Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com I INTRODUCTION CHAPTnLR 1 A. SCOPE AND PURPOSE the complete round. During firing, it restrains the 1I The term gun tube, or simply tube, is used propellant gas in all directions except that of pro- throughout this handbook to designate the prin- jectile travel, thus directing the impetus of the gas cipal part of a gun; i.e., that part which discharges against the projectile. In recoilless guns part of the the projectile. It is used in its general application gas impetus is directed rearward to counteract recoil.
without limitation 'as to caliber, and embraces the The azimuth and elevation determine the direction terms gun barrel or barrel frequently employed, of flight. In rifled tubes the rifling imparts the neces- especially in small arms terminology. The material sary rotation for projectile stability. In brief, the in this handbook discusses procedures for the design mission of the tube is to direct the projectile toward of the various types of gun tubes. It is intended to the target with a specified velocity. present various problems facing the tube designer C. TYPES OF GUNS and in this light discusses the present approach in tube design. This handbook should prove helpful 3.
Generally, the tube bears the label of the in familiarizing new personnel with the many phases weapon. Tubes are placed in three general clasmes, of tube design and also should be a useful reference namely: artillery, small arms, and recoilless. Artillery for the experienced, includes guns of over 30 mm in bore diameter, such as guns, howitzers and it rtars. Small arms include B. FUNCTIONS automatic and semiautomatic, single fire, guns which generally do not exceed 30 mm in caliber. A few 2. The tube is the primary component of a gun. automatic weapons of caliber larger than 30 mrm, Basically it is a tubular pressure vessel, closed at such as the 37 mm.
Vigilante and the 90 mm Sky- the breech and open at the muzzle; except in a sweeper, make specific classification difficult. Re. -. villess gun in which the breech also has controlled coilless guns are those of any caliber whose recoil openings. The tube determines the initial activities forces are neutralized by the reaction of propellant of the projectile. Before firing, it provides space for gas escaping rearward. 1!