrangement (44, 144) to allow rotation about the feed axis (X) and to facilitate the resilient connection of the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) to the gripping member support arrangement.

11. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a gripping member rotation device (60, 160) configured to rotatably adapt the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon (20).

12. the gripping member rotation device (60, 160) includes a maneuvering arm arrangement (60) fixedly attached to the weapon (20) and / or the lifting device (30) arranged to face the supply device (40); 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one ammunition gripping member (42) is configured to collect ammunition (A) and rotate with the maneuvering arm arrangement (60) upon the elevation and lowering of the weapon (20) when rotating about the feed axis (X) toward the ammunition release position.

13. the maneuvering arm arrangement (60) includes a set of arms (62, 64, 66, 68); 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the armsets are arranged such that when the at least one ammunition gripping member collects ammunition and rotates about the feed axis toward the ammunition release position, the collected ammunition contacts the armsets, causing the ammunition gripping member carrying the ammunition to rotate based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon.

14. The gripping member rotating device (60, 160) includes a shaft arrangement (160), the axis arrangement (160) is configured such that when the gripping member (142) rotates about the feed axis (X) towards the ammunition release position, the elevation of the weapon (20) results in axial movement of the feed axis (X) in the axial direction; 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the axial movement is translated into rotational movement of the gripping member (142), such that the ammunition gripping member (142) rotates based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon (20).

15. the shaft arrangement (160) includes a bar member (162) for each of the at least one gripping member (142) and a bar member contact portion (166) fixedly attached to or integral with the weapon (20) and / or the elevation device (30); the at least one bar member (162) has an axial extension direction parallel to the feed axis (X) and is configured to rotate together with the feed device (40, 140) about the feed axis (X); 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein when the gripping member (142) rotates about the feed axis (X) toward the ammunition release position, the bar member (162) contacts and applies a force to the bar member contact portion (166), such that the bar member (162) moves in the axial direction of the feed axis (X) based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon (20), and since the bar member (162) is positioned in contact with the gripping member (142), the axial movement is translated into the rotational movement of the gripping member (142), such that the ammunition gripping member (142) rotates based on the elevation and lowering of the weapon (20).

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one bar member has an end configured to contact a curved surface of the bar member contact portion, thereby facilitating the application of the force to move the bar member in the axial direction of the feed axis based on the elevation of the weapon.

17. The at least one bar member (162) has a bar engagement portion (162c), The at least one gripping member (142) has a rotational engagement portion (142c), 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bar engagement portion of the bar member is configured to engage the rotational engagement portion of the grip member such that when the grip member rotates about the feed axis toward the weapon release position, causing the bar member to move axially about the feed axis based on the elevation of the weapon, the engagement between the bar engagement portion and the rotational engagement portion converts the axial movement into the rotational movement of the grip member.

18. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the at least one bar member is resiliently arranged so that when a bar member associated with the at least one gripping member is not subjected to a force and therefore does not move in its axial direction, the gripping member is maintained in the neutral, non-rotated position, and when a force applied to the at least one bar member causes the bar member to move in its axial direction, the force is transmitted to the gripping member, causing it to rotate to a rotated position, and then the force is released, the at least one gripping member returns to the neutral, non-rotated position.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the axial arrangement (160) includes a spring member (166) for each of the at least one bar member (162) to achieve the resilient positioning of the at least one bar member (162).

20. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the feeding device (40, 140) is arranged to rotate about the feeding axis (X) such that the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) rotates about the feeding axis (X) in a plane of rotation corresponding to the extension direction of the elevation axis (Z1) of the weapon (20).

21. the feeding device (40, 140) is arranged to rotate about the feeding axis (X) by a drive shaft system based on the firing rate of the weapon (20); 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one ammunition gripping member (42, 142) supplies ammunition (A) from the ammunition channel (50) to the weapon (20) by collecting and releasing ammunition (A) in a repeated cycle.

22. The weapon (20) is arranged to elevate within a range between a maximum elevation angle (α1) and a minimum elevation angle (α2); The weapon (20) has a neutral position (P) therebetween, 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the neutral position corresponds to the horizontal extension of the weapon when the apparatus including the lifting device (30) is placed on a horizontal ground.

23. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the feeding device (40, 140) includes three ammunition gripping members (42, 142) evenly distributed around the gripping member support arrangement (44, 144).

24. A vehicle (V), A vehicle (V) comprising a device for feeding ammunition (A) from an ammunition channel (50) to a weapon (20) of a weapon system mounted on said vehicle, according to claim 1 or 2.

25. 25. The vehicle of claim 24, wherein the vehicle is a tracked vehicle.

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