Muzzle Brake Assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a modular muzzle brake assembly for an artillery weapon or cannon. The modular muzzle brake assembly includes a plurality of modules configured to be removably coupled together to define a passageway for propellant gases to urge a projectile through the passageway when the artillery weapon or cannon is fired. The plurality of modules includes a plurality of baffles configured to redirect at least a portion of the propellant gases within the passageway. The present disclosure also relates to a kit of parts for the modular muzzle brake assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular muzzle brake assembly for an artillery weapon or cannon, and to a kit of parts for a modular muzzle brake assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Muzzle brakes are used to reduce the effects of recoil when tubular weapons are fired. Muzzle brakes are configured to redirect a portion of the propellant combustion gases that are expelled from the barrel after the projectile exits, reducing the recoil force on the barrel and therefore the stress on the support structure to which the barrel is mounted. By redirecting the gases, the forward momentum of the gases is reduced and the rearward momentum of the barrel is correspondingly reduced. The greater the volume of gases and the greater the deflection angle, the greater the recoil effectiveness of the muzzle brake.

[0003] It has been found that combustion gases emitted from the barrel and entering the muzzle brake can cause significant wear to the muzzle brake. Therefore, a muzzle brake that is easier to repair and maintain is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular muzzle brake assembly for an artillery weapon or cannon, the modular muzzle brake assembly comprising a plurality of modules configured to be removably coupled together to define a passageway for propellant gases to urge a projectile through the passageway when the artillery weapon or cannon is fired, the plurality of modules including a plurality of baffles configured to redirect at least a portion of the propellant gases within the passageway.

[0005] In some embodiments, the muzzle brake assembly is for a medium or large caliber artillery weapon or cannon.

[0006] In some embodiments, the muzzle brake assembly is for an artillery weapon or cannon having a caliber of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 76 mm.

[0007] As used herein, the term "cannon" includes, for example, a tank gun.

[0008] In some embodiments, the muzzle brake assembly is for an artillery weapon or cannon that is mounted to a support structure (e.g., a platform).

[0009] In some embodiments, the modular muzzle brake comprises at least one coupling member for coupling the modules together, and the modules are detachable from the at least one coupling member.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least one coupling member comprises an elongated member, preferably a tie rod.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more of the baffles includes a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the coupling member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the modular muzzle brake comprises a plurality of coupling members, preferably configured to be disposed about a central axis of the passageway.

[0013] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between at least two baffles of the assembly to allow at least a portion of the propellant gases in the passageway to pass through the gap.

[0014] In some embodiments, the modular muzzle brake assembly includes one or more spacers configured to separate the at least two baffles, and preferably, a plurality of modules includes one or more spacers.

[0015] In some embodiments, the or each spacer is tubular.

[0016] In some embodiments, the or each spacer is configured to receive a portion of a respective coupling member.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one of the baffles comprises a first baffle member and a second baffle member, and preferably the first baffle member and the second baffle member are baffle plates.

[0018] In some embodiments, a space is disposed between the first baffle member and the second baffle member.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least two of the baffles are interchangeable within the muzzle brake assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one of the baffles is configured to redirect propellant gases differently than another one of the baffles.

[0021] In some embodiments, the length of the passageway is adjustable by varying the number of modules in the modular muzzle brake assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the modular muzzle brake assembly further comprises a mounting portion configured to couple to a gun tube of an artillery weapon or cannon.

[0023] In some embodiments, the or each coupling member has one or more threaded portions. At least one threaded portion may be configured to engage with a threaded portion of a fastener (e.g., a nut). Alternatively or additionally, at least one threaded portion may be configured to engage with a threaded portion of a mounting portion.

[0024] The present disclosure also provides a weapon system including the modular muzzle brake assembly described herein. The weapon system may be, for example, a tank or an artillery piece.

[0025] The present disclosure also provides a kit of parts for a modular muzzle brake assembly for an artillery weapon or cannon, the kit of parts including a plurality of modules configured to be removably coupled together to define a passageway for propellant gases to urge a projectile through the passageway when the artillery weapon or cannon is fired, the plurality of modules including a plurality of baffles configured to redirect at least a portion of the propellant gases within the passageway.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the figures, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an artillery weapon with a modular muzzle brake assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a mounting portion of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a first schematic perspective view of a first baffle member of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a second schematic perspective view of the first baffle member of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a first schematic perspective view of a second baffle member of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a second schematic perspective view of the second baffle member of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a coupling member of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a spacer of the modular muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the muzzle brake assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a modular muzzle brake assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 1-10, one embodiment of a modular muzzle brake assembly 10 for an artillery weapon or cannon is shown. The description of the embodiment of Figures 1-10 will hereinafter refer to an artillery weapon 1, although the present disclosure is also applicable to tank guns or other cannons.

[0029] The cannon weapon 1 has a gun barrel 3 pivotally mounted to a support structure 2. A muzzle brake assembly 10 is configured to be mounted to the end of the gun barrel 3 to redirect a portion of the propellant combustion gases that are emitted from the barrel 3 after a projectile exits the barrel 3. The muzzle brake assembly 10 thus reduces the recoil of the gun barrel 3 when a projectile is fired and reduces stresses on the support structure 2 to which the barrel 3 is mounted.

[0030] The modular muzzle brake assembly 10 includes a plurality of modules 20, 30, 50 configured to be removably coupled together to define a passageway 11 through which propellant gases urge a projectile (not shown) when the cannon weapon 1 is fired. The modules 20, 30, 50 may include a baffle 30. The baffle 30 may define one or more gas-diverting surfaces / areas for diverting propellant gases so as to reduce recoil.

[0031] The modularity of the muzzle brake assembly 10 means that individual modules or groups of modules can be swapped in and out of or rearranged within the muzzle brake assembly 10. This is advantageous because it has been found that the baffles 30 within the muzzle brake assembly 10 tend to wear at different rates. For example, the baffles 30 located closest to the end of the gun barrel 3 tend to wear the fastest because they come into contact with the greatest amount of high-velocity propellant combustion gases exiting the gun barrel 3, while baffles 30 located further from the end of the gun barrel 3 generally wear at a slower rate because a percentage of the propellant gases have already been redirected by the baffles 30 closer to the gun barrel 3 and therefore do not come into contact with the more distant baffles 30. The temperature of the propellant gases also decreases as they travel away from the end of the gun barrel 3.

[0032] Thus, the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 allows for replacement and / or maintenance of modules that have experienced high wear, while preserving low-wear modules within the muzzle brake assembly 10 that do not yet require replacement and / or maintenance. This is advantageous because it is easier to store and transport replacement modules than the entire muzzle brake assembly. Also, servicing the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 by replacing worn modules is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than replacing the entire muzzle brake assembly 10. Furthermore, the order of the modules within the muzzle brake assembly 10 can be altered to achieve more uniform wear of the modules.

[0033] Optionally, the modularity of the muzzle brake assembly 10 also allows for tuning or adjusting the performance of the muzzle brake assembly 10. This advantageously means that the efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted based on, for example, one or more of the type of projectile being fired, the environmental conditions, and / or whether the artillery weapon 1 is being used under training conditions or in conflict.

[0034] As described in more detail below, one or more of the baffles 30 can be replaced with baffle(s) 30 configured to redirect propellant gases more or less efficiently. Alternatively, or additionally, the efficiency of the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted by adjusting one or more of the number of baffles 30 in the assembly 10, the spacing between adjacent baffles 30, the orientation of one or more of the baffles 30, and / or the order of the baffles 30 within the muzzle brake assembly 10.

[0035] The muzzle brake assembly 10 includes a mounting portion 20 configured to be mounted to the end of the barrel 3 of the cannon weapon 1. In this example, multiple modules include the mounting portion 20. The mounting portion 20 may be a mounting member 20.

[0036] The mounting portion 20 may be configured to be removably mounted to the gun barrel 3, for example, by being screwed or bolted to the gun barrel 3. In another embodiment (not shown), the mounting portion 20 is permanently fixed to the gun barrel 3, for example, by being welded to the gun barrel 3 or integrally formed therewith. In some embodiments, the mounting portion 20 is provided with threads that engage with the threads of the gun barrel 3.

[0037] In this example, the mounting portion 20 forms part of the passage 11, and propellant gases emitted from the gun barrel 3 pass through the mounting portion 20 and contact the interior of the mounting portion 20. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the mounting portion 20 may be received on the outer circumferential surface of the gun barrel 3. Therefore, the propellant gases may not substantially contact the interior of the mounting portion 20.

[0038] The plurality of modules includes a plurality of baffles 30 configured to redirect at least a portion of the propellant gases within the passageway 11 .

[0039] A gap 31 is provided between at least two baffles 30 of the assembly 10. The gap 31 forms a channel 31 that allows at least a portion of the propellant gases in the passage 11 to pass through the gap 31 and thus be redirected to reduce the rearward momentum of the barrel 3 when a projectile is fired. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments (not shown), the baffle 30 may include a channel within the baffle 30 itself. For example, the channel may extend radially through the wall of the baffle 30 from the passage 11 to the exterior of the baffle 30, providing a path for a portion of the propellant gases to follow so that the gases are redirected to reduce the rearward momentum of the barrel 3 when a projectile is fired. In one such embodiment, no gap is provided between adjacent baffles 30. Adjacent baffles 30 may abut one another.

[0040] In this example, a module of the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 includes a plurality of spacers 50. Each spacer 50 is configured to separate adjacent baffles 30 of the assembly 10 to form a gap 31 between the adjacent baffles 30. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments (not shown), a gap may be provided between adjacent baffles 30 without the use of spacers, for example, the baffles 30 may instead be molded to form the gap.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one of the baffles 30 comprises a first baffle member 32 and a second baffle member 33. In this example, the first baffle member 32 and the second baffle member 33 are a first baffle plate 32 and a second baffle plate 33. The first baffle member 32 and the second baffle member 33 may be generally annular.

[0042] In this example, each baffle 30 includes a central channel 30B that forms a portion of the passageway 11. Thus, when the baffles 30 are assembled into the modular muzzle brake assembly 10, the channels 30B are aligned to form at least a portion of the length of the passageway 11.

[0043] In this example, each baffle 30 is generally frusto-conical in shape. However, it should be recognized that a wide variety of shapes for each baffle 30 are possible, and the shape of the or each baffle 30 may be selected to achieve particular flow conditions (e.g., pressure, velocity, or flow direction) for the propellant gases being redirected by the baffle 30. The baffles 30 may all have the same shape, or different baffles 30 within the assembly 10 may have different shapes.

[0044] In other embodiments (not shown), the baffles 30 are each formed from a single component.

[0045] The first baffle member 32 and the second baffle member 33 are configured to be joined together to form each baffle 30. The or each baffle 30 may have a hollow structure to allow for weight reduction compared to a solid baffle 30. In this example, when the first baffle member 32 and the second baffle member 33 are joined together, a space 34 is disposed between the first baffle member 32 and the second baffle member 33. One or both of the first baffle member 32 and the second baffle member 33 have one or more recesses or grooves 32B, 33B that form at least a portion of the space 34 of the baffle 30. In this example, the first baffle member 32 has a plurality of grooves 32B, and the second baffle member 33 has a plurality of grooves 33B. The grooves 32B, 33B of adjacent first baffle members 32 and second baffle members 33 together form the space 34 of the baffle 30. By manufacturing the baffles 30 from first and second members 32 and 33, it is easier to provide the space 34 within each baffle 30.

[0046] The first baffle member 32 includes a first flow control surface 35, and the second baffle member 33 includes a second flow control surface 36. Propellant gases exiting the passageway 11 through the gap 31 between the baffles 30 impinge on the flow control surfaces 35, 36 and are directed to suppress recoil of the barrel 3. For example, at least a portion of the propellant gases may be redirected away from the fired projectile to counteract the rearward recoil of the barrel 3 when the projectile is fired.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first flow control surface 35 and the second flow control surface 36 converge to reduce the cross-sectional area of the gap 31 (e.g., away from the passage 11), thereby reducing the velocity and increasing the temperature of the propellant gas entering the gap 31 from the passage 11. The first flow control surface 35 and the second flow control surface 36 may then diverge to increase the cross-sectional area of the gap 31 (e.g., away from the passage 11), thereby increasing the velocity of the propellant gas as it exits the gap 31. This increase in the velocity of the propellant gas as it exits the gap 31 increases the rearward momentum of the propellant gas, thus increasing the braking force of the muzzle brake assembly 10 and reducing recoil.

[0048] The muzzle brake assembly 10 further comprises at least one coupling member 40 for coupling the modules together. In some embodiments, at least one or more of the modules are detachable from the at least one coupling member 40.

[0049] In this example, each coupling member 40 comprises an elongated member 40 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis AA of the passageway 11 of the muzzle brake assembly 10 .

[0050] The spacers 50 may each comprise a tubular spacer 50 configured to receive a portion of the coupling member 40. The spacers 50 may be configured to space a first baffle member 32 (e.g., of a first one of the baffles 30) from a second baffle member 33 (e.g., of a second one of the baffles 30) to form a gap 31 therebetween.

[0051] The modules may all be coupled to a common coupling member 40. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the or each coupling member 40 may have alternative forms, such as one or more bolts or other fasteners configured to couple adjacent modules together. In one embodiment (not shown), each module has a thread or bayonet connection configured to couple to a thread or bayonet connection on an adjacent module. However, it has been found that providing a common coupling member to couple multiple modules together allows for quicker assembly of the muzzle brake assembly.

[0052] In this example, the or each elongate member 40 is in the form of a tie rod 40 .

[0053] The or each baffle 30 includes a receiving portion 30A configured to receive a respective coupling member 40. In this example, each first baffle member 32 includes one or more receiving portions 32A, and each second baffle member 33 includes one or more receiving portions 33A. The or each receiving portion 32A of a first baffle member 32 is aligned with a respective receiving portion 33A of an adjacent second baffle member 33, such that the aligned receiving portions 32A, 33A together form the receiving portion 30A of the baffle 30.

[0054] In this example, each receiving member 32A, 33A is an opening through the respective baffle member 32, 33. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments (not shown), one or more of the receiving members 32A, 33A may be a slot in the respective baffle member 32, 33. In some embodiments (not shown), one or more of the receiving members 32A, 33A may be a notch extending into the radially inner or outer edge or surface of the respective baffle member 32, 33.

[0055] In this example, the muzzle brake assembly 10 includes three coupling members 40. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments (not shown), the muzzle brake assembly may include a different number of coupling members, for example, one, two, four, or six coupling members. In embodiments including a single coupling member, the coupling member may have a non-circular cross-section to prevent rotation of the baffle relative to the coupling member.

[0056] In this example, each baffle 30 includes three receiving portions 30A, each configured to receive a portion of a respective coupling member 40. That is, each first baffle member 32 includes three receiving portions 32A, and each second baffle member 33 includes three receiving portions 33A, each of which is aligned with a respective receiving portion 32A of an adjacent first baffle member 32.

[0057] Each coupling member 40 has a first end 41 and a second end 42. The first end 41 of the coupling member 40 is configured to be attached to the mounting portion 20. In this example, the first end 41 of each coupling member 40 includes threads (not shown) configured to be coupled to the threaded receiving portion 20A of the mounting portion 20. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments (not shown), the coupling members 40 are permanently attached to the mounting portion 20, for example, by welding or by being integrally formed with the mounting portion 20, or are removably attached to the mounting portion 20 by a bayonet connection or other removable mechanism.

[0058] Each coupling member 40 includes a stop 43. In this example, each stop 43 is provided at the second end 42 of the coupling member 40.

[0059] Each stop 43 is configured to retain a module on a respective coupling member 40. That is, the stops 43 have a size larger than the receiving portions 32A, 33A of the baffle members 32, 33 so as to prevent the baffle members 32, 33 from passing past the stops 43 of the coupling member 40.

[0060] In this example, each stop 43 is a flanged end of a coupling member 40. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the or each stop 43 may have a different configuration, for example, comprising a bolt that engages threads at the second end 42 of each coupling member 40.

[0061] In another embodiment (not shown), each coupling member 40 is attached to a common stop, which may be annular. The coupling members 40 may be removably attached to the common stop. Alternatively, the coupling members 40 may be permanently attached to the common stop, in which case the coupling members 40 may be removably coupled to the mounting portion 20 to allow the modules to be separated from the coupling members 40.

[0062] The modular muzzle brake assembly 10 may be supplied pre-assembled or as a kit of parts configured to be assembled to form the modular muzzle brake assembly 10. The kit of parts may optionally include additional modules (e.g., baffles 30 and / or spacers 50) that can be replaced as modules of the assembly wear out. The kit of parts may optionally include different types of baffles 30 that allow for tuning of muzzle brake efficiency, as described in more detail below.

[0063] An example of a method for assembling the muzzle brake assembly 10 will now be described. In this particular example, a second baffle member 33 is slid over the three connecting members 40 until the second baffle member 33 contacts a respective stop 43 of the connecting members 40. Next, a spacer 50 is slid over each connecting member 40, and then a first baffle member 32 and an additional second baffle member 33 are slid over the connecting members 40 (in that order) until each spacer 50 contacts a second baffle member 33 already connected to the connecting member 40, the first baffle member 32 contacts the spacer 50, and the additional second baffle member 33 contacts the first baffle member 32, so that the first baffle member 32 and the additional second baffle member 33 together form the baffle 30. The process of sliding the spacers 50, first baffle member 32, and second baffle member 33 (in that order) over the coupling member 40 is then repeated (four more times in this example). Three more spacers 50, then the first baffle member 32, are then slid over the coupling member 40, and then the first end 41 of each coupling member 40 is then attached to the mounting portion 20 so that the module (e.g., baffles 30 and spacers 50) is held between the mounting portion 20 and the fasteners 43. In some embodiments, each fastener 43 is configured to be engaged by a socket or wrench and may have, for example, a hexagonal shape.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the coupling member 40 is first attached to the mounting portion 20, then the module is slid onto the coupling member 40, and then the stop 43 is attached to the coupling member 40 to hold the module in place on the coupling member 40.

[0065] As discussed above, the modularity of the muzzle brake assembly 10 means that individual modules or groups of modules can be swapped in and out of the muzzle brake assembly 10. This is advantageous because it is easier to store and transport replacement modules than the entire muzzle brake assembly. Also, repairing the muzzle brake assembly 10 by replacing worn modules is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than replacing the entire muzzle brake assembly 10. The order of the modules within the muzzle brake assembly 10 can be changed to achieve more uniform wear of the modules. For example, modules in a high-wear position (e.g., closer to the barrel 3) can be swapped with modules in a low-wear position (e.g., further from the barrel 3).

[0066] Optionally, the modularity of the muzzle brake assembly 10 allows for the performance of the muzzle brake assembly 10 to be adjusted or tuned. In one such embodiment, the efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted. For example, one or more of the baffles 30 can be replaced with baffle(s) configured to more efficiently redirect propellant gases, e.g., redirect a larger volume of propellant gases and / or redirect them at a larger angle, to increase the recoil efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 10. This means that the efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted based on, for example, one or more of the type of projectile being fired, the environmental conditions, and / or whether the artillery weapon 1 is being used under training conditions or in conflict.

[0067] In another embodiment, the efficiency of the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted by adjusting the number of baffles 30 in the muzzle brake assembly 10. Increasing the number of baffles 30 increases the efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 10, while decreasing the number of baffles 30 decreases the efficiency but results in a lighter muzzle brake assembly 10. Thus, the length of the muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted.

[0068] In another embodiment, the efficiency of the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted by adjusting the spacing between adjacent baffles 30 in the muzzle brake assembly 10, such as by adjusting the length and / or number of spacers 50 between adjacent baffles 30. In another embodiment, the efficiency of the modular brake assembly 10 can be adjusted by adjusting the orientation of one or more of the baffles 30. For example, the efficiency of a baffle 30 can be controlled by adjusting whether the baffle 30 faces in a first direction (e.g., a first end of the baffle 30 faces toward the barrel 3) or a second direction (e.g., a first end of the baffle 30 faces away from the barrel 3).

[0069] In another embodiment, the efficiency of the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 can be adjusted by adjusting the order of the baffles 30 within the muzzle brake assembly 10. For example, one or more of the baffles 30 can be configured to redirect propellant gases more efficiently than at least one other of the baffles 30, e.g., to redirect a larger volume of propellant gases and / or redirect gases at a larger deflection angle. The more efficient baffle(s) 30 can be positioned within the assembly 10 such that the baffle(s) are closer to the gun barrel 3, thereby increasing the recoil efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 10. Conversely, the less efficient baffle(s) 30 can be positioned within the assembly 10 such that the less efficient baffle(s) are closer to the gun barrel 3 and the more efficient baffle(s) 30 are located further away from the gun barrel 3, thereby decreasing the recoil efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 10.

[0070] Referring to Figure 11, another embodiment of a modular muzzle brake assembly 1000 for an artillery weapon or cannon is shown. The assembly 1000 is configured to be mounted to the end of a firearm barrel (not shown). The modular muzzle brake assembly 1000 of Figure 11 is assembled in a similar manner to the modular muzzle brake assembly 10 of Figures 1-10, and therefore a detailed description will not be repeated below, and like features will retain the same reference numerals.

[0071] The modular muzzle brake assembly 1000 includes a plurality of modules 1030 configured to be removably coupled together to define a passageway 1011 for propellant gases to urge a projectile through the passageway 1011 when the artillery weapon or cannon is fired. The plurality of modules includes a plurality of baffles 1030 configured to redirect at least a portion of the propellant gases within the passageway 1011.

[0072] Each baffle 1030 includes a first baffle member 1032 and a second baffle member 1033. The first baffle member 1032 and the second baffle member 1033 are configured to form a chamber 1034 therebetween for receiving propellant gas. The chambers 1034 of the baffles 1030 together at least partially form the passageway 1011 for the projectile. In some embodiments, propellant gas exiting the gun barrel (not shown) can expand within the chamber 1034.

[0073] Each baffle 1030 further includes a channel 1031 configured to divert a portion of the propellant gases within the chamber 1034 out of the chamber 1034 so as to reduce rearward momentum of the gun barrel (not shown), thus mitigating recoil. In this example, the channel 1031 is formed between the respective first baffle member 1032 and second baffle member 1033.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first baffle member 1032 and the second baffle member 1033 comprise substantially hemispherical portions that abut to form a generally spherical region that defines the chamber 1034 .

[0075] In this example, adjacent baffles 1030 of assembly 1000 are held in abutting relationship such that no gaps are present between them.

[0076] The second baffle member 1033 of the baffle 1030 closest to the mounting portion 20 is held against the mounting portion 20, and the first baffle member 1032 of the same baffle 1030 is held against the second baffle member 1033 along line X1-X1 in Figure 11. The first baffle member 1032 is held against the second baffle member 1033 of the adjacent baffle 1030 along line X2-X2 in Figure 11. The second baffle member 1033 of the adjacent baffle 1030 is held against the first baffle member 1032 of the same baffle 1030 along line X3-X3 in Figure 11.

[0077] The muzzle brake assembly 1000 further comprises at least one coupling member 40 for coupling the modules together. In some embodiments, at least some of the modules are detachable from the at least one coupling member 40. In this example, each coupling member 40 comprises an elongated member 40 (e.g., a tie rod) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis AA of the passageway 1011 of the muzzle brake assembly 1000. A stop 43 is provided at the end of each coupling member 40 such that a module (e.g., a baffle 1030) is removably held between the stop 43 and a mounting portion 20 attached to the barrel.

[0078] In this example, the baffle 1030 and / or baffle members 1032, 1033 can be replaced to change the order of the baffles 1030 and / or baffle members 1032, 1033. For example, a first baffle member 1032 can be replaced with a second baffle member 1033 of the same baffle 1030 or an adjacent baffle 1030, thereby changing the efficiency of the muzzle brake assembly 1000. Individual baffle members 1032, 1033 and / or the entire baffle 1030 can be replaced with replacement baffle members 1032, 1033 and / or the entire replacement baffle 1030.

[0079] In some embodiments, the modular muzzle brake assembly 10, 1000 is for artillery weapons or cannons having a caliber of at least 20 mm, preferably at least 76 mm.

[0080] In some embodiments (not shown), the muzzle brake assembly 10, 1000 includes a towing pintle (not shown) configured to couple to a vehicle to facilitate towing the artillery weapon or cannon. In some embodiments (not shown), the towing pintle extends from the baffle and / or baffle member furthest from the gun barrel. In other embodiments, the towing pintle extends from the mounting portion of the muzzle brake assembly.

[0081] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0082] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0083] The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s), and extends to any novel one or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), or any novel one or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. 1. A modular muzzle brake assembly for an artillery weapon or cannon, the modular muzzle brake assembly comprising: a plurality of modules configured to be removably coupled together to define a passageway for propellant gases to urge a projectile through the passageway when the artillery weapon or cannon is fired, the plurality of modules including a plurality of baffles configured to redirect at least a portion of the propellant gases within the passageway.

2. 10. The modular muzzle brake assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one coupling member for coupling said plurality of modules together, said plurality of modules being detachable from said at least one coupling member.

3. 3. The modular muzzle brake assembly of claim 2, wherein said at least one coupling member comprises an elongated member, preferably a tie rod.

4. 4. The modular muzzle brake assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein one or more of the plurality of baffles includes a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the coupling member.

5. 5. A modular muzzle brake assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a plurality of coupling members, preferably configured to be arranged about a central axis of the passage.

6. 6. A modular muzzle brake assembly according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between at least two baffles of the modular muzzle brake assembly, allowing at least a portion of the propellant gases in the passageway to pass through the gap.

7. 7. The modular muzzle brake assembly of claim 6, comprising one or more spacers configured to space said at least two baffles apart, preferably said plurality of modules including said one or more spacers.

8. 8. A modular muzzle brake assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of baffles comprises a first baffle member and a second baffle member, preferably the first baffle member and the second baffle member being baffle plates.

9. 9. The modular muzzle brake assembly of claim 8, wherein a space is disposed between said first baffle member and said second baffle member.

10. A modular muzzle brake assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least two of said plurality of baffles are interchangeable within said modular muzzle brake assembly.

11. 11. The modular muzzle brake assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of baffles is configured to redirect the propellant gases differently than another one of the baffles.

12. A modular muzzle brake assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the passage is adjustable by varying the number of modules in the modular muzzle brake assembly.

13. A modular muzzle brake assembly according to any preceding claim, comprising a mounting portion configured to couple to the barrel of the artillery weapon or cannon.

14. A weapon system comprising a modular muzzle brake assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 1. A kit of parts for a modular muzzle brake assembly for an artillery weapon or cannon, the kit of parts comprising a plurality of modules configured to be removably coupled together to define a passageway for propellant gases to urge a projectile through the passageway when the artillery weapon or cannon is fired, the plurality of modules including a plurality of baffles configured to redirect at least a portion of the propellant gases within the passageway.

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