Weapon system

Abstract

A weapon system (100). The weapon system (100) comprises a chassis (200), an ordnance mount (300) and an ordnance (400) mounted to the ordnance mount (300). The ordnance (400) has a barrel (410) which comprises a breech (402) and a muzzle (404). The ordnance (400) is pivotable relative to an x-axis about a pivot axis (406) aligned with a y-axis and mounted such that it is constrained to pivot in an arc in a plane defined by the x-axis and a z-axis between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the barrel (410) extends from the breech (402) to the muzzle (404) in a first direction (D1) along the x-axis, the first direction (D1) being a direction along the x-axis from the second end (204) of the chassis (200) to the first end (202) of the chassis (200). In the second configuration the barrel (410) extends from the breech (402) to the muzzle (404) in a second direction (D2) along the x- axis, the second direction (D2) being a direction along the x-axis from the first end (202) of the chassis (200) to the second end (204) of the chassis (200).

Description

[0001] XA24053 Draft for filing

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] WEAPON SYSTEM

[0004] FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a weapon system.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Weapon systems, such as artillery weapon systems, are well known. These are provided in many configurations, one of which is shown in figure 1. The arrangement in figure 1 comprises a chassis 10 supported on wheels 28 and a foot 14. The weapon may be towed from a tow connection 73. The ordnance is mounted at a fixed position on the chassis such that the ordnance extends from the rear of the chassis when it is in transit. Hence the weapon system is relatively long. The length that the barrel extends from the chassis means it is vulnerable to damage when in transit (for example when being reversed and / or being manoeuvred around tight corners). The overall area of the weapon system’s footprint is quite large, meaning that when being stored, or in transit inside a container or vehicle, the configuration of such an artillery weapon may result in storage floor space which is not possible to be used.

[0008] Hence a weapon system, configured to be portable but also to have a compact configuration relative to examples of the related art, is highly desirable.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus, system and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0011] Accordingly, there may be provided a weapon system (100). The weapon system may comprise a chassis (200). The chassis (200) may extend along an x-axis. A first end (202) of the chassis (200) and a second end (204) of the chassis (200) may be spaced apart from one another along the x-axis. The chassis (200) may extend along a y-axis. A first side (206) of the chassis (200) and a second side (208) of the chassis (200) may be spaced apart from one another along the y-axis. The x-axis may be at right angles to the y-axis. TheXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0013] chassis (200) may extend along a z-axis. An upper side (210) of the chassis (200) and a lower side (212) of the chassis (200) may be spaced apart from one another along the z-axis.

[0014] The weapon system may comprise an ordnance mount (300).

[0015] The weapon system may comprise an ordnance (400) mounted to the ordnance mount (300). The ordnance (400) may have a barrel (410) which comprises a breech (402) and a muzzle (404).

[0016] The ordnance (400) may be pivotable relative to the x-axis about a pivot axis (406) aligned with the y-axis.

[0017] The ordnance (400) may be mounted such that it is constrained to pivot in an arc in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis between:

[0018] a first configuration in which the barrel (410) extends from the breech (402) to the muzzle (404) in a first direction (D1 ) along the x-axis, the first direction (D1) being a direction along the x-axis from the second end (204) of the chassis (200) to the first end (202) of the chassis (200); and

[0019] a second configuration in which the barrel (410) extends from the breech (402) to the muzzle (404) in a second direction (D2) along the x-axis, the second direction (D2) being a direction along the x-axis from the first end (202) of the chassis (200) to the second end (204) of the chassis (200).

[0020] The weapon system (100) may comprise an ordnance mount guide (500) fixed to the chassis (200). The ordnance mount (300) may be located in and moveable relative to the ordnance mount guide (500). The ordnance mount guide (500) may define a path (502) along the x-axis. The ordnance mount guide (500) may be configured to constrain movement of the ordnance mount (300) relative to the chassis (200) in a direction along the x-axis between a storage position (504) at or towards the first end (202) of the chassis (200) and a firing position (506) spaced apart from the storage position (504) along the x-axis.

[0021] The ordnance mount (300) may be slidable between the storage position (504) and the firing position (506).

[0022] The ordnance mount (300) may be operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide (500) at the storage position (504). The ordnance mountXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0024] (300) may be operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide (500) at the firing position (506).

[0025] The ordnance mount (300) may be operable to be fixed relative to the chassis (200) with a latch arrangement (510).

[0026] The firing position (506) may be substantially halfway between the first end (202) of the chassis (200) and the second end (204) of the chassis (200).

[0027] The barrel (410) may have a barrel axis (412).

[0028] The ordnance (400) may be mounted to the ordnance mount (300) via a recoil mitigation system (900) configured such that the ordnance (400) is operable to travel in a direction along the barrel axis (412) between an in-battery position and an out-of-battery position relative to the ordnance mount (300).

[0029] The weapon system (100) may comprise a barrel support (414) located at or towards the second end (204) of the chassis (200) for supporting the barrel (410) when in the second configuration.

[0030] The barrel support (414) may comprise a barrel lock arrangement (416) for locking the barrel (410) into a fixed position relative to the chassis (200) when in the second configuration.

[0031] The weapon system (100) may comprise an ammunition storage unit (600) provided at or towards the second end (204) of the chassis (200).

[0032] The ammunition storage unit (600) may comprise the barrel support (414). The weapon system (100) may comprise an ammunition loading system (602) configured to deliver an ammunition unit (604) from the ammunition storage unit (600) to the ordnance breech (402), the ammunition loading system (602) extending from, and moveable with, the ordnance mount (300).

[0033] The weapon system (100) may comprise a dead stop (520) fixed relative to the chassis (200). The dead stop (520) may be located such that the ordnance mount (300) will abut the dead stop (520) when the ordnance mount (300) is at the firing position (506).

[0034] The weapon system (100) may comprise a first wheel or track (700) and a second wheel or track (702) provided towards the first end (202) of the chassisXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0036] (200), on opposite sides of the chassis (200), the second end (204) provided with a spade (710) for supporting the second end (204) on a substrate (800).

[0037] The weapon system (100) may comprise a first wheel or track (700) and a second wheel or track (702) provided towards the first end (202) of the chassis (200), on opposite sides of the chassis (200).

[0038] The weapon system (100) may comprise a third wheel or track (704) and a fourth wheel or track (706) provided towards the second end (204) of the chassis (200), on opposite sides of the chassis (200).

[0039] There may be provided a method of operation of a weapon system (100). The weapon system (100) may comprise a chassis (200) extending along an x-axis, a first end (202) of the chassis (200) and a second end (204) of the chassis (200) spaced apart from one another along the x-axis. The chassis (200) may extend along a y-axis, a first side (206) of the chassis (200) and a second side (208) of the chassis (200) spaced apart from one another along the y-axis. The x-axis may be at right angles to the y-axis. The chassis (200) may extend along a z-axis, an upper side (210) of the chassis (200) and a lower side (212) of the chassis (200) being spaced apart from one another along the z-axis.

[0040] The weapon system (100) may comprise an ordnance mount (300).

[0041] An ordnance (400) may be mounted to the ordnance mount (300), the ordnance (400) having a barrel (410) which comprises a breech (402) and a muzzle (404). The ordnance (400) may be pivotable relative to the x-axis about a pivot axis (406) aligned with the y-axis and mounted such that it is constrained to move in an arc in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis.

[0042] The method may comprise the step of pivoting the barrel (410) about the pivot axis (406) so that the barrel (410) extends from the breech (402) to the muzzle (404) in a first direction (D1 ) along the x-axis, the first direction (D1 ) being a direction along the x-axis from the second end (204) of the chassis (200) to the first end (202) of the chassis (200).

[0043] The method may comprise the step of pivoting the barrel (410) about the pivot axis (406) such that the barrel (410) extends from the breech (402) to the muzzle (404) in a second direction (D2) along the x-axis, the second directionXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0045] (D2) being a direction along the x-axis from the first end (202) of the chassis (200) to the second end (204) of the chassis (200).

[0046] The weapon system (100) may comprise an ordnance mount guide (500) fixed to the chassis (200). The ordnance mount (300) may be located in and moveable relative to the ordnance mount guide (500). The ordnance mount guide (500) may define a path (502) along the x-axis and configured to constrain movement of the ordnance mount (300) relative to the chassis (200) in a direction along the x-axis between a storage position (504) at or towards the first end (202) of the chassis (200) and a firing position (506) spaced apart from the storage position (504) along the x-axis.

[0047] The method may comprise the step of sliding the ordnance mount (300) from the storage position (504) to the firing position (506).

[0048] The method may comprise the step of sliding the ordnance mount (300) from the firing position (506) to the storage position (504).

[0049] Hence there is provided a weapon system configured to be portable but also to have a compact configuration relative to examples of the related art.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0051] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 shows an example weapon system of the related art;

[0053] Figure 2 shows a plan view of a weapon system according to the present disclosure in a second configuration;

[0054] Figure 3 shows a side view of the weapon system as shown in figure 2; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a weapon system according to the present disclosure during a transition from the second configuration to a first configuration;

[0055] Figure 5 shows a side view of the weapon system as shown in figure 4; Figure 6 shows a plan view of a weapon system according to the present disclosure in a first configuration;

[0056] Figure 7 shows a side view of the weapon system as shown in figure 6; Figure 8 shows a plan view of a weapon system according to the present disclosure in the first configuration;XA24053 Draft for filing

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[0058] Figure 9 shows a side view of the weapon system as shown in figure 8; Figure 10 shows a plan view of a weapon system according to the present disclosure during operation in the first configuration;

[0059] Figure 11 shows a side view of the weapon system as shown in figure 10; Figure 12 shows a side view of a further example of the weapon system according to the present disclosure.

[0060] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present disclosure relates to a weapon system 100 (for example an artillery weapon). Figures 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 show plan views of a first example of a weapon system 100 according to the present disclosure in different operational states. Figures 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 show side views corresponding to figures 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 respectively. Figure 12 shows a side view of a second example of weapon system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0062] Each example of the weapon system 100 comprises a chassis 200 and an ordnance 400 having a barrel 410. The chassis 200 may be supported from the ground by wheels 700, 702, 704, 706 for transporting the weapon system 100 from one location to another.

[0063] The chassis 200 may extend along an x-axis, a first end 202 of the chassis 200 and a second end 204 of the chassis 200 spaced apart from one another along the x-axis. The chassis 200 may extend along a y-axis, a first side 206 of the chassis 200 and a second side 208 of the chassis 200 spaced apart from one another along the y-axis. The x-axis may be at right angles to the y-axis. The chassis 200 may extend along a z-axis, an upper side 210 of the chassis 200 and a lower side 212 of the chassis 200 being spaced apart from one another along the z-axis.

[0064] As illustrated in figures 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, the weapon system 100 may comprise a first wheel or track 700 and a second wheel or track 702 provided towards the first end 202 of the chassis 200, on opposite sides 206, 208 of the chassis 200. The weapon system 100 may comprise a third wheel or track 704 and a fourth wheel or track 706 provided towards the second end 204 of the chassis 200, on opposite sides 206, 208 of the chassis 200.XA24053 Draft for filing

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[0066] As illustrated in figure 12, the weapon system 100 may further comprise a first wheel or track 700 and a second wheel or track 702 provided towards the first end 202 of the chassis 200, on opposite sides 206, 208 of the chassis 200. The second end 204 may be provided with a spade 710 for supporting the second end 204 on a substrate 800.

[0067] The weapon system 100 of the present disclosure may be configured to be towed and / or may have a drive system (e.g. be self-propelled). The weapon system 100 may be a remote controlled, semi-autonomous and / or fully autonomous vehicle.

[0068] In the present disclosure, the term “autonomous vehicle” may be understood to include a driverless vehicle, for example an uncrewed vehicle. The term “autonomous vehicle” may be understood to include a vehicle which is not carrying people nor operated by one or more users within the vehicle. The term “autonomous vehicle” may be understood to include a vehicle which is configured to be operated remotely by a user and / or is operable to perform at least some functions without explicit and / or direct user commands.

[0069] The weapon system 100 may comprise an ordnance mount 300.

[0070] The weapon system 100 may comprise an ordnance 400 mounted to the ordnance mount 300.

[0071] The ordnance 400 may have a barrel 410 which comprises a breech 402 (i.e. the back end of the barrel 410 closest to the firing mechanism) and a muzzle 404 (i.e. front end of the barrel 410 from which a projectile being fired leaves the barrel 410).

[0072] The barrel 410 has a barrel axis 412 extending along the length of the barrel 410. That is, the bore of the barrel 410 is centred on the barrel axis 412.

[0073] The ordnance 400 may be pivotable relative to the x-axis about a pivot axis 406 aligned with the y-axis. The ordnance 400 may be mounted such that it is constrained to pivot in an arc in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis between a first configuration and a second configuration. The ordnance 400 may be mounted such that it is constrained to pivot in an arc of 180 degrees in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis between a first configuration and a second configuration. The ordnance 400 may be mounted such that it isXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0075] constrained to pivot in an arc of at least 170 degrees but no more than 190 degrees in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis between a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0076] In the first configuration (as shown in figures 6, 7; 8, 9; 10, 11 ) the barrel 410 extends from the breech 402 to the muzzle 404 in a first direction D1 along the x-axis, the first direction D1 being a direction along the x-axis from the second end 204 of the chassis 200 to the first end 202 of the chassis 200.

[0077] In the second configuration (as shown in figures 2, 3) the barrel 410 extends from the breech 402 to the muzzle 404 in a second direction D2 along the x-axis, the second direction D2 being a direction along the x-axis from the first end 202 of the chassis 200 to the second end 204 of the chassis 200.

[0078] The weapon system 100 may comprise an ordnance mount guide 500 fixed to the chassis 200. The ordnance mount guide 500 may be fixed to the upper side 210 of the chassis 200. As illustrated in the figures, the ordnance mount guide 500 may comprise a rail or rails which the ordnance mount 300 is coupled to and slidable along. However, the ordnance mount guide 500 may have any suitable configuration.

[0079] The ordnance mount 300 may be located in / on and moveable relative to the ordnance mount guide 500. The ordnance mount 300 may be captively located in / on and slideable relative to the ordnance mount guide 500.

[0080] The ordnance mount guide 500 may define a path 502 extending along the x-axis and configured to constrain movement of the ordnance mount 300 relative to the chassis 200 in a direction along the x-axis between a storage position 504 and a firing position 506 spaced apart from the storage position 504 along the x-axis. The storage position 504 of the ordnance mount 300 may be at or towards (e.g. proximate to) the first end 202 of the chassis 200 (as shown in figures 2, 3; 4, 5; 6, 7).

[0081] The firing position 506 of the ordnance mount 300 may be substantially halfway between the first end 202 of the chassis 200 and the second end 204 of the chassis 200 (as shown in figures 8, 9; 10, 11.XA24053 Draft for filing

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[0083] The ordnance mount 300 may be slidable between the storage position 504 and the firing position 506 along the ordnance mount guide 500 (i.e. along the path 502).

[0084] The ordnance mount 300 may be operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide 500 at the storage position 504. The ordnance mount 300 may be operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide 500 and the chassis 200 at the storage position 504.

[0085] The ordnance mount 300 may be operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide 500 at the firing position 506. The ordnance mount 300 may be operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide 500 and the chassis 200 at the firing position 506. The ordnance mount 300 may be operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide 500 and the chassis 200 during firing of an ordnance 400 mounted to the ordnance mount 300.

[0086] The weapon system 100 may comprise a latch (e.g. a lock) arrangement 510. The ordnance mount 300 may be operable to be fixed relative to the chassis 200 (e g. at the storage position 504 and the firing position 506) with the latch / lock arrangement 510. The latch / lock arrangement 510 may be a coupling and / or locking unit which extends between the ordnance mount 300 and the ordnance mount guide 500 and is operable to prevent the ordnance mount 300 from moving relative to the chassis 200.

[0087] The weapon system 100 may further comprise a dead stop 520 fixed relative to the chassis 200. The dead stop 520 may be located such that the ordnance mount 300 will abut the dead stop 520 when the ordnance mount 300 is at the firing position 506. The dead stop 520 may define and / or be provided at one end of the guide path 502. Hence once the ordnance mount 300 has moved into a position on the guide path 502 such that the ordnance mount 300 and the dead stop 520 are engaged (e.g. in contact), the dead stop 520 may prevent the ordnance mount 300 from moving along the guide path 502 towards the second end 204 of the chassis 200.

[0088] The ordnance mount 300 may be operable to be fixed next to the dead stop 520 in the firing position 506 by the latch / lock arrangement 510. HenceXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0090] when the ordnance 400 is fired, the resulting recoil force is transferred through the dead stop 520 rather than, or in addition to, the latch / lock arrangement 510.

[0091] The ordnance mount 300 may comprise a recoil mitigation system 900. In examples where a recoil mitigation system 900 is provided, the ordnance 400 may be coupled to the ordnance mount 300 via the recoil mitigation system 900. Hence the ordnance 400 may be coupled to the recoil mitigation system 900, the recoil mitigation system 900 may be mounted the ordnance mount 300, and the ordnance mount 300 may be mounted to the chassis 200.

[0092] The ordnance 400 may be mounted to the ordnance mount 300 via a recoil mitigation system 900 configured such that the ordnance 400 is operable to travel in a direction along the barrel axis 412 between an in-battery position and an out-of-battery position relative to the ordnance mount 300 and / or the chassis 200 when the ordnance mount 300 is fixed / locked relative to the chassis 200 at the firing position 506.

[0093] Hence the barrel 410 may be mounted to the chassis 200 via a recoil mitigation system 900 such that the barrel 410 is operable to travel along the barrel axis 412 between an in-battery position and an out-of-battery position relative to ordnance mount 300 and / or the chassis 200. That is to say, the barrel 410 is configured to be displaced along the barrel axis 412 from the in-battery position to the out-of-battery position in response to a projectile being fired from the barrel 410.

[0094] “In-battery” defines a forward position of the ordnance 400 before (and ready for) firing. “Out-of-battery” defines a position of the ordnance 400 when fully recoiled, e.g. after firing. Hence, when fired, the cannon moves (i.e. recoils) from an “in-battery” position along the barrel axis 412 to an “out-of-battery” position. The cannon is then moved from the “out-of-battery” position back along the barrel axis 412 to the “in-battery” position in order to fire again.

[0095] The weapon system 100 may comprise a barrel support 414 located at or towards the second end 204 of the chassis 200 for supporting the barrel 410 when in the second configuration. The barrel support 414 may be configured for supporting the barrel 410 when the barrel 410 is in the second configurationXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0097] and the ordnance mount 300 is in the storage position 504 (as shown in figures 2, 3).

[0098] The ordnance mount 300 may be located between the barrel support 414 and the first end 202. The second end 204, barrel support 414, ordnance mount 300 and first end 202 may be provided in series in a direction along the x-axis. The barrel support 414 may be located proximate to the second end 204 of the chassis 200.

[0099] The barrel support 414 may extend from the chassis 200 in the direction of the z-axis to support the barrel 410 relative to, and spaced apart from, the chassis 200. The barrel support 414 may define a recess or concave seat for receiving the barrel 410. The barrel support 414 and ordnance mount 300 may be configured such that when then barrel 410 is located in the barrel support 414, the barrel 410 is parallel to the x-axis. The barrel support 414 and ordnance mount 300 may be configured such that when the barrel 410 is located in the barrel support 414, the barrel 410 extends in a plane defined by (e.g. extending through) the x-axis and z-axis (i.e. x-z plane).

[0100] The barrel support 414 may comprise a barrel lock arrangement 416 for locking the barrel 410 into a fixed position relative to the chassis 200 when in the second configuration. For example (as shown in figures 2, 3) the barrel lock arrangement 416 may comprise a panel coupled to the barrel support 414 which is operable to extend over the upper side of the barrel 410 to prevent the barrel 410 from moving in a direction of the z-axis.

[0101] The weapon system 100 may comprise an ammunition storage unit 600 (e.g. a magazine) provided at or towards (e.g. proximate to) the second end 204 of the chassis 200. The ammunition storage unit 600 may comprise the barrel support 414. That is to say, the ammunition storage unit 600 and the barrel support 414 may be provided in the same unit. The barrel support 414 may extend from the ammunition storage unit 600. The barrel support 414 may be provided on the upper side of the ammunition storage unit 600. The barrel support 414 may be provided on top of the ammunition storage unit 600.

[0102] The weapon system 100 may comprise an ammunition loading system 602 configured to deliver an ammunition unit 604 (e.g. an ammunition roundXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0104] comprising a projectile for firing at a target) from the ammunition storage unit 600 to the ordnance breech 402. The ammunition loading system 602 may extend from, and be moveable with, the ordnance mount 300. The ammunition loading system 602 may extend from, and be moveable with, the ordnance mount 300 along the path 502 defined by the ordnance mount guide 500.

[0105] There may be provided a method of operation of a weapon system 100 according to the present disclosure.

[0106] The method may comprise the step of locating the ordnance mount 300 at the storage position 504 (for example a shown in figures 2, 3) with the ordnance 400 in the second configuration (i.e. the barrel 410 extending from the breech 402 to the muzzle 404 in the second direction D2 along the x-axis, the second direction D2 being a direction along the x-axis from the first end 202 of the chassis 200 to the second end 204 of the chassis 200).

[0107] The method may comprise the step of, while the ordnance mount 300 is at the storage position 504, pivoting the barrel 410 about the pivot axis 406 (as shown in figures 4, 5) so that the barrel 410 extends from the breech 402 to the muzzle 404 in the first direction D1 along the x-axis, the first direction D1 being a direction along the x-axis from the second end 204 of the chassis 200 to the first end 202 of the chassis 200, such that the ordnance 400 is in the first configuration (as shown in figures 6, 7).

[0108] In examples where a barrel support 414 is provided, the method may comprise the step of raising the barrel 410 from the barrel support 414 during the process described in the preceding paragraph.

[0109] The method may comprise the step, while the ordnance 400 is in the first configuration, of sliding the ordnance mount 300 from the storage position 504 (as shown in figures 6, 7) to the firing position 506 (as shown in figures 8, 9).

[0110] The method may comprise the step, while the ordnance 400 is in the first configuration, of sliding the ordnance mount 300 from the firing position 506 (as shown in figures 8, 9) to the storage position 504 (as shown in figures 6, 7).

[0111] The method may comprise the step of, while the ordnance mount 300 is at the storage position 504, pivoting the barrel 410 about the pivot axis 406 (as shown in figures 4, 5) such that the barrel 410 extends from the breech 402 toXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0113] the muzzle 404 in the second direction D2 along the x-axis, the second direction D2 being a direction along the x-axis from the first end 202 of the chassis 200 to the second end 204 of the chassis 200 such that the ordnance 400 is in the second configuration (as shown in figures 2, 3).

[0114] In examples where a barrel support 414 is provided, the method may comprise the step of lowering the barrel 410 into / on the barrel support 414 during the process described in the preceding paragraph.

[0115] Pivoting the barrel 410 about the pivot axis 406 may be done manually. Alternatively, a motor may be provided for pivoting the barrel 410 about the pivot axis 406.

[0116] Sliding the ordnance mount 300 between the firing position 506 and the storage position 504 may be done manually. Alternatively, a motor may be provided for sliding the ordnance mount 300 between the firing position 506 and the storage position 504.

[0117] Hence there is provided a weapon system, for example an artillery weapon, comprising a chassis, configured to be portable but also to have a compact configuration relative to examples of the related art.

[0118] The configuration of the present disclosure enables a carriage / chassis of a desired and / or standard length to be used, thus maintaining consistency with existing systems, making any necessary manual handling easier.

[0119] The configuration of the present disclosure reduces the overall footprint of the platform, enabling more efficient storage and transportation to and from the battlefield. Hence more weapon systems may be transported and stowed for a given volume of space.

[0120] Compared to examples of the related art, the arrangement also enables a system which provides a more stable firing platform and distributes the weight of the ordnance 400 during transit. That is to say, in a firing position 506 the ordnance 400 may be mounted centrally on the chassis 200 (e.g. with the ordnance mount 300 mounted centrally on the chassis 200), and in transit and / or storage, the ordnance mount 300 may be provided at or towards the first end 202 of the chassis 200 with the ordnance 400 extending over the chassis 200 towards the second end 204 of the chassis 200.XA24053 Draft for filing

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[0122] The arrangement of the present disclosure allows the ordnance mount 300 to be mounted (e.g. locked in position) centrally when operable to fire (e.g. at the firing position 506). The arrangement also allows for the ordnance mount 300 to be mounted (e.g. locked in position) at one end (e.g. the first end 202 of the chassis 200) when in transit and / or in storage (e.g. at the storage position 504).

[0123] The ordnance mount guide 500 allows for the ordnance mount 300 to move between the firing position 506 and the storage position 504).

[0124] The ordnance 400 being pivotable relative to the x-axis about a pivot axis 406 aligned with the y-axis and mounted such that it is constrained to pivot in an arc in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis and allows for the barrel 410 to move from a firing position 506 in the first configuration (e.g. as shown in figures 6 to 11) to a storage position 504 in the second configuration (e.g. as shown in figures 2, 4).

[0125] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0126] 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 where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0127] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0128] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyXA24053 Draft for filing

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[0130] accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

XA24053 Draft for filing- 16 -CLAIMS1 A weapon system comprising:a chassis extending along an x-axis, a first end of the chassis and a second end of the chassis spaced apart from one another along the x-axis; the chassis extending along a y-axis, a first side of the chassis and a second side of the chassis spaced apart from one another along the y-axis; the x-axis being at right angles to the y-axis; the chassis extending along a z-axis, an upper side of the chassis and a lower side of the chassis being spaced apart from one another along the z-axis;an ordnance mount;an ordnance mounted to the ordnance mount, the ordnance having a barrel which comprises a breech and a muzzle;the ordnance being pivotable relative to the x-axis about a pivot axis aligned with the y-axis and mounted such that it is constrained to pivot in an arc in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis between:a first configuration in which the barrel extends from the breech to the muzzle in a first direction (D1 ) along the x-axis, the first direction (D1 ) being a direction along the x-axis from the second end of the chassis to the first end of the chassis; anda second configuration in which the barrel extends from the breech to the muzzle in a second direction (D2) along the x-axis, the second direction (D2) being a direction along the x-axis from the first end of the chassis to the second end of the chassis; andthe weapon system further comprises:an ordnance mount guide fixed to the chassis;the ordnance mount being located in and moveable relative to the ordnance mount guide;the ordnance mount guide defining a path along the x-axis and configured to constrain movement of the ordnance mount relative to the chassis in a direction along the x-axis between a storage position at or towards the firstXA24053 Draft for filing- 17 -end of the chassis and a firing position spaced apart from the storage position along the x-axis; andthe ordnance mount is slidable between the storage position and the firing position.2 A weapon system as claimed in claim 1 wherein:the ordnance mount is operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide at the storage position; andthe ordnance mount is operable to be fixed relative to the ordnance mount guide at the firing position.3 A weapon system as claimed in claim 2 wherein:the ordnance mount is operable to be fixed relative to the chassis with a latch arrangement.4 A weapon system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the firing position is substantially halfway between the first end of the chassis and the second end of the chassis.5 A weapon system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein:the barrel has a barrel axis; andthe ordnance is mounted to the ordnance mount via a recoil mitigation system configured such that the ordnance is operable to travel in a direction along the barrel axis between an in-battery position and an out-of-battery position relative to the ordnance mount.6 A weapon system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a barrel support located at or towards the second end of the chassis for supporting the barrel when in the second configuration.XA24053 Draft for filing- 18 -7 A weapon system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the barrel support comprises a barrel lock arrangement for locking the barrel into a fixed position relative to the chassis when in the second configuration.8 A weapon system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising an ammunition storage unit provided at or towards the second end of the chassis.9 A weapon system as claimed in claim 8 when dependent on claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the ammunition storage unit comprises the barrel support.10 A weapon system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 further comprising an ammunition loading system configured to deliver an ammunition unit from the ammunition storage unit to the ordnance breech, the ammunition loading system extending from, and moveable with, the ordnance mount.11 A weapon system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a dead stop fixed relative to the chassis, the dead stop being located such that the ordnance mount will abut the dead stop when the ordnance mount is at the firing position.12 A weapon system as claimed in claim any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising a first wheel or track and a second wheel or track provided towards the first end of the chassis, on opposite sides of the chassis, the second end provided with a spade for supporting the second end on a substrate.13 A weapon system as claimed in claim any one of claims 1 to 11 further comprising:a first wheel or track and a second wheel or track provided towards the first end of the chassis, on opposite sides of the chassis; andXA24053 Draft for filing- 19 -a third wheel or track and a fourth wheel or track provided towards the second end of the chassis, on opposite sides of the chassis.14 A method of operation of a weapon system, the weapon system comprising:a chassis extending along an x-axis, a first end of the chassis and a second end of the chassis spaced apart from one another along the x-axis; the chassis extending along a y-axis, a first side of the chassis and a second side of the chassis spaced apart from one another along the y-axis; the x-axis being at right angles to the y-axis; the chassis extending along a z-axis, an upper side of the chassis and a lower side of the chassis being spaced apart from one another along the z-axis;an ordnance mount;an ordnance mounted to the ordnance mount, the ordnance having a barrel which comprises a breech and a muzzle;the ordnance being pivotable relative to the x-axis about a pivot axis aligned with the y-axis and mounted such that it is constrained to move in an arc in a plane defined by the x-axis and z-axis;the method comprising the step of:pivoting the barrel about the pivot axis so that the barrel extends from the breech to the muzzle in a first direction (D1 ) along the x-axis, the first direction (D1 ) being a direction along the x-axis from the second end of the chassis to the first end of the chassis; and / orpivoting the barrel about the pivot axis such that the barrel extends from the breech to the muzzle in a second direction (D2) along the x-axis, the second direction (D2) being a direction along the x-axis from the first end of the chassis to the second end of the chassis.15 A method as claimed in claim 14, the weapon system comprising:an ordnance mount guide fixed to the chassis;XA24053 Draft for filing- 20 -the ordnance mount being located in and moveable relative to the ordnance mount guide;the ordnance mount guide defining a path along the x-axis and configured to constrain movement of the ordnance mount relative to the chassis in a direction along the x-axis between a storage position at or towards the first end of the chassis and a firing position spaced apart from the storage position along the x-axis;the method comprising the steps of:sliding the ordnance mount from the storage position to the firing position and / orsliding the ordnance mount from the firing position to the storage position.

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